I think I wrote it earlier, but if not, if I were a GM, I probably would not fly DL much now that I live somewhere where I really do have a choice. I would probably concentrate solely on AA and try to get my 2MM status as quickly as possible there since the lifetime benefits on AA are far better than on DL.

Based on my flying pattern and living in St. Louis, I think that I would choose one of the following:

1.) DL Platinum and AA Platinum
2.) AA Platinum and UA Premier Executive

I don't think I would want to be mid-tier on DL and on some other airline. The seats and GM benefits such simply do not measure up. I mean, I am already lifetime Silver (due to being a 1MM flyer), so what more does GM do for me but give me a few more credits towards upgrades? The PM benefits are significantly better and that is why I will fly DL.

Until recently, UA would not have been in the picture much simply because their coverage of the East Coast and Southeast is less than I would have liked. However, in combination with US Airways, they are a significantly more attractive option. Unfortunately (for them), I am being obstinate and perhaps child-like in saying I am not going to fly UA unless I have no other choice.