KOTAR1988

15+ years as a Platinum, never a Diamond, Million Miler(1.41 MM) whose Million Miler $250 Gift Card expired(although never stated on the Ed Bastian letter), and every ticket paid for out of pocket, no business reimbursement. Atlanta based and haven't seen an upgrade to First Class since Covid-19. I frequent ATL - LAS & ATL - BDL monthly and after pricing out Delta versus American(Leaving Thursday midday and returning Sunday midday), Delta is $350-450 higher than American Airlines. Although, I won't get the Comfort+ upgrade at booking, I can't justify the cost. I've purchased monthly tickets(8) till December on AA and surprisingly, already upgraded on the connecting leg from MIA and CLT to LAS for under $200.00. Lastly, three International trips to Phuket on Singapore(JFK) for 2k-3k less than Delta and on a Premium Seat versus Delta Comfort+. Delta lost a "loyal" customer whose already allocated approximately $9k to other carriers.

Thanks to Rene Points, no more stress/anxiety, my expectations are lowered, and I'm traveling more than Delta will allow. It was enjoyable but time moves on.

I feel the need to add one data point, last month on the ATL - LAS flight(3 hrs and 47 min) in Comfort+ with NO choppy/turbulent air, ONE drink service was offered. I asked for a can of coke, a glass of ice, and two bottles of Jack Daniels and was informed by the "newly" minted flight attendant that they do NOT do "doubles". With over 90 minutes to arrival, I rang the attendant call button and asked for a another Jack and Coke and was informed that "We're landing shortly". Can't take it anymore. Good luck to all. See you in "Basic Economy" as a 6'3/240lb "Cis Gendered" male .

FlyingBeanCounter

Oh boy.......

At least I got in before this thread was locked.

Eastbay1K

Free agency is fine, but always remember, sometimes the grass isn't greener elsewhere. Sometimes the grass is dead. One day you may find that AA / UA, or IhopetheplanemakesitAir is more expensive, less convenient, or leaves you stranded, and you'll be glad DL is around. And free agency is a lot different than "I'm never flying XX again."

Adelphos

Flying American out of ATL isn't a terrible idea if you can deal with those connections. I would avoid connections and thus stick with Delta likely. Singapore Airlines is a better way to get to Phuket regardless.

ATL is a tough airport. Outside of Delta, airlines like AA, Southwest, United have limited ground amenities and presence, and Delta's own experience lags what they offer in NY, LA, BOS and maybe even MSP/DTW.

pt360

Oh Boy, where to start!

My brother you are flying out of ATL and have not been Diamond, this is not the shock you think it is.

So... you paid for the upgrade if I'm reading that right? Sounds like you were ready to "allocate" that money elsewhere. Let us not get into the aircraft differences and routing that you're getting flying the home airline on that side of the world anyways on Singapore as opposed to Delta/partners.

This is a reasonable complaint right up until the end there. I know, I know, using personal experience to compare to someone else is a no-no, but when on earth has anyone been denied service 90 minutes prior to arrival in perfect flying conditions? I pray there is not more to the story.

What does this have to do with anything . Weird way to sign off lol

rylan

Doesn't hurt to send a 'thanks but no thanks' message to Delta either that they've lost a customer.

PotomacApproach

Delta is a $50 billion/year company, you were about 1/5,000,000th of their revenue.

Oakshadow

Had defected to AA for a couple of years; DL Gold to AA Platinum. It had the same ups and downs that DL had. What got me back to DL was Scott Kirby and the rest of the America West/US Airways management “dumbing down” AA aircraft and actually removing inflight screens and reducing legroom in all classes as well as those clown-car sized 737 Max lavs.

Thought about going “free agent,” but while I haven’t either gotten FC upgrades since 2020, I do appreciate the consistent C+ upgrades for Main Cabin fares and the international lounge perks (typically in PS so they still let me in).

ATOBTTR

Why do people brag about paying less money for connecting flights over nonstops or act like this is some revelation? Or even act as though one anecdotal example is indicative of DL's RM across its global network? If you're more than happy to fly ATL-MIA-LAS on AA over an ATL-LAS nonstop and add 1,000 miles of additional flying plus the risks of a connection, more power to ya. Honestly, I say that as someone who often books connecting itineraries over nonstops too because I enjoy traveling, enjoy hitting up lounges, look for opportunities to add new lines on my FlightMemory map or new aircraft types or new airlines or new airports and such. I don't see it as "wasted time" necessarily because I enjoy it and I see it as getting what I enjoy for an even better deal and if you do too, then hey, that's great. But most people don't fall into this category and each airline is capitalizing on what people value - their time versus their money and plenty of people are going to give DL that extra $300+ to avoid "wasting" (in their minds) 3+ additional hours spent in an airplane seat and an airport that they feel can be better utilized elsewhere.

hhdl

Goodbye, cruel airline!

hhdl

It is a truism that the customer who cares enough to write a missive detailing why they will no longer patronize a business is far more likely to come back than the one with the same grievances that just stops without ceremony.

Duke787

What kind of offers are you receiving in the market?

It's not every day a top tier free agent becomes available after not re-signing with their current team. Personally I'd be looking for a 3-4 year deal but in this economy you might have to settle for a 2 year deal.

ATOBTTR

DL chose not to exercise the "Franchise Tag" but blew an opportunity before OP became a free agent as I heard AA was willing to trade a first round pick and two third round picks for the OP before OP became a free agent.

StevenSeagalFan

Out of my Element

Darn right.

The drycleaner on the corner HAS NO IDEA why he hasn't seen me since he put a hole in my favorite shirt. I mean, he might have an idea, but he also might think I died or moved away (I actually did do one of those things). But if I had TOLD him why I was never going back there then there wouldn't be that angst and wonder in his head, keeping him up at night, that I am truly relishing

Let 'em wonder!