First of all, the statement of elite growth in our opinion reflects some basis in fact, but also manipulation of the numbers and does not take into account the mass defection of elites which began AFTER the res migration and other assorted meltdowns.

Our data indicates that the AVERAGE FFOCUS member spent $18-20K on US last year, with about 60% over $20K. Now this is based on 365 responses out of 850 members, but it can be extrapolated somewhat.

The problem goes beyond the numbers. Many elites are mad as hell and are not going to take it any more. Out of those same 365 responses, when asked for preference in other airline, only 28 said they planned on staying with US.

Please note that this was before many of the problems began to get worse.

We don't have a crystal ball, but we suspect that yields will be down in the next quarterly report, and so will profits. As long as the operational problems continue, and management fails to address them, the situation will continue to decline.

Something is up in Tempe-they are spending alot of time NOT addressing the problems with the operation.....I would imagine the talk of further consolidation is not far off the mark.

Like many others I have moved on. I have spent approximately $9,000 in airline tickets just this week, and guess how much went to US? For the record, $ $6900 to CO and $2075 to AA.

There is a price to be paid for poor service. This is just the beginning.