Originally Posted by
Boraxo
Nobody can predict the future. If UA continues to gut the elites relative to the competition then customers will switch. But that's an annual decision that we all have to make.
Funny this is I'm one that would win on the vast majority of my travel. On my midcons, I'd be pulling in close to 10k miles around trip instead of 2-3k since I'm flying on higher bucket refundable fares. That doesn't mean I think it's a good change.[/quote]
10 years ago I had status on AA because it was cheap to get ($200 RT transcons) and easy to get Gold and there were good benefits at the lowest tier (easy upgrades). Now I am 1k on UA because I fly more for business and UA offers the best routing.
I flew UA as it had a great network and pretty good service for a domestic. Unfortunately, with cuts in the product, and then to MP, the value proposition made it clear it wasn't worth it to me anymore to be loyal. So I went elsewhere.
I still look at it every year. I was debating whether or not to stick with AA/US because I'm not happy they stuck more with the AA style program. But after looking at it, it's still the best deal out there IMO from what's left.
You're right that you can't predict the future - that's the main reason I get a bit miffed when everyone says "AA is going to do X because UA/DL did it. They may or may not. However, I can take educated guesses on the direction they seem to be taking to make and likely plan accordingly. UA me that expectation again this year.
It will still be possible to earn status by accumulating EQMs on cheapo fares. You just won't see the same RDM. Hopefully that will wean the overflowing upgrade list at the hubs.
As long as there are CPUs, the long lists aren't going to change. Maybe on PS.