Originally Posted by jetsetter

I really think the waived change and cancellation fee benefit is killer, and I'd like to here from you if you agree or disagree. I really don't understand why people don't value this benefit more. It literally saves me several thousand dollars of cold hard cash every year.

Let me give you some real world examples just from this summer, and just a few:
1. Today I changed my BOS to DCA flight 2-3 times at no charge. Having to pin down a specific time you will take one of these east coast hops is like saying you should have to pick in advance a specific time you will jump on the subway to go to work. Also the same day changes book in to any open Y seat, even if the flight is Y1E0K0B0, etc. etc. Conversely, on AA, even as an Exec Plat, E inventory has to be available in order to confirm the same day change,.

2. B6 recognizes DCA/IAD/BWI as co terminals or "sister city's," as they call it. So, sure, book a cheap 6:00am flight to BWI, and change it to 7:00pm to DCA, no questions asked, no problem, done on the first point of contact over the phone. I tried this with AA and they adamantly refused even at the airport.

3. I was booked to go to the WAS area next weekend. Now a family member and there friend want to go. So I cancelled my ticket, got credit back, and booked the 3 of us on one PNR. We'll all get benefits like no change/cancel fees, free checked bags, etc. Sometimes even if you get lucky all the pax in the PNR get the Mosaic free drinks even though that is not official policy. On AA as an exec plat in coach, the policy is one free drink and one food item. Quite often I want more than 1 drink, and also with the B6 card its 50% off food which is an awesome perk!

4. Similarly this fall I had a flight booked to DCA, and now my mom wanted to go. So I cancel my ticket, and book us all on the same PNR, and we all get the Mosaic benefits. I just would not have that flexibility on AA even as an Executive Platinum 100K flyer, unfortunately! They would try to nickel and dime me with change fees, and my plans always change.

I just can't understand why more people are not more esttatic about this prceless flexibility that these policies give you as a travler? I mean, are other peoples plans so rigid and never changing? Do you just not mind paying the airlines $200 for change fees?