I agree it would be awful to lose miles for same-week netfares. I am a UA flyer and their netfares from Seattle are so awful or rare that I have yet to use one. Still, one of the comments above causes me to ponder. If the choice of airline is based on ability to make 'mileage runs for status' on a carrier via netfares then it might actually be a good move for the airline to give up that business. (I am not commenting on whatever other business may be lost). Cutting out the lowest of the low revenue generator elites may be what they are out there to do.

There has been a huge amount of discussion on the boards under various headings about 'mileage runs' and how easy/cheap elite can be had. Is this healthy in the long run for elite level in general? Are the airlines paying any attention to this? Is it self defeating to prattle and brag on this venue about how easily/cheaply it is to get elite status? I think at least those questions are worth serious thought.

Sure, I have a position to defend. As a 1K/million I don't want to see my status diluted too badly. But generally I also do see a negative impact ultra-low revenue elites on programs in a broad way. I have sometimes used an annual mileage run, or an out-of-the-way connection, to retain status. I'm not sure status built entirely/almost entirely on 'mileage runs' is healthy if it becomes a significant trend. If I were an airline, and I am glad I am not in that business, I wouldn't lose any sleep over giving up that segment of my market.

It's my 'pet' issue right now but the more I observe the board over the past six months or so, the more I wonder about the impact of the very aggressive mileage mongers on FF programs (in general) now that there is a venue to disseminate those ideas rapidly and fairly broadly. Particularly those who trumpet so loudly and/or make advantage of the promotions/rules so greatly. It is going to be very interesting to observe over the coming months whether this generates much of a reaction from the airlines/FF programs. I am not saying it will or will not, nor am I expressing a moral judgement about anyone here, just that the dynamic interests me.



[This message has been edited by myriad (edited 10-04-2000).]