Originally Posted by
5khours
I agree, but what I am saying is that I would rather pay $2k for FC in the first place rather than having to jump through UG hoops to fly FC for $1500. If the companies stopped paying $6k, this would happen right away.
I have taken the approach for 2012 of taking Z or A fares ('discounted' business or first) on other airlines over flying on UA on an upgradable fare.
Often the difference between, say, a Delta or BA or etc. Z or Y-up type fare and a UA W fare is minimal, yet the business class cabin is guaranteed.
I'll only ever buy a W fare on UA anymore if there is NC/NF space at booking, ie, rarely.
Obviously this will affect my retaining 1k for the first time in 15 years, but as markets change, market players must react. Besides, apparently I will get better buy-up offers as a lower tier elite if I do end up on UA without any SWUs after 2012....
