Originally Posted by
bubbashow
Does this make me sound like a jerk, and be honest: If you are not flying as much this year, you shouldn't be Plat/Diamond/whatever. WHY do they need to give it away? It is an elite benefit created for an elite level of flying. There are years I didn't make Plat, and I settled for Silver and Gold on NW. THAT is what I earned. Why can't it be a pure program? Sorry Johnny, some teams do lose....everyone doesn't get a blue ribbon in life.
That model makes sense when planes are full..but I think most major airlines are looking at very bleak fall bookings and AA/UA have decided double EQM promos would stimulate bookings (at a relatively low cost). In the airlines eyes, the more people flying to attain higher status, the better.