Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 17,994
IME since the concept was introduced, I find legacy carriers charge anywhere from $20-50 to move from basic economy to the next tier.
I hate being forced into a higher tier but I won't even consider BE because I want a pre-assigned aisle seat and also the ability to refare or re-book in the event my plans change.
So I don't see WN price differential as out of the norm. What I do see are significant hub captive premiums at OAK, which I will not tolerate. Instead I am flying from SFO which means I will normally select UA.