Originally Posted by
matthew64832
I agree that I don't understand all the DL hate when really all the FF programs have seen similar devaluations (not to the full extent, but certainly in the same ballpark). Honestly, as a DM, I fly to get places on-time, on the day that I planned. DL has been the best at this for my personal flying, and I think the data backs up that this is true in general as well.
While I can't say I am happy about the FF benefit changes over the past 3-4 years, I've always considered the benefits to be freebies and didn't factor it into the price of the ticket.
I can certainly understand that some would fly UA/AA because they care more about getting useful miles to get a free flight once or twice a year than they do about their actual weekly itineraries being executed as planned. But I wouldn't make that trade-off myself.
Pretty good summary. DL has made the calculation that operational reliability, tolerable hubs and decent service outweigh free tickets for enough fliers that they can reduce FF benefits. As noted above, though, the question is what happens if/when AA and UA catch up?