Airlines want MORE elites, not fewer. That's why they float all that easy plastic. Note, it's all "junior" levels, underscoring the present day reality that unless you reach top tier, you get very little.

I had a question as well about dillution of the elite level programs. I went to a couple of airline sales reps to find out more. Besides the overall "we treat all of our elite members the same", I did find out that many agents and staff have been known to look for Member Since Date. In case of any ties for upgrades on the waiting list, this factor could take into account. I know from experience Hilton looks at it and this differentiates us from the "Baby Golds".

------------------
"Fly me to the moon and let me earn alot of miles."

As I am new to the boards and haven't developed what I percieve as the requisite number of friends to post a contrary opinion, I shall, nevertheless, speak as I find.

I can understand that some elite status members are proud of their gold,platinum, diamond, or whatever level and resent (to some extent) others attaining status through prmotions. But isn't a reality check needed?

How many gained 100K from actually flying 100k miles in a calendar year on tickets paid for out of their own bank accounts? How many million members have attained that level without bonus miles from Amex or other cards? How many stayed 75 nights at a Marriott and ACTUALLY paid for it themselves? Then, how many traveled through business and the client actually paid after all expense accounts & reciepts were submitted?

I suggest that ONLY those individuals paying full fare coach, business & first class with their own money (not one dime reimbursed by anyone else) and those who payed the rack rate at preferred hotels out of their own pocket should have anything to complain about.

I understand that constant travel for work is grueling and those passengers deserve the perks their COMPANIES or CLIENTS are paying for. However, the condesention to others using promo codes is a bit absurd.

I worked for the US government and no matter how many flights I took, 1) I had to fly coach or pay the difference in the government rate 2) the FF miles were the property of the US government & they were VERY strict about making sure they got the miles and not employees.

Now, I have EARNED elite status on a few airlines for one reason only. I like to fly & I pay the price. Sure, I will take advantage of mileage runs (doing one to ZRH this weekend) and I will accept compensation for not boarding & then use the vochers to offset the cost future travel. I'll also do the surveys & take advantage of other crumbs the airlines pass out at times. But, I get the bulk of my miles the old fashioned way, I pay for the tickets.

As for the Hilton Gold deal, I took advantage of it and I am glad someone on the board made it public. But, Hilton isn't loosing a dime. Why? Because when I and other went to the website to sign up, we also surfed for rates, packages, and the like. As a result, I am taking advantage of the Egypt 7 night special. (I did the math & it really is a great deal) I'm also booked at a domestic location 5 nights next week. So, that's 12 nights off the bat, Hilton will get from me that they otherwise would not have if I hadn't gone to the site & signed up. (I would've been shacked up a Marriott instead) Moreover, I wasn't aware of Hilton's double dipping plan until I went to the site. Now, they have one new loyal customer for that very reason.

I am well aware that an all out campaign to vanquish me from the boards may arise after some read this. Or that future comments I post may be subject to nasty responses & questions left unanswered. Perhaps not. I, however, feel there is truth in my statments and just wanted to share those thoughts.

As an aside to the references to low revenue flyers, there is a reason coach seats more than business or first. Perhaps there's no way of truly knowing the shear numbers of those flying on upgrade (either requested or comp)and not at the APEX fare. But, I wager to guess that the former outways the later by degrees.

Dear Kira,

You are not alone on this board. Some others, such as myself, have taken a contrary opinion to those who have voiced concerns over the alleged dilution of HHonors. If you would like, you may do a search under my name on either the Hilton or Marriot boards to see what I am saying, as I have been defending this position for quite some time now.

BTW, I, too, saw the Hilton Egypt promotion, and I did a short post on it. My calculations indicated that I could roughly save at least $200 if I booked the hotels separately, notwithstanding the package deal. I think that you might agree.

Anyway, welcome to the board and always remember the Teachings of the Prophets!

It seems to me that we are all a bit hypocritical about this whole comping thing...

On one hand, I jumped all over the Hilton deal and even passed along the info to several of my travelling colleages. I was already silver (which I was comped at some time in the past) and began staying at more Hilton properties (especially now that Hampton is on board). Because of this offer, I will make sure to get my 4 stays in 90 days(50K!!) Will they get extended loyalty out of me? who knows...

On the other hand, Nothing gets me more ticked off about DL than hearing about them comping folks to gold/plat. I earned my plat staus this year, after years at silver/gold, and I expect there to be an increase in my upgradability. When I don't clear for an upgrade, I wonder if any of the folks in F were comped to their plat status...but I still fly DL anyway.

So, It seems to me that we all will ..... and moan about dilution of a program where we have made elite level, and we will sneak our way into a program where we are not already elite. I rarely fly NW, but could not pass up the opportunity to grab 10K quick miles by swithching around a few car rental/hotel bonus points.... We do this because it is fun. Plain and simple. If we did not enjoy trying to beat the system, we would not be spending so much free time checking out these boards.

Doc,

Thanks for the support. The reason that the Egypt package works for me is that it does not end until 12/31 and no blackout dates. I am traveling during high season and the rate is much more expensive. Plus, it is the per person rate that is important. If I were traveling with a non-existant spouse, charge, or alone, I'd be paying the total room rate. As I am traveling with a friend (who is reponsible for her half) 7 nights at those properties for $445 is a good deal.

Free Publicity!!!!!!

Don't you all see it. With a million bucks they couldn't buy ads this good. Aimed at the frequent traveller, and the wanabees.

I'll bet that if there were actuall shareholders of these companies out there, we'd here thanks and praise. Buy some of their stocks and then see their side. Comping is good business. Some will stay some won't.

Increasing hotel stays for points?
Flying to Timbuktu and back for no reason but miles, Q miles, bonuses...etc.
(Yes I have done it and will continue to , I'm nuts too!!)

What CEO would complain.

It is good business.

People don't have loyalty. Plat, Gold... some of you have shown contempt at someone else's businees practices. If you are so willing to leave through spite, maybee you were bound to anyway and this just sped things up. Businesses need new customers.

Good business & Priceless advertizing...WOW
Actually, I'm impressed.

KiraNarise --

I did not figure into that mix high season without blackout dates! As a new Gold, you should also get an upgrade.

As to your friend, I think only 1 person is eligible for the HHonors points. Well, if it is only you congrats! However, that's a bit "Cardassian," wouldn't you say?