I used to regularly buy "A Class" tickets that were always unrestricted about 12 years ago. I could change, get refunds, get vouchers when fares changed all the time. Now as you've said even full F fares have restrictions. I can't believe that airlines are getting away with that. While Etihad's online booking website is pretty disgraceful at least it let's you first book a cabin class then it gives you options to add less restrictions for more money so its really transparent how much more you have to pay for a less restrictive ticket. Even then a fully unrestricted F ticket on Etihad is twice that of a restricted A ticket.


I have to wonder why then Delta charges about twice the amount on JFK-MSP than other airlines like American. American Airlines is upfront about the "instant upgrade" fare, but it was 800 dollars all up compared to Delta's 1400. This is pretty deceiving that Delta is basically selling instant upgrade fares yet marketing them as real first class tickets. Maybe because JFK-MSP is a hub to hub so Delta feels like it can charge more and the American flights are regional flights on American Eagle?