By the time you read this on Monday, I’ll be onboard my Delta flight. I’m departing Atlanta on a Monday morning, and shockingly, my upgrade has not cleared. I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Actually, there are 10 empty seats up front, and I’m number 7 on the list (K fare, Reserve Card holder). None of this is that surprising, and let me say right now, I’m not griping… this is just a very interesting little example of how things work sometimes.
Just for grins, I decided to price my flight on a one-way basis Sunday evening, and the results were very interesting to me.
You’re not seeing things. As of Sunday evening before my flight you could buy a seat in coach for $689 or a seat in first class for $396. If I were buying this on Sunday night, you can imagine which one I’d buy. Now, I did check other flights throughout the day and they made much more sense pricing-wise with a very narrow spread between coach and First Class, with the big seat costing just a bit more.
With a fare situation like the one on my flight it’s not hard to imagine that my flight may be oversold. No matter what, it’s no wonder that Delta hasn’t cleared any additional upgrades with 10 open up front. I think the mere $20 spread in fares on other flights during the day are excellent examples of first class monetization. It will be interesting to see if my upgrade actually clears.
-MJ, May 12, 2014
I’ve seen this a few times lately with the 1st class ticket being only $120 more than a coach ticket.
Is $120 worth it this year for the double miles???
Yes, but will that continue next year for only 13X’s the $120? The answer is YES only because it guarantees you not getting stuck in the back.
The game has changed… So much for having my back.
I agree with wanderingentrepreneur. The first example you showed was a Y economy fare, which is full-fare and fully refundable. These tend to be more expensive than the cheapest business class (or domestic first class) ticket.
This is actually relatively common although usually on international tickets. Y fares come with full flexibility and are 100% refundable; A fares have some restrictions placed on them even though the seating is in a premium cabin. Also Y fares will automatically upgrade when purchased by a medallion (in theory).
Good times. I wound up #3 for 0 seats. 🙂