I am well aware of this, which is why I used [points] for AA so as not to imply they are lowering mileage earning on low fares, which I know they are not. My point was that UA is not penalizing people on making elite status for flying on low fares. When it comes to AA, I am aware they are not penalizing on miles, but they do offer a way to make elite without having to fly a certain amount of miles. However, if you fly in low fares, you will have to fly more to earn enough points to make elite. This is a penalty, even if for many (most) people it is negated by their ability to earn full mileage credit for all segments flown, regardless of fare paid.

But I probably just should have used DL since both they and UA use that alone to determine elite status so as to ensure I prevented confusion.

[This message has been edited by SEA_Tigger (edited 02-08-2003).]