Originally Posted by asearchforfirst
Thanks for all the great information! I will look into Northwest and United as they seem to be the best for a DC traveller. I'll have to look at the NW forum for info on the CoachChoice program, although I can guess what people are saying. AS for SW, well, they lack the two things I am most interested in: a shot at first, and a guaranteed aisle/exit row if not.
If you were to become an elite on NW, the CoachChoice program would not affect you. You still have a bunch of decent seats at the front of the cabin to pick from without paying extra. Now, this doesn't constitute a 100% "guaranteed" aisle and/or exit row, particularly on a full flight you book at the last minute, but then again, I doubt any other airline could promise you that either - if the seats are full, they're full.
One other thing to consider is I believe I read an informal analysis someone did which suggests that the First/Economy ratio on the average NW mainline jet is more favorable than on most other airlines' average mainline jets. That may be why it's easier to get upgraded as a low level elite on NW vs the lack of success that others have reported on DL and CO.
I would say NW is probably the closest to what you are looking for.