Originally Posted by HongKonger

I usually buy M fares so I don't have much of a dog in this race. But I just don't see why DL cares if the elite ranks are "overinflated." What does it cost them? What are the benefits that elites get?

-- Complementary UGs: If DL wants to give out fewer they can FCM more aggressively, change to all BF UG or only give out early windows to higher medallions, etc.

-- No bag fees: Anyone who loses elite status can eliminate bag fees with an AMEX. AMEX pays DL so much those benefits aren't going anywhere. Will DL really get more fees this way?

-- Premium seats: Will people who lose elite status pay for the seats they used to be entitled to choose? Will it make much difference?

-- Discounted or free EC: only makes a difference international with the free alcohol. Additional cost or savings probably marginal.

-- Boarding zone: Makes no monetary difference unless they plan to offer higher zones for sale but what kind of sucker buys that unless seating is also going to be a free-for-all like WN? Anyway again AMEX offers this.

-- No mileage redeposit fees: Does it really make a huge difference? There is already T-72 so this benefit is already reduced.

I am not privy to DL's calculations I just don't see how it really makes them more money to thin the elite ranks.