Originally Posted by
Mike Jacoubowsky
Because I'm sure it's the Kayakers that are abusing the system? Don't think so. The uneducated flyer doesn't know squat about figuring out options. They don't even know what the options are, aside from whatever they learn from D Barrett's commercials.
Seriously, this has to be aimed at the power user. That's US. To United, we are the problem. We are the people that they're thinking have just enough information to be really dangerous, and they're thinking maybe if they cut us off, we'll have less to hassle them about. We can't micro-manage our itineraries (and from United's perspective, that's exactly what we're doing... micro-managing things in a way they incorrectly see as abusive while we see as trying to get United to give us the benefits they say we have).
Mike,
Many of us were power users before the advent of FF programs and honed our customer skills during various phases:Stickers/Paper, Alliance/Partners, Internet/E-Ticket, Alliance/Web/E-Cert-Upgrade.
I recall a number of quotes from industry execs and pundits over the years citing the FF programs as having saved the airlines during the age of deregulation with the emergence of hubs, code shares, and mainline branded regional carriers.
What happens when a major carrier pulls the plug on the FF subsidy? Can such a business model exist today? Is this part of a great experiment or a delusional management action?
I seriously doubt UA can survive in its current business model w/o an attractive FF program with all the benefits expected of the modern/savvy/well informed-read traveler (AKA: THE CUSTOMER).
However, I wonder if it is possible for an airline with UA's configuration (Intl/Dom/Regional/Hubs/Alliance) to reinvent itself with a FF program that offers a basic 10% rebate in discounts vice all the complex instruments.
Frankly, I do not think it's possible without a business model that places a priority on high quality, reliable, and transparent service. That is something UA has not been able to accomplish in the last 30 years. I believe UA has become a marketing company with a business model build around advertising - perhaps hoping for some google/disney like pixie dust to raise them up to the promised land of profitability.
Food for thought...
V/r,
-Cyborg