[malleydc]

I did crunch the data and it does show a decrease in on-time arrivals/on-time departures after the merger (NWA and Delta had better on-time departure/arrivals before they merged). However, to be fair, my analysis was limited and does not adjust for seasonality so the issue could be increased delays due to the time of year (e.g. higher incidence of delay/cancellations in my travel locations during the summer months).

On another note, if you are a frequent flyer and change hubs or are tired of a particular airline, other airlines will match your status so you do not have to start from scratch. Don't let FF miles chain you to a poor airline. Example from Continental below.

OnePass offers a promotion that could match the current earned elite status of another airline frequent flyer program with an equivalent level in the OnePass Elite program. Some airlines are not eligible for this program and it may not be processed at the airport. We will need to review documents from the eligible airline. You may submit an e-mail attachment* or mail the documents along with your OnePass account number to:
OnePass Elite Match
PO Box 4757
Houston, TX 77210-4757
*The following file types may be included as attachments in your e-mail: doc, pdf, rtf, txt, xls, bmp, gif, jpg, jpeg, png, tif and tiff. We strongly suggest that personal data; such as a passport, driver’s license or Social Security number not be attached in an e-mail.
Please include the following information:
-Full Name
-OnePass Account Number
-Current Address
-Current Phone Number
-A copy of the most recent statement from the other airline showing status and current mileage -A copy of your current elite card from the other airline