SkyMiles changes in article
 

SkyMiles changes were discussed in a business section article today. Some seem pleased:

http://www.sptimes.com/2003/01/05/Bu...ten_up_o.shtml

You should post this article on the MilesBuzz board. It applies to all of the airlines.

"Medallion members flying on the cheapest coach seats tote up fewer miles toward their elite status than before, but they now will be able to upgrade into first class at no extra cost if seats are available. "

I seemed to have missed that on the new rules list....no cost?????? Segment upgrades arent free......

With apologies to anyone in the media, its been my experience that most of them are bone idle when it comes to doing any work on their own. You will see the same source quoted over and over again. If delta tells them that the sheeple are happy with the changes, thats what gets printed. Our challenge is to be the quoted source. Its obvious for business reasons Randy cant do it. Does anyone have any personal contacts within the print/media.

Gannet is absolutely right - an editor gets the assignment, has a 2 day turnaround and gets most, if not all of the story from a few industry sources sometimes using "interviews" set up by these same sources. That is especially true when reporting a seemingly benign story like this.

The system isn't as innocuous as it seems. Although most editorial staffs are fiercely independent and unbiased, there is a constant behind the scenes battle between editorial and publishing (who is responsible for generating income). Publishing often has at least some say in what gets published - but to a point.

Airlines spend big ad dollars and media is hesitant to piss them off. Still, the best way to deal with misinformation promulgated by corporate spinmeisters is to deluge the paper with letters. This will sometimes tell them that there is more to the story and will spur an additional article. It will also get the attention of a higher up - like the managing editor or Ed. in Chief. Bottom line, someone get the papers email address and let's give them a slightly different and more realistic perspective...