I'll argue that most FlyerTalk posts are legitimate technical questions, helpful answers, informed comments and sharing of information. Do I gripe occasionally? Sure. But I'm very happy as one of American Airlines' newest Executive Platinum members.

I was _happy_ as AA Platinum. As Executive Platinum now, I'm ecstatic. (With 10,408 Q-miles so far this year, another 1,000 tomorrow and 5,000 more next weekend, that's a good thing.)

I am not at all happy in the Land of Delta. See the Delta forum if you want to know the copious reasons. Not all DL fliers are upset? Of the non-ignorant, I would say 99% are upset and 1% are happy. See also www.saveskymiles.com

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"Sire, it is not a revolt. It is a Revolution!"

[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 01-14-2001).]

Did you have to ask?
www.denycontinentalthefreddie.com

And besides, if I lost my clothes, wouldn't I at least want a towel?


[This message has been edited by LarryU (edited 01-14-2001).]

Letiole: I think I'll leave that typo uncorrected.

It's also interesting to see how people's happiness effect just changes from what is old, and not necessarily what airlines are doing. This works both ways. Delta FF's are bad that they are losing systemwide upgrades, but, on the other hand, Delta is just being brought into line in this matter with other airlines (I am NOT defending Delta and realize that there are other factors that make Delta a bad program).

I'm happy. Just got my first free ff ticket from AA. Boston to San Francisco. It just feels better knowing its free. I don't care where my seat is. Tomorrow I'll call in a low sodium meal(they always have more fruit than the others)and I'm thrilled its a direct flight,too.

So many seem to assume that those of us who fly Northwest must be "unhappy". We have our moments of frustration, like passengers on any other airline. But I have flown NW all over the world and I am satisfied to be a Northwest Flyer. My experience overall has been good, and many times excellent. I firmly believe Worldperks is the best frequent flyer program in the business. The alliance with KLM and CO have been good for me, and particularly the NW/KLM alliance has delivered what it promised: seamless worldwide travel.

BizJet -- I hate to say that, but DL's changes do not bring it into line with other airlines. Their new SWU policy is well below both AA and UA for three reasons. (1) On DL we get fewer, (2) They're valid from fewer fare basis codes, and (3) they have less upgrade inventory.

DL's changes move it from being marginally better for internatonal travelers than the other programs to be sub-standard accross the board. That's why I'm sticking with AA this year. The VIP2's are better than the DL SWU's in every possible way.

[This message has been edited by 2 Many Miles (edited 01-14-2001).]

I echo Efrem's comments - as an AA Platinum I was very happy. Then thanks to FT I went for Executive Platinum and made it. Even though I only have two segments so far this year, the customer service in the first two weeks has been astoundingly good. And all the systemwide upgrades don't hurt either.

AA's acquisition of anything of value at TWA is just icing on the cake.

Delta is not on par with any of the other programs. There were trade-offs:

Can't upgrade cheapest fares.
Can't upgrade all but the most expensive fares internationally.
Can't upgrade companions without using miles, and then it's only possible on the most expensive fares.
Except for Platinum members, elites cannot upgrade at the time of purchase without using miles or a SWU (see vanishing perqs, below) or a NAMU (see "play perqs", below). If a non-Platinum purchases an upgradable fare, there is no guarantee of an upgrade and the difference between the upgradable fare and a non-upgradable fare (often hundreds of $$$) is not refunded. So, you pay to play the upgrade lottery on Delta.
Extremely stupid and irritating "Simply Good Business" policy - No waivers and no favors for elite members. All Delta employees are required to follow the rules like mindless automatons, no matter how bad the customer has been affected by circumstances beyond his/her control.

These were offset by elites being given System Wide Upgrades (SWUs). Now those are gone - Platinum members get 6 similar upgrades that are transferrable to a traveling companion on the same itinerary (they would have received 10). Gold and Silvers get screwed. They receive upgrade certificates (NAMU) good only in North America (yippee) and receive fewer, if any per year, depending upon how many miles they fly. The only benefit is that if one is so fortunate to obtain such a certificate, they may upgrade one (1) companion who is traveling with them, subject to capacity controls and provided they are flying on an expensive enough ticket (see detriments, above). Additionally the clock for earning both these NAMUs resets each calendar year, as opposed to the mileage for SWU accumulation rolling over every year, guaranteeing that Delta will have to dole out even fewer of these watered-down upgrades. All the other annoyances are still in place, except now there are 2 non-upgradable-under-any-circumstances-it's-simply-good-business-get-to-the-back-scum fares. Wow, thanks Delta.

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"Sire, it is not a revolt. It is a Revolution!"

[This message has been edited by Spiff (edited 01-14-2001).]

A year ago, I was VERY happy with CO. But it seems the last several months, their customer service, and ease of bookings, etc have not been so good. I am wondering if it is just the crush of travelers, or they are going for the maximum in revenue against customer satisfaction, or if they are getting ready to sell?

Anyway, things appear to have changed for the worse. But I won't get so negative as to support NJ. Negativity only breed negativity.

AS YOU CONDEMN, SO YOU BECOME!



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It is never too late to have a HAPPY CHILDHOOD!

BEEP! BEEP!

In the year 2000, I was silver elite NWA. My upgrade success was probably about 80%, and I'm very happy with Northwest. With the bonus mileage opportunities, good customer service, fare sales, and flight routes available, I think NW fills my travel needs. Their partnerships with CO/AS are great.

Late 1999 I could've made UA Premier if I took my last flight booked PDX-MSY, but I decided it wasn't a big deal. Upgrades, buying certificates, terrible on time performance, and ticket prices effected my decision. And I briefly thought about going for status on Delta, but after all the changes this year...forget it.

I hope this year as a Gold Elite will bring even more smiles. I can't wait to upgrade a companion, and the 100% mileage bonus for status will be nice.

Linda

I'm happy, at least 90% of the time

I'm happy with the service I receive from my airline of choice (CO), happy with the Elite Benefits, and for the most part happy with FT as a place to exchange ideas and meet folks.

BizJet, another excellent thought-provoking post. A few months ago I would have placed DL and CO fliers on the 'generally happy' list. But it seems recent changes on both airlines have really ticked some people off, leaving US and AA as the 'happy' airlines (in general again).

Of course this is very subjective, but I think most US frequent fliers are very happy, because if they weren't they could easily be flying someone else. Even those of us in captive hubs like PIT and CLT are happy except for the prices.

Way to go USAirways! I'll miss ya when you're gone.