> The Delta Amex appears to have an annual fee of $550. Not sure what the cost over the various nickels and dimes are, but for most of us who don't fly often, I

> The Delta Amex appears to have an annual fee of $550. Not sure what the cost over the various nickels and dimes are, but for most of us who don't fly often, I suspect they're cheaper. Frequently flyers like yourself may find more value in their programs. My wife and I travel with two checked bags and a carryon - we literally live out of three suitcases. Two checked bags are $60. We also usually ended up spending at least $50 dollars on food and alcohol before we fly. We don’t anymore with the card. That card also comes with one free domestic companion ticket per year up to first class. Even if you fly Main, that’s still worth around $400. I’m going to downgrade to the cheaper Delta Platinum after this year (my first year having it). It’s $250 a year and you still get a main cabin companion ticket, free checked bags and priority boarding. The Amex Platinum gives you access to Delta lounges when flying Delta and its own extensive lounge network. > I suspect the same goes for hotels, although I'm curious what sort of things you're counting towards your "better experience" with the larger chains that the "mom and pops" aren't offering, in my (limited) experience, the smaller places are often better, because they can't afford to lose the business and "go the extra mile." For hotels, for instance, while we mostly stay in extended stays, I stayed at the Parc 55 in Seattle when I was there visiting the corporate office (guess where I work). They gave me an upgrade to the “fitness room” for free. A room with a gym in the room (https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/external/ik-seo/http://media.iceportal.com/66634/photos/74141789_XL/Parc-55-San-Francisco-a-Hilton-Hotel-Other.jpg?tr=w-780%2Ch-437%2Cfo-auto https://ik.imgkit.net/3vlqs5axxjf/external/ik-seo/http://med...) But more importantly you get loyalty points for free nights. Next year I’ll be staying in various cities for free for a total of four weeks. You get what ends up being 20% -30% back on free nights for each dollar you spend.