Originally Posted by
CAETravlr
For me, the fact that DL's operations are vastly superior to UAs (my perception, but many here seem to feel the same way), and the fact that I could hit top tier Elite with my credit card waiver (as has been mentioned already, UA does not allow this), are the reasons that I have chosen to do my flying with Delta.
However, I miss the *A partner flying on FF miles. Definitely a superior group of airlines overall. But DL is superior to UA in the US.
As many mention, it's all about how you fly. If you are a domestic road warrior (or "semi-road warrior"); then Delta is operationally superior to UA.
Spending your year dealing with delays, cancellations, constant flight changes; it's just not worth it, to get a "potentially" better redemption for an individual (or two) vacation trips.
Now, if you are an in-frequent flyer relying on leisure trips + credit card miles/transfers and promotions; it's a different scenario.
For those who fly a lot, in a general sense, Delta treats them well. That is of more value to me, personally, than a few (potentially) superior redemptions. And, I can do those redemptions anyway (based on credit cards, Membership Rewards) and selectively use my SkyMiles when the opportunities present themselves.