Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-OnePass reward names will be changed. Cigarman hinted at such at the last mini-do; we'll probably see something like Standard (formerly Easypass) and Restricted Saver (formerly standard.)
I wonder why they would change the names. They've spent many years branding the current names. Is there a reason to change the name?
Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-OnePass awards and upgrade mileage will go up. I suspect transoceanic rewards, including flights to Hawaii, will increase ..probably by 10-25k miles.
It wouldn't surprise me; though I think that people would have a legitimate beef if the "price" went up, but the availability remained the same.
Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-As posted in the DL forum, Continental/Delta will swap reciprocal elite upgrades, giving DL passengers the opportunity to fly in F on CO and vice versa.
I am excited about the prospects for such an arrangement. I have started to look at DL's FF program in more detail. The fact that DL offers a way to get elite-for-life is appealing to me. I could still fly CO, but benefit from DL's better program. DL has SWU's too.
Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-Upgrade priorities will change across CO/NW/DL with that metal's carrier clearing all of their Platinum/Gold/Silver before clearing the other carrier's Platinum/Gold/Silver.
I'd be surprised if CO elects this option. If the intent is to discourage FFer's from NW (and maybe DL), then I can see the carrier select this option.
Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-Platinums (or better) will be able to get a confirmed upgrade to BF on any paid Y fare on transoceanic travel, excluding Hawaii. I think this is why you see an new/different R class popping up on such routes starting January 8.
Interesting idea; I can definitely see this option kick in. I would also like to see CO piggy back on the Z fare: when the Z fares for BF overseas are offered, also offer a coach fare at the same--or even slightly elevated price--but let people automatically upgrade to BF. Many companies do not allow people to buy a J fare, so CO should help its customers out!
Originally Posted by Weatherboy
-I think '07 will be the year we see CO unveil a category above Platinum. At the last Do's in Houston, there was a lot of "we're looking into it" being said by the CO folks. I think they're done looking into it and will do something about it next year.
Now that would be an interesting idea. We'll all have to stay tuned to see what happens.
Thanks for this interesting post.