Originally Posted by
Flyby1206
It is a byproduct of the frequent flier points systems. Legacies are mostly flown by those who fly frequently and/or are interested in collecting points for future travel. Corporate travel accounts are main drivers for this type of thing. Beat the FF programs and you will beat the legacies.
Seems pretty accurate. Just look at the upgrade list on most Legacy flights. 120 seat aircraft will have 50 people eligible for an "upgrade" to one of the 2 available seats in first. Thats the genius with these reward "levels" at airlines. They basically don't mean anything and carry little to no cost to the airline, but it guarantees brand loyalty.
"I only fly XXX Airline because im "paper level elite and am working on becoming foil level. That will allow me a window seat, if available, on any west bound flight that is north of the 15 degree latitude line"