Separating between unobserved consumer types: Evidence from airlines

We propose an alternative approach to identify unobserved consumer types and assess whether firms price discriminate. Unlike other screening schemes that rely on quantity discounts or product differentiation, in our finite mixture structure individuals have unit demands and the product is homogeneou...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Escobari, Diego, Hernandez, Manuel A.
Format: Journal Article
Language:Inglés
Published: Western Economic Association International 2019
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10568/145743
Description
Summary:We propose an alternative approach to identify unobserved consumer types and assess whether firms price discriminate. Unlike other screening schemes that rely on quantity discounts or product differentiation, in our finite mixture structure individuals have unit demands and the product is homogeneous. We implement the model using an original U.S. airlines data set. The results support the existence of two demand types. The high‐type “business” traveler is less price sensitive, has a higher valuation, and pays a higher price than the low type “tourist.” The proportion of high types also increases as the departure date nears. (JEL C23, L93, R41)