Everyone is assuming the extremes. Someone who flies only leisure fares and becomes the highest level elite is a small minority, and someone who only flies full fare first class/coach but will choose whatever airline is most convenient at the time.

In reality most people are a mix. For example, I act like the former when I fly out of Cleveland and take USAirways connection rather than the Continental nonstop. I act like the latter when I pay full fare on USAirways to get their non-stop.

Am I more important to the airline than the person who ONLY flies on the cheapest fares (but is always loyal?) Probably ... I exhibit the same loyalty as this person but I generate more revenue.

Am I more important to the airline than the person who pays more but shows no loyalty? Maybe, maybe not. I'm sure the airline does profiling to figure this out.

I think the reality, despite whatever people might think is that airlines do view us as revenue streams. Whether we are gushing periodically or a steady trickle distinguishes us and computers at each airline probably spend some time figuring out our value to the airline. And in the end it's up to them.

I agree... I spend about $14,000 - 15,000 a year on mixed flights...

They have varied from a $1600 cross country flight vs a $168 Shuttle flight from LAX-PDX. What can I say.... It is all part of the game. Sometimes you buck up at the last minute, and when you do.. your loyalty will make you give the $1200-2000 to the airline who is repaying your loyalty.... makes sense to me.. as in all relationshps, give and take