Why are flights ending in .50 such as $117.50, $143.50 etc
Just round the damn amounts up to an even figure!
Did you happen to view these prices on the mobile website? All prices on the mobile site are quoted as fare + $4.50 because the only option for payment is credit card, so the $4.50 surcharge is included by default.
Given the fact that this was an "unpublished sale" it was more than likely a mistake, if VA wanted to push J by discounted, it would have been emailed and advertised on the website!
Or perhaps they wanted to see what happens to purchasing patterns when people don't know it's a sale?