Let the free market rule

I fly on Delta a lot. Accordingly, they have given me “elite” status, which means I usually get to sit up in the first-class cabin. This is good, especially since Delta has by far the least-comfortable coach cabin configuration: 3 x 3 seating in coach, with a 31″ distance between rows of seats (compared to 34″ on American or United). 3″ doesn’t sound like much, but for a long drink of water like me, that extra kneeroom makes all the difference. Recently, though, DL decided to revamp their frequent flyer program. In short, they are deeply cutting benefits for their most frequent flyers, and they’re changing the qualification requirements to boot. The requirements change doesn’t affect me, because I normally don’t fly on the most-discounted fares, but darn if I’m going to pay business fares and then sit in the back!
So, I faxed American and Northwest, telling them that whoever gives me the best status level gets all my business in 2003. We’ll see what happens.