Debate: Is loyalty to one airline really worth it, or am I just stuck in my ways? Hit 6 years with Delta before I did the math.
I have flown Delta almost exclusively for 6 years. I chased status, used their card, even paid more to keep the miles racking up. Last month I sat down and counted what I actually saved versus booking the cheapest options on Google Flights. The difference was about $1,400 a year I overpaid, not counting the free checked bags I barely use since I go carry-on. But the upgrades and the shorter security lines saved me real time, maybe 20 minutes per trip on average. Now I am torn. Do I stick with loyalty because it feels predictable, or do I chase the lowest fare every time and lose the perks? Has anyone else jumped ship after doing this math, or did you find the perks are worth the cash? I am planning a trip to Austin in September and I keep flip-flopping.