Originally Posted by iansltx

B6 isn't exactly new to the concept of hubs. That's what, like it or not, JFK and BOS are, despite their big O&D base (which any hub should have). Same with LGB. You place a hub where there's plenty of O&D traffic, plus the opportunity to get gravy off of connecting feed. DEN obviously has the potential for O&D (otherwise Southwest wouldn't be anywhere nearby) and its location is closer to the middle of the country than B6's current basis and can thus open up a number of ptential connection scenarios that aren't as attractive right now. Not to mention the potential of less at-max-range flights for A320 non-neos.

As for inviting organized labor onto the premises, that's a much bigger point re: B6 vs. F9. Not sure how they'd handle that, though I wouldn't be surprised if the two airlines' mailie labor costs were comparable due to 9 cutbacks, despite the whole union thing. Heck, F9 may have a cost advantage due to the fact that cost of living in DEN isn't as high as in BOS/JFK...