Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

Hub captive.

Reliability and IROPs handling.

Elite perks are valuable to me (and sometimes save money, such as no checked bag fees and meals on upgraded flights or food in the SC).

ADDED: Possibly fewer crazy power tripping staff than other USA legacy carriers (and I don't want to fly WN).

Almost a decade after the merger, I think I'm starting to appreciate DL's southern hospitality style.