<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
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I believe that FF programs actually cause a significant decrease in the efficiency of the airline industry. If I want to fly, for example, between BOS and SLC, the carrier that can get me there at the least cost to itself is Delta, with its nonstop flights. But if I were a UA FF, I would fly to ORD or DEN and connect. I would have to be handled twice and far more fuel and other resources would be needed to move my same butt from BOS to SLC on UA than on DL. The converse is true if I were flying from BOS to SFO... UA could get me there more efficiently than DL with an inherent connection.
What would happen if everyone took the flights that were the most efficient? How much money could be saved by the industry, the passengers (extra time, misconnects)and the government (less ATC resources would be needed!)?</font>
The only disadvantage is pricing, not operations. FF programs reduce competition on price and scheduling.
It does not require far more fuel to fly you BOS-ORD-SLC than BOS-SLC. I don't have exact numbers in front of me, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's actually less fuel. The reason is that the longer the flight, the higher the average load of fuel on that flight. Carrying around more fuel increases weight and thus fuel burn. In other words, after a certain point, flying longer burns more fuel, not less.
Also, for an airline that is not very small, hub-and-spoke is a much more efficient system than all non-stops. Southwest's route system is efficient for operations, but it usually requires a stop if you're not going a long distance.
For the big airlines, the choice is whether to have a few large hubs (UA ORD and DEN) or many small hubs (WN HOU, PHX, LAS, MDW, MCI, ...)
Besides, Delta doesn't fly BOS to SLC just to fly you to visit Salt Lake City. SLC is a Delta hub, meaning other people are changing planes while you leave the airport.
Other than it effect on price competition, I don't think FF programs inject inefficiency. After all, most people (sane people, that is) will choose an airline that is not their preferred carrier when the price is right.