United Airlines says passengers are buying up to more expensive premium fares at very high rates, and it plans to keep expanding the strategy. I do not doubt that removing benefits from the cheapest tickets can persuade people to spend more, but I remain fully convinced that this represents an annoyingly punitive strategy for passengers who have already paid for first class or business class and will not cultivate “brand loyal” customers.

United Says Premium Fare Restrictions Are Driving Passengers To Buy More Expensive Tickets

During United’s October 21 earnings call, Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella offered an enthusiastic assessment of the airline’s tiered fares.…