Question to all the complainers out there... If it costs US -- or any other carrier -- 1¢ per mile the 500 minimum represents $5 out of its pocket. If most of this mileage is earned flying on fares that are in the $50-$100 range, does it make economic sense for US to be taking a 5%-10% hit on revenue just for FF miles? This is another cost that needs to be gotten control of, and this move is a very sensible one. COS bonus will raise the earnings for those paying F fares, and perhaps US will ultimately move in the direction of many other carriers who have a variable mileage return based on fare, where higher fares get full mileage, lower ones a discounted level.

Time to wake up and smell the coffee...