American Airlines and United Airlines are charging some solo travelers more than people who book the same flight for two, according to a new analysis from Thrifty Traveler. The travel site published its findings on October 30.

The site priced 1,000 randomly selected nonstop domestic one-way flights on each of the five largest U.S. airlines, covering travel over the next 11 months. American charged solo flyers more on 33.5% of its flights, by an average of more than $90. United did so on 10.6% of flights, by an average of just over $64.

Delta, Alaska, and Southwest showed no solo-traveler penalty on any of the flights checked.

What the Gap Looks Like

The sharpest example was a one-way, main cabin flight on American from Miami to Charlotte. One traveler was quoted $496. Book the same fare for two or three people and it dropped to $155 each, so three passengers paid less than one.

The pattern was strongest at American’s hubs in Philadelphia and Charlotte, where about 60% and 65% of flights carried a solo penalty. It also appeared more often on routes where an airline faces little competition. On United, a Newark to Santa Ana fare fell by more than $100 per person when a second traveler was added.

The cheaper fares come with an “accompaniment restriction” in the fine print. According to Thrifty Traveler, the rule says a passenger “must be accompanied on all sectors in the same compartment by at least 1 adult,” which is why solo searches never show the lower price.

The practice is not new. Kyle Potter, Thrifty Traveler’s executive editor, first reported solo penalties at the three largest carriers in spring 2025. After that backlash, Delta dropped the tactic and has not brought it back.

In the new report, Potter writes that “American Airlines did not respond to several requests for comment on this story this week.” He adds that “United declined to comment.”

This hits a lot of men who travel alone for work, family, or a weekend away. Before booking, price the trip for one passenger and for two. If the per-person fare drops, check Delta, Alaska, or Southwest on the same route, or try a nearby airport. Don’t book a fake second passenger to get the lower fare, because the fare rules require a companion on every leg.

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