Say goodbye to First Class on UAL

[Mr.B]

some airlines have tried this before....but failed. But they found out they are losing revenue by offering their premium product for grabs at the gate. Many frequent customers stopped buying the full-fare fc product in hope of getting upgraded. If you want to get upgraded on a domestic segment, come try your luck if you are a frequent flyer. But if you think you can snag a $12,000 fc seat from lax-syd at the gate after having paid just $1,500 in coach...you are way off. Airlines do what brings them most revenue....and the current policy works for them. For corporate pilots with high miles on their frequent account; airlines are not going to change their policy to help you snag an almost free premium seat on an international flight. Like your company, our company is in the business of making money too.

And to the corporate pilots...let me tell you this too. Your company buys you tickets on deadheads. Sometimes you get business class tickets, sometimes coach tickets. My company does the same for me. They 'buy' me business class tickets (space available) on our own metal as part of my employment package. They 'buy' me confirmed business class tickets on international deadheads. They 'buy' me confirmed coach tickets (upgradable to first) on domestic deadheads. This has been an industry standard for airlines around the world for decades....especially for pilots. If that is so important for you, try putting your resume in next time they hire.

well said sir!