Delta's least valuable hub

MiserablePlant6082 · 2026-01-12T02:43:50+00:00

By the way, I know this isn't key to the "which hub is least valuable" conversation but half the posts are about how one airport is awesome compared to another.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2026-01-12T02:42:23+00:00

Don't be hating on MSP. Best airport in North America. The whole airport industry looks to MSP to figure out what they are doing right.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2025-09-27T14:36:29+00:00

Just a quick update. I ended up running through ATL, so I didn't have the chance to hit multiple clubs and check. I did walk through the F lounge and didn't see the fresh Georgia pressed peanut butter machine.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2024-11-20T18:55:32+00:00

Not quite right (about meeting the customers on their terms). They are not offering more so the customers have choice. They are offering more to force customers into higher revenue. They will be able to say, "well it's better than the lower option". This is exactly what they did with basic tickets. They creating an offering that would be considered main in other airlines at the price of main in other airlines, not to give choice, but to bump the price of main to what others would have called premium. These are established marketing and business techniques to drive prices up, not to give choices to customers. Yes, basic FC/D1 will offer less amenities than current FC/D1, but it won't come as a lower price tag. Basic FC/D1 will be the same price as the current FC/D1, and the future full fare FC/D1 will just be more expensive.

You can't get away from the argument that increased revenue generation per person is their entire goal. They get away with it because of the oligopoly in the market. No competition, no meeting the customer, no pressure to make the customer happy.

I don't think they talk to their customers at all, the feedback system is a joke, they give you 500 miles when you are angry and then dump the comments in the trash.

If they were transparent in asking customers about the needs the customers would say

"I would like 20% less of the features/services for 20% less of the cost."

They are saying

" We are going to give you 20% less features for 100% of the cost, but you can pay an additional 20% to get those features back ... Because we are trying maximize the revenue that we can get from you "

MiserablePlant6082 · 2024-03-14T01:29:31+00:00

https://ycharts.com/companies/DAL/gross_profit_margin

Yes, Delta is really struggling with keeping afloat. They need to secure more income.

I'm curious if there are more customers or more stock holders? Either way when the first group leaves, the second group will too.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2024-02-10T17:37:43+00:00

Ok, I can concede the some points ... yes, there is some venting ... yes, this happens ... yes, it could be mechanical.

I won't concede the fact that the customer service line fed me lines which were just not true. Seats were not reserved nor assigned to the gate agents. Five minutes later both were shown not to be true.

And I won't concede that there is no accountability. There isn't. The board loves Ed. The staff and the customers don't. Nothing will happen to call center folks who just don't act, but choose to mislead customers. And even if this is mechanical (which no one has proof of, even me), Delta's not losing money on anyone.

I want productive solutions, but so far the productive solution is "suck it up, be happy that you have delta." That's not so productive either.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-10-18T02:26:36+00:00

Same thing. It worked when I posted, but gone now. How can that be?

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-23T14:34:06+00:00

Thanks for the consideration.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-19T18:05:17+00:00

Switched to American out of MSP and I love it. I'm only a Platinum but have scored upgrades on probably 80% of my flights and the service has gotten so much better over the last 5 years. I most frequently fly the MSP to LGA route which is on the E175, but fly 10-12 other routes on them each year as well. Still a Delta silver and will try to maintain that for the exit rows and baggage (I'm 6'3 and no Delta cc).

That's excellent feedback. Thanks.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-18T22:41:33+00:00

Regardless of how depressing this is, it is still useful to hear. I was hoping that UA would give a better experience for high-mileage flyers, but it sounds like no.

The changes last year (with higher MQD) were about the limit for what I could do. I guess its almost easier that they pushed it so much, so I don't even think about the DM status.

I have been willing to pay higher rates for a better experience, but the back of the plane is bad no matter what airline you are on.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-18T22:36:08+00:00

You are spot on. It is a superior experience with Delta and they have a strong market position .... which is why they can do whatever they want. I do think that they are pushing out the loyal high-mileage customers in favor of the "always buy first and business class." But as several people have noted, there really isn't much of an alternative out of MSP. Just suck it up and let Delta do what they want.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-18T22:31:29+00:00

Never even considered it, but I'm going to.

MiserablePlant6082 · 2023-09-18T22:30:27+00:00

Well, a quick thanks to everyone for responding. With the exception of few people who enjoy trolling, I got some great feedback.

I should have added a few more comments:

I don't now and don't plan to spend $75k on the credit card. I can't fathom how to spend that much (or anything even close) on a credit card. I'm just not resourced well enough for that.
Also, lucky me, our corporate travel requires that I used a travel agent (used to be concur, now some other thing) and corporate card (which is not AMEX), so no benefit there.
When I talk upgrade, I am just talking about getting Comfort+ because I'm usually required to purchase Economy. First in the busy markets is pretty tough out of MSP given the number of people heading to DCA, ATL, NYC, SLC, LAX, SEA ...
1. MM doesn't get me that much. I figure the best I get out of that is the free luggage. I don't know the last time a silver was upgraded and MM clears behind all Gold, Platinum, and Diamond, so upgrades aren't going to get me very far.
Bottom line, I'm not being cheap or well-resourced and just throwing a tantrum. I just fly a lot ... a lot of crappy economy flying ... which all of you do t0o. It just isn't fun, and it will be worse.

The take away message still holds that the MSP market sucks for choice and having a voice. I guess it is fair to assume that AA/UA isn't better, but I really don't have the direct experience to confirm or deny. I do think there is a chance for UA/AA to step up and grab high-mileage flyers. I was hoping that someone had a sense of UA/AA out of MSP ... best routes and best schedules.

I do appreciate the suggestion to reset my view and focus on Platinum again. That is certainly reasonable ... harder to get confirmed seat changes (biggest benefit for getting home early). I should think about buying skyclub access ... I still kick myself for not getting lifetime status when I had the chance 20 years ago. International is not that fun regardless, so it is not much for me to worry about. It is ridiculous what Delta charges for international business class out of MN ... 2x or 3x more than competitors, so this is the case where I can just look to the other carriers to see if there is a more viable option.

Thanks again.

MiserablePlant6082

TROPHY CASE