Originally Posted by MikeM6090

My two cents:

As a very frequent business traveler over the last 10 years, I have noticed differences between the east coast business traveler and the west cost traveler. Granted, I have down-graded my butt-in-seat miles the last 18 months, but speaking anecdotally here is what I noticed over the years.

The east coast business person expects upgrades and perks more than the west coast person. I have seen this time after time. The west coast mentality is more often than not, “get me to my destination.” Maybe it’s because the run times between west coast cities is shorter, maybe it is just their expectations in life all together different. I lived out west for many years. I have done the LAX-CLT-PIT-PHL. I have also done the PHX-LAX-SEA & SFO routes too many times. Perks were just not as important in general.

On the east coast, I see more elites hang at the gate to jump up at the first sign of the doors opening to get inline and then there is the loud complaining at the gate about not getting upgraded. And this is for flights from BWI-CLT or CLT-DCI.

My point is that if the new HP/US management thinks that the west coast perks will pacify east coast travelers they made a very serious mistake. The HP FF/Elite model is not going to be acceptable to many of the experienced US travelers. And they WILL switch carriers to get what they THINK they deserve.

Ok, maybe that is more than 2 cents worth. And yes, I know many of you will think I’m all wet. Guess we will have to wait and see…or not.