Y'all may remember I posted earlier about joining Airtran's program. Now I'm realizing maybe it's not all it's cracked up to be. And there is no way I could actually fly 10 separate segments in 3 months (or 25 in a year) to get elite. And then, once I got it, I could maybe upgrade to business free, and fly to a very limited number of places, and that's about it.

I routinely fly between BWI and BOS, although can use any of the airports around them (BWI, IAD, DCA, BOS, MHT, PVD). About 5-6 roundtrips a year I'd say. I also occasionally (2 roundtrips per year) fly to either GSORDU, or CHT. The thing is, Airtran is the only one out of the bunch that flies nonstop BWI-BOS. But so what? Part of earning miles is flying more indirect routes, and I have time to do that when I'm flying to and from school.

Now, I really want one thing with an elite status: seat upgrades. Maybe a free flight here and there.

I decided I need to go with a legacy. I am most familiar with AA (thanks to Up In The Air) and Delta.

My dad has 20k skymiles that he says I can have if I pay the transfer fee.

I'm thinking Delta. It seems easier to reach their lowest Medallion status, the minimum number of miles earned per segment is 500, and they seem to have the most perks.

Any suggestions?

Thanks