I am EXP on AA (OW), GK on SQ (*A) and PM on DL (ST). I am thinking of switching from DL to CO on ST next year. What are the advantages of CO over DL?

I switched from DL to CO in 2004 and it was the best decision I ever made. After DL made their changes to their Medallion program I was convinced it was time. The service is probably the biggest difference you will notice if you switch. The comfort on CO's aircraft is also superior to DL's, as well as their domestic first class and BusinessFirst product compared to DL's domestic first class and BizElite product.

There are many, many threads on this topic. The short of it is that elite upgrades on CO can be scarce to non-existent, even for Platinums and especially on transcons. People also complain about insufficient reward availability, but I've never had a problem redeeming miles for my desired itineraries. IMO, CO has a better international business class product and has the best lounges of any US airline. In addition, CO is the most responsive and customer-oriented US airline, as is evidenced, in part, by the participation of CO Insider in this forum. Also, CO does not use offshore call centers. This is a major advantage, from my perspective.

I too am a PM with Delta. I have thought over and over again of requesting a CO status match. CO has a MUCH better product in domestic first, but upgrades can be scarce. it really just depends. On some routes, my co-worker tells me its easy to get upgraded on CO. It may be worth the risk, I myself am frustrated that my ATL-DEN flights in DL First offer absolutely nothing more than a bigger seat, where CO offers great meal service even on short 2 hour hops. DL has a great online system that tells you if upgrades are available, with CO its blind. This is huge to me since I book alot of tickets within the 5 day window. If you want a more superior first class product, choose CO, if you want more upgrades, choose DL.

I don't think you can get a match but you must start flying CO with the miles credited to your Onepass account.

To get GK on SQ, don't you have to be flying on Premium Fares to begin with?...Perhaps upgrades aren't high on the priority list for this flyer. If you fly DL already primarily as a domestic US or shorthaul airline (in paid F) then switching to CO might make sense. CO has a domestic F product that is arguably superior to all of its domestic US competitors (with the exception of AA/UA 3-Class service on limited transcon routes such as LAX-JFK).

The BizFirst product for international is decent, but won't hold a candle to Biz on SQ, or the newly update NCW on BA, or VS Upper Class. Compared to its U.S. Competitors, the CO Biz product is good. However, unlike SQ and AA, there's nothing beyond BF to upgrade into (No International F Service). But DL doesn't have that either, so...

Thanks for your feedback. How do I request a CO status match?

I agree 10000000% with the not using offshore call centers. I was on the phone with DL today and it was horrible. It's not necessarily that they are offshore, but they never have a clue about policies, etc., etc. Very, very frustrating calling DL.

There is a huge FAQ thread and if you do a search using the words "status match" or "match" you'll come up with good information..

One thing....Since Delta and Continental are partners. You probably will not be eligible for a status match.

Perhaps not eligible for a status match from DL PM to CO Plat...but from AA EXP to CO Plat, why not?

I have a few questions in the opposite direction. "I am pondering switching my 200K EQM/yr from CO to another carrier such as DL?". My novice DL questions are the following:

*Does DL offer SWUs, I have never heard of it but comparing UA to DL this makes a difference to me.
*How is the overall DL product when traveling internationally? I hear it doesnt match COs BF product but is coach descent enough for the 7 hr TATL flights?
*Does DL offer free club access for high mileage travelers/elites?
*Does DL EUA for Intl flights for its premium travelers like plats on Y or H fares? Or do they only do Operational Upgrades such as CO?
*How full are their aircraft going over the big pond? CO's have been very full lately on those routes.
*Is DL planning on returning any ammeneties (such as Meal Services) to any of their flights as they are becoming more profitable?
*Do DL Intl flights in Coach offer free alcoholic drinks?

Personally I am considering UAL over DL but the newer (last 6 months) DL image intrigues me as I think they are moving in the right direction with their expanded Euro flights.

I see this mentioned often and I'm wondering if this also applies to CO TATL flights on a 757, or only when comparing wide body to wide body?

I was very happy with DL's BE product when flying TATL from CPH-ATL. CO also flies TATL from CPH-EWR, which is a route that sometimes works for me, but it's on a 757. I'm reluctant to fly a single-aisle plane on a 9 hour flight.

What are people's experiences comparing CO's TATL product specifically on a 757 with DL's (or other carriers like SK) who fly wide body aircraft? Would be interested in both economy and business class experiences.

Susan

If anything positive can be said about Delta, it should be that mileage posting times are lightningfast compared to Continental Onepass.

Actually, BF on the 757 is quite nice. Small cabin size, so generally good service. Essentially the same seats as are found on CO's 767 fleet (But not the same seats as are found on the T7's). To be honest, I prefer the cradle seat 757s to the angled-almost-flat T7 seats. I can sleep in the recliner position, but angled-flat is no good for me. The 757's are also being converted to AVOD & in-seat AC Power, so IFE is better on those a/c than any other in the CO fleet.

I too switched from DL Platinum to CO this year. Since CO & DL are partners you will have to do an extra step. I got a status match on UA to their mid level then used that to get a status match on CO at Gold Elite. You drop one level but if you fly a lot then you will regain Platinum on CO. At least this worked for me this year.

I fly mostly international in C or F and I think that CO 's biz product is much better than DL. At least until DL gets the new angled flat seats in 2008...then I will have to rethink.

For domestic flights on CO this year the few routes I use are sometimes on an RJ so no upgrading necessary. I had 1 round trip from EWR-MSP and was upgraded on both legs as a Gold. The other flights I purchased first class tickets for EWR-LAX & EWR-LAS. Price is not too bad and the service is very nice. Especially on the transcon flights.