Originally Posted by
Bonehead
How many upgrade instruments did you guys typically acquire? Maybe the old system WAS better if you really knew how to play the game. I'm always willing to adjust my views in the face of new evidence
8 regionals a year, plus lets say 40 e500s (a flat 100K EQM / 40K UA BIS minimum), plus your 6 SWUs
With the right mix of flights, mileage-wise you can cover maybe 15-16K from the e500s (won't assume the full 20K in theory), 20K from the CR-1s (transcons), and 30K from the SWUs (int'l trips). So that's 2/3 of your mileage flown.
However - some flights may be in single cabin A/C (so that reduces your "total upgradeable mileage"), may get a blue moon opt-up, etc. So while you couldn't cover all the mileage, you could get most of it.
The big issue many have (esp. lower elites) is that it eliminates choice - they could save their e500s and have a good chance of using them when they really wanted them, but now a higher elite will always trump them.
Also, it impacts those who have a domestic connection on an int'l trip - if you're flying coach and upgrading, greater chance you end up in Y now on the domestic segment.