Originally Posted by
HaleiwaFlyer
UA GSs would be over the moon to have access to Polaris Lounge on domestic flights, so I do see this as a huge win for CKs on domestic flights who already have access to FFL. Past couple of years, CKs requested more FFD opportunities on top of the 2 chits given, and here it is...so AA did listen to feedback, which is also a win.
Miles will most likely be somewhere between 15-25k since Five Star Select is 65k worth of points. Most high flying CKs are mileage rich as end of the year LP summaries are most likely 1-2 million. So it's a small drop in the bucket and easily part of the earned mileage on that one way ticket. I don't think non CK flyers will spend miles on both FFL and FFD. Business class flyers may upgrade their experience to FFD if they haven't purchased Business Premier tickets.
Lastly, this may dispel the myth or speculation that FFD is going away completely once F class is eliminated. More utilization means less chance of eliminating FFD altogether, or in the future "Flagship-Business Premier-Dining." I think we are seeing the start of AA LP program evolving to the unbundling of benefits, to purchasable ones (ie. FFL, FFD, Five Star Select....etc). You no longer have to be top elite to obtain those benefits, and can buy each benefit ala carte, as you desire.
Also, it is a positive for a subset of CKs who connect or originate at DFW for domestic afternoon flights and want a place to escape busy FFL times or have abit better food/drink options.
+1 here. This will be highly valuable for me ex-DFW/MIA.
And to your first point, as a decade-long suffering UA GS I can tell you that the entire FFL angle to CK is just so unbelievably impactful to my overall travel experience.
On an unrelated note. CLT-based CK agents continue to be amazing. I was going out of B16 yesterday and there were 3 simultaneous boarding processes going on at the end of B. CK agent grabs the mic about 5 minutes before boarding and pages me by name. Takes me to the side and then down the jet bridge to wait for the FA's to say we were good to board. Chatted about our families and the holidays. Just such a pleasant experience.