I am a NW Plat from 2001 miles who will not even qualify for silver this year since my NW miles in 2002 were less than 10,000. I did however fly close to 200,000 each with UA, AA and their respective partners.

Today I traveled on a same day return from GRR-DTW-JAX – I chose NW simply because it was the only airline operating the route without RJ’s. I now share these observations as someone who is now on the outside.

1) DTW is a really nice airport with the new terminal – great World Club as well
2) The seat pitch on the DC-9 in F is laughable
3) Have the FA’s gotten friendly in the last 18 months, or did I get lucky
4) The ground staff were there usual rude selves
5) Food is WAY better than it was – and defiantly better than the competition
6) WHY do these free F upgrades continue? On my return from JAX to DTW there were more PAX in F and Y!!!! Does anyone really think it makes me happy to fork over my $1,300 when the whole F cabin is on cheap cheap cheap fares?

There is no real value or point to this other than to offer some perspective on how ex NW PAX who are now with other airlines see the current state of your fav carrier.