Originally Posted by
doug93063
I'm currently a DL platinum that flies in North and South America about 150-200,000 miles per year.
Because of the reduction of non stop flights originating in Los Angeles I am considering AA based on reputation and word of mouth because I have no experience with them.
How does the American Frequent Flyer program compare to Delta. One of the things I enjoy with Delta are the unlimited upgrades. I'm upgraded 90% of the time, which is pretty good when many of my flights are LAX-JFK-LAX. Admitidly I only buy coach fare when I'm pretty sure I will get an upgrade.
What are SWU and 500 Mile upgrades and how do you earn them?
Does AA offer gate upgrades without using SWU or 500 mile upgrades? If so is it similar to Delta that the list goes by status level, fare class, date of ticketing?
How are the planes and cabins? I've always really liked the Delta cabins with AVOD in first class and the coming roll out of internet access across their fleet. What I'm not looking forward to are equipment substitutions with former NW aircraft which are pale in comparison.
How is customer service? This is another area where Delta is doing a great job but I've heard American is great as well.
Route Network from LAX, connecting in DFW etc. How convienient is AA for a LAX flyer.
Finally does AA still offer challenges to EXP?
Sorry for so many questions.
Many of your questions may be answered in the 1st "Sticky" above, as well the EXP section of AAdvantange at AA.com.
Having said that, Mrs Dallas49er is a DL Plat (yes, here in Dallas). Just some random thoughts from the both of us:
There is a Platinum challenge @ a fee. No challenge of any kind (AFAIK) for EXP, which means it's BIS miles from PLT to EXP. At your stated rate of travel, could be a short time.
At EXP, all your upgrades are free, plus 8 e-vips which are WAY more competitive from a base fare than DL's Platinum Certificates, which need a higher fare class to use. Example: My e-vips to Paris last Thanksgiving out of DFW >$900. Hers, using Platinum Certificates<$2000.
Oneworld alliance partners are more plentiful, to more places. Skyteam has Air France, where s****y attitude is a way of life. Some Oneworld partners have a reputation for being stingy with C and F award seats.
Customer service is subjective at both, but Delta is not what it used to be (but who is?).
Upgrades are based on Status first: mis-CNX (where applicable) are ace of trump, then time of original request. OP ups tend to be few and far between. Connections in and out of DFW tend to be (subjective again) easy.
Perhaps someone here else can be more LAX specific.
Good luck!