<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RustyC:
I think the fatal flaw in recent approaches by USAir and Delta (with insULT fares) is this: It locks out any CHANCE of a domestic upgrade for elites. If you're on the "wrong" fare you can be certain of not getting to fly up front, even if they're flying empty seats there rather than upgrading you.
That's my spiel...flame away...</font>
I wouldn't call this a flame, but you obviously don't understand the changes US has made, because they've specifically said the changes have no affect on Preferred benefits, including upgrading the fares that are now further restricted in other ways (see
FAQ on new changes). Those that can remain elite on US if the changes stay in place (God forbid) will actually benefit greatly from the thinning of the elite ranks, especially considering US is already one of the most generous in upgrade policies (for elites and general members).