Originally Posted by
The Narwhal
The same flight in Y was $589 and would earn 9,123 EQM. If you think awarding 22,807 miles for $1,901 is unsustainable, then you should really be opposed to giving out 9,123 miles for $589.
I believe most people exposed to and purchasing these fares, are largely doing so accidentally or a mileage run strategy. They are probably a rounding error to Alaska, and not part of their strategy.
For Delta, I paid a $200k business tax bill, paid $3,600 in transaction fees. Received ~250,000 miles, $750 in cash, Diamond status, and other random benefits and choice benefits along the way. Used the 250k miles for $3,600 in travel on leisure fares. I'm certain they didn't want me as a customer, but it worked.