I understand your point, and I completely agree that sometimes the negativity and complaining on this board gets out of hand - and I'm by no way saying I'm innocent myself.

What must be realized is that there is a happy medium that US Airways has to achieve. I understand that by giving away too much, they lose money, but by not having any perks, they lose customers, and lose money.

My own business/personal travel exclusively on US Airways has led me or my company to spend more than $5400 since June 1 of this year. I also use a US Airways credit card exclusively, and have had status for several years. I'm sure the tens of thousands of dollars I've spent (or my company has spent) were welcomed by US during the two bankrupcies. So you must understand that I disagree with you when you say I shouldn't complain about not getting upgraded or not getting enough "free stuff." My upgrades are hardly free.

That being said, you are correct that it would be wrong to just continue to give away more and more things and lose money that way. But you'll notice that very few posts on this board are expecting new perks - we're just upset that the few that survived the two bankrupcies are now being taken away even though the airline is relatively healthy.

I'm not asking for more F seats - I'm just asking for them to keep the ones they've got. I'm not asking for a higher bonus, I'm just asking for the 100% GP bonus I've always gotten. I'm not asking for even more miles when purchasing a Y fare - I just want to continue to be rewarded for spending $1200 on a last minute EWR-TRI trip with a few more miles than I would have gotten for spending $400 a few weeks earlier on the identical seat.

Also, I applaud the new employee-centered vision (ala Southwest) you describe at US. For too long have the employees - of many airlines - been stamped out. But - where would employees be without loyal customers like myself who are enticed and given incentive to buy full Y tickets every week? Saying "let them go to other airlines" is hardly a sound business decision.

I also beg to differ with this line.. "expanding company with happy employees and a good product that delivers what a majority of customers really want and not just what the elite want." What good are happy employees with no customers? And should you really be impressing the majority of your customers - or the majority of your spenders? I hate to say it - but what the elite want is what makes them make up such a huge chunk of your revenue. There's a reason why many MANY airlines are spending a ton upgrading their C and F cabins, clubs etc. while leaving coach be or downgrading it.

It's always nice reading and employee' point of view! Thanks for posting.