I guess CO doesn't give a crap about it's intraTexas frequent flyers anymore. The elimination of the 500-mile minimum is just pathetic. With the round-trip SAT-IAH Y fare that I have often purchased creeping up to just under $400 and 25% lopped off the Platinum elite bonus, I think I made a mistake in choosing sides with the Houston-based carrier in the impending NW-CO divorce.

Certainly there is not much point in gunning for Platinum anymore, especially when it will take substantially more flying for the short-hopper. Gold status will only be nominally inferior to Platinum status, and really only in the complimentary upgrade department, which is hit and miss already, and can generally be remedied by buying a Y fare at the outset and Y-upping even as a Silver if the near guarantee of a first class seat is essential. And, for short hops as between San Antonio and Houston, I might as well take WN, typically more convenient Hobby Airport, and no change fees.

No 500-mile minimums, a 25% bonus mile hit, and no free standby? Any reason I shouldn't say, "No, thanks"?