Originally Posted by
steex
Particularly in 2012, good vacation fares fueled my reaching FO status. But FO status was entirely a bi-product, and I still would've taken the trips even if I didn't get status out of it. When DL offers a good low fare that takes me somewhere I want to check out on the other side of the globe, I'm still going to buy it. When someone else does, I'll take that, as I would now also. Heck, you may be in the same boat, ultimately.
I completely agree with the above. But my point is this winter I paid an extra $100 to get to IST on DL (and make two connections). Next year...I will be taking TK nonstop. The FO status was just something that made these trips even more fun. It is just a little buzz kill. It is not like DL lost any revenue by letting me select amongst the sea of empty blue seats.
I agree though...the cheap MR-esque fares will still be around. The memories made from those by-far out weigh any low status I won't have anymore. As long as DL understands I can save $100 getting there on someone else (I hear that money talks for all consumers...not just me...the start of a slippery slope)