Originally Posted by
rhino2010
...I'm newly based in NYC (most accessible airport would be EWR or JFK); typically fly to SFO, MCO, MIA, FLL, RDU, EWN, YUL, LHR, AMS, SYD, and MAD; typically fly 5-10 domestic trips/year (max 15% business) and 2-3 international/year (100% personal travel)
...I'm currently Platinum on AAdvantage (used to be based out of MIA) but don't have any status with other programs; this year was my first time ever to reach Platinum; Gold is more typical and more likely in 2011 unless I do some major flying in the final quarter of this year;
...I typically fly Economy as long as I can pre-select exit seats online; (5 below)
...I typically use my miles and status to upgrade to Business, less commonly to purchase free trips; (4 and 7)
...I typically use a Starwood AmEx card to accrue hotel points rather than miles;
...I have enjoyed AA's benefits and the ease of their online reservation system (7) , but I prefer newer planes (8) and leather seats (6) , which are not AA's forte. However, I don't think NYC is a true hub for AA (9) .
I would greatly appreciate guidance from the experienced and savvy members of this forum. Many thanks in advance!
Things to keep in mind about Delta:
- Complimentary domestic upgrades are unlimited and status trumps everything other than full-fare Y tickets.
- DL has a 4th tier called Diamond Medallion and domestic UGs are in the 90-100% range for most DMs (based on my familiarity with the DL forum) even on the lowest fare classes.
- DL just implemented complimentary domestic upgrades on award tickets. But one is last in line behind revenue pax no matter what your status.
- Using miles or certs to upgrade to international biz class requires a member to purchase one of the three highest fare classes - Y,B, or M. EVEN if you buy a Y,B, or M fare there must be available inventory for biz class upgrades to use miles or certs. This is likely the #1 gripe with DL over at the DL FT forum. But there could be a tie with the gripe: The award calendar is broken!
- I buy econ and rarely have to choose a seat that is not in an exit row. Sure, last minute tickets means all the exit row seats might be gone but because I am at 98% upgrades (domestic) even on cheap seats (I am Diamond Medallion) I consider it a formality when selecting my coach seat.
- All the Delta mainline fleet prior to the DL/NW merger had leather seats. The former NW mainline planes with cloth seats are being converted over but slowly.
- Delta.com is a nightmare and I do not consider this hyperbole even if others do. To find the itin I want I usually go to Kayak.com and click through to delta.com. This is ridiculous to say the least. Don't even get me started on the award booking engine. But since you use miles less for booking free tickets this might not be an issue for you.
- Delta has a lot of old DC-9s.
- Delta has a huge hub at JFK and quite a large presence at LGA.
- One can earn million miler status on AA with miles that come from anywhere. DL does not do this.
- Delta SkyMiles are also called SkyPesos for a reason (search and ye shall find).
- If you do decide to go with Delta use your current AA status to get a status match with DL.