Originally Posted by
Dave Noble
The US schemes can be a lot better value than QF, no doubt imo, though this aspect is , imo, a negative of the US schemes. The devaluation of the premium product to being a giveaway to those with status leads to low quality in the premium cabins. Since I do purchase premium tickets, I don;t like the US situation of it being hard to change at the v last minute since 1st class is full of freeloaders nor that it becomes a premium economy product with a 1st/business class price tag
Well the quality of US premium cabins has never been great. Ever. Certainly not compared to Asian carriers or even Qantas. So I'm not sure if the Unlimited Complimentary upgrades have changed the quality of service.
The upgrades sometimes don't clear till you are at the airport, so there is always space for last minute changes like yourself.
Not sure I agree with the statement "freeloaders" in 1st class. If a first class seat is going to go out empty, why not give it to an elite who has already shown loyalty to your airline by earning status, and earn some goodwill and future business and revenue by offering a good deed.
I know every time I get a comp upgrade, United earns my business for another year. I am happy to pay extra $ on a flight with United even if AA or Delta or Virgin has a cheaper fare, as I know they have been loyal to me with upgrades
So to me that is a sound business move.