Having just returned from Munich on a MR, I had enough time to think about why United should go out of business. As confrontational it may sound, I don't think United has understood the business model of who keeps them in business.

Here is my example: UA 903 on Saturday IAD to MUC. I was standing near the gate desk when a UPS pilot and his family of wife and two teenagers walked up and talked their way into E+. After we had boarded and almost pushed back, this family was walked to business class by a FA.

I understand that we all have our family/friends we hook up but wouldn't it have made sense to also pick a loyal customer 1k, for example, and given this person an upgrade as a sign of appreciation. Because at the end of the day, the frequent travelers keep United in business. While some of us might have figured out how to optimize their miles, it's the returning business that keeps it going.

I heard from a friend who a conversation with a DL FA a few weeks back. She was concerned that she would be loosing her job. He flat out said to her, "Yes, you need to be laid off because you have shown no appreciation for the top tier travelers."

Times a getting tougher!