Originally Posted by chalf
I have a similar dilemma.
...
Considering the above, NW and DL seem to be the best options, as I already have significant balances in both (I would prefer not to start accumulating in yet another program). From postings on FT I gather that CO is in many respects favorable to either, and the lack of transferability from Amex MR argues against NW. Does this mean that DL, which in general does not receive raving reviews on FT (and whose transatlantic product I abhor) is the best option?
What other recommendations does the general FT membership have?
Pfeww... that's quite a lot of factors to take into account!
I think you nailed down to the 2 programs that would fit your travel patterns the best, i.e NW/ DL
My preference would go to NW because
1. If you plan to reach Silver level, the Elite bonus is better on NW - as you mentioned already. If you fly approx 25000 miles a year, difference would amount to 6250 bonus miles a year.
2. As a NW Plat, I have always been very well treated on DL flights and had no problem getting the perks attached to Elite status (priority check-in, boarding, luggage handling etc.) with the exception of getting preferred seats in advance (DL computers have problem recognizing partners airlines Elite status) => even if you're "stuck" with flying on DL out of MOW, I wouldn't worry being a NW elite.
3. Not sure about European customer service, but I had better experience with the US based NW call center than DL's one (but I am not an elite on DL).
DL has outsourced part of its call centers to India and quality can be sometimes poor and very frustrating (e.g. I had to spend 25 minutes to explain the concept of Elite status/ preferred seating, and another 5 minutes to explain that KLM is a dutch airlines, not the city of Kuala Lumpur
)
4. YMMV but I find that NW has good rewards availability (much better than CO), including on its partners like KLM that has a very good network out of Europe. NW has a good online award search tool (you can search on most of the partners too). Again, I am not a DL FFP program member so I can't comment on them, but if you have a llok at DL forum, it looks like awards availability are sometimes hard/ frustrating to get (blackout, etc.)
The only element that would make me consider DL is the US domestic flights upgrade:
DL and NW offer free domestic upgrades (when inventory is made available) to their Elites. However DL Elite can only have them on DL operated flights while NW elites can get it on NW and CO operated flights, not on DL
=> if domestic upgrade is more important to you and if you plan to use DL more than NW (
on routes that operate with a FC cabin), you might switch to DL program.
Just my 2 cents!