I've been top tier Delta for about 6 years. Recent program enhancements are good, but in flight service is still subpar (with some exceptions). Local upgrades happen less frequently despite diamond status (220k skymiles last year alone). I actually got more upgrades before diamond was introduced. Flying thru Atlanta, everyone is platinum and diamond and the new rollover makes it easier for others who don't fly as much as I do which has the effect of diluting the value of the newer benefits. I really like being able to gift out gold status though. I have secured diamond until Feb 2013.

I will be moving to Stockholm in a month or 2 for a 3 year assignment. I'm considering UA membership and primarily flying SAS.


1) What is your home airport? Currently CLT, Soon to be ARN (stockholm). will travel back to CLT frequently

(2) What types of fares do you usually buy ? lowest fare on 6 hour or less, business for transcontinent (both ways)

(3) How many miles do you usually fly each year? 200k

(4) Do you have any kind of status at present? What is it? (UA Premier, M&M Senator etc) Delta Diamond

(5) What is most important to you in a FFP? (Frequent upgrades on travel, priority services when flying the airline, good award redemption rates, free lounge access, etc.) Priority services, upgrade ability, lounge access, reward tix to japan

(6) Which routes do you fly most often (US Domestic, Transpacific etc) 6 - 10 trips to EU and ASIA, Weekly local (when i relocate, will still be the same only flying back to US)

(7) Preferred Airlines...delta? anything asian.. I do not know much about EU carriers other than sas and klm

(8) Do you travel for work or pleasure? (Can you chooose your airlines, class of service?) work. lowest fare on 6 hour or less, business for transcontinent (EU or Asia))