status and build on that as much as possible. Focus on the airline hubbed nearest you or the one with the most rented gates at the airport you live near. I’ve now lived near a Delta hub, a United hub, and an American hub. I wouldn’t say I’ve ever had really terrible experiences with any airlines so far but I definitely get the best service when focusing on the hubbed airline. They just have more resources to solve problems at their hubs than away from them.