Originally Posted by bzn

CURMEDGEON ALERT!

I have to admit this is just yet another change that is souring me on the whole frequent flyer game.

Although I'm psyched about the global upgrades (provided there is actual availability) it's only two round trips. For me they'll be gone instantly leaving 11 more months of depleted upgrade potential. Beats the old SWUs for TPACs.

I'm tired of being stuck with a certain airline, to earn miles that are worth less and less, spending time pouring over websites and sitting on the phone trying to get upgradeable fares.

Bagging the whole frequent flyer circus and simply purchasing whoever has the best route and rate might actually come out ahead in the long run. It's probably a better strategy than hoping the company you've stuck with for decades will recognize your loyalty.

Get the seat you want and the route you want. I already have a bunch of i18n travel booked for 2014. Once I burn through UG certs, I might just give it all up once and for all. Could be liberating.

Let the airlines continue the devaluation of the FF programs. If it's a race to the bottom, maybe it's time to get out and let the airlines continue to dismantle, parcelize and commoditize the travel experience.

I say this as a DM MM with a bankroll of miles that I wish I could convert into cash. I'm typically on M or above and laughed when I saw the MQD qualification tier.