Claris Law Legal Blogging Community

Editor: James T. Crouse
Profession: Aviation Accident Attorney

Category: Airline Travel

Delta Airlines has received the single operating certificate from the FAA allowing it to phase out the Northwest name. The process is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2010.

In October, 2008, Delta acquired Northwest and became the world's largest airline.

It is on that date in 2008, Frieda's traveling experience changed forever. Northwest is the only airlines Frieda uses and in her opinion, nothing good has happened to Northwest since Delta took over the airline.
Now Frieda knows no airline is perfect and there are those of you who have had trouble with Northwest - Frieda's experience has been nothing but pleasant.

There is one route Frieda travels several times a year - a route which was previously thoroughly enjoyed. Since that date in 2008, when Delta came on the scene, this has not been the case. Among the many differences is the size of the plane - it's so small one can hardly stand up when boarding. Customer service has changed too - the agents remain polite while being relatively useless under Delta's reign. Trying to book a flight online, checking in, and attempting to book using air miles Delta's website is much more user unfriendly than Northwest's.

Speaking of air miles . . .one changed that has already taken place - and the most annoying Frieda has found so far - is the combination of the frequent-flyer for both airlines into Delta's SkyMiles. In the past, using frequent flyer miles through Northwest has been smooth and easy. Not so with Delta's SkyMiles. Trying to use air miles gained under Northwest is the most frustrating experience Frieda has ever encountered. One can no longer use half miles and half credit card under Delta's rules. . . unless one has the Delta American Express Credit Card. No other card will do - it has to be Delta's card for which one pays a fee. Ridiculous!

A very nice agent explained this credit card policy to Frieda when she was trying to book her holiday flights. The tone of the agent's voice was so empathetic, Frieda asked if she was originally Delta or Northwest. She said she was originally with Northwest. Frieda then expressed her sympathies to the agent for what Delta has done to Northwest. Her response? "Thank you, I appreciate that."

So, it is with a heavy heart Frieda bids farewell to Northwest Airlines and its management. Traveling with you has been a pleasure - you will be missed.