Originally Posted by
Crazyhotelguy
As a DL DM, I have had a good chuckle reading this thread.
I am not a DL defender nor hater. I fo point out the pros qnd cond...
DL Pros
Service recovery, esp. IRROPS
WIFI
More Mainline.. no turbo props
Decent network
Reinvestment in product
Overall good product
Overall good employees
Decent ug %
CONS
Sky Pesos - redemptions and policies that are getting worse.
Sky Clubs are anything but tranquil and Elite.
FCM - cut ug %
FC meals
Marriage to AMEX
I stick with DL because they have treated me well overall. Also the network works well for me from MCO.
For my own experience recently
1. Service recovery, esp. IRROPS (with elite status)
DL >= AA > UA
2. WIFI
DL > AA > UA
3. More Mainline.. no turbo props
DL >= AA > UA
4. Decent network
UA >= DL > AA
However, due to too many RJs on the great UA network, I usually choose
DL and AA for domestic trip.
For international trip. When I want to get upgraded, I choose AA.
I only choose DL and UA for international trip if their price is much lower than
AA.
5. Reinvestment in product
Hard product
DL >= UA > AA for now
Once AA get more new airplanes.....
Soft product (meals)
AA> UA>= DL
UA is cutting corners and it's hard to get a good meal unless you fly DL long haul.
6. Overall good employees
DL >= AA > UA
UA was "fly the friendly sky" and now is "there is nothing we can do"
7. Decent ug %
DL = AA >>>>>>>>> UA
It seems that the upgrade rates are better on UA recently.
I think their business is really bad now.
8. FF program
UA - harder and harder to get C/F award on UA metals and you can see the direction is to head to skypesos. However, with *A network, it is still the most
easy miles to redeem for award trip. (I do really think CO should merge with
DL and it would create the most stingy airline in the world.)
AA - For now is the best one or the most balanced one. Great elite program
and benefits. If there is no MPM and routing rules, it would be much easy to use. Don't know what will happen after it becomes USdbaAA.
DL - Great domestic upgrade rates. Besides that, there is nothing we can do about the skypesos.
9. Lounges (Domestic)
I like most DL/AA lounges have shower room. Even AA LGA lounge has shower room. I like many DL clubs especially the lounges at DTW. I love the AA lounge at SFO. I like the lobby of the UA domestic lounge at SFO.
10. Marriage to the Credit card companies
DL >= UA > AA
It's really annoying especially many non US based can't apply one even they want.