Originally Posted by
lalalandMCI
.... While I think the U.S. carriers will eventually move in baby steps toward eliminating this altogether, what would be the next best thing? What would they introduce in lieu of CPUs?
Don't really agree with the premise but if you want to design a substitute you first need to define the outcome desired.
Such as the old e500 was designed to tend to provide more upgrades to the knowledgeable frequent flyer (the uniformed flyer missed out) but not not 100% opportunity. This allow lower informed elite some chance at a few upgrades.
The CPU system takes the need to manage your upgrades out of the picture and to focus at the top of the elite chain and others only after the top elites have been handled. So the uniformed top elites are the big winners compared to e500s.
Instant upgrades reward top fare travelers.
So, before designing a replacement -- what are objectives to be met? With that you can then design the replacement.