For several years, I've been flying ASA as a connector to get to ATL for Delta flights to the rest of the world. Thankfully, I will soon move away from the Southern backwater that has been my base for three+ years to a larger city with more travel (and other) options.

I've noticed that the ASA personnel at the feeder cities are generally OK, even professional and pleasant. However, the class of ASA personnel at ATL is another story entirely. Poor service, surly attitudes, arrogance, outright lying, etc. And the incompetence can be galling - I missed my last transatlantic flight because ASA misplaced a tailstand. I couldn't deplane and so missed my connection.

Complaining to Delta has done no good. This is the actual email response I have received -

"Atlantic Southeast Airlines is one of our Delta Connection partners. While ASA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, the carrier operates as a separate company. Since the circumstances you described involve ASA's service, your e-mail has been forwarded to our partner for review. We know our concern will be shared, and you should receive a reply as quickly as possible."

Haven't found a good means of complaining to ASA, and I am flabbergasted that Delta, as 100% owner, actually tries to wash their hands of the division's non-performance.

What's everyone else's experience?