Delta pressures on AA
#16
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 737
Has anyone done one of those big comprehensive "Considering Delta if you're an AA Elite" type threads? I know I've seen a few on UA/AA comparisons and at least one CO/AA one which were very informative even though I have no real intention of switching for now at least.
Just curious, I tried a search but of course by the first law of AA searching I missed it, despite the fact that everyone else will see it as the first result somehow.
Just curious, I tried a search but of course by the first law of AA searching I missed it, despite the fact that everyone else will see it as the first result somehow.
#17
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: stl
Programs: AA LT Plat/8.1mm now with 1350 miles left in my account and proud of it.. SPG LT Titanium.
Posts: 3,073
i think that atl during irregular ops is by far worse than either ord or dfw on their worst days.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Has anyone done one of those big comprehensive "Considering Delta if you're an AA Elite" type threads? I know I've seen a few on UA/AA comparisons and at least one CO/AA one which were very informative even though I have no real intention of switching for now at least.
Just curious, I tried a search but of course by the first law of AA searching I missed it, despite the fact that everyone else will see it as the first result somehow.
Just curious, I tried a search but of course by the first law of AA searching I missed it, despite the fact that everyone else will see it as the first result somehow.
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
#20
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: USA & UK -- AA EXP 3.5MM, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, Avis President's Club
Posts: 6,411
The most significant detail is that all NW and all DL elites will now compete for the same limited number of upgrade seats.
#21
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,086
I've felt the same way. Flew DL once in 2006 and then quite a bit in late 2007 and 2008. It's not perfect, but I find it better than AA, especially in Y. Considering much of my flying is RDU-LGA on RJs, I actually prefer DL b/c their CRJs are more comfortable than AA's ERJs (I know that shouldn't generally be true, but I find their CRJs quite nice). DL actually offers a snack and my experience with FAs has been better than with AA's.
In fact, I may get gold status this year with AA (due only to the double EQMs), but if not, I don't care. I just take whatever is most convenient now (my schedule has become very rigid) and after that, whatever is cheapest. B/c so much of my flying is RJs, elite status doesn't get me so much any more (I don't really care about the bonus miles).
Also, while redemption rates are truly terrible on DL, one thing worth remembering is that getting SkyMiles is really, really easy. Essentially, what has happened is inflation. Lots and lots of miles chasing very few SkySaver seats; instead, people have to buy SkyChoice (double miles). However, their new 3-tiered system should mean you can do it for slightly less than double miles. While this sounds like a terrible devaluation, it really is not so bad if you consider that you can so easily get so many miles on DL. It's worst for people who fly to get their miles; for those who get them from CCs and purchases, Skymiles is a great program.
In fact, I may get gold status this year with AA (due only to the double EQMs), but if not, I don't care. I just take whatever is most convenient now (my schedule has become very rigid) and after that, whatever is cheapest. B/c so much of my flying is RJs, elite status doesn't get me so much any more (I don't really care about the bonus miles).
Also, while redemption rates are truly terrible on DL, one thing worth remembering is that getting SkyMiles is really, really easy. Essentially, what has happened is inflation. Lots and lots of miles chasing very few SkySaver seats; instead, people have to buy SkyChoice (double miles). However, their new 3-tiered system should mean you can do it for slightly less than double miles. While this sounds like a terrible devaluation, it really is not so bad if you consider that you can so easily get so many miles on DL. It's worst for people who fly to get their miles; for those who get them from CCs and purchases, Skymiles is a great program.
#22
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
DL and NW lounges have free alcohol
I've done some flights with Delta (in Y), and overall I've been more impressed with them than AA. AA continues to earn my business with their upgrade program, and better international partners. Should those someday vanish or be devalued, I'd be quickly switching to DL or UA or something else.
I've done some flights with Delta (in Y), and overall I've been more impressed with them than AA. AA continues to earn my business with their upgrade program, and better international partners. Should those someday vanish or be devalued, I'd be quickly switching to DL or UA or something else.
#23
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PIT/DFW/MEL; AA Exec. Platinum & 4MM, QF WP
Posts: 7,689
My partner just flew Delta for the first time yesterday and as luck would have it, he flew on a wide body SEA to Atlanta that had gourmet food choices, in seat entertainment and, to hear him tell it, every amenity ever presented to man.
Now he want's me to start flying Delta everywhere we go. Not a chance I say I'm nearly platinum this year.
Oh the pressure, oh the humanity.
Now he want's me to start flying Delta everywhere we go. Not a chance I say I'm nearly platinum this year.
Oh the pressure, oh the humanity.
#24
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Marriott Titanium
Posts: 2,861
I flew widebody SEA-ATL for breakfast yesterday... It was the worst omlette I have ever had on a plane.
And returning ATL-SEA last night, the dinner was tasty, but just a tasty sandwich.
No gourmet food on DL for me! Where is it hiding?
(Gotta admit that the in-flight entertainment is better than AA domestically...)
And returning ATL-SEA last night, the dinner was tasty, but just a tasty sandwich.
No gourmet food on DL for me! Where is it hiding?
(Gotta admit that the in-flight entertainment is better than AA domestically...)
#25
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: NY
Programs: AA, Hilton
Posts: 1,575
Same here. My ears are on the rail. IF and when AAdvantage loses its advantage, I may jump ship. But its too early to tell.