Chuck Dee. Tough question as to whether or not you missed something with HP or just had bad luck previously. Many persons report spotty performance, if not downright poor performance from HP. Conversely, a number of highflyers report generally solid performance (myself included).

I will say this, HP treats their elite persons exceptionally well, even the lowest tier (silver). If you are a gold or platinum on HP you are set. Part of this is due to the dearth of such flyers, and remember that HP offers no international flights (i.e., no way to rack up 20k qualifying miles at a shot). HP flights are essentially all domestic, with the longest flight being PHX to BOS and the seasonal PHX to ANC (~ 2,500 per).

As a result of the above the only real way to be a platinum on HP is to live in Phx and throw essentially all of your business to HP. That is exactly what I do, and HP treats me and the above posters well for it. If you only fly HP a few times a year, odds are that you are not going to be treated as well. -Also bear in mind that once the pack (a.k.a. the news media) turns on a Co., then everyone comes out of the woodwork to throw a rock.

[This message has been edited by Butcher Bird (edited 06-12-2001).]