I'm not saying that I like or even support this. Obviously, the idea that any commercial purchase would take someone into an "interesting people club" is the he

I'm not saying that I like or even support this. Obviously, the idea that any commercial purchase would take someone into an "interesting people club" is the height of douchery. But appeals to douchery can make highly effective marketing. I am saying that there was a time when air travel (yes, commercial flight, even coach) had an allure. Airlines are desperately trying to revive that experience-- that's what those "exclusive" airport lounges are about-- but they're not able to do it and it's probably not possible at this point.