Originally Posted by jordyn

I don't understand what you're taking issue with. The OP is saying that on some flights instant upgrade is cheaper than the available coach fares. You're saying that only happens on flights where the cheap fares are sold out. This isn't in any way at odds with the OP's statement.

In any case, it does strike me as extremely odd yield management to end up in a situation where the available "discount" coach fares are more expensive than the available discounted first class fares. If AA thinks it can get $X, presumably they ought to be able to get at least that much for a first class seat on the same flight?