It might be easy to say for those people who the company allows them to buy First/Business class ticket. I only buy J class ticket for overseas travel. Otherwise, for domestic I only purchase lowest fare. I often stay over the weekend to get a lower fare. Some of you might argue full fare will justify change fee, however, change fee are only $100 for domestic travel. However, for those who just don't have the time to stay over weekend, then you've got no choice.

We've earned the upgrades by earning the elite status. That elite status came from many trip in coach. By buying a full fare, you've already been rewarded with benefits such as being able to change your ticket without penalties, fully refundable. That's the reason you buy full fare. Those are already big benefits over discounted tickets. Other than that, it's just a ticket for a seat just like the discounted tickets. Airlines sell discounted tickets to award those who are willing to stay over the weekend. FF programs are designed those to who travel with them frequently not to those who give them the most revenue. Note that the airline doesn't say you'll make PLATINUM/1K by giving them $XXX per year?? Although they are willing to place you higher on the list within the same group of elites if you are paying higher fare such as what AA is doing.

For some people like tfjim, to complain like these, you are being very selfish. Why not just suggest the airline block off the whole F class for full fare people? Then the airline will be out of business if not for all those frequent flyers. I personally value upgrades as the most important aspect of my travel. The airline gives out those incentives to keep you flying with them.

Regards,
Empress

[This message has been edited by Empress (edited 12-05-1999).]