AA 51 yesterday LGW-DFW was a very eye-opening experience for me.

When I went to take my prized coach seat (777 31B), I was somewhat surprised to see that my seatmate was an older woman who had pre-boarded with another older(er) woman. I thought this was odd since there are requirements for the exit row seat. Obviously she was able to circumvent this by demonstrating her youthfulness... by being on her third MR of the year!

Turns out she was a 65 year-old retired teacher from Oakland. Accompanying her was her (older) former college teacher. They had flown Friday, slept Saturday (LGW Hilton) and were returning Sunday. This was a pure MR, attempting to take AAdvantage of the EUR05 promotion. Her knowledge of the program seemed a little limited, and I was terrified that she might be flying on a non-qualifying fare. I didn't ask, but I still worry.

What does she use the miles for? According to her, she has taken a trip to Virginia, and she upgrades a lot of the time. She has another trip to Virgina planned.

The story gets better. Often times she flies to SEA from Oakland, hoping to get bumped so that she can get bump vouchers. Both her and her friend have ties to the Seattle area, so it's a win-win deal.

I was actually looking forward to the day when I never subjected myself to the tortures of travel just for the miles, but apparently this day will never come...

Sam

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The monthly Dallas FlyerTalk gathering for February is set.

Friday February 25th, at 6:00 P.M.

Fireside Pies – the new, happening spot on Henderson.

http://dallas.citysearch.com/profile..._0_profile_2_1