Dude,

I strongly agree with your comments but you have got to remember, Continental and Northwest are going to be reviewing all of the competitive programs offered by majors. With all of the majors filling flights to capacity, no one is going to be offering anything greatly beyond the others. We are just going to have to wait until the next down turn in the airline industry.

This is a bad analogy but it is similar to when you tip a waiter. Do you always tip him 20%? Do you even tip? It is your prerogative to tip whatever you think he is worth. Right now, Continental and Northwest don’t have to beg us for the business. Their flights are going to stay fairly full. In essence, Continental has chosen to stop tipping just like every other major carrier.

If you did not have to give anything away to keep a certain level of business, would you? Honestly think about it. Continental is treating everyone in the manner of what the market will bare. If they see significant loss in revenue and customers, and they can tie it to the FF program, you will see changes but until then, hang on for the bumpy ride.

crju