InkUnderNails

Just got this in an email:

CavePearl

I got it, too. Fascinating.

antinseattle

I'm sure it's not the number of CPs, to over load a system, that number would need to be huge.....I just think the system isn't buit to start sending out cards jan 1...... I earned CP in July, like many others, they COULD have popped out a 13' card in August, if I was running the show

joshua362

I took exactly 3 CP RT Trips last year and had a different companion each time, each one got the personalized card a few weeks later, long after the trip I used it for.

Can imagine what use they physically used for except to impress a new girl friend, or like I did, rub in my (almost grown) son's face (jokingly) that he had been replaced by a new girl friend!

nsx

We wanted to let you know we have been experiencing higher than anticipated re-qualification volume

I guess this means that the CP deal has now drawn management's attention.

This could also explain the slow activation of CP's earned in the first weeks of the new year.

longhorn11

Not to turn this into an OT conversation but I'm sure the number of people getting CPs went up drastically after the publicity of the 50k CPQP awarded from CC bonuses. That subject was run into the ground by all travel sources.

I've always re-qualified based on flying but this year I will need a bonus to help my numbers, hopefully the terms will not change in the coming year.

nsx

I expect imposition of a minimum number of flight points to earn a CP. That's what I'd do if I were running the program.

longhorn11

Interesting idea ^. IMO it cheapens the CP to have it issued to so many people that have never stepped foot on a SWA plane. I know that will probably aggravate a lot of the Chase CC holders but it's only fair. I think even a 15-20 flight minimum would make a huge difference.

robbert

Great idea. That would certainly incentivise me to book more on WN. Have been testing the waters elsewhere because they almost doubled the price my weekly route compared to last year.

antinseattle

For ease of use, the CP shoud be 110k, but 70k should be flown----ala A list +.....or you have to be A list + to earn CP...

Bigez747

I like this idea...

Wingrider

I wonder how dramatic a drop off the CP rate would be if they canned the 50k card promos...

chuckworth

Why is WN even bothering with sending physical CP cards since they serve no real purpose? I've never been asked to present it in my many years as a CP holder. Secondly, the card can't be used for priority lines at check-in or screening. Finally, WN could save the expense involved with the fancy mailers, printing the cards, postage, etc... Especially with folks making multiple changes to their designated companion throughout the CP period and receiving a new card/mailing at each change. Last year, for some reason I received two duplicate mailings/cards each time I changed my companion.

MrBill64

Please explain to me why anyone would want it to be more difficult for WN customers to obtain the CP? Unless you work for WN or are a shareholder and you feel more CP's mean lower profits, I don't understand this logic. How do more CP's being obtained affect those that want a higher threshold for the CP? If there are less CP's does that equate to lower fares and possibly more seat availability? Or are there other reasons I am missing?

Just trying to figure out the motivation of those wanting WN to raise the bar to obtain a CP.

longhorn11

Let me break it down numbers wise (completely made up numbers btw)...

2010 - 100k CP holders, mostly achieved through flying/cc spending.
2011 - 200k CP holders, mostly achieved through flying/cc spending/sign up bonuses for a relatively small amount of people that know the game.
2012 - 800k CP holders, mostly achieved through CC bonuses/spending.

If SWA management notices a huge increase in the amount of CP holders they might be looking for ways to close loopholes. We know they monitor this site among others and I'm sure they're aware of the fact that a lot of CP holders never got on a plane last year. Their IT systems plus Chase's reporting process make it very hard to distinguish, so it goes through as CPQP.

As with a lot of things that have recently been publicized over and over again by bloggers, Miles Buzz, etc., these things have always been there if you need it. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. I've posted before that moderation is key for things like this to remain an option but if you have someone sign themselves, their sister/brother, father/mother-in-law, etc. up for a CP then eventually this is going to close.

Maybe it's just me but when I'm flying 75-100 segments a year I like to think of it as being my reward for putting up with airports, TSA, other pax, etc. When someone next to me signed up for 2 Chase cards and has the same privilege I achieved, it doesn't sit right.

Some may agree, some may not.