Originally Posted by
Thunderroad
+1
I guess we and UA management will see how this all pans out. If in fact free domestic upgrades just become an occasional experience (at that) for folks who previously received them more frequently, it removes a big incentive to fly UA at all, including for some of us on international J fares that generate significant revenue for the airline. In which case, lots of competitors stand to benefit.
^ +1 If UDUs are devalued and you really care, see what competition is doing. As mentioned, PMUA did not start UDUs, they just responded to them. Glenn and Jeff were both in favor of consolidation, were we once had six airlines to choose from, we now have half as many. CO is clearly gutting the old PMUA, culture wars included. For those who think that 500-milers were better, welcome to AA. For those who value UDUs, one could roll the dice with DL. And for everyone who absolutely can't part with E+, welcome to CO dba UA. Both AA and DL are bringing in more E+ (more Preferred Plus and Econ Comfort going forward) if that helps. I don't see CO relenting, they have already shown 1 and 2Ps how they feel (both AA and DL are clearly better now for 1 and 2Ps) and they are simply taking the next step going after 1Ks (UDUs, CR1, "Premier" vs. 1K etc). Maybe their marketing presentations showed that they should care more about GMs than retaining 1Ks, who knows? It's not like we can call them up anymore with the new hold times being what they are and the fact that we have CO people answering the 1K phone line...
