<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Scion:
Don Frankly, I think it is about time. As an EXP who earns his status on Full-Y-fare tickets, I'm of the opinion that airlines, American in particular, have been much too generous with the flying public. If the flying public likes the treatment that they get on JetBlue and Southwest, then why should American offer anything more to people in coach when they are not willing to pay for it? Arguments about the coach fares not being equivalent on American and Southwest notwithstanding, I think American has every right to match its product to what people are willing to pay.
For example, I buy Y-Fares on domestic routes because it means a complimentary upgrade as an EXP into the next class of service. I could make the same trips on lower fares with almost the same flexibility. But, I am willing to pay more for that complimentary upgrade. I'd even be willing to pay more than I am now. I certainly was paying more for that benefit prior to 9/11.
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Scion... one question: Do you pay for these full fare tickets out of your pocket, or does your company pay for it?
Personally, I buy discounted coach then upgrade with miles or e-upgrades. I disagree that a person such as myself is doing AA a disservice because in the long run I fly with them exclusively so I can get more miles and keep my status. I may only fly the lowest fares, but they get 99% or my business (about 60K/year) and it is all leaisure travel, so I pay for it all.