Doug, I wouldn't get too excited about missing out on the steak sandwich; I've had it, and frankly, it ain't that great. Flying ORD-SEA-ORD about 2-3x a month lately, I gotta agree that the midcon meals have gone from disappointing to revolting in about four months time.

It's a bitter disappointment to me that most of AA food now completely sucks (except the salads, which could easily come without that stinky cheese), so I also will be altering my upgrade frequency in '03.

Breakfasts are unusually offensive...I actually ate at Mickey D's at ORD this morning so I wouldn't have heartburn all the way back to SEA...spent the 4 upgrades on the bigger seat (and I LOATHE MacDonald's). I used to look forward to AA chow in FC; it was usually pretty good. I've actually had decent meals before 2002.

AS seems to have much better food, and on shorter flights, too...I still haven't figured that one out. I joined the AC also, figuring that would be a good deal. What a waste; this'll be the first and last year for that. AS may only have a few clubs, but there's always something to snack on there, free beers, etc.

While I'm ragging about the service, cutting out the rolls and hot towel service stinks as well. I guess for the foreseeable future, I'll upgrade only when I want "the big seat" and will eat at the airport, thanks.