Originally Posted by
toomanybooks
Tax-deductibility of a paid fare vs. the non-deductible award is a huge economic factor rarely considered on FT.
It very often tips the decision one way or the other for people who are paying attention.
I agree. This has been very effective for stopping redemptions for us.
Or simply put, we fly and upgrade with miles, kids fly only on miles.
If I am to keep my "elite"ness I have to fly on paid tickets.
Luckily the hotels all changed to any stay.
Can you imagine if UA / AA did that ?
I would be quadruple EXP in a heart beat just from redeeming.
DL and now UA have understood that even the paying elite needs value in redemptions and so they now allow upgrades for elites (with cards or without) on award travel.
I find that most hotel bookings make no sense to redeem as the spend is paid by employer and I do not see much value in a bigger room at night when asleep.
For the coach seat, it is all I can do at times not to call the airline and say "I will do anything, please upgrade me!"