Here is my $0.02.

Many companies, including my own, have a strict policy that domestic First/Business class is reserved for top executives. Therefore, there is an entire set of business travelers that are artificially restricted from buying C/D/Z fares. These travelers do not add demand for these products. However, we add lots of demand for Y/B.

If I went to my company, and said, "Hey, I can get a business class seat cheaper than a refundable coach seat, can I do it? There is a 99% chance that this trip will not change!" they would answer, "No."

"We have no way of validating your claim, albatross, and if we allowed that, it would be prone to all sorts of abuse."

I think it is sad. I have many times traveled on Y/B fares that my company will gladly pay, for firm committments, like trade shows, etc., where the discounted First/Business were cheaper.

albatross