Cheap upgrade offered after online purchase.

[Sethor]

I just purchased a LAS-LAX one way ticket in economy for AUD$98 with United, after purchase I was offered a seat upgrade to First Class for USD$75 more or Economy Plus for $14 more. This only works out to be USD$50 more if I checked one bag in or USD$15 more if I check in two bags for First Class. I took up the offer so in total I paid AUD$185 for a first class ticket which before I booked was about AUD$360. Are these upgrades always offered? if so why would anyone book in first if they could upgrade an economy fare to first for about half the price?

 

[ric_melb]

Sounds like a great deal, but doesn't it sum up what is wrong with US airlines.
However pleased the OP received the offer.

 

[clifford]

Sounds like a great deal, but doesn't it sum up what is wrong with US airlines.
However pleased the OP received the offer.

No, it just shows what's wrong with Australian airlines (and PAX).

Australians seem to love paying well over the odds for everything.

 

[dajop]

No, it just shows what's wrong with Australian airlines (and PAX).

Australians seem to love paying well over the odds for everything.

Trouble is investors on the ASX like their airlines to be profitable, which by and large they are. If you'd put $10000 10 years ago into AA today it you could sell for $2100 (USD). If you'd done the same with QF in AUD, you could sell it for $6700.... but I have no idea what the dividends you would have earnt over that period would be. Of course it all comes back the old adage about how to make a small fortune out of airlines .......

Think US market is moving though in the direction of Australia with mergers ... UA/CO, NW/DL, AA(/TWA)/??

 

[sheikeee]

Well the movement of the airline markets back to mergers and acquisitions should be welcomed as a sign of the market boyancy and economic recovery to be expected. That market is one that desparately needs consolidation and restrcuting anyways. I will always be for the UA/Co marriage.