Wellie,
Most of the pressurised aircraft I've flown can provide a sea level cabin at between FL140 and FL200. Most wouldn't have the range at those levels that they would as their normal cruise levels. So whilst it is a cost saving, it's not a ploy.
As an example a year or so ago I had some live chickens on board for a 2 sector flight of 1100nm and 700nm. To stop the chickens freezing in the hold, cruise was about FL200 and burned an extra 3000kg of fuel. 3000kg = 3797 litres!
Perhaps a medivac is the answer.