Originally Posted by
Runon MD1
Sirs:
I previously wrote to voice my displeasure at the 25% increase in segments required for 1K status beginning in 2011.
I received a rather inane and disingenuous response that it was done to coordinate UAL and Continental Elite benefits, or something to that effect.
It appears that you think that I am naive. Please be informed that I am not, nor are your other customers at this level.
Kindly explain to me, other than in a generic "We strive" letter format, why you didn't decrease the requirements for Continental travelers in order to align the two programs at the 100 segment level rather than hitting your most loyal customers with an increase that, at least to me, is nothing short of outrageous?
Suppose you are told that beginning next year you will have to work three more months a year to earn the same salary? That's what you have done to me and others like me, and your conduct and your decision making, while probably designed to cull the herd and/or increase your revenue, is nothing short of reprehensible. You deserve to lose business, and believe you may well.
When I calm down, I will be merely furious.
Richard Luros, MD
Not to make light of your situation, but these things have happened to most at UA. Days that used to be paid vacation are no longer, the number of vacation weeks have been reduced, the accrual of vacation as well as sick time has been reduced. So yes, your analogy would ring a bell in their ears, as they have suffered the "work more for the same or less" pattern that you describe. I believe they call it "cost cutting".
But 3 months more? That is a 25% increase across the board. 100->120 on segments is a 20% increase, and it is not the only way. One method hasn't been increased. Your argument is good, but your math isn't quite accurate. It's in the ballpark, but why not use real numbers instead of exaggerated. You don't like the 20% increase on segments, yet you inflated the increase percentage yourself by the same 20% over the accurate number. Naive? No, exaggerator, yes.
edit: I see azpine has already noticed the "funny math" used to drill the poster's point home, even if it isn't accurate, it is a good analogy.