United MileagePlus (Consolidated) - Buy-Up Upgrade Offer Greater Than Cost of F Ticket - How Does This Make Sense?

IAD to SFO, April 11th, UA 391. The one way buy up to first offered for my son is $1,986. A one way "A" first class fare, per the UA website a few minutes ago, is offered at $1,168, with 5 seats available. Help me, please, with the reasonable explanation.

Because some people won't check the price of the first class ticket and buy up. They will charge what ever people will pay.

Thanks, Mike. Your answer makes sense. Just a LITTLE underhanded of UA, but, hey, I guess all's fair in love, war, and booking costs ( per UA)!

UA may not be THAT evil. Airline ticking is complex

It could have to do with the original fare rules which may require a round-trip or advance purchase. You should compare the exact itinerary that your current ticket is. For example if you're ticketed AAA-BBB-AAA in Y you need to compare the price of AAA-BBB in A plus the fare of BBB-AAA in Y or everything in A to get a valid comparison.

In other words, there may be an A fare going but what is the fare getting back? Ticket prices are based on the entire routing not just one component. If you’re looking to buy-up the cost is likey taking into account the cost of other changes to your ticket.

You’re likely best off calling an agent who may have a more liberal (or rational) interoperation of the fare rules. My guess, however, is the “A” fare you’re seeing on the website (for a new purchase) is a non-refundable one-way or otherwise restricted fare that your existing round trip does not qualify for so when you go to upgrade they price you into the lowest cost first class ticket that is valid for your routing.

Also, full-fare economy is often more expensive than a potentially restricted and/or discounted first class ticket. The buy-ups often bring you to Y/M/B depending on your status, which could often be more than the least expensive F.

The one way, first class "up" return, SFO-ORD, was also offerred at $1,986. We're--wife, son, and I--starting at CAE. But the first and last segments are on one--economy--class, "devil's chariots".

Check in ASAP. There may be a tens of dollars upgrade available.