bocastephen, you're certainly entitled to that opinion ... I don't know one way or another whether the DL/CO/NW code-share is likely to be approved (I kinda hope not, because as a UA FF I can use DL as a last resort -- something that would likely go away under that arrangement).

But, when it comes right down to it, there are only two ways to restrict frequent-flyer programs:

(1) Limit how you can earn (and/or qualify), or
(2) Limit how you can burn.

DL was at the forefront of (2) with their LUser / inSULT policy. NW and CO have versions of the same, limited to international flights.

US tried (1), but had to pull back under a firestorm of criticism.

DL is the first airline to try to place some limitations both on (1) and (2).

Will it work? I don't know. What I do know is that the airlines have caught on to one simple fact: The "something for nothing" approach -- a la AA and UA (to a certain extent), and most egregious of all NW and CO domestically -- costs the airlines money. So it will change. Bank on it.

Mook

[This message has been edited by Mook (edited 12-13-2002).]