Thanks for the link essxjay. Unfortunately I'm getting an internal server error (404 I believe) with it and could not yet find the history here.

Link doesn't work for me...

Try this:
http://x43.deja.com/[ST_rn=md]/getdoc.xp?AN=538240135&CONTEXT=942811803.124131738 5&

Thanks Jeff. Seem that the bottom line is simply to complain mightily to NWA regarding the change.

While is is tempting to me to let this thread lay there...
JeffLewis2 had some comments/questions and I feel I should try
and respond.

1) "Why now, why immediately?"
I can't share the numbers with you, but they were of the jaw-dropping
variety. Keep in mind also that this is a revenue dilution issue and
not a revenue displacement issue. I am somewhat chagrined to say
that the word "revelation" is pretty accurate. It would never
be WorldPerks' first choice to do something like this with so little
notice.

2)"...a few seats be allocated for upgrade..."
Maybe sometime down the road. Adding additional inventory
buckets is a huge project - 6-12 months worth of work for
programmer types. I agree that it would be helpful if we could
manage the upgrade awards this way.

3) "...current competitive analysis of its WBC product..."
We have fallen behind the competition and we need to make improvements.
I believe many will be forthcoming in the next year.

4) "...upgrade miles just devalued..."
I can understand that you would feel this way. I don't necessarily
agree, though.

We do feel that the current upgrade mileage pricing is competitive
with other carriers.

You have a very good point, JeffLewis2, when you say "...it's the
customer who ultimately dictates revenue." The most impactful
statement on this issue may be the one made with the wallet as
opposed to the call made to Rick Dow. In the meantime, if there
is any "middle ground", WorldPerks will try to find it.

MJW:

Thank you for addressing/answering the questions. Much appreciated.

Jeff

Yes, thanks MJW, but on or off relects a kind of digital logic/thinking. That's fine for microchips, but does not relect, IMHO, any middle ground or desirable human qualities.

NW had FF's earn miles under one set of rules and then subsequently forced redemption under another set of rules- plain and simple. That of course is their right as stated in their rules.

I wish they had taken a more understanable middle ground - with a brief but highly meaningful "phase in" period!

i

[This message has been edited by lonman (edited 05-16-2000).]

And now it appears with aircraft running nearly 90% full that NWA Asian/Transpacific routes will also go this more restrictive route and prohibit upgrading using miles on discounted coach/econmy fares as well. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

You got a link to this? The other thread that mentioned this, I thought they said capacity controls would be the new restriction, not fare class.