Originally Posted by
Adam Smith
I didn't suggest that AC should actually use cost in determining status. But if they wanted to, there's nothing requiring them to publish anything anywhere. Look at UA GS and AA ConciergeKey - no published requirements there at all. In theory, there's nothing stopping an airline from ceasing to publish any requirements and just saying that status in the loyalty program will be awarded by the airline will be awarded purely at its discretion.
Sure but then, these programs are by invitation, and it's at the very high end. They still need a "regular" FF program for marketing purposes.
[...] it's important to remember that FFPs are not an enduring right.
What about the MM program though? They did promise something to last forever, didn't they? :-)