Originally Posted by
PlatinumScum
They would have seen *more* revenue if they had allowed the SFDC or even allowed me to buy the quoted last-minute ticket on the non-stop.
Don't certain fare classes allow standy for non-elites? Wouldn't AA sell more of those if standby were more useful?
This whole policy seems like a way to reduce revenue while also pissing off one's supposed target customers. It makes no sense on any level.
Yes - if a customer buys a choice plus fare they can take advantage of SDFC/SDS for free as well as avoid change fees (still have to pay fare difference). Those on fully flexible fares (refundable tickets) are not bound to the SDS/SDFC program and can pretty much change to whatever flight they want as long as routing rules permit and there is Y inventory.
This might be something that is partially inhibiting AA's ability to offer a relaxed SDFC/SDS policy to elites.