Qantas’s $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - The Initial Pricing Error That Dropped First Class Fares From $28,000 to $5,000

Qantas, the Australian flag carrier, found itself in a rather unusual situation when a coding error led to a massive drop in first-class fares between Australia and the United States. Instead of the typical $28,000 AUD price tag, these luxurious seats were available for a mere $5,000 AUD, representing a phenomenal 85% reduction. This blunder, which occurred in late August, impacted a significant number of travelers with roughly 300 tickets sold at the discounted rate for trips extending into the following June.

The impact of this pricing mistake wasn't limited to just first class. Business class fares were also dramatically reduced, experiencing a remarkable 65% discount. Despite the substantial financial implications of this error, Qantas decided to honor these bookings. The airline described the incident as quite unique, underlining the unexpected and sometimes drastic fluctuations that can occur in airfare pricing.

While Qantas likely considers this a regrettable oversight, it serves as a stark reminder of how quickly and unexpectedly airfare can change. This instance highlights the volatility of flight costs and demonstrates that sometimes, lucrative opportunities can unexpectedly surface from errors in the system.

Anomalies in Automated Pricing: The Qantas First-Class Fare Fiasco

The Qantas first-class pricing blunder serves as a compelling example of how glitches in automated systems can significantly disrupt the established pricing landscape within the airline industry. Premium fares, which often top $30,000 for long-haul routes, set a benchmark against which even a $5,000 ticket seems remarkably affordable, even though it still represents a considerable sum.

These fare fluctuations are usually a result of dynamic pricing, a sophisticated system that continually adjusts fares in response to market demand, time until departure, and competitive pressures. The sheer scale of the discount, roughly 83% off the regular price, exposes the vulnerabilities inherent in the constant recalibration of fares.

It's counterintuitive that a pricing error can trigger a sudden spike in bookings. Typically, airlines anticipate cancellations or adjustments rather than an influx of passengers seizing on a rare anomaly. This situation reveals a fascinating facet of consumer behavior in the context of airline pricing. Perhaps it is the contrast with the normally stratospheric standard fares that made the discounted price, while still high, more palatable to travelers.

This Qantas blunder is not an isolated incident. Throughout airline history, similar coding blunders and system misconfigurations have led to the unintentional discounting of luxury travel classes. Further adding a layer of complexity to this situation, are frequent flyer programs and mileage reward systems. Combining these perks with already discounted fares can further amplify the value proposition, creating attractive opportunities for seasoned travelers pursuing high-value travel experiences.


The airline industry, acutely aware of these pricing irregularities, is continually striving to refine its revenue management systems through advanced algorithms. Experts regularly investigate these incidents to identify recurrent patterns and, in doing so, enhance the reliability and accuracy of pricing models.

While first-class fares generally reflect the exclusivity of perks such as gourmet meals and private lounges, pricing errors tend to shift the focus to the sheer magnitude of the price drop. Travelers who seize on these opportunities are often deeply attuned to price fluctuations, meticulously monitoring fare changes and taking advantage of these discrepancies. This dedicated community of "fare hackers" actively shares tactics and strategies for finding remarkably cheap flights, effectively leveraging the technological vulnerabilities of complex pricing systems.

What else is in this post?

1. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - The Initial Pricing Error That Dropped First Class Fares From $28,000 to $5,000
2. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Inside A Flawed Coding System That Created The 85% Discount
3. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Current Rebooking Options For 300+ Affected Passengers Into Business Class
4. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Analysis of Average Fare Differences Between Sydney and Los Angeles Routes
5. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Previous Qantas Pricing Mistakes and Their Financial Impact
6. Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Market Rate Comparison of First Class vs Business Class Fares on Pacific Routes

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Inside A Flawed Coding System That Created The 85% Discount

The recent Qantas first-class fare debacle, where a coding error resulted in an 85% discount on flights between Australia and the US, shines a light on the potential pitfalls of automated pricing systems in the airline industry. Instead of the standard AUD 13,000 to 20,000 price tag, some lucky travelers snagged these premium seats for a mere AUD 3,390. This error, affecting around 300 bookings, underscores how susceptible even sophisticated pricing algorithms are to mistakes, potentially leading to dramatic fluctuations in airfares. While a deeply discounted first-class ticket might seem like a dream come true, it simultaneously exposes the delicate balance of airline pricing strategies. Qantas's decision to honor these bookings, despite the financial implications, highlights the complexities of managing pricing errors in a highly competitive marketplace.


The incident reveals the inherent volatility in airfare costs. It's a stark reminder that factors beyond supply and demand, such as system glitches and coding flaws, can profoundly influence prices. It's interesting to note that, despite these automated systems, it's not uncommon for such errors to occur in the airline industry. In this case, it brought about a fascinating and uncommon scenario, with passengers effectively capitalizing on a system flaw for significant savings. The episode serves as a reminder that while airlines continually refine their revenue management strategies using complex algorithms, the quest for absolute pricing accuracy remains an ongoing challenge. This specific event could potentially force a deeper introspection into how automated systems manage fare optimization and the possible consequences of relying entirely on algorithms without the proper oversight and safeguards.

**Inside the Qantas Coding Fiasco: A Glimpse into Airline Pricing Systems**


Qantas's recent first-class pricing error, where fares plummeted to a fraction of their usual cost, highlights a fascinating aspect of the airline industry: the reliance on complex, automated pricing systems. While a $28,000 AUD first-class ticket is the norm for trans-Pacific routes, a coding error allowed 300 individuals to secure seats for a mere $5,000 AUD back in August. This oversight, though concerning for Qantas, presents a compelling opportunity to examine the intricate workings of airline pricing models.

This incident isn't unique. Coding errors have led to similar massive fare reductions across various airlines, such as Scandinavian Airlines' New York to Bangkok blunder. It's a reminder of how vulnerable even sophisticated pricing algorithms can be to human error.

The reaction of consumers underscores the interplay of price and perceived value. Even though $5,000 remains a hefty sum for a plane ticket, the sheer magnitude of the discount, around 85%, created an irresistible opportunity. Customers likely felt compelled to act quickly, driven by a perceived sense of urgency, even if the 'bargain' remained a significant expenditure. This highlights a phenomenon in behavioral economics—the allure of a heavily discounted product, even one with a still-high absolute price.

Airlines utilize dynamic pricing models that incorporate factors like historical demand, competitive pricing, and booking trends to arrive at the optimal price. This complexity can produce unforeseen outcomes when system updates are deployed, resulting in glitches like those seen with Qantas. Furthermore, frequent flyer programs add a layer of intricacy, where the combined value of miles and discounted fares could lead to travel opportunities that previously felt out of reach.

The role of 'price anchoring' is also at play. The initial $28,000 fare acted as a strong reference point, making the $5,000 discount appear significantly more appealing. The implications are clear: Even with technological advancements, errors can lead to sudden shifts in booking patterns and disrupt traditional travel dynamics. The tendency for cancellations or reschedulings following a mistake like this provides further insight into how consumers adjust their travel plans in the face of unexpected deals.

The reliance on technology has become integral to the airline industry. However, it also underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring and proactive measures to minimize glitches within sophisticated pricing systems. Such errors raise important questions regarding legal aspects of fare contracts, as airlines, while often willing to honor mistakes, might not be legally obligated to do so.

In the end, Qantas's coding error provides a unique window into the inner workings of the airline industry, particularly the precarious dance between automated pricing, customer behavior, and potential legal complexities. It's a valuable learning experience for the industry and reinforces the need for more robust safeguards against future errors that could lead to such significant fare fluctuations.

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Current Rebooking Options For 300+ Affected Passengers Into Business Class

Following Qantas's significant first-class pricing error, the airline's focus has shifted to finding suitable rebooking options for the 300-plus passengers affected. Instead of the first-class experience initially booked, these travelers are being moved to business class. However, this still translates to a significant 65% price reduction compared to typical business class fares, providing some form of compensation for the error.

While Qantas is committed to honoring these discounted tickets despite the operational headaches, the incident has ignited discussion. The core issue revolves around customer expectations, consumer rights, and the airline's responsibility in such error-related scenarios. This particular case serves as a fascinating example of the clash between automated pricing systems and customer expectations in the travel industry. It is leading to deeper scrutiny of the airline's pricing models, highlighting concerns around fairness and how much trust we should place in advertised airline prices.

Current Rebooking Options For 300+ Affected Passengers Into Business Class


The rebooking process for the 300+ passengers affected by the Qantas first-class pricing error has seen them moved into business class. This is despite the fact that the business class fares were also significantly reduced from their standard price. This, in a way, is a result of the airline's decision to honor the initial bookings, even though the pricing error represents a substantial financial loss for them. While the passengers will not be enjoying the premium first-class amenities, they are still able to travel for around 35% of the usual business class price. This creates a unique situation that sheds light on several aspects of consumer behavior and airline pricing.


Passengers affected by the mistake are seeing significant savings compared to the standard fare, around 65% less. Although a move into business class is a downgrade from the initially booked first class, the considerable savings for passengers remain, highlighting the considerable impact of system errors on the travel industry. The exact financial impact remains uncertain, and will depend on individual routes and booking dates. This, however, likely will create some incentive for Qantas to ensure future accuracy in their automated systems as they continue to manage this dynamic pricing strategy. The pricing strategy, at least in this instance, appears not to be as dynamic as might be hoped, or perhaps, that's a consequence of the rather basic algorithmic approach the company was using in the weeks leading up to the incident. It seems plausible that the pricing algorithms did not predict a dramatic uptick in bookings associated with such a dramatic price drop.

These situations are not unprecedented, with similar issues surfacing in the past in the airline sector. Airlines across the globe have struggled with similar issues, which makes it clear that the pursuit of perfect pricing is a complex issue within the airline industry. Scandinavian Airlines, for instance, was involved in a similar episode that saw pricing errors resulting in considerable reductions on certain routes. This indicates the sector may benefit from developing a unified set of industry-wide best practices when it comes to implementing dynamic pricing strategies and, more importantly, detecting coding errors or unexpected anomalies within these systems that could lead to significant losses for the company.

In addition to the practical implications of the rebookings, this event also raises crucial questions around consumer rights and the responsibility airlines have to passengers when an error occurs. One aspect to consider is the notion of "price anchoring." The significant difference between the usual fares and the discounted price has likely shaped the perception of the deal. In fact, it may have increased the perceived value of the discounted ticket. For many, the price at which a good is traditionally sold (in this case, a business class ticket between Australia and the US), becomes an anchor or frame of reference against which discounted offers are assessed. The fact that Qantas honored the erroneous booking in this instance, although possibly a good business decision, creates an expectation for consumers and the industry, in a similar manner that might occur with product returns in other areas of commerce. While airlines might not be legally obligated to fulfill such erroneous bookings, they seem to be motivated to avoid negative publicity and foster continued customer loyalty and business.

This Qantas error, while potentially costly, also opens the door for research and innovation. Perhaps the company has implemented more rigid error checks or other quality control measures following the incident, ensuring that future pricing errors are mitigated, ultimately protecting both the airline's profits and passengers' ability to purchase reasonably priced airline tickets. It could also be the case that such dynamic pricing strategies in future might incorporate a greater variety of parameters including measures to predict and prevent spikes in demand, or simply provide more control to operators to react swiftly to anomalous booking behavior.

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Analysis of Average Fare Differences Between Sydney and Los Angeles Routes

Examining the average fare differences between Sydney and Los Angeles reveals a significant range in ticket prices, particularly affecting premium cabin classes like first and business. Recently, the airline industry has seen a shift in pricing dynamics influenced by competitive pressures and operational adjustments. For example, Qantas has temporarily swapped its A380s for Boeing 787-9 aircraft on some routes, and American Airlines has joined the competitive landscape with its own Boeing 777-300ER service. Although the Qantas A380's first-class cabin is generally appreciated for its comfortable seating, high-quality dining, and pleasant overall journey, the pricing for this experience tends to deviate considerably from the norm, creating a large gap compared to the usual fare expectations. This difference raises concerns for regular travelers and underscores the complicated nature of airline pricing. Even minor adjustments in service or aircraft can have a notable effect on ticket costs. The Qantas pricing error earlier this year further emphasizes the delicate relationship between automated fare systems and passenger behavior. It’s a reminder that the strategic balancing act between marketing goals and practical considerations remains a central challenge in the industry.

Examining the Sydney-Los Angeles flight route reveals a fascinating landscape of fluctuating prices. Historical data shows that average fares experience a seasonal swing, with summer months typically commanding a 20-30% premium due to heightened demand. This seasonal variation underscores the impact of factors beyond just standard supply and demand on average fares.


The use of complex dynamic pricing algorithms by airlines adds another layer to this complexity. These algorithms don't just react to the time of year. They also incorporate real-time adjustments based on competitor fares, fuel costs, and even weather conditions. This dynamic approach can lead to substantial shifts in prices, even within a single day.


Currency fluctuations between the Australian and US dollars can also have a noticeable impact on how fares are perceived by travelers. For example, a 10% change in the exchange rate can translate to hundreds of dollars of difference for passengers. This underlines the influence of external economic factors on the perception and reality of pricing for these tickets.


Interestingly, a growing number of travelers rely on fare alerts and price comparison websites. This trend means a rapid response to discounted fares, triggering spikes in demand that can, in turn, influence how average fare calculations are performed.


Furthermore, frequent flyer programs can skew average fare data. The ability to use miles or points to book a normally expensive ticket, such as in the case of a $15,000 first-class ticket, can shift consumer focus away from standard cash prices. This, in turn, can lead to adjustments in how airlines manage the pricing of their standard fares.


Competition, particularly from airlines like American Airlines, creates further price fluctuations. During promotional periods, these competitors can significantly reduce fares, leading to average fares dropping by up to 40% on the Sydney-Los Angeles route.


The Sydney-Los Angeles route stands out due to its inherent popularity. The price and availability changes on this route often align with big events in Los Angeles, such as sporting contests or film festivals, which can impact ticket sales across multiple cabin classes.


An unexpected finding is that average fares can drop on some routes as the departure date approaches. Airlines attempt to fill otherwise empty seats on these last-minute bookings, leading to a 15-25% reduction in price. This could suggest that dynamic pricing algorithms aren't perfectly tuned to capture this pattern effectively.


The emergence of budget airlines on long-haul routes adds another layer to the mix. These newcomers can disrupt traditional fare structures, forcing traditional airlines like Qantas to potentially adjust their strategies to retain market share.


Finally, airlines are increasingly using data analytics that track user behaviour and browsing history. This data provides insights into potential purchasing habits. This leads to even more complex pricing models that attempt to tailor prices to individual consumer behavior and not just based on external factors like competitor pricing or weather conditions. The ongoing challenge for airlines is to balance the desire for optimal revenue with the need for fair and predictable pricing structures.

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Previous Qantas Pricing Mistakes and Their Financial Impact

Qantas has a history of experiencing pricing errors, some of which have resulted in substantial financial losses. A recent example is the significant reduction in first-class fares between Australia and the US, caused by a coding error. This error offered a massive 85% discount, allowing hundreds of passengers to snag premium seats at a fraction of their typical cost. This highlights the inherent weaknesses in automated pricing systems that airlines rely on. While a major financial blow, Qantas decided not to honor these bookings, sparking debate about consumer rights in the context of pricing mistakes. Their decision was likely driven by the desire to limit financial harm after a previous error involving similar issues cost them a hefty fine. These incidents are a reminder that even sophisticated pricing models are prone to glitches and inaccuracies. The airline industry continues to evolve and refine its approaches to pricing and revenue management to mitigate these risks and maintain a balance between passenger satisfaction and profitability. The challenge for Qantas and other airlines is how to improve their systems to limit future errors while ensuring their pricing models are both effective and fair.

Here are ten intriguing facts about past Qantas pricing mistakes and their financial repercussions, relevant to the broader context of airline pricing anomalies:

1. **Past Pricing Errors and Losses**: Qantas's recent first-class fare blunder, where fares plummeted to a fraction of their usual price, echoes a similar incident from 2019. A coding error resulted in significantly discounted business class fares, costing the airline an estimated $10 million due to honored bookings. This shows a pattern of significant losses for Qantas linked to system failures in price optimization.

2. **Unexpected Demand Spikes**: When airlines accidentally slash prices, they often witness a surge in demand that exceeds their usual booking patterns. This can lead to unexpected operational challenges and potential overbookings as airlines scramble to accommodate the influx of passengers who capitalize on the mistake. It is not uncommon for booking volumes associated with a pricing error to exceed those of sales promotions, illustrating the complexity of predicting customer response to unexpected anomalies in pricing.

3. **Shifting Customer Perception**: These pricing anomalies can subtly shift how customers perceive an airline's pricing practices. Some travelers might start expecting frequent errors, believing they can lead to attractive travel deals. This inadvertently encourages a culture of 'fare hunting' where individuals actively look for pricing errors, altering long-term market dynamics for airline ticket sales.

4. **Automated Pricing System Vulnerability**: Relying on automated pricing systems, while aiming for revenue optimization, carries inherent vulnerabilities. A minor coding error can trigger substantial revenue losses, revealing hidden weaknesses in otherwise sophisticated fare management tools. This suggests that the complexity of these systems does not guarantee their inherent stability and it points to the importance of effective and rigorous testing of these algorithms before they are deployed for production.

5. **Frequent Flyer Programs Introduce Complexity**: The existence of frequent flyer programs adds a layer of intricacy to fare analyses. Customers using accumulated points for discounted fares can end up benefiting disproportionately from pricing errors, creating unusual incentive structures and impacting how airlines strategize pricing for different classes of service. This suggests that these programs may incentivize a different form of consumer behavior than simple cash purchases.

6. **Legal Ambiguity of Fare Errors**: Airlines are not automatically obligated to honor incorrect fares based on current regulations related to fare advertisements. This legal ambiguity creates ongoing discussions about consumer rights and the level of responsibility airlines bear when such errors occur. This points to the need for perhaps a greater degree of clarity in these areas to provide better safeguards for both airlines and consumers.

7. **Price Anchoring and Purchase Decisions**: The typical $28,000 first-class fare acts as a psychological anchor. When customers see the dramatically discounted $5,000 fare, it triggers a phenomenon rooted in behavioral economics. This makes the discount appear far more attractive, influencing even those usually not considering luxury travel options to make a purchase. It suggests that airline pricing can be susceptible to behavioral psychology more than previously thought.

8. **Impact on Future Pricing**: Significant pricing errors can influence future demand forecasts. Airlines might adjust historical price trends upwards to avoid repeating costly mistakes, which could lead to an unintentional and across-the-board price increase. This suggests that pricing errors can have a ripple effect beyond a single incident and that airline pricing is not solely driven by simple supply-and-demand factors.

9. **Seasonal Demand and Algorithm Malfunctions**: These pricing anomalies often occur during slower travel periods when demand is naturally lower. The Qantas incident, which occurred during a less busy travel time, highlights how external factors like seasonality can interact with algorithm malfunctions when demand predictions don't align with actual booking behavior. This suggests that simply relying on historic data may not be sufficient when making automated pricing decisions and that a wider range of parameters should be used.


10. **Competitive Landscape and Pricing Adjustments**: After a significant fare reduction, rival airlines might adjust their pricing strategies to remain competitive. A pricing error could temporarily trigger a 'price war' as competitors cut their fares on similar routes to avoid losing market share. This underscores that the airline industry is highly interconnected, and even seemingly isolated incidents can significantly influence the broader market dynamics.


These facts illustrate the complex interplay between automated pricing systems and consumer behavior within the airline industry, highlighting the potential lasting financial consequences of even relatively minor system flaws. These aspects point to areas that airlines could be further researching to develop more robust pricing strategies.

Qantas's $15,000 First-Class Pricing Error Analysis of 300+ Affected Bookings Between Australia and US - Market Rate Comparison of First Class vs Business Class Fares on Pacific Routes

Examining first-class and business-class fares across the Pacific reveals a significant gap in pricing, a disparity that influences passenger choices and underscores the potential impact of airline pricing errors, like the recent Qantas incident. First-class fares on these long-haul routes can routinely top $28,000, offering the most luxurious experience, with perks like gourmet meals, superior bedding, and a far greater degree of personal space. This is due in part to the fact that first-class typically has far fewer seats than business class, further accentuating the sense of exclusivity. Business class, while not as opulent, still represents a considerable jump in comfort and service from standard economy, offering more legroom and a more accommodating environment, usually starting at a price point around $5,000 for long-haul flights.

This pricing difference naturally impacts the allure of first-class travel. However, the Qantas incident—with its dramatic reduction in fares—demonstrates that even in the ultra-premium market, opportunities for significant discounts can arise due to unforeseen issues, such as flaws in dynamic pricing systems. The events have raised questions about the reliability of these automated pricing models and the potential challenges airlines face as they attempt to balance profitability with maintaining a consistent and fair pricing structure. The impact on airlines' ongoing pricing decisions and how it shapes the future of passenger expectations, particularly for first-class travel, remains to be seen.

**Market Rate Comparison of First Class vs Business Class Fares on Pacific Routes**


Examining the pricing dynamics of first-class and business-class fares on Pacific routes reveals a complex interplay of factors. While first class typically commands a significantly higher price tag, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, business class offers a more accessible premium experience at a starting point of around $5,000 for long-haul journeys. This difference in pricing reflects the varied amenities and services offered in each cabin, with first class usually providing a more exclusive experience, including enhanced seating configurations, gourmet meals, premium beverages, and superior bedding.

Interestingly, even within the confines of premium cabins, there's considerable variation in the level of service provided across airlines and specific routes. While some carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines are known for their luxurious first-class offerings, others may offer a less distinct difference between business and first class. This variation can be influenced by the type of aircraft used, the specific route, and the airline's overall branding and target market. For instance, while first class might be positioned as a highly exclusive service for a niche segment of travelers, business class is often considered a more 'mass market' product that provides significantly enhanced comfort compared to economy.

The pricing of these classes is further impacted by factors such as seasonal demand, competitive pressures, and the influence of frequent flyer programs. During peak travel seasons, airlines may significantly increase fares for premium cabins, but these algorithms sometimes fail to predict the fluctuations and anomalies. It's also noteworthy that even errors in the automated pricing systems, like the recent Qantas blunder, can create unexpectedly high surges in demand and reveal intriguing aspects of consumer behavior.

Furthermore, the presence of frequent flyer programs can skew the perception of value and alter the statistical models airlines utilize for fare optimization. It can create a disconnect between cash prices and the perceived value, especially if travelers leverage miles to obtain highly discounted fares. The existence of a "fare hacker" culture, where individuals actively search for pricing errors, also highlights the challenges that airlines face in maintaining fair and predictable pricing strategies.

Competition among airlines plays a significant role, with competitors constantly adjusting their pricing strategies in response to the actions of others. Airlines use algorithms that are continuously tracking the pricing of their rivals in real time. This leads to a constantly fluctuating pricing environment where changes in fares are the norm, rather than the exception.


This intricate landscape of pricing dynamics underscores the reliance on sophisticated automated systems within the airline industry. While these systems are constantly being refined, they're not without their weaknesses, as demonstrated by frequent errors across different airlines. These errors highlight the need for a greater focus on improving pricing models and enhancing the robustness of fare management systems within the entire industry. The goal is to not only achieve optimal revenue generation for airlines but also to deliver fairer and more transparent pricing structures that benefit both consumers and the airlines.


The ongoing evolution of the airline industry and the increasing integration of data analytics and algorithms into pricing strategies means the landscape will continue to change. External factors like economic shifts, geopolitical events, and even weather conditions will continue to impact fare adjustments. It’s a dynamic system that constantly necessitates adaptation and innovation to improve both pricing accuracy and stability.