Originally Posted by
fruitcage
I think that is almost exactly the intention. Maybe not to encourage TP runs per se, but certainly to encourage people to chase status.
Yes indeed.
If you fly enough you will get you free seat selection anyway. For those who don't you'll still get the chance of a cheaper fare with the option of paying a fee to select a seat if you so want. If that works out more expensive then do yourself a favour and purchase a ticket with another ariline instead of getting all worked up about it.