Who is with me on moving to AA.
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Gold, Delta DM Hilton Diamond SPG Gold, and Foodland premium.
Posts: 824
Who is with me on moving to AA.
I am ready to move with my wallet and not just with my posts.Who is up for moving their loyalty to AA from delta. This is my thought. I am a diamond with delta. I am willing to status challenge to AA to platinum level.
I think if we can get enough diamonds to transfer to AA we may be able to negotiate a better deal. Discuss....
I think if we can get enough diamonds to transfer to AA we may be able to negotiate a better deal. Discuss....
#2
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,988
“Loyalty” should not be the primary reason for travel. Cost, convenience and amenities are only some of the factors which I believe are more important in terms of choosing a flight which is right for you.
I am really not sure that Delta Air Lines will miss any Diamond Medallion — or any other elite level status members — who migrate to a different airline as a main airline. The reason is chiefly due to the billions of dollars in ancillary fees which comprise a significant portion of its revenue...
...and guess what? It is not the Medallion elite level status members who are paying those fees — regardless of how many thousands of dollars of spend they contribute to the revenue of Delta Air Lines annually in terms of airfare, which I would guess pales in comparison.
Let’s face it: frequent fliers comprise only a small percentage of the customer base of Delta Air Lines; and before the advent of ancillary fees, contributed a larger portion of the revenue.
Of course, I may be incorrect; but that is simply my opinion.
I wish you all of the best with your new choice in airlines, Esltroy.
I am really not sure that Delta Air Lines will miss any Diamond Medallion — or any other elite level status members — who migrate to a different airline as a main airline. The reason is chiefly due to the billions of dollars in ancillary fees which comprise a significant portion of its revenue...
...and guess what? It is not the Medallion elite level status members who are paying those fees — regardless of how many thousands of dollars of spend they contribute to the revenue of Delta Air Lines annually in terms of airfare, which I would guess pales in comparison.
Let’s face it: frequent fliers comprise only a small percentage of the customer base of Delta Air Lines; and before the advent of ancillary fees, contributed a larger portion of the revenue.
Of course, I may be incorrect; but that is simply my opinion.
I wish you all of the best with your new choice in airlines, Esltroy.
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Back in Reds Country (DAY/CVG). Previously: SEA & SAT.
Programs: DL PM 1MM, AA PLAT, UA Silver, Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 10,288
If you aren't already aware, if/when you challenge on AA, make sure that you understand that an AA status challenge is based on Elite Qualifying POINTS, not Elite Qualifying Miles (and not Elite Qualifying Segments), and that you understand how AA calculates EQPs based on the fare you've purchased.
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: HH Diamond, Marriott Gold, IHG Gold, Hyatt something
Posts: 33,487
I certainly prefer AA to DL with regards to earning FF miles. I fly about 90% using FF miles, or Jumbos of one sort or another. So I go wherever it makes the most sense comfort-wise and dollar-wise.
As I've said for years, the airline business is cyclical. I stuck with NW through thick and thin, until the merger was announced. It quickly became obvious that someone else was driving the bus after that, so I booked everything I could using miles while they still had real value.
I didn't buy a DL revenue ticket for years. I finally got to the point that I'd buy tickets if they were the cheapest and most convenient.
One day DL will be hurting for customers. I have a long memory, though, and doubt that I'd ever be loyal to DL. Of course, I expect AA to downgrade their program too. It's the nature of the beast these days. I hope they aren't as weaselly as DL.
As I've said for years, the airline business is cyclical. I stuck with NW through thick and thin, until the merger was announced. It quickly became obvious that someone else was driving the bus after that, so I booked everything I could using miles while they still had real value.
I didn't buy a DL revenue ticket for years. I finally got to the point that I'd buy tickets if they were the cheapest and most convenient.
One day DL will be hurting for customers. I have a long memory, though, and doubt that I'd ever be loyal to DL. Of course, I expect AA to downgrade their program too. It's the nature of the beast these days. I hope they aren't as weaselly as DL.
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,391
AA only requires 100K miles instead of 125K for top tier and they certainly treat their top tier a lot better. I forget if they get six or eight GU's a year that can be used internationally as opposed to four on Delta and they have a lot more inventory they can be used on. If an EP gets stuck in coach they get free drinks and food like sandwiches (I'd love for Delta to do that).
Unfortunately for me being Detroit based it is too difficult to switch to AA. I have too many non-stops here and hate the thought of connecting at ORD on most of my flights. There's also no Admirals lounge at DTW.
If I lived in a city like Chicago or LA or NYC where AA had a decent presence I would switch in a heartbeat
Unfortunately for me being Detroit based it is too difficult to switch to AA. I have too many non-stops here and hate the thought of connecting at ORD on most of my flights. There's also no Admirals lounge at DTW.
If I lived in a city like Chicago or LA or NYC where AA had a decent presence I would switch in a heartbeat
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Programs: Frontier Gold, DL estranged 1MMer, Spirit VIP, CO/NW/UA/AA once gold/plat/comped gold now dust.
Posts: 37,902
I didn't go the match route but have moved my legacy business to AA. It isn't the easiest thing to do from ATL, but with US they have a bit more presence and options, and I've flown non-DL carriers before at high status by feasting off things like hub-attack fares. Am 100% self-funded and mostly leisure.
Am closing in on gold, which is the low tier. If I dump the ULCCs and align everything with AA I can go up a level and get more into the benefits. OTOH, with Spirit I was in a feedback loop where award tickets at their off-peak time were easily funded via miles from only credit-card spend. They're a different animal, though, and the bag limits, cramped seats and late flights are causing fatigue. Still, sometimes it's hard to lay off a RT of around $50-60 at their very lowest-demand points, and the old method of minimizing CPM on the legacies had a bias toward longer hauls, so after years of that, some of the places for short hauls hadn't been visited in a while.
Am closing in on gold, which is the low tier. If I dump the ULCCs and align everything with AA I can go up a level and get more into the benefits. OTOH, with Spirit I was in a feedback loop where award tickets at their off-peak time were easily funded via miles from only credit-card spend. They're a different animal, though, and the bag limits, cramped seats and late flights are causing fatigue. Still, sometimes it's hard to lay off a RT of around $50-60 at their very lowest-demand points, and the old method of minimizing CPM on the legacies had a bias toward longer hauls, so after years of that, some of the places for short hauls hadn't been visited in a while.
#8
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: DL DM, MM
Posts: 2,968
“Loyalty” should not be the primary reason for travel. Cost, convenience and amenities are only some of the factors which I believe are more important in terms of choosing a flight which is right for you.
I am really not sure that Delta Air Lines will miss any Diamond Medallion — or any other elite level status members — who migrate to a different airline as a main airline. The reason is chiefly due to the billions of dollars in ancillary fees which comprise a significant portion of its revenue...
...and guess what? It is not the Medallion elite level status members who are paying those fees — regardless of how many thousands of dollars of spend they contribute to the revenue of Delta Air Lines annually in terms of airfare, which I would guess pales in comparison.
Let’s face it: frequent fliers comprise only a small percentage of the customer base of Delta Air Lines; and before the advent of ancillary fees, contributed a larger portion of the revenue.
Of course, I may be incorrect; but that is simply my opinion.
I wish you all of the best with your new choice in airlines, Esltroy.
I am really not sure that Delta Air Lines will miss any Diamond Medallion — or any other elite level status members — who migrate to a different airline as a main airline. The reason is chiefly due to the billions of dollars in ancillary fees which comprise a significant portion of its revenue...
...and guess what? It is not the Medallion elite level status members who are paying those fees — regardless of how many thousands of dollars of spend they contribute to the revenue of Delta Air Lines annually in terms of airfare, which I would guess pales in comparison.
Let’s face it: frequent fliers comprise only a small percentage of the customer base of Delta Air Lines; and before the advent of ancillary fees, contributed a larger portion of the revenue.
Of course, I may be incorrect; but that is simply my opinion.
I wish you all of the best with your new choice in airlines, Esltroy.
By Devaluing their FFP, Delta is actually avoiding adverse selection. The least valuable customers in terms of benefit consumption will leave Delta. This benefits them. Since the seats will get filled(as long as the price is competitive), they don't care. The additional marginal revenue isn't worth a better FFP.
I don't like it, but it is what is it.
Last edited by StuckOnSegments; Jul 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,920
Several other DL vs ?? in the linked posts here http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/infor...help-here.html
Frequent Flyer Programs (FFP) are not equal.
1 (one) mile/point of FFP’s are not equal (just like currencies)
Each airline FFP can have different benefits from status.
Each airline FFP has different rules for earning and retaining status.
Each airline FFP has different rules for earning miles/points.
Each airline FFP has different rules to stop miles/points from expiring.
Each airline FFP has different rules for using (burning) those miles/points for awards and different copay $$ fees.
Each airline FFP has different rules for upgrades & different copay $$ fees.
Each airline FFP has different rules for lounge access (own & other airlines)
The grass is not always greener over the fence
Frequent Flyer Programs (FFP) are not equal.
1 (one) mile/point of FFP’s are not equal (just like currencies)
Each airline FFP can have different benefits from status.
Each airline FFP has different rules for earning and retaining status.
Each airline FFP has different rules for earning miles/points.
Each airline FFP has different rules to stop miles/points from expiring.
Each airline FFP has different rules for using (burning) those miles/points for awards and different copay $$ fees.
Each airline FFP has different rules for upgrades & different copay $$ fees.
Each airline FFP has different rules for lounge access (own & other airlines)
The grass is not always greener over the fence
#10
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AA DULtArer
Posts: 5,544
I am ready to move with my wallet and not just with my posts.Who is up for moving their loyalty to AA from delta. This is my thought. I am a diamond with delta. I am willing to status challenge to AA to platinum level.
I think if we can get enough diamonds to transfer to AA we may be able to negotiate a better deal. Discuss....
I think if we can get enough diamonds to transfer to AA we may be able to negotiate a better deal. Discuss....
#11
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Treasure Coast, FL
Programs: DL Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, HH Diamond, Avis Preferred Plus, National Executive
Posts: 4,577
AA only requires 100K miles instead of 125K for top tier and they certainly treat their top tier a lot better. I forget if they get six or eight GU's a year that can be used internationally as opposed to four on Delta and they have a lot more inventory they can be used on. If an EP gets stuck in coach they get free drinks and food like sandwiches (I'd love for Delta to do that).
Unfortunately for me being Detroit based it is too difficult to switch to AA. I have too many non-stops here and hate the thought of connecting at ORD on most of my flights. There's also no Admirals lounge at DTW.
If I lived in a city like Chicago or LA or NYC where AA had a decent presence I would switch in a heartbeat
Unfortunately for me being Detroit based it is too difficult to switch to AA. I have too many non-stops here and hate the thought of connecting at ORD on most of my flights. There's also no Admirals lounge at DTW.
If I lived in a city like Chicago or LA or NYC where AA had a decent presence I would switch in a heartbeat
If I were a betting man I doubt the frequent flyer will be the big winner when it is all said and done.
I am Plat on AA as an FYI (could be EXP but prefer to be 75K on AS first then finish the year on AA).
#12
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: PBI/FLL/MIA
Programs: DL DM/2MM, MR Ambassador, National EE
Posts: 1,614
As a long time NW / DL FF and having moved over to AA 2.5 years ago I can tell you that there are some things AA does better (the 8 SWUs are a real nice benefit) and some things DL does better. I've moved away from being loyal to any one airline because none of them care about your loyalty. I take the best combination of fare and convenience I can find these days. The big wild card for anyone considering a switch is what AA's FF program will look like when the dust settles next year. My guess is that it will look more like DL's but that's just one persons WAG...
#13
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM+(segs)/MM, UA Ag, Hilton DM, Marriott Ti (life Pt), TSA Opt-out Platinum
Posts: 3,218
OP: You might want to verify that they are doing status matches right now...
This.
I've heard rumors that AA isn't doing status matches for DL/UA right now. I suppose they want to limit all the low value customers watering down their program (more) before they can change it. The best part is that once they do that: all the LVCs will come rushing back to DL/UA...with no status...
By Devaluing their FFP, Delta is actually avoiding adverse selection. The least valuable customers in terms of benefit consumption will leave Delta. This benefits them. Since the seats will get filled(as long as the price is competitive), should they don't care. The additional marginal revenue isn't worth a better FFP.
I've heard rumors that AA isn't doing status matches for DL/UA right now. I suppose they want to limit all the low value customers watering down their program (more) before they can change it. The best part is that once they do that: all the LVCs will come rushing back to DL/UA...with no status...
#14
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MSP
Posts: 482
I was forced to move to AA or UA last year when I switched jobs. DL from MSP is way too expensive to be within policy on a regular basis. I have been very happy with UA. They don't handle irrops as well as DL, and there seem to be a few more of them, but the phone support is superior with every call I make. It isn't dependent on lucky on call centers. I get as many upgrades as gold on UA that I did as Platinum on DL. One of the best benefits I've come to realize is the partner network. Having Star Gold while travelling international means access to great lounges. That is important to me. UA is slowly getting their act together, by copying DL on a lot of things. Hopefully they don't copy the horrible "partner network" that is SkyTeam.
All that said, I say go to AA. I've heard some rumblings from AA elites, but you get that from any airline. Don't worry about being "hub captive". I say that is a term that only applies if you are too lazy for an extra flight and thus fewer elite miles.
All that said, I say go to AA. I've heard some rumblings from AA elites, but you get that from any airline. Don't worry about being "hub captive". I say that is a term that only applies if you are too lazy for an extra flight and thus fewer elite miles.
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Seriously - not even to Plat (I do not expect Exec Plat)?
OP: You might want to verify that they are doing status matches right now.......This.
I've heard rumors that AA isn't doing status matches for DL/UA right now. I suppose they want to limit all the low value customers watering down their program (more) before they can change it. The best part is that once they do that: all the LVCs will come rushing back to DL/UA...with no status...
I've heard rumors that AA isn't doing status matches for DL/UA right now. I suppose they want to limit all the low value customers watering down their program (more) before they can change it. The best part is that once they do that: all the LVCs will come rushing back to DL/UA...with no status...