My perspective: I NEVER fly full fare coach, much less full fare Business or First (except in Asia, where business class tix are under $400). Yet I was personally responsible for about $35,000 in revenue for UA this year.

My opinion: The airlines DO reward folks who buy expensive tickets. Whether its double or triple mile offers on Y tickets, priority in upgrading or other perks, those folks are rewarded for their (in my opinion) reckless coach spending. And if they are buying Business or coach tickets, well then they're ALREADY flying Business or first, aren't they?

But if UA were to change their policy to what AA and BA apparently do, I would walk, and take my $35,000 or so a year (every year) to someone who doesn't do that.

Now you financial wizzes tell which you would rather have: A loyal customer who you can pretty much count on for $35,000 a year -- year after year after year no matter how his travels change because loyalty, not convenience is his motivating factor? Or a customer who spends $60,000 one year, then $5,000 the next because their destinations change and convenience is more important than price?

I dunno about YOUR industry, but everywhere I have worked, the best kind of revenue is recurring revenue

I really think UA has it right: reward LOYALTY. Thank the big spenders with perks and bonuses, but not necessarily at the expense of the loyal...

And if it ain't broke.....

[This message has been edited by kokonutz (edited 12-03-1999).]