Indeed. My fiance is an MVP Gold.
AS flies DCA-SEA non-stop, we live 5 minutes from DCA. So we'll pay a premium to fly out of DCA and prefer the non-stop over UA's DCA-ORD-SEA or going to IAD for UA's non-stop.
And if I'm traveling with her, I'll gladly spring for a Q fare to confirm the upgrade at booking.
Most recent flights had lowest fare IAD-SEA ~ $350, DCA-SEA $475, DCA-SEA on a Q fare $675.
So a $125 premium to fly non-stop out of DCA (which is the roundtrip cost of cabs for me, though more than parking for a quick trip... plus considering I'm dealing with morning flights, it also means an extra 1.5hr sleep). Well worth it.
Then a $200 premium for F -- $100 each way, confirmed at booking.
Honestly I can more than live with that.
