<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Superd1:
It's unfortunate that AS doesn't understand and doesn't want to understand that a great part of their business is attracted to them by having a loss leader. Much as a grocery store sells milk at less than it cost, it draws the customers in where they buy there other groceries. I concentrate all my flying on AS in order to achieve that MVP status so I can have a chance to upgrade. This year I will achieve MVP Gold for that same reason. I think it's pretty clear at this point that AS has some intention of degrading and or eliminating their first class product. What will happen next will end up being total surprise to them. One of the big boys will eat their lunch for them. Someone like AA will offer to comp status and those that fly the most with AS (the ones with status) will jump ship immediately. I see no sense in being loyal to AS if upon earning the coveted opportunity to occassionally earn some free first class upgrades they pull the rug out. They think their losing money now. Once their most loyal fliers start earning status on another airline they won't come back.
B of A might want to get concerned as well. I have a B of A credit card that I concentrate all my purchases (substantial) on for the AS airmiles. I'll be looking around for a new airmiles credit card on the airline I plan to concentrate my flying on.
Feel free to share those thoughts at the luncheon.
I find it interesting that not many people are sharing things to discuss. Last year this topic was very active. Maybe it's a sign of things to come.
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With AA's and any other majors huge presence on the West Coast, I think you're right.
Everyone is going to abandon ship to fly other airlines multiple stops to get to So Cal, etc.
I know AA is looking forward to all the pax willing to fly between SEA and LA via DFW, just for a First Class seat!
[This message has been edited by RASMguy (edited 07-12-2003).]