When did MileagePlus become the welfare program of the aviation industry? "Give Me! Give Me! Give Me!" It still maybe called United, but Continental is definitely calling the shots. And let's not forget that it was United that was going around, desparately looking for a merger partner. Just be thankful Doug Parker isn't calling the shots.

Be thankful that CR-1s are still remaining. It could have reverted to CO's policy of not offering them. Feel free to go over to AA where you'll get 8 SWUs at 100K; but just a sidenote, they don't have CR-1s and you're capped at 8 SWUs no matter how much flying you do above 100K. Or you can try your luck over at DL. I hear they just love paying M-fares to upgrade their international itineraries. Oh, and another thing, neither airline ofers E+. Well, there's always US.

Welcome to the new tomorrow. The era of generous FF programs are over. It's all about generating revenue (even from the FF programs). With consolidation comes contraction. The fewer the airlines-- the fewer the competitors. The less of a need to "out-lavish" what the others offer.