There's a slight grass-is-greener quality to these comments. DL regulars often talk of their love for PC's with free wi-fi, "superb" staff and mo-better snacks.

I might think IAH's E-Concourse PC is the overall best lounge, period. But the new DL CRC in Atlanta's C-Concourse has a hipper decor. And, uh, free dial-up.

I also think equipment dictates the Y experience as much as amenities today's airlines seem to inconsistently offer. I've had vile meals on DL, some tasty fare on CO, and vice versa. Best steak I ever ate at 35,000 feet was out of Guadalajara on china service with real silverware on a DL run. Next trip, same equipment and fare class, we got cold turkey wraps and no video of any kind. I like DL's IFE in Y very much - that is, the product available only on ex-Song 757's.

My preference depends on livery and even tail number being compared. Even in the same city pairs, nothing is a given on board.