I don't want to say "I told you so," but ....

As I mentioned near the top of this thread, I think the enlightenment on the part of the airlines that certain fares should count more than others towards FF status is long overdue.

Unfortunately, the way in which U has chosen to act out the policy is sheer idiocy. I mean -- and I'm normally not one for ad hominem attacks -- it takes a special kind of stupid to come up with this plan.

What if their announcement were instead to have read as follows?

"As of January 1, 2003, qualification for Silver, Gold, or Chairman's Preferred will be earned based on qualifying points, rather than miles.

One point per dollar spent, plus one point per mile flown, will be earned for paid trips in First and Business class.

One point per dollar spent, plus one-half point per mile flown, will be earned for paid trips in refundable Coach.

One point per dollar spent will be earned for trips in non-refundable Coach.

In one fell swoop, you've effectively ended the practice of qualifying for status via cheap, non-refundable tickets, just as with today's announcement. The math would be simple: You could drop the requirements from 25/50/100K down to 15/30/60K and still ensure that practically every elite had spent at least $15,000 per year with your airline.

Is there something I'm missing with this approach?

Mook