KLM and CO are competitors. The purpose of a FF program is to create loyalty and distinguish your airline from the competition.

I don't see CO offering free upgrades until KLM does the same. This would remove the incentive to remain loyal to CO's program.

How much loyalty is created when you give free benefits to your competition and they do nothing in return? If all FF programs offered their particular benefits to competitors, all programs would become homogenized and remove the incentive for loyalty.

I am an elite member of both programs. Therefore, I have "no axe to grind." When KLM and CO compete, I will choose CO because of the unlimited upgrades. CO won my loyalty.

Threy, in your situation, it might be best to choose NW over CO. Isn't that what KLM wants you to do? KLM won your loyalty...



[This message has been edited by fetchem (edited 01-25-2002).]