Originally Posted by
hfly
So you can buy these cheap airfares within 14 days of your flight? Within 7 days? And still get your upgrade? Thought not.
Why would a discussion of deep discount fares have any bearing at all on the last-minute traveler?
But since you raise the issue, let's have a look: departure in 24-36 hours, Thursday 10/8, JFK-LHR, returning next week. DL's lowest roundtrip fare is a Q, at $1610. AA's is a K, at $1670. The K is upgradable, for SWU or miles+copay. Expert Flyer reports there are 2 flights (out of 5) with upgrade seats available at this moment. DL is not offering an M, but there is a B at $2066. It would beat the copay, but not the SWU, in this instance.
Moving up the price scale a tad, both DL and AA are selling a late-purchase I fare, discount Business, at $2221 round-trip. AA's is upgradable to 3-class First, if A inventory is available. 3 out of 5 flights have A seats available, as of this moment.