Late last year, I penned a couple of posts about experimenting with US Airways here in Atlanta. I concluded then that I could live with the AA/US network, but I wasn’t likely to just start flying them exclusively from Delta’s biggest hub. Then, things happened. Believe me, I haven’t stopped flying Delta, but Southwest is now in my travel mix too. A confluence of events came together, and suddenly I found myself with seven American Airlines itineraries booked in the next few weeks.
For a few weeks, I’ll be flying American more than any other airline, and that’s going to create some interesting wrinkles in my travels. It will also make for some unique blogs about flying a non-hub airline from Delta’s biggest hub. That can be both good – a bit less elite competition and a quieter airport lounge most days, and bad – I’m going to be connecting more than I normally do.
I’m starting things off with a 2-hour delay, but there is one phenomena you will never see with Delta, as an AAdvantage Gold member, I’m #1 on the upgrade list for 1 seat. Not counting on that to happen, but I’m not number 32 of 68 on the list, and that gives me hope.
Any other “hub captives” out there that are finding yourselves flying the non-hub airlines more than you used to?
-MJ, April 17, 2015
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Back in my DC days I used to fly NW a lot…good upgrade percentages and I generally had to connect anyway with where my travel was taking me. Now we live in Northern New Jersey and my wife does most of the traveling…captive on United and I think as a Gold she has cleared twice out of 15 segments. The rest of the time she has been #23 out of 45…it’s amazing.
@Chris,
I hear ya’. I think the whole comp upgrade for everyone thing is folly. The upgrade lists seem to have gotten worse for me on Delta in the last 6 months. Oh well, Comfort+ gives me a power outlet, a little legroom, and a refreshing beverage, I’ll survive. 🙂
I’m another ATL-based former Delta Platinum Medallion member who now flies almost exclusively on American.
I recently flew AA into and out of ATL and especially liked that they use Terminal T which didn’t require the time-consuming train system at Hartsfield.
The T Con is a great spot to fly in/out of.
@Mike,
I used to do pretty well out of IAD as a DL Gold too. DCA was more of a challenge, but after moving into DC, it became mentally challenging for me to hike out to IAD for an upgrade on a 2 hour flight. I wish we’d see a CL in ATL, but I fear with the # of Amex Plat cardmembers here it would have to be 3x larger than it would to meet demand.
MJ, I’m located in the Metro DC area(United Hub), however, I fly DL regularly. My company does not view United as a “preferred” airline, so I either book DL or AA. Since most of my fun travel is in the Southeast, DL has the biggest market and I have stuck with them. As a GM if I fly out of IAD, I am usually high on the upgrade list, and if I happen to miss my 1st class upgrade, I am always in C+. Has worked out well thus far, however, if a Centurion Lounge finds its way into CLT,… Read more »
Tis the beauty of the ‘sticker’ upgrade system for lower level elites. Prioritizing who wants the upgrades helps allow more to benefit from them that either have saved up for a specific flight or are willing to buy the stickers. Lets pray they keep it this way Either way – enjoy 🙂
Amen.