I am paying 4 times more for two D fare tickets for the extra miles to make 2006 Gold Elite. Something I never thought I would do.

The lack of upgrades as a Gold Elite and paying cancellation penalty fees on discounted tickets for the last two years makes me think more and more about purchasing fully refundable upgraded fares for more enjoyable leisure travel with decent meals to keep my mind off of the equiipement and to shorten the perceived flying time. Long sentence, but that is how I feel.

So I would say CO playing those games with award miles and fares is paying off for CO. I know that I am paying more, instead of paying the least and getting much less. I haven't figured out how to take any remaining $$ at the end with me, so I am helping the salaries of the Corp Officers, and the overall economy.