FTers seem to be split in two camps.
#1- The airlines are hurting, low fare FFers aren't important.

#2- Take care of your FFers, they are your survival.

Having read thousands of posts since 1998, I still don't understand Group #1. I am a Certifed Financial Planner and do understand business and marketing. I comprehend #1s arguments, but I don't see it.


In the next month, I will fly MIA or FLL to NYC, MIA or FLL to JAX, and MIA or FLL to TPA or MCO. Currently AA is my choice carrier and I am PLAT. (NYC trip has ISP and closest airport.)

Without the FF program, there is no way I would be looking at AA for any of these trips. WN flies to ISP for much less.

AA refuses to believe that they compete with WN, since WN does not fly out of FLL. However, I am almost equidistant between the two airports. WN FLL - JAX can be had for UNDER $100 while AA MIA-JAX is over $300.

My question to FTers in Group #1. If I can't get any benefits for flying AA when it is not convenient and more expensive, then why should I even look.

(BTW- it does not matter of it is AA, UA etc.
FF programs for elite are loyalty programs. "Give us $$ we would not normally get, and we will reward with with perks".)

Everyone of us is looking at some dilution of benefits. When the benefits no longer warrant, we will stop being loyal.

And, before someone takes a hit at us MRs, remember, if the airlines were selling all of the NYC-LAX seats for $500, they would not be offering $198 RTs. We can only take advantage of MRs because the planes are not full.

And how quickly we forget. Many of us Fters, were the first people back in the air after 9/11, because we suppport the airlines and America. When War breaks out, the FFers will be the ones still flying. I hope the airlines remember that.

I am also aware that a number airlines that you may defend, may not be around in another 18 months.