Originally Posted by
mcblowfish
I'll admit, your argument makes sense. Everything hinges on if the upgrade rate will be tolerable for a PM next year, and this is where our opinions diverge. I don't see the economy getting any better next year, and that means more capacity cuts and RJs in our future. Since I fly primarily domestic out of ATL, I'd rather be assured a spot on the top of the upgrade list for the full year (plus a Sky Club membership to wait it all out), than to roll the dice and try to game the system.
This is spot on. I am a DM and did not hold back because I fly a ton...it does not matter for me. That said, the statements made up thread were something to the effect that "I just do not believe that many Plats would hold short" or that "the new roll-over program is not driving any different behaviour than last years program without DM or Roll-over". That is just not true and all I was trying to point out is that it most certainly is having an impact. If you fly primarily elite heavy routes AND you plan to fly 125k next year (not maybe but positive)then crossing to DM this year is a good move. If you are NOT sure you will fly 125k next year then you would be cray to take DM for just one year when rolling your MQM's to 2010 and making DM (with the added 50k head start) by say June would give you DM status for almost twice as long (Next year as well as 2011 for the SAME MQM'). There is no rolling the dice...you will start January off with 0 MQM's and DM for 2010 if you take DM now or you can start January off with Plat in the bank AND 50,000 MQM's towards 2010 and 2011 DM status. Same MQM's but double the time as a Diamond.