One might think that a carrier whose name is ‘Delta’ would be conscientious about measuring (and capitalizing on) the differences between their service offerings and those of their competition. Given that their fares aren’t discernibly cheaper than other carriers, there’s no measurable delta there.

Sitting on a unremarkable Delta flight from JFK to SFO these are my observations:

1. Checked bags – $25. What is the delta? The overhead storage became full before the plane was half boarded and all remaining passengers are forced to check their bags at the gate; delaying boarding and artificially dictating whose bags were checked and whose were not.

2. $2 for headphones is exploiting unprepared passengers. Given how much they charge for TV shows/movies (see #3) you would think it would be in their best interest to give out the headphones for free to promote spending money on the entertainment.

3. On board entertainment – $2 per TV show $6+ per movie. No free on-board movies, no free TV show lineup.

4. Free Food offerings – Airline pretzels or cookies in bags that look like airline peanuts from the 60′s. Where’s the co-branding? Give me a taste of the latest and greatest from Fritolay or something.