Originally Posted by
FCO_SFO
Your observation is right, but it's not just TPAC fares. The difference between W and H has been steadily increasing on TATL routes too. I was a 1p in '08 and now a 1K in '09. The ability to use SWUs and not having to buy H fares is saving me > $2500 this year.
Looks like UA is doing the same thing as DL. For the last several years, DL has significantly escalated their "M" fares (minimum fares usable for upgrade - Miles or PMU[SWU=PMU on DL]). TATL fares usually run around $2500 and TPAC they run over $3000.
This fare strategy by DL and UA means that mileage upgrades are basically space available vouchers for discount business class. It's not a very good deal given that a Z fare on UA or I fare on DL (discount biz class) isn't much more...
TFD