Originally Posted by
huteshab16
Let us all face facts and the new reality
When making such a "big picture" statement, don't limit it to AA.
Speak to elites from any major US carrier, and they will raise the same concerns. The reason? Airlines are enjoying a period of increased fares, high load factors and relatively stable fuel costs - something they have not seen in a VERY long time. no reason to offer incentives. The current exceptions are AS and DL, who are battling for market share in SEA, SLC. You can be sure that during the next economic downturn, the bonus mile promotions will be back.
The other reality is that the majority of US consumers (including employers who pay the bills for their traveling staff) are willing to put up with increasing levels of inconvenience to save money. Sure, they will whine and complain, but given the choice, will take a perceived great deal over comfort. NK is the textbook example, where customer go back, even after a bad experience if the price is right.
Just prior to the merger, Parker and Kirby found the threshold of pain for HP/US customers, demonstrated their ability to listen, pulled back to avoid alienating both kettles and elites. This leads me to believe that they will test our patience, but when push comes to shove, avoid crossing lines that will drive us to the competition. UA's self destructive race to the bottom, DL's further degradation of the Sky Pesos program unfortunately give Parker and Kirby more latitude to experiment.
Welcome to the Walmartinization of the US airline industry. It is naive to believe AA would be immune, regardless of who is calling the shots.