Originally Posted by
channa
Agreed.
The bigger the operation, the less a "one-size-fits-all" model makes sense.
Present UA is probably carrying around some deadweight with F in markets that don't justify it. Meanwhile, present CO is probably leaving money on the table by not having F in markets that could support it.
With UA, if you want to have chance to upgrade to F, you'd buy J/C/D.
If you don't want to get upgrade and want to enjoy in business class, buy Z fare or use SWU to upgrade from Y.
With CO, people only need to buy the cheapest C ticket since the product is
the same. Or people can just buy the cheapest Y and use SWU or miles to
upgrade if there were spaces available.