Originally Posted by
Kamiakdad
AS isn't DL. DL is bigger, more destinations, better F seats, and has cheaper flights than AS. So AS following DL model would hurt it. AS without MP would leave it as vulnerable as HA. AS needs distinctive advantage to compete against Big 3, and mileage program is big part of its success.
I was here in SEA in 2012 when AS's program was much further away from being revenue-based than it is today, and DL decided the AS partnership wasn't useful for them any longer, compared to expanding in SEA. You make it sound like getting 30% EQM/RDM earn on Saver fares didn't happen years ago, and that the award chart and overall program hasn't had multiple devaluations.
The fig leaf of earning a mile per mile flown is getting smaller and smaller, and it's getting tied to earning revenue for Alaska (such as booking through Alaskaair.com or paying extra money for Main). We don't have fixed award charts any more (and distance is also a way to tie the cost of the award for the redeemer for the cost of flying the plane).
Also, LOL on better F seats on DL. I've sat in both AS and DL F in the past 12 months. Unless you're a fan of 2008 vintage IFE on a 738 that's being pushed into your face when the passenger in front of you of you reclines, AS's pitch and seats are more comfortable (I also don't recommend DL A321neo F unless you have a thing for aluminum park benches). Delta also doesn't fly domestic D1 consistently out of SEA (if at all) so comparing two airlines flying 738s domestic seems about right.