----- Original Message ----- From: "Dennis W Zeuch" <DZTOPS@aol.com> To: <AIRLINE@LISTSERV.CUNY.EDU> Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2001 17:27 Subject: Re: AmericaWest > In a message dated 12/19/01 11:23:22 PM !!!First Boot!!!, > stepan-ilych@multipro.com writes: > > << Unless you're an HP, NW, or CO elite who may wind up sitting in economy > because of this, of course. I c >> > Wouldnt they have the same chance? Depends on when HP processes its upgrades, as I said. If HP waits until 2 hrs before checkin to clear upgrades (as NW seems to do now), and the revenue upgrades can be purchased before that, and the program is very successful, there'll be little incentive for elites to continue flying HP. They can either switch to NW or CO on shared routes (and where their elite status will still enable upgrades) or get their status comped with a competitor. > Or do they want it for free? Depends on your definition of 'free'. If you consider flying 30, 60, or 90 segments annually with one carrier - possibly paying higher fares, flying at less-convenient times, and/or taking connecting flights over nonstops - because of the airline's frequent flyer benefits to be nothing, then yes. I disagree. > If they are really such important 'big shots' they should just buy the tickets Elite-level flyers flying on business are very often subject to budget constraints and can't pay the extra $100 to $300 r/t on top of the $1500.00 ticket they've just purchased. And then there are the elites who pay for their own tickets by booking far in advance, whether small-business owners or people who fly for personal reasons, and simply can't justify the extra costs. Why should these people have any loyalty to HP once their prime benefits are gone? Steven