In order to not pay the TSA directly, and to save $45, I opted for Nexus. 3 month wait, but at least that way I meet with the border patrol, the only arm of the TSA to actually accomplish anything related to terror attacks.

Delta and Alaska are in a fare war out of Seattle right now. Delta said "let's share loyalty programs, you guys own the PNW" and Alaska said "sounds great" and then Delta said "we need you to divest of all your alliances in the Pacific Rim because we're Delta" and Alaska said "no" and then Delta said "we will fucking bury you" and Alaska said "game on beyotch" and three years later, Alaska is going big rather than going home. Delta, meanwhile, ruined Northwest, which was ruined by the CEO that Alaska kicked out because he nearly bankrupted the company (whose son was friends with an ex's sister - we used to hang at parties). I'll say this - I've never had a worse time on a plane than Delta, except for America West, except for United, except for Spirit, which actually makes Delta the fourth-worst airline I've ever flown. Alaska, on the other hand, is actually not shitty, particularly depending on the flight. The guy who flies out of LAX friday night at 10:45 has twice said "we've got ten tons of fuel and we're gonna use it all 'cuz it's time to go home" and then we land 45 minutes early.