DL standard phones (not elite) are definitely subpar compared to some other airlines. I had the need to book an AA ticket recently and I was on the phone with an agent in about 45 seconds, flight was booked in 4 minutes, very straightforward with a complicated itinerary. DL elite phones are very good at Plat, I did seem to recall a difference between silver, gold, and plat w/r/t phone service. Definitely concur on the international desk.

Flying out of ATL, my biggest complaint has been very inappropriate behavior by gate agents, any concourse. The number of rude incidents i've observed in 4 months now is off both hands and both feet. I don't think i'm being over-sensitive, as these days I fly quite a bit and the difference is night and day vs other airlines.

I have had extremely good luck with moving some of my business to United (status matched to Premier Exec and need to maintain that status for an eventual move to Switzerland next year so I can use my Star Gold privileges while i'm waiting for Senator/HON status). The United FAs in first have been absolutely awesome, very different experience from Delta attendants. In coach there probably is very little difference. There are variations of course in flight, routing, etc, some good and some bad with both airlines. My experience with Delta hasn't been bad (i'm Plat this month for next year, and Plat this year), but it hasn't been the experience it's been with United.

And Channel 9 is a dream to a frequent flyer that hates surprises

T