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Dividend Miles benefits returning

This is probably one of the last statements I will make on the topic of US Airways and its treatment of elite customers, but this is my rant regarding the reversal of the mileage minimum and elite bonus miles, which was precipitated by loss of elite revenue and US Airways' need to fall in line with CO and UA.

I want to thank all of the employees who made my ride on this carrier bearable through good times and bad.

November 20, 2008

Dear US Airways,

I am a 20-year member of Dividend Miles and had been part of US Airways’ history from Piedmont, to US Air, to US Airways, and to this merger between US Airways and America West. Since 1998 I have held elite status – Preferred Plus, Gold Preferred, Chairman’s Preferred, and Platinum Preferred. I weathered two bankruptcies prior to this merger. And despite any issues that I may have encountered previously, the former versions of this company still knew not to bite the hand that fed them, their loyal frequent fliers, the customers they could count on to return time and time again through both prosperous and challenging economic times.

The last three years have seen the withering away of the US Airways I used to love, from the reduction of first class cabins and services, the removal of class-of-service bonuses, the addition of more fees than any other American carrier, a lack of respect for both employees and customers, and the removal of the Preferred Qualification mileage minimums and Preferred bonuses.

The first purpose of this letter is to thank you for rescinding the decision to take away the 500-mile minimum and the elite bonus miles for those few who elect to continue doing business with you.

However, it is truly unfortunate that it took the company seven and four months respectively to realize that these decisions were slaps in the face to your most loyal and high-revenue customers. Believe it or not, it is not just about the chance of upgrades, it is about flying a carrier that offers the total package of value, quality service, and loyalty benefits.

Therefore, it is with great sadness that I must tell you that this reversal came too late for me. I already moved on to Delta and Northwest this year, where I felt valued as a customer, where services and benefits have remained at a level with which I am comfortable, and where if flying coach, I do not have to pay for a basic, non-alcoholic beverage.

Perhaps this is the beginning of a movement towards a better US Airways, but I will not be a part of the journey. You lost me early on when you failed to recognize and appreciate the value of customer loyalty such as mine.

Regretfully,
DrBeth
 
And thank the economy, too. :down:

I'm sure that there are alot of people who would have flown US regardless of their expected mileage earnings......but either their companies have put the kibosh on "unnecessary" travel, or they have much bigger problems going on in their lives......or both.

The pool of travelers is shrinking.
 
And thank the economy, too. :down:

I'm sure that there are alot of people who would have flown US regardless of their expected mileage earnings......but either their companies have put the kibosh on "unnecessary" travel, or they have much bigger problems going on in their lives......or both.

The pool of travelers is shrinking.

Bingo. This, IMO, is why such drastic steps were taken, in hopes of other airlines matching. Again, I do not believe that any company executives would take great pleasure in taking away benefits if they were not worried about their companies long term viability. Did they overreact, or was it just a foretelling of things to come? we shall see....

The pool of biz travelers is indeed shrinking, and I think it is, unfortunately, just beginning.
 
The pool of biz travelers is indeed shrinking, and I think it is, unfortunately, just beginning.
And the pool of US business is shrinking the most....helped along by decisions of those at the top and some of those at the bottom saying variations of "If you don't like it just leave."

So - business passengers left....

Jim
 
And the pool of US business is shrinking the most....helped along by decisions of those at the top and some of those at the bottom saying variations of "If you don't like it just leave."

So - business passengers left....

Jim

So did leisure passengers, because US's nickel-and-diming practices are the most......extensive....in the industry.

My brother, sister-in-law and nephew flew US from LAX-PHL-AVP on Wednesday. I called him yesterday, and the very first thing he said, without my having to ask, was "US Airways is terrible." And their flights were on time, too.
 
And the pool of US business is shrinking the most....helped along by decisions of those at the top and some of those at the bottom saying variations of "If you don't like it just leave."

So - business passengers left....

Jim
Really? Please direct me to the post where I said , "If you don't like it, just leave." Never have, never would.


Again, the economy is heading south, biz passengers are not travelling as much, which was my point. Thanks for another accusatory, blame- placing post proving that FFOCUS really doesn't have the line employees interests at heart, as they claim.
 
Really? Please direct me to the post where I said , "If you don't like it, just leave." Never have, never would.


Again, the economy is heading south, biz passengers are not travelling as much, which was my point. Thanks for another accusatory, blame- placing post proving that FFOCUS really doesn't have the line employees interests at heart, as they claim.

Well, given former US biz travelers have been shown other opportunities courtesy of the moves made at the SandCastle, along with the downturned economy, the point that there are fewer biz travelers taking US is a valid conclusion. Where does this have anything to do with FFOCUS doesn't have the front liners' interest at heart? Place the blame to the correct group, hint... it's not FFOCUS.
 
Really? Please direct me to the post where I said , "If you don't like it, just leave." Never have, never would.
If you'll notice, I didn't mention any names. You might even notice that I said "variations of..."

But since you asked:

aredeeyou22 said:
Sorry if it's not fast enough or good enough for you; that's why you have choices when you fly.
aredeeyou22 said:
Looks like WN business select is your best bet now....

Jim
 
If you'll notice, I didn't mention any names. You might even notice that I said "variations of..."

But since you asked:

Jim

LOL...Ouch!
Yes, the pool of business travelers may be smaller, but US has reduced it's pool to a kiddie pool full of urnine while their competitors have welcomed US's unhappy high yield customers with open arms.
 
If you'll notice, I didn't mention any names. You might even notice that I said "variations of..."

But since you asked:




Jim
THAT'S the best you could do? :lol: When taken out of context, I'm able to find much better quotes I have made that would support your baseless theory that I have told FF's to "leave". Never happened, never will. Keep trying. I'll wait.

Shouldn't you be huddling around FFOCUS continuing to turn this returned enhancement into a negative thing, all the while promoting other airlines? Seems like that would be a more prudent use of your time, instead of attacking the line employees whose grave your leader can't wait to "p*ss on"?
 
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