Chris,
I too am a with Delta. You might want to check my novel length post to a simular question in the EUROPE index regarding Atlanta and CDG.

As far as DL pass benefits on AF, we have the ability to fly AF. We have an ID96 reciprocal agreement with AF for coach class travel only. While DL does not always enforce this 100% for AF nrsa's, AF DOES enforce it for DL and other airlines. NRSA (Non rev space available) travel at AF is a "culture" in which Business class is not a priviledge given to non-revs.

As far as the boarding priority goes, when you fly AF, all AF employees are boarded first and then all DL employees by employeement date. AF does not recognise our priority levels...so the S3 is the same as anything else.

One last note on your S3 status...when you are flying Delta flights as a non-dependant, your priority is S3B, not S3. If you are traveling with your mom, then you are allowed to fly S3. Now thats the policy...here is what really happens. There are so many non-rev flyers who can fly S3 but that also have to buy the yield fare tickets (i.e. Companion Cards), that most agents will not recognise you are a non-dependant. Since Deltamatic (computer system) will allow an agent to list you S3 if you are traveling with the employee, it will also not warn the agent they incorrectly list you S3 without the employee. Just be warned in case you get hassled or if the Pass Bureau comes after you. (Which will probably never happen, they have all those Buddy pass problems to deal with with are much more important in their eyes!) In the odd case they do say something, it is understandable that you plead ignorance, it is most agents who list without asking anyway.

Another note...Always make sure that when you fly DL as a non-dependant, that you ensure you do NOT get listed as an S4. Since you have that service charge pass, some agents confuse them with Buddy Passes and will list you S4. As I'm sure you know....that would put you at the very bottom of the list.

As for your hire date...you're right, its not so good. However, it is not as bad as you may think. The biggest hardship flying nonrev on Delta these days is being on a Buddy Pass. Since you are flying on an active priority, you're still not all that bad off. I have listed the Delta priorities below.

DL Non-Rev Boarding Priorities

-(Within each level, riders are ranked by employment date. In the case of a subload (OAL) pax, the day of travel is used.)

S1 - Emergency/Death Pass issued by company
S1R - Incentive passes given to some dept in 2001

S2 - Active Employees Vacation pass (3 pass/yr)

S3 - Active Employee Unlimited Normal Pass
S3B - Retired, Parents, and Non-dependants
S3C - Worldspan (non-grandfathered), DeltaTech, and other affiliate companies
S3D - ???? I just know it exists

S4 - Family and Friends Service Charge Passes. (Also called Buddy Passes). These take the DOE of the employee who gave you the pass.

S4B - SkyTeam Alliance airline using ID96. OAL (subload) pax on ID75/90/95/96 passes (DOE is day of travel)
S4C - AD75 and related fares for travel agencies