Originally Posted by flyerslc

Actually, I think it would be pretty easy, as they calculate estimated deferred revenue. In their 10-K, they state
"At December 31, 2012, the aggregate deferred revenue balance associated with the SkyMiles Program was $4.4 billion. A hypothetical 1% change in the number of outstanding miles estimated to be redeemed would result in a $30 million impact on our deferred revenue liability at December 31, 2012."
So for example, they can change deferred revenue liability by changing the estimate of miles likely to be redeemed, or the % of what they call "breakage", I love that term, which is how many miles never get used for a variety of reasons. They can make $30 million dollars by a 1% change. By increasing award levels by 20% overall, they could reduce their deferred revenue by as much as $600 million by a reasonable estimate!!!!

Deferring revenue and then devaluing that has immense benefits for a corporation. Not so much for the FF or the taxpayer.