You know that I’m not a fan of the “unlimited complimentary” upgrade to first class schemes. They create unlimited demand for a very limited product, and are of course offered on a space-available basis. That said, if you ask a bunch of frequent fliers why they bother with elite status, I have to think that upgrades are going to be at the top of the list for many, if not most. Last night, I checked in for my flight at the 24 hour mark and was greeted with a screen I haven’t seen in a while.
For a mere $199.00, this Platinum Medallion could “secure first class now” on a roughly 1 hour flight. No thanks. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely support airlines in selling their product for whatever price people are willing to pay. However, I sometimes find myself wondering if there is a tipping point where the focus on selling something to you that you might otherwise get for “free” begins to impact a frequent flier’s psyche? Is there a point where it’s just not worth being “elite” anymore? I must not be there yet, because I probably would have bought this if it were priced under $100. $99? $59? I don’t know.
Frequent fliers, how do you feel about the practice of first class monetization? Does it bother you in some way or impact your purchase decisions? Do you find yourself buying first class more often? Comments welcome.
-MJ, September 23, 2015
I love it. Going to be moving to an airport with more options and if I can buy an upgrade at a reasonable price who needs to worry about being elite on one airline.
DL is simply doing what AA/US started doing earlier this year. And while I agree w/the idea of a company being in business to make money, they have also adopted the idea that I, an AA EXP, should be loyal to the company but the company doesn’t feel it owes me any loyalty in return. THAT is the biggest problem-they want my money but don’t want my business & those are 2 very different things. One day there will be grown ups in charge again who will understand that, but until then, I agree-no point in chasing status anymore in… Read more »
Former AA EXP here. Now am nothing.
I will pay for an upgrade if the flight is long enough. My logic being I am not paying nearly as much out of pocket as I used to, so it all comes out even in the end.
FCM can be useful. For example, I fly IAD/EWR to NRT on United usually on a full Y fare. My employer won’t pay for business 🙁 and my GPUs/mileage upgrades do not always clear (1k). If there is only 1/2 seats left and I’m #4 on the upgrade list I will almost always buy the seat using United’s FCM. It’s usually $499.. which for a 14 hour flight is not a bad deal. It’s worth it to me only if I know I won’t get the “free” upgrade on that segment.