After just 3 years as a elite with Delta and formerly NWA I’ve had it with Delta (and formerly NWA) and I am outta here. In those 3 years, I was their “best” customer, obtaining Platinum then Diamond status (which I’ll maintain until 2012). In that time, I’ve had to suffer and endure:

- only 95% upgrades
- free Skyclub membership
- free checked baggage
- courteous and professional service in first class
- only 2 RTW First/Business awards with Singapore Airlines, 4 BE awards with Delta to Europe, 6 BE awards with Delta to Asia
- free award ticketing and cancellations
- cancel my tickets within 1 day of purchase

I’m glad to now move over to American, where they aren’t singling me out for special treatment. I have the ability to:

- pay $240 for my status challenge to platinum (gold while on challenge)
- pay for lounge access
- 100% upgrades when paid for
- fly on more commuter jets without wi-fi and first class
- earn 50% discounted points on cheap fares
- pay $150 for ticket changes within 1 day of purchase (holds are free)

Finally, they may not admit it publically (you hear about them being bigger than American etc.), but since moving to Dallas, I’ve noticed that Delta does not have near the network of American out of DFW. DL – I recommend you at least match the number of flights that AA has out of DFW if you ever want to challenge them seriously in Dallas. If you do that, I'll consider coming back to DL.

Thanks to all the FT-DL/NW folks. I’ve laughed at the humor, and cried at the failures, but I wish you all well in the friendly skies. My biggest regret – never getting my Diamond Medallion hat.