I think we both benefit (i.e customers and airlines) but probably the airlines benefit more since most customers are not as passionate about their miles as the Flyer Talk group. Many of us get lots of value out of our frequent flying and are trying to stay ahead of the airlines!

On the other hand, I know several people that just have a few miles here and there and others who travel lots but don't care if miles are posted etc etc. That means more opportunities for those of us who are well-informed and well-prepared.

The airlines get our loyalty and for the extra cost hidden in our tickets, we get a "kickback". Essentially the customers are the ones who pay to be loyal to an airline or alliance.

If you work it right, you can capitalize on the situation, pay reduced fares, earn lots of miles by travelling frequently and getting bonuses etc. In the end you could earn business class or first class reward tickets that cost less (ie. fares paid to actually earn the miles) than they would if you had to buy the business or first class tickets. It's like getting two for the price of one.

A lot of people cash in their points on economy seats that probably should have been bought at a discount so they would have earned status or other miles. I (and many others on this board) have come to appreciate that economy reward tickets are not the way to get the best value out of the system.

So for the few of us that maximize our benefits I say cheers--keep the info coming. I'm happy and the airlines seem to be stuck in something they don't want to or can't get out of