I wonder if for some people it is less about the amount of money you spend, but rather the physical and psychological torture that is now associated with airline travel?
Travel has become so NOT fun. Between the uncomfortable seats, security issues, kicking people, screaming babies (I’m an SB magnet), horrible, overpriced ‘snacks’, and now charges for baggage, I would rather just avoid air travel whenever possible.
However, I have a TON of FF miles with United so we’ve decided to plan one more big trip – to South America – and call it a day for a while. I have enough miles for first class tickets, which will make it a little better.
But, I’m concerned that FF miles will be the next target….or that they’ll be eliminated altogether.
When you live in CA, it’s easier to stick closer to home. We are lucky to live in place with access to the coast, Pacific NW, National Parks, etc. I’m happy to do that for awhile and hope that things settle down eventually.