[QOUTE/

I do think the disappearance of the 500 mile minimum is rather extreme (though I can't recall the last such flight I took). If you're unhappy, let CO know more directly than by posting here![/QUOTE]

The 500 mile minimum is essentially saying to the folks who commute through Continental (particularly IAH to DFW, AUS, SAT, etc) that you would be better off flying Southwest. I know that's unpopular but over the last 6 months I've had schedule dictate Southwest and Frontier on two separate occasions and found them to be far easier and more convenient. I stay on CO for the FF benefits, but those are dropping fast. I usually fly Y or H fares for everything but am not a particularly long haul flyer. If I flew international a lot CO would be straight out due to the upgrade policy.