Hi folks - I'm DL platinum but with all the changes to the program have no more incentive to re-qualify. I'm based in SNA(Orange County, CA) typically qualify for elite status on miles rather than segments and fly mainly to the South East (Fl, GA, TN etc) North East (NY, PA, DE) Mid West (Chicago mainly) and West (TX, AZ, NV, NM etc) and very little in CA. Anyone know which airline would be best for me to try next year? I've already approached AA & NW for a comp but not sure which program is better for upgrades etc. (really the only benefit that matters to me)

I was based in OC and originally flew AA a lot from there. I was very happy as an AA elite out of SNA. Upgrades (even as Gold) we're usually availalbe. However, the AA upgrades are expensive, which is why I switched to DL. However (as it sounds you are aware) DL will be charging the same price as AA in the future.

Thanks for your response, I'm not so concerned about the upgrades being expensive (within reason, of course ) as I am with DL greatly diminishing the value of being at their highest elite level - just seems time to move onto another carrier

I recommend taking a good look at America West. It has one of the most flexible elite programs around: if you get comped even to their lowest level -- Silver -- you will almost never fly coach again. And they will comp you -- fax them your last Delta statement and they'll give you immediate Silver, plus a chance for Gold after a few flights.

In addition to unlimited upgrades -- and flights to many if not all destinations you mention, it offers:

1) 3000 mile bonus for web-booking a round trip -- highest in the industry. Scheduled to end in Jan, but they may extend it.

2) Low fares, no Sat nite stay requirements. Even last minute business fares are cheap

3) 2nd best on-time performance of any airline.

4) Very friendly, flexible personnel. No snooty United-style attitude.

The airline has its detractors, but for the most part their complaints are out of date. I fly HP routinely out of SNA, always get F, and have no complaints.

I would concur with Bidkat's comments concerning HP. I switched to them from UA out of DEN and frequently fly to California, including SNA, and have been very happy. My upgrade rate has been in the range of 75% over the past two to three years, and I am only Silver. HP's FC product to the east coast is comparable to UA or CO, and perhaps even a bit better than NW.

My only gripe with HP is that the steerage cabin in certain planes can be a bit cramped, especially when compared with MRTC on AA.

Yes, you will hear naysayers when HP comes up, but their comments are out of date. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by moving from DL to HP.

I would say HP is a good bet for a try especially since you are mostly headed east. The phoenix hub is a nice place to have to wait eventhough it gets quite crowded. They seem to be on the rise in all catagories and it looks like the entire industry is headed to the "value" world anyway. I'm no veteran but they appear to have a can do attitude, and good prices!

Sounds like HP is at worth a go, thanks for your responses guys

I have not flown HP in years. It would provide good options for me to connect through PHX or CMH to the east cost destinations I go to.

Does their first class have power ports? What kind of food do they offer from PHX to ATL, BOS, MIA etc?

I recommend trying Northwest/Continental because they have hubs in:

Houston
Memphis
Minneapolis
Detroit
Cleveland
Newark

Also you can fly AK and American Eagle and earn points on Northwest.

Good Luck!

What have you all been smoking?

Our closest airport is also SNA and we've flown AmericaWest several times.

We have only one real complaint: No matter where you want to go, you almost always have to go to Phoenix to layover and change. Even when we flew to Anchorage and Vancouver, we had a two or three hour stop in Phoenix

Smoking indeed. From Orange County...must be in Fantasyland. Switch to HP? Been there, tried that. Not going back.

I am a United 1K and was comped to America West platinum level this year. If I have any other available choice, I'll never fly them again.

Earlier this year (so this is not outdated information), I was booked to fly JFK-LAX-JFK. I booked the flight about ten days out. My membership number was in my record.

Upgrade did not clear in advance. I check in at JFK with one of my associates, who is a gold member. His upgrade did not clear in advance either.

He is handed a first class boarding pass and I am in coach. First class now full, I am told.

I asked how a gold gets upgraded ahead of a platinum. The agent didn't know and could not have been more indifferent about it. She did verify that my platinum status had been in the record the whole time.

I go to the gate and ask the same question. They don't know and act like I am bothering them. They all but told me to get lost.

I asked to speak to a supervisor. He's busy.

The agents now opine that the gold checked in first. I ask what difference that makes? We're both confirmed on the flight and I'm a platinum. Why was he upgraded ahead of me? They shrug and walk away.

Supervisor never shows up. And people complain United is bad?

Finally, an announcement is made. Mechanical problem with the aircraft. Flight cancelled. Our tickets are endorsed over to....United. Two agents to handle the whole cancelled flight. I knew enough to literally run to the ticket counter and be first in the queue. Good thing.

I go over to the UA counter, check in, upgrad both of us to business class (three class aircraft), and enjoy the non-stop flight to LAX--avoiding the stop I would have had to make in Phoenix on HP.

I threw away the return ticket and haven't looked back.

I agree.

Sounds like many of you have had positive experiences with HP recently. I know lots of people who will never give America Worst another chance. I personally don't have much first hand experience but am just passing along strong opinions from co-workers and friends. It sounds like it is hit or miss with HP. It does seem like all roads lead to Phoenix, which may not be the most direct route for many flights. If you are primarily flying to the Southeast, I would think that DL would be your best best. AA would be a runner up.

Why not try the "Chapter 22 Alliance" US & UA. I am one very happy camper on US, but there service is limited into SNA to just a few flights. UA however dominates the west coast in the same way US does the east coast. Upgrades are easier on US than others. Assuming they both survive you get the Star Alliance for award travel. Read both FF programs very carefully and decide on MP or DM, Even though I am stone loyal to US, next year I am going with the Red Carpet Club instead of US Air Club, more clubs in more places that I go to. Also Envoy Class to Europe is super on US. Conde Nast did a survey of Envoy/business classes to Europe and US came in fith! i was kinda disapointed until I noticed all the one above US were foreign carriers. Good luck hope I helped.

Also the CO/NW is a good deal too, I am a silver there so happy hunting.