Expect devaluation to continue...

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...Eager to raise cash and satisfy their credit-card company partners -- who have propped up struggling airlines financially -- several carriers have made it easier to qualify for premium-level status as an enticement to spend more on credit cards. Some recent offers have also made it a banner year for "mileage runs," trips made solely to push mileage totals over qualifying thresholds.

As a result, the ranks of premium travelers who get perks like upgrades, exit-row seating and preboarding privileges are swelling -- eroding the exclusivity long associated with elite status....

http://online.wsj.com/public/article...s_free_feature

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I used to be so easy!

Now we need to be on our toes - and to work hard as well.

Mark