Originally Posted by
etiene
They shouldn't be, it should be using the historical pricing on the back half of the original return as long as it's within ticket validity.
My guess is the second agent isn't familiar with the after-departure conditions and is mistaken. I'd suggest OP tries again, and has them confirm with the fares department if they suggest a fare difference - hopefully they're corrected and the difference it minimal.
If OP is switching from a non-peak to peak time, the fare could definitely increase significantly, even using historical prices.
Agree that OP should try again and see. The fact that they have two disparate prices tells me that all is not kosher with the replies they got.