You have to remember this is the former NWA we are talking about. The dumpiest, scrappiest and worst airline of them all. NW was never a major player nor did it have a global recognition like AA, PA, or TW.

NW had an awful "product" served up by surly disgruntled, old and grouchy personnel who should have left the company and industry ages ago. At least USAIR was once a classy airline serving key markets alone the east coast with polished service before HP tookover.

DL should have passed on NW or at very least waited until they got more desperate. Going into the fuel run up and subsequent downturn they were in terrible shape with an old, gas guzzling fleet, revenue challenges and other stargetic limitations. DL employees have had their occupational seniority cheapened and QOL deteriorated as the senior PMNW Mamas have transfered bases and taken their lines. NW owes a huge debt of gratitude to both DL and the former TW F/As for getting McKaskill Bond legislation passed as I have no doubt DL would have liked to pursue a staple job.