Originally Posted by
s0ssos
But isn't status about trying to get something for nothing? For free, that is? If you wanted to spend money, you can always just book the suite, or fly first-class and not worry about seeing who gets what priority in line. Or you can do a private jet and not worry about other passengers at all!
I was thinking about that after Lufthansa started imposing baggage charges with no exceptions for status, even for HON members, on economy tickets in Europe. I think the trend will continue that financial benefits of status will continue to be eliminated, while non-financial benefits (priority check-in/boarding) will remain. I suspect that lounge access will be the next target as that is a cost to the airline, but hopefully I'm wrong.