First off, I understand the motives and the need for changes. However, and I know this sounds a little naive, but believe it or not, the thing that disappoints and surprises me the most is the fact that they made these decisions without including their Plats in process in any way. I have always perceived that CO management has maintained the best relations (relative to other carriers) with their best customers through their communication and request for input. This is just so un-CO like in the way they handled it. They know that we understand the market better than most, and that we know changes were inevitable. However, to wap us with both the 500 mile rule and the reduction in bonus miles at the same time w/o prior notice seems like a slap in the face. I feel somewhat betrayed, like they snuck around behind my back. Again, I realize it's a bit naive, but that's how I feel.

I have to wonder how Gordon would have handled this situation, knowing that something had to give. I would like to think he would have sent out some kind communication months ago preparing us for the changes and asking for our input. This certainly would have shown the respect he always had for his Plats, while also softening the blow. And who knows, had we been given choices, we might have been willing to give up something else (whatever it is) to preserve and maintain the integrity of being a Plat.

I recently booked several trips that were basically unnecessary, but I was close enough to re-gaining my Plat status that I went ahead and did it. And the only reason is because I felt CO placed much greater value on their Plats. The mileage bonus and EUAs were the main reason. But now that I look back, I also realize that the number of IAH-AUS and EWR-PVD/BOS/BDL segments will add over 10K to my EQM number this year. I better get upgraded 98% the rest of the way this year, since that is now the only difference I will realize between being a Plat and Gold. I don't suppose they would consider refunding my money on those trips, since I would not have bought them now?