hts

The fact that you guys aren't familiar with ATX doesn't mean jack. Not everyone is an aviation nerd that only refers to cities by their airport codes. And no, I'm not a 52 year old hipster. We call it ATX. We live here. We can call it whatever we want. We don't need your approval. It just doesn't matter. Oh, and when I lived in the Bay Area, I didn't call it SFO. I called it San Fran. I'll bet you probably hate that too, lol.

pvn

ATX is 100% standard, I've only been to Austin like 4 times but literally nobody who lives there would blink any eye at it.

TheHorta

Yes, there are a couple of ways to get free annual SkyClub access -- Achieve Diamond Medallion status or get the Delta Amex Reserve credit card. With the AX RSV card you don't need to have any status, and you also get free checked bags, SkyPesos, Priority Boarding, and get additional MQMs and MQD waivers for accelerated status. Additionally, you get one domestic first class companion ticket per year, which will easily offsets the $450 annual fee.

Even if you make Diamond, while the baggage, SkyClub and boarding perks become less relevant, you still get the waivers, MQMs, SMs and companion ticket. Lastly, Diamond + RSV card allows you to choose free guest SkyClub access as one of your three "Choice Benefits."

keitherson

It's a benefit you can choose. But if you choose that you lose out on other things, like nominating someone to Gold. The benefits are probably way better than AA, because whereas AA only gets you 4 SWUs, Delta potentially gives you just as many upgrades and two more additional benefits (one of which can be Sky Club membership).

flyerCO

Lived in area all my life except college. Never heard anyone refer to it that way. I've seen a logo or two use it, but never seen/heard it used in direct conversation.

Faheym88

flyerCO

I've never once anywhere heard someone say ATX. Like July with no shortened name, most just write Austin. Few times too lazy to write Austin, it's Aus. ATX to most is a electronics company. In fact Wiki directs you to page on the company when enter ATX.

pvn

Nobody says ATX.

traconbeac

Agreed that ATX is much more written than said, but it's definitely a thing. I've even started to see people from Houston write HTX and San Antonio SATX- keep me straight on this one flyerCO.

I will tell OP though, I do occasionally wish I flew AA when traveling throughout the SWish region- generously speaking MS, LA, AR, OK, KS, NE, CO, NM, AZ, and of course, intra-TX. Trying to get to destinations in most all of these states requires significant backtracking or out of the way routing from ATL, MSP, or SLC. E.g. MSY, LIT, OKC, MCI, OMA, DEN, ABQ, PHX, inter alia.

That's why for many of these states DL simply doesn't even offer a routing from AUS, so I take WN as my #2 . It just helps that DFW is so close that very little can be considered true backtracking/out of the way. Same could be said for IAH and UA.

ATOBTTR

flyerCO

I've seen ATX and SATX on logos/menus/etc. Never seen it used in written form unless it's being used an internal company code for the city. HTX I've never seen.

AA is my backup airline. Only use them when DL makes no sense due to routing or $. I will say I'm considering switching from AA to UA. As another user posted UA seems to be trying to get better. AA OTOH seems to be going towards an ULCC model for both onboard service and customer service. Also OW partners seem to be heading down hill. CX F in the past was one of the best. Now other then the HKG FIRST PIER lounge it's just not worth the price. BA is of course a laugh. Although I do fly them sometimes when time constrained due to having AUS/LHR nonstop. Love AY, but they fly very little long haul.

To answer OP, DL IMO is a good airline and has great partners. AF has it's strike issues, but service is great. Love KLM. Now that AZ flies to JNB I've started using them frequently as I enjoy their J product. GA is one of best airlines out. SU has great onboard service, only negative is connecting in SVO. MU is also decent, their main problem being PVG airport. AM great service, though meals in J on long haul lack substance. KE has great service, but keeps the cabin way to friggin hot. Love both VS and VA. Only Skyteam partner I haven't flown is OK (CZECH).

traconbeac

OP should provide more details on a sampling of their travel patterns. If any more than 1/3rd of general travel is in that group of states/cities I mentioned, they'd honestly be better off sticking with AA, IMHO.

If international and further afield continental US is the case, however, DL will have a strong shout in about a year. Brand new SC with local food and deck, brand new terminal area, brand new gate space and jetways. DL also primarily flies the refurb'd A320 family ex-AUS, so fresh seats, interiors, IFEs, 2Ku, and big bins. On rare occasions going west I'll get a 738. A few years ago MD-88s were more common going to ATL but haven't seen that in a while.

Edit: oh yeah, also that whole focus city and more destinations business.

s0ssos

Yea, cause no local calls it San Fran. Nor SFO. You can say SF or San Francisco or The City.
And you probably didn't live in SF, cause if you lived in SF you would say you lived in SF, not the Bay Area.

loratliff

Yeah, I grew up in Dallas and heard ATX regularly for my 20+ years lived there.

DeltaFan4Now