>>The one thing that is weird, Airlines penalize the last minute buyer. The elites who pay the most.

Not all airlines. CO, NW, and HP hold back FC seating until the day of departure for full fare elites. You get the upgrade when you ticket, and it is complimentary (no coupons, certificates, or stickers).

I believe TW and US have similar policies. On US, as a non-elite I have been able to get FC seating when available on a full fare.

There was an interesting thread a few months ago (which I can't find, maybe someone could provide a URL) on whether buying tickets full fare should "count" in earning elite status vs. just miles flown. As far as I know, TW and now AA are the only airlines that take the amount you pay into account for earning status.

[This message has been edited by dgolds (edited 12-02-1999).]