"It might be worth to note that between 1981 and 1988 when all coach awards were 40K + not a single member ever complained that it was too
many miles for a coach award. It was the "standard" and all members were fine with it."


From my copy of a 1985 AA award chart:

50A. Two free Coach Class tickets on American Airlines or American Eagle.
50B. Free First Class ticket on American Airlines.

60A. Two free Economy Class tickets on American Airlines between the U.S. and London.
60D. Free Business Class ticket on American Airlines between the U.S. and London.

75A. Two free First Class tickets on American Airlines.

100A. Two free Business Class tickets on American Airlines between the U.S. and London.

Randy,

Your statement would imply that the airlines lowered their award levels after 1988, and that they are just now raising their award levels back to the pre 1988 levels and I would have to disagree with that. Today's "double mileage" awards are much higher than the unrestricted awards from the past.

As shown with the above award levels from 1985 two free coach domestic tickets were available for 50K, (25K each). And two free coach tickets to Europe were available for 60K (30K each).

IMHO the airlines have doubled their award levels, but to avoid getting everyone upset with them they still offer a "saver" award at the original levels - but it's just too hard to obtain.

The airlines have the right to raise their award levels as they see fit. And while I agree that you often do stick up for the average frequent flyer. I don't think comments like "since in the origination of all these programs, there actually were no 25K awards, all awards for coach seats were 40K - 50K or there abouts." helps with today's situation.

Happy New Year!