Originally Posted by
tuna_hp
Do you really disagree with my general premise?
Also to your exact point, I was just looking at my current United flight reservation and they were offering to upgrade my award ticket to first with all the benefits for $150 each way.
And if there is a good reason why airlines wouldnt make more by selling discount first class seats to top level frequent flyers, please post it.
I disagree with your general premise which hinges upon the fact that elites would be more willing than others to pay extra for a first class seat. Thousands of posts on these forums prove otherwise for FTers who are interested in getting the most for the least, generally speaking.
Next, as you so astutely point out above, United is already offering discounted first class seats, case in point, your offer to upgrade for $150 to first.
As to why airlines wouldn't make more by offering discount first class seats to elites - because they would make more by offering discount first class seats to just about anyone (not just elites) and have apparently begun doing so based on upgrades for cash offers posted in this forum.