Big difference there... there are a bizallion different CCs and CC offers out there that are easily available. When it comes to airlines, there are a lot less and they have power from the oligopoly.

As the continue to strip away benefits, there is less and less differentiation and so it becomes more visible that it is an entirely commoditized product and they won't be able to command additional price just because they think they're 'better' than the competition.

As I've said in other threads, its coming down to airlines, and especially DL brushing off anyone except for the full fare fliers. Thats apparent with how they reduced earn on M fares to really stick it to pax who use SWUs. Unfortunately I don't see any change in their attitude of acting like the big fat cat in the yard, and its just going to get worse.

Even when the business cycle turns negative again (which is likely sooner than many thing) I don't see the airlines giving away incentives to get pax to fly. They'll just cut more supply and keep fares high which will drive more people to choose the lowest cost regardless of so-called FFPs.