Originally Posted by The NWA kid
This is all very upsetting. I also see that it is no longer 35k miles to Brazil anymore. Now it's 50k! Same as UA. And to hell with all this rulebuster crap. The mile expense is so huge. So much loyalty, and I get a slap in the face with rediculous rulebusting.
I really hate this new "enhancement". I'd rather have the 50% EQM than this devaluation of the mile.
This is very major!
While everyone was all so worried about a 50% EQM, NWA passes that up -- and worse happens!
This WP mile devaluation is around 20% maybe it seems. This looks similar to the last big devaluation when domestic coach awards went from 20k to 25k, and Asia coach awards went from 50k to 60k. Where will it end?
I think NWA should be very careful. Their award levels are not looking competative at all anymore. A valuable WP member could go elsewhere.
As a Platinum I still get plenty of bonus miles, but now they're not worth as much anyway. This is a *huge* change, and not even as much notice as the last big devaluation.
I would have to disagree with you, but that mainly is due to the fact that I use WP more for getting my first class upgrades than for free travel (in fact, I have NEVER booked a free ticket with all my miles because free ticket = no EQM and my wife is too afraid to fly). I guess viewing the changes needs to be in the perspective of what you think the greatest benefit of WP is - free travel or better service on paid travel. They need to make money and if you think about it the increased fuel costs, increased demand, and diminished capacity on A330 routes would require some kind of increase.
Now if they would just allow a third upgrade category for upgrading Int'l from any fare for elites then I would be really happy...otherwise Im content!
Gary