I have a single one way PHX-EWR that gets me between 2 points of an open jaw just before Christmas. MC was $290 and 1st was around $950. With BA Gold and front row of MCE, I didn't think the extra $600 odd was worth it for 1st. But immediately after booking, I was given an amazing offer of upgrading for a mere $1'398!!! Bringing my total to $1688! Christmas came early I guess...