Awww, you guys want to take all the FUN out of being an elite. I usually have to fly on the cheapest available (on my carrier of choice). Under your scenarios, I would only be able to upgrade to a downgraded business class on domestic flights.
As for loading from the back, as an elite on UA, there is almost always an empty seat next to me unless the flight is over 4/5 full, and I'm NEVER more than four rows deep into coach.
And the thing is, as an elite, I LOVE sitting in first class on a ticket that cost my company $300 next to some sucker who paid (or whose company paid) $2000. It gives me a glow of smug superiority.
Look, I get your points from your perspective, but as mostly a short-hopper my company pays A LOT per mile, even on the cheapest tix available on that route.
The real question is how much money I spend per year to travel on a particular airline and what benefit I get for it. The answer for me in 1998 (according to my accounting dept, and therefore excluding personal travel) was $13,432.98, racking up exactly 66,412 miles on one airline. That's a lot of loyalty for a short-hopper
What do I get for that loyalty? 132,824 ff miles (only including premex bonus). Or a free 1st class trip to Hong Kong, if I choose.
So for me, I think the airlines have pretty much got it right. I fly a lot, so I get to upgrade (to an albeit inferior product domestically) alot and get to fly in comfort enough to endure being stuck in coach once in a while.
So it works from my perspective. But here's the thing: UA could get that same $13,000 from ONE passenger on ONE 1st class trip to hong kong at the right time of the year. And give them about 1/5 of the benefits they give me. So from their perspective you are right and I am screwed, since if benefits were based on fare or revenue from passenger that one flight would entitle that flyer to the same benefits as I have to work all year to get.
My point is: You are right, they don't get it, AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY!!!!!!
[This message has been edited by Matt Wald (edited 01-26-99).]