This deal reaffirms what Delta doesn't seem to understand, business and government alike are looking at all ways to reduce their administrative cost. What was once a given that folks would select Champagne (Delta, United, American)over Budweiser (Air Tran, Southwest, Blue), is not a fair assumption any more. For the next 3 to 5 years, company's will hold to cost management as their mantra, and for those who are allowed to travel, they will be forced to utilize the most cost effective means to get to, and stay at their destinations.

Frequent Flyer programs are only effective when corporations don't require specific travel behaviors. Delta's lack of MM wide Double base-miles promo, is a clear indicator that they don't understand the financial forces that are going to cause them incredible strain and pain over the next half decade.

DL needs to do anything and everything in their power to retain ALL customers. When the planes were fuller then capacity a year and a half or so ago, and there weren't enough seats to go around, then the Georgia decision would have been no big deal. Under the current climate, DL is crying about losing this revenue, as with the current capacity being way underutilized, Fan Fare tickets are better then empty seats.