Have been a CO FF since 1993, and have in the last 10 years been either silver or gold status with CO. 2006 and 2007, I have done 128 segments and 142 segments each year respectively.

2008, however will be an entirely different story. In the first 5 months, have only put 2 segments on the account, returning from New Year's holidays. The nature of my biz has changed, and I am not leaping around the country like a gazelle. 2009 will be an entirely different year - and back over 100 segments expected.

Aside from doing a mileage run, (which I have been known to do, generally before a long-haul and before PLAT kicks in) has anyone ever appealed to CO about their elite status, and loosing it entirely? Anyone ever had any success before?

i dont think that there any soft landings at CO

If you are close by years end (and I mean really close - 500 miles) then an appeal can be made.

Really from CO standpoint, they dont know if you are flying UA or hanging around the house. You might need a few mileage runs to remanin any type of elite. If you drop to silver then at least you get the benefits of the Blue Carpet.

I am trying to figure out what plat means to me now - upgrades are hard to come by on most of my flights. I get a mileage bonus and rewards seats are very marginally easier to get. Wait time on hold is minimal. Other than that...............

I'm sure somewhere along the way, someone has been able to do this but if this board is any indication it happens very, very rarely if at all. I guess I agree with the policy even with your formidable history - only because once they open that door, everyone wants to run thru it and plead their case. It's just easier (and fairer I guess) to have a consistent policy.

I was wondering that too at the end of last year. I'm a "fly by the seat of the pants" person - and if the door isn't shut when I get there - I've spent too much time in the airport. I flew IAH-MSY-IAH at least once or twice a week - and after the first three months of this in MSY - the gate agents knew not to give my first class seat away.

But - the mileage bonuses are great - the service is stellar. Was also AA Gold for a couple of years and AA IMHO is no comparison.

Priority when flights are canceled or you need to be re-routed and the #1 reason to achieve plat...... the reclining exit row. That is THE ONLY reason I remain so faithful to CO.