Fare code jump

Been looking at flights in upper class next August LHR to SFO (15th - 29th). Found a deal I was happy with and then I had guests turn up. Came back to book and the costs have jumped circa £4K (for family of 5).
I can see the fare code has changed from Z to i.
Why the sudden change?
Is it likely to change back?

Gutted I didn’t get these snared at the time.

I’ve tried other routes on these dates - LHR to LAX for example and they are fare code i too, previously Z.

Appreciate any comments/advice.

Thanks.

It’s passenger number 5 that’s causing your issue. Seems like they only have 4 Z’s left. I’d book four returns and just hope a Z comes up.

[mitchja]

SFO is a really odd one for VS Upper Class fares as I was looking for weeks at flights to SFO for Sept 2020 and initially at the -11 month mark, VS didn't release Z fares until 10 months before departure. Only the I fares seem to be released from -11 month mark. No idea why?

I even looked at flying to SFO in-direct via LAX or SEA (both had direct Z fares for sale) but when I added the SFO bit on, the Z fare disappeared only leaving in-direct I fares??

I found looking at flight consolidators sites did find Z fares which VS where not yet selling direct. I looked at both Kayak and Skyscanner which did find some really low Z fares, however, they where with sites I'd never heard of so I was reluctant to book those.

Eventually I found a Z fare via Kayak from lastminute.com (one of the sites I'd actually heard of that Kayak throws up).

Google Flights is also good for searching and tracking flight prices.

Thanks for the prompt responses.

I’m flexible where I fly into so had tried LAS as well as LAX. Both of them have jumped up around £4K.
I’ve tried dropping the booking to 4 but still get the same individual price.
I’ve even tried to move the date.

I tried google flights once I’d noticed the jump. They were showing the original prices but when I tried to book through their link I got a message saying the fare was no longer available.
I’ve set a fare alert & will just keep checking back.

At least I have time on my side.

Patience paid off.
After daily visits to the booking engine I tried swapping the dates (initially this did nothing) & going a day earlier brought the Z fares back & the price I was willing to pay.

Now just the small matter of waiting nearly 9 months!

Thanks for all the advice.

[mitchja]

Glad to hear you got the flights you wanted at the price you wanted as well