Originally Posted by CApreppie
I would think that FTers cost more money or earn less for UA than the average non-FT flyer. Many FTers are good at finding the cheapest fares, remembering their MP#, maximizing mileage, getting bump vouchers, utilizing promotions, getting compensation, finding loopholes, etc. Most UA flyers are not that informed.
We would save money and increase revenue for UA if they listened to our advice for fixing their crappy Website. I'm sure there would be more bookings online and less people calling phone agents to do simple things that should be de rigeur for any decent airline site.
I disagree. I think we make money for UA. Sure, we get the cheapest fares. But we fill the seats that would otherwise go empty. Remember, once the door closes, the value of each empty seat drops to zero! If those seats weren't going empty, UA wouldn't be offering those fares.
OK, we get the bump vouchers. But even the airlines recognize that bump volunteers are the "good guys." We save them the cost and ill will of involuntary bumps.
We take advantage of promos. But doesn't that generate new business for UA?
And yes, we ask for compensation when we've been wronged. But, OTOH, we're smart enough not to demand unreasonable compensation. We're usually satisfied with a few extra miles or a voucher. We don't make goofy requests like some Clampett flyers (please refer to any episode of "Airline").
However, I couldn't agree more with you about the website! If only UA would monitor this board more carefully! What they have here is a free focus group! Other companies pay customers $50 to $100 to come in and spout their opinions. We do it for free on FlyerTalk!
