Originally Posted by
bubbashow
....but MOST on here don't understand with 3 airlines in the US, and loads factors higher than ever that the airline truly has to provide much less. A year down the road when US/AA sort out their mess, all FF will be similar. Then what? To where will you run? You will pay for the service you desire. The halcyon days are over. My first FF experience was UA. I played the game when I was in high school 10,000 miles for an upgrade anywhere in the US and you got a mileage bonus to boot, plus a certificate for a hotel and a rental car. Those days are gone. The free upgrade for everyone is rather quickly drawing to a close.
Not trying to pick on you BUT, I believe, a few international airlines like Emirates will become more of a force. I see many employees in my company stationed in New York and Miami, are starting to use Emirates due to their service. This will concern the big 3 into being more competitive international and keep them in line. I know many think it is a long ways away but Emirates is already buying a ton of planes to compete international. Some major domestic markets are not far behind for these types of airlines.