This is an issue that we at FFOCUS are taking very seriously. I have had independent confirmation from a few sources (who are definitely in a position to know), that there is NO policy requiring first ups to be sold before elites are upgraded. The upgrade windows remain, and those elite members on the AIRPORT standby list, should be accomodated before selling upgrades.
That said, there are some agents who have decided that it is more important to generate some added revenue, and have taken it upon themselves to sell the upgrades before working a standby list of elites.
Also please bear in mind that I have been told and have witnessed myself cases of elites who thought they were on the airport standby list when in fact they checked in on line. Many elites do NOT realize that they must be placed on the airport list MANUALLY by an agent at the airport. I think in some of the cases reported, these people who wound up sitting in the back had neglected to get on the right standby list.
Although this is not an official policy, it is of major concern, as it represents yet another devaluation of the DM/Flightfund programs, and is another middle finger waved at those loyal Preferred customers who stayed loyal throughout all the nonsense which has gone on with this airline over the past 5 years or more. I think Bofie's statement above is representative of many US1's US2's and US3's, and that if it becomes more widespread, the defections will increase.
I never thought I would say this, but something like this would make me take another look at other airlines........
In all fairness, however, give us some time to take this and other issues up with US management. We have had a preview of some other proposed changes to the new Dividend Miles program, and they are not customer friendly.
The bottom line here is the company's attitude in general toward its best customers. It appears they just don't care about us, and that they will keep chipping away at the program until there is no reason for us to stay. It does appear that they place more value on taking passengers away from Greyhound Air than they do making Preferred flyers happy. Remember perception is reality to most people, and even if it is not their intent, it sure LOOKS like this is the case.
We have no issue with their needing to increase revenue. We DO have issue with nickel and diming and taking benefits away or devaluing them while at the same time ignoring the much needed RATIONALIZATION of the fares..not the lowest fares, but across the board....Fair fares will work!! It has been proven. Decide what you want to be US--if you want to be a true LCC, then your fares better fall into line with other LCC's. You cannot charge legacy fares which you do now, and continue to reduce service...there is then no value to the customer.
We are advocating the reorganization of a Consumer Advisory Board or similar organization in which a group of flyers interacts directly with US senior management to discuss these issues, and to make each group aware of the others comments, observations and concerns.
I think, for many, this may be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
I don't recall the exact numbers, but there was a study which said that the top third of all flyers contribute almost two thirds of all revenue--or something to that effect.
Let's hope it gets better...at least we're going to make sure they are aware of this situation.
My best to you all.....
