Originally Posted by
EWR764
I would imagine that the E+ announcement is being withheld until the carrier releases further information on aircraft configurations going forward. It would make much more sense to discuss E+ when they determine whether the carrier will be two class/three class/mixed two and three class, which hard products will be retained, and so on.
Today's announcement was for the 2011 OnePass/Mileage Plus program changes. While E+ is a benefit for elite members on both carriers flying UA metal, it is an extant product and access to it hasn't been modified. I wouldn't have expected an E+ decision to coincide with FF program integration unless it was part of a larger rollout of products and services.
I agree with you 100% and certainly there is absolutely no reason why any announcement regarding the FF programs need to involve cabin configurations.
And, yes, you are right, little has been said about what shape the combined airline's cabin configurations will take, and not just E+.
We also don't know if they will retain Intl F, PS service, domestic widebodies, which type of premium service will be retained (BF, UA J/F).
Still, CO did adopt ELR, which only served to monetize existing exit and bulkhead rows...so it will be interesting to see if Smisek concludes that the best solution is to simply add E+ to the current CO fleet, or add seats to the current UA fleet and start charging for ELR seats on those planes.