I just booked a $300 Air China (mistake fare) flight between Los Angeles and Cambodia.

The round-trip is about 16,500 miles, and I can use either Delta (100%) or Northwest (80%) for mileage purposes. I do not have a frequent flyer account with either airline.

My thinking is to pick up a credit card (15,000 – 20,000 miles), and sign-up for some sundry mileage promotions, in order to accrue enough miles for a future trip to Mexico, Hawaii, or maybe the Caribbean.

I would like to use the airline program that is easier to book award travel.

Is their any meaningful difference securing an award flight with Delta or Northwest? Or, are they about the same?