I was making a reservation for someone else without DL status for a TPAC itinerary.

Got down to the seat selection and the PEK to US flight showed absolutely no Y seats available, except in the EC section, which was largely untouched. This was a flight for about ten weeks from now.

I called the PM line and the agent told me that she could see no Y availability and that this was because the flight was "mostly sold out."

I submitted to the extortion and purchased the EC upgrade at full price since PAX had no status, and over the objection of the PAX who is very petite, doesn't drink, and is tighter with a dollar than I am (despite my Scots heritage).

I went up on the website the next day, and there were now plenty of non-EC Y seats available.

Thoughts? Anyone ever had a similar experience?