Recent experience leaves me wondering about the applicability of the $150 change fee charged by most airlines under certain circumstances. There are times when for one reason or another you just want to buy up in class or fare category but are NOT changing flights at all--in such cases I do NOT think the change fee should apply--but it does. Seems to me that airlines are leaving money on the table. Here are two scenarios, both of which have applied to me on one occasion or another:

1. Your company requires you to purchase the lowest fare available, but by doing so you are disqualified from one or more perks (such as companion upgrades). You buy the original ticket to get the receipt then decide to move up to the next fare class so you would be eligible for the perk...as long as the fare class is available, you should only be charged the difference in my opinion as you are NOT changing flights. The airlines don't see it that way...they want the $150 change fee on TOP of the fare difference. So rather than pick up an extra $50 or $75, they want $200 or $225, and get NOTHING...money left on the table.

2. Again you have to buy the lowest available fare in a market but the instant upgrade fare is reasonable. You buy the original ticket to get the receipt and are willing to shell out the extra out of pocket to guarantee a seat in first. Again, they want the change fee on TOP of the fare difference.

I have spoken to some folks at the airlines about this, and they are working on a solution but to me it can't come soon enough. I think there are many of us who, if given the opportunity, would shell a little out of pocket to have a better experience.

Seems to me they are just leaving money on the table...... what do YOU think????