OK, a couple of thoughts.

I expect to see many more empty seats in F domestically (or more non-revs). Even though we can now upgrade LUT, do the math. If I earn a measly 4 500-MSU for flying 10K, then I need to fly 10K just to upgrade one BOS-ATL RT. I need to fly 30K to upgrade BOS-LAX RT! (requires 6 each way!)

Oh, and thanks DL, for generously allowing me to upgrade a companion with my MSUs! So now if I have a companion joining me on my BOS-LAX RT, I need to fly 60K miles to get us both all set up. Fabulous! No more NAMUs to solve this problem, either.

So, due to the above math, I expect to see lots more empty F seats.


A few more thoughts, some mentioned above, sorry for repetition:

What happens with Amex 10K? I have already earned a bonus of 10K base miles that should be deposited upon my March renewal. That had better become 10K MQM, or they've breached, IMO.

What about the 10/15-12/15 base miles towards 2004 program? In truth, this is a small issue. For me personally, I could only gain by getting extra credit for expensive tix in that time frame, as I had no LUTs. But what about for those who had lots of LUTs. However, I say it is a small issue because we are all promised GM for 2004 as per the new rules. My 10/15-12/15 plus Amex bonus just about gets me to GM under the old system. Not sure if I care to strive for PM again.

Personally, my qualifying for levels won't be hindered much. I fly enough YBM to counter the LUT. In fact, it would give me incentive to fly award tix rather than LUT. What really changes for me personally is what that PM is worth. With the new domestic upgrade program that I will face in 2004, I don't really have much incentive to go for PM. I might as well start choosing more convenient flights than being loyal to DL.

Oh, one bit of genius on the part of DL/McK is that for many of us, and especially the most valuable (PM), we won't see much difference until 2004. We have incentive to stick around 12 months. So we have no immediate incentive to run away for awhile. And by 12/03, all other majors will have responded.

As is obvious from my post and others, this is an issue that affects each person a bit differently. For a few people, there is some upside. For most, there is big downside. The downside for each of us is a bit unique from one another. That is what makes the reading on these threads interesting... to see how each is affected a bit differently.

Again, I think I will ride out 2003 and enjoy my privileges for the last time. I'll be able to tell the grandkids about the "good old days" when I never saw the back of the bus.

Edited to add a thanks to "Taylor" (UDH), who is a constant source of news, even when the news is disappointing. He/she once again shows that DL employees are the tops, even if we resent management strategies. Thanks UDH, for giving us the early heads up, and for the little "survey" hint you dropped yesterday.

[This message has been edited by andymo99 (edited 12-11-2002).]