cblaisd I agree that we have all expressed our views in the threads you kindly listed above. I did not intend this thread to be a new discussion. Anyone interested can go back and read.

The intent of this thread is solely to ask Randy for his expert opinion. In addition, since this is taking place under his own roof, he might have an interest in the matter.

What prompted me to post was the most recent thread where someone asks for $500 for a SWU, in high denomination vouchers, please. That takes Chutzpah with a capital ch.

Why focus on UA SWUs? Because they are the highest benefit offered by UA to its top flyers, and as a 1K, not only am I very familiar with them but I am also displeased with the idea of my benefits being sold to the highest bidder on FT. It’s bad enough that it happens on E-Bay.

The next time that an upgrade does not clear, I have no problem if the passenger who got it qualified for it legitimately. I have a problem if it is because someone with lower status bought a SWU against the rules.

I see no difference between bartering 20,000 miles and exchanging a SWU for anything else. It’s against the rules, period. So why is one forbidden and the other allowed in CC? In a way, it's worse. A SWU is a benefit for UA’s top flyers. I don’t think most of us would agree with the selling of benefits on FT. If memory serves right, we have seen a few uproars when some programs sold their Gold benefits for a few hundred dollars.

My own thinking on the issue has in fact evolved a bit. I was initially opposed to the sale of SWUs on E-Bay. There’s something about it that is not right. When I saw that bartering went unchecked on FT- which I consider to be a reputable forum- I began to have doubts (hence my first post above). I am now of the opinion that making money out of SWUs on FT or anywhere else is wrong. SWU are a superb benefit, we should not screw it up.

People bartering (i.e exchanging) SWUs on FT are in it for financial gain, plain and simple. If they were not, they’d use them on domestic flights- they obviously fly enough to be able to use them. Or they’d give them away, which is within the rules of both CC and UA. I don’t think this is a “victimless crime” (excessively strong words but you get my meaning). There are consequences. Aside from the “stolen upgrade” issue I mentioned above, in the long run I wonder whether this kind of behavior by UA’s most “loyal” fliers will not lead to UA cracking down with more stringent rules on certificates or a reduction in top benefits.

Setting aside the issue of whether it’s right or wrong to barter SWUs, there is the matter of the consistency of the rules on CC. As I think I pointed out somewhere: if it is permissible to exchange/barter SWUs on FT, fine. It’s against UA’s rules, but if FT can live with it then simply change the rules. If it is not permissible, then enforce the rules with a moderator. As of now, there is a major inconsistency between the rules and what goes on in there. Obey the rules or change the rules.

As far as the Talkboard is concerned, I simply have no idea if they have taken my question under consideration. I have no clue what they are doing, in fact.

Sorry if I look like I’m on a mission here. I’m not. Cblaisd, your puzzlement is on par with mine regarding why people want to sell their FF benefits on FT, and why it is allowed. I think it's obnoxious to ask for 5 HK-49s for 1 SWU. Or $500 in big vouchers. Give them away if you can't use them. Or go sell them on E-Bay.

Once again, this is not intended to be a long discussion. We’ve done that before. It’s just a request for Randy’s opinion, if he has the time to chime in. Since UA SWUs are a FF benefit, I assume the topic is right up his alley.


[This message has been edited by Droneklax (edited 12-30-2001).]