Thinking of dropping AA for Delta
#76
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: AAdvantage Platinum
Posts: 54
well I see your point, but it was my cheapest way out of London. I had a flight booked coach and had to change the date, but the fare difference was going to cost $1500+ since it was last minute so I booked an award flight for those miles and $300 out of pocket and left the original flight as a no show. I then used the Centurion Lounge in PHL. I see what you mean but the price of the flight itself is far greater than the price of AC membership
#77
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 394
The OP is considering buying an AC membership. I've found that the AC staff will be very proactive in helping with re-routes compared to a TA or GA that just wants you to go away and accept whatever you are being told. It's AC staff that will make a telephone call to make something happen. Doing your own research helps them help you. The AC staff can also find out the true story behind a mechanical delay other than the detail less story you get from a GA.
So, in short, I totally agree with your experience regarding AC staff _as of several years ago_. In recent years, my experience has been different, I am sorry to say.
saunders111
#78
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: NYC LAX RDU
Programs: US-Plt;Concierge key; American AAirpass; Delta Silver;Starwood - Platinum; Amex Cent
Posts: 710
I have been flying a lot on Delta lately as I won't connect to stay on AA and am NYC based. I'm not sure how Delta does what it does, but the attitude of employees is noticeably better - I'm reguallry told "thank you" for your business by check-in agents and FAs. On my Delta regional yesterday from LGA to Savannah there was a mechanical problem after boarding - Delta literally sent a SWAT team of mechanics to the plane who were breathless by the time the situation was solved - departed 10 minutes late. On AA this would have taken god knows how long. Delta and AA just have a fundamental difference in what they want their companies to be. Delta bet that they could create a brand that people are willing to pay more to fly - I bet Doug Parker thought Delta was crazy when they set out on this strategy - but it's obviously working. However, as a paid J flyer with my travel patterns AA works very, very well.