This article from NYTimes.com has been sent to you by psa188@xxxxxxxxx /-------------------- advertisement -----------------------\ Explore more of Starbucks at Starbucks.com. http://www.starbucks.com/default.asp?ci=1015 \----------------------------------------------------------/ For Frequent Fliers, Upgrades Depend on How Much the Ticket Cost July 1, 2003 By JOE SHARKEY ALMOST everything you read in travel columns about frequent-flier miles is focused on the availability (or more often unavailability) of point redemptions for free trips. But judging from heavy reader response to a recent column on the subject, business travelers overwhelmingly see their miles as representing a much different form of currency. To them, miles are accumulated primarily to acquire the widely lusted-after complementary upgrade from steerage to first class. But there is growing concern that the whole system - in which passengers scramble to fly a certain number of miles a year to qualify for membership in elite-status programs that offer free upgrades to first class, depending on availability - is beginning to look a lot like a pyramid scheme. Many business travelers, while still jumping through hoops to achieve or maintain elite status, wonder if the whole system isn't bound to collapse one day under its own groaning weight. Here are some excerpts from reader responses: "Yes, a thousand times yes, I am putting a lot of effort into qualifying for the first-class upgrades," wrote Lisa Nicotra, a doctor from Minneapolis who flies enough each year to maintain the lowest-level elite status on Northwest Airlines. To achieve elite status, passengers must reach a mileage level - typically 25,000 for the lowest level, 50,000 for the middle tier and 75,000 or more for the highest. On most airlines, all miles flown by a passenger, even those paying rock-bottom fares, count. But in December, Delta Air Lines alarmed many frequent fliers by announcing that those paying the highest fares would get credit in its SkyMiles elite-status program for twice the number of miles flown, while those paying the cheapest fares would be awarded less credit per mile. ( Air Canada took a similar step in May; and today, point reductions for those flying at sharp discounts go into effect at British Airways.) Some business travelers who pride themselves on finding cheap fares and still qualifying for upgrades denounce such changes in the rules of the game - changes they fear will be copied by domestic airlines. "I fly every week and have maintained top-elite status on Northwest and Delta for the past four years," Russell Sipes wrote. "Delta lost me as a passenger the day they changed their frequent-flier rules. If these larger airlines continue this trend toward punishing the frequent, but cheap, fliers, they will see a mass exodus toward the discount carriers. If they think they are losing market share now, just try to take my first-class seat." Eric Fenster, who belongs to Continental's elite-status program, said that airlines need to hear this message loud and clear about any notions of changing their programs to give greater benefits to passengers who provide the most revenue while reducing benefits to those who fly the same number of miles, but at cheaper fares. "Just one sentence repeated over and over: If you switch from miles to revenue, that will end my loyalty incentive," he said. . Still, on many domestic flights now, with elite-status passengers typically outnumbering the available first-class seats, the amount a passenger has paid for a fare is factored in to determine who has priority. Donald K. Wilson, who said he usually flies out of Continental's big hub in Newark (where it has no competition, incidentally, from discount carriers like JetBlue and Southwest), credited Continental with doing a "terrific job" of delivering on its upgrade awards. But he also noted that as the upgrade game becomes more complex, frequent fliers accustomed to routine invitations to the first-class cabin are learning that the fare they pay inevitably has an influence, even on carriers that still provide equal-status miles to passengers on the cheapest fares. Qualifying is one thing; actually getting the upgrade on a flight that has a long queue of qualified passengers for a few first-class seats is another, he said. Rita Murray agreed. "I am not bothered in the least if I have to purchase a full-fare coach ticket to facilitate an upgrade," she wrote, adding: "I am totally uninterested in using my frequent flier miles to obtain a free coach ticket. For me, it's upgrades all the way." Adam Bialow, a member of Continental's midlevel Gold Elite program, wrote that an upgrade to first class - which he usually gets in off-peak hours - is "extremely important" to him and that, "without a chance of upgrade on a discounted fare, I have no incentive to be loyal to Continental." Sharon L. Adcock, who described herself as a member of United Airlines' highest elite level, which requires 100,000 miles a year, wrote that first-class upgrades were basically a means to work better when traveling. In the past, there was an element of luxury in first class, but that is gone on domestic flights, she said, adding: "Now, with cutbacks in first class, you're lucky to get a meal, and forget the Champagne. You basically get a better seat." A good number of readers addressed the perception among less-frequent fliers that the clamor for upgrades to first class gives off the unpleasant smell of class warfare. "For frequent air travelers, first class represents much more than cushy transportation and free booze," Todd Albright wrote. "First class represents a productive working environment (including quick entry and exit for those heavily on the go)." He added: "Class warfare in the travel sense has nothing to do with economic strata. It has to do with travel frequency, which, in my experience, begets knowledge. In this sense, first-class upgrades are simply another airline tool for stratifying those who know how to travel from those who may not." http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/01/business/01ROAD.html?ex=1058069199&ei=1&en=8796a11fcc67767d --------------------------------- Get Home Delivery of The New York Times Newspaper. Imagine reading The New York Times any time & anywhere you like! Leisurely catch up on events & expand your horizons. Enjoy now for 50% off Home Delivery! 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