This thread is about a "Quick Fix" so let's discuss that. But first, we need to define the "problem" that is being fixed.

If the only problem NW has is how to generate more $$$, then the quick fix is to raise the fares. But I think most of the problem lies in the fact that there has been an explosion in the number of Elites this year, due to the Double EQM promo match that was recklessly entered into last Fall.

So, if all of a sudden you now have a lot more "best customers", the natural reaction should not be to screw all of them. It should be to take care of all of them and keep them coming back again and again. Simply expand the "Elite Seating" area to accomodate all of them. Add a couple more rows to the Preferred Seating section, and maybe add all of the aisle seats also. Then continue to let those seats go to your best customers: your Elites AND those who have paid Y fares. That has always been the rule, so why change it now. Just add enough seats in that "Preferred Section" to accomodate the demand.

This might mean that the folks who bought $89 all-in tickets for CMH-DTW-ORD (as cited in another thread on this topic) might not be able to sit together. In fact, they might not even be able to select their seats until they check-in at a kiosk at the airport. (Does that sound a little like WN, or what?) Who cares, since they are only flying NW because of the cheap fare, and will wander to another airline next time if the price is $1 less. These are the stupid non-loyal customers who will fly on XX airline just because it is a little cheaper, even if they have to sit in some airport for 6 hours between connecting flights. They'll never understand that there is a price:value relationship, so let's not even worry about them. The best customers, no matter how many of them there are, MUST be taken care of!

Now, how simple is that??????