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A couple of thoughts -

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.

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."

I'm not super familiar with the Fairphones, but it seems you'd be more likely to have a better experience on (eg) FDroid, which is without the Google bloat. I will admit, I have not tried it, though. To the second half of that though, re:Disney/Marvel - they definitely have a bigger budget toward huge actions shots, but storywise, they are often pretty thin, imo.

For pizza - it seems this will vary hugely per person. For instance, my favorite pizza, across all I've ever tried, is still a frozen Jack's pizza. Not quite the cheapest available, but very close.

I guess my point is, the more expensive options can definitely have an appeal for various, valid reasons, but that doesn't invalidate the cheaper options as maybe "better" options for some people.

> 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.

Indeed - it was the rationale for shifting to this model in the early 2000s - they promised lower fares, and they delivered.

> 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://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.

> JetBlue and the other smaller airlines nickel and dime you for everything - seat assignment, carryon luggage, etc.

Spirit, yes. Jetblue? Not my experience - unless things have changed in the last few years. It was like most other airlines. Carryon free, checked in luggage costs.

> When I fly Delta (with the Amex Delta Reserve Card), I have access to an extensive airport lounge network with free food and alcoholic drinks), free checked bags, priority boarding, and I can choose my seat without paying extra. It’s just a better experience.

That's because you use a special card. Most airlines give a similar option. The Reserve card gives only one checked bag, and costs $550/year.

> Who would choose Little Caesar’s over even Papa Johns?

If you look at the other comments, you'll see many people here usually get local pizza, myself included. To me, most of the big chains all taste the same.

Fwiw, having flown Delta within the last week for the first time in half a dozen years, via Expedia, I found out accidentally / after the fact that you no longer get "one free bag" if you are in their Delta Basic offering, where bags cost $30 per.

Edit: compared to my prior experience where one bag was free.

You don’t get a free checked bag period unless you fly at least comfort - two above Basic.

But two things I never do - book through a third party portal or book Basic.

With Basic, you can’t make any changes without paying a fee. Most airlines don’t let you make changes at all when you book through a portal.

I agree with most of what you said, but as someone who recently switched from a Pixel 6 to a Fairphone 3, I just wanted to speak up for it. At this point, a phone is pretty much a phone, and I have no meaningful difference in UX experience. I mostly bought this one because I was quoted $300 for a screen replacement, and figured I'd rather have something that I can cheaply fix myself next time I drop it.

Hi, it's me. I grew up in Metro Detroit and the $5 hot-and-ready was a staple after a long day of school and after-school sports in the dark of winter. I will choose Little Caesar's over Papa John's every single time.

With hotels it really varies. A lot of midrange hotels really nickel and dime you while more budget options include everything