US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Seventeen new Ft. Lauderdale routes

Believe it:

Boston, San Jose, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Tampa, Orlando, Key West, Providenciales, Nassau, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Panama City, Kingston, Cancun, Baltimore, Newark, and Hartford. You can already book Hartford, Baltimore, and Cancun. The rest bookable by Monday. The intra-Florida, NAS, and PLS will be Express.

I will say that is not 100% confirmed, but I wouldn't post it if I didn't trust who I've heard it from.

Believe it:

Boston, San Jose, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Tampa, Orlando, Key West, Providenciales, Nassau, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Panama City, Kingston, Cancun, Baltimore, Newark, and Hartford. You can already book Hartford, Baltimore, and Cancun. The rest bookable by Monday. The intra-Florida, NAS, and PLS will be Express.

I will say that is not 100% confirmed, but I wouldn't post it if I didn't trust who I've heard it from.

I'm not too surprised. There has been talk about making FLL a "focus city" and rumors concerning this for some time. They are trying to take advantage of AA's miserable operations at MIA.

I'm not too surprised. There has been talk about making FLL a "focus city" and rumors concerning this for some time. They are trying to take advantage of AA's miserable operations at MIA.

Depends on what you mean by miserable, because they aren't miserable to AA. AA's operations are MIA are immensely profitable, and the hub has remained profitable throughout the past few years. AA is getting a brand-new terminal that opens in 2007, and they plan 330 daily flights, up from 240 today.

Until they make the flights to GUA/PTY/etc. daily (supposedly, they won't be), they are not going to find the business travelers they need. And immigration at FLL is going to be hell if they schedule these flight close to each other...FLL's minute sized immigration facility is already bad enough with AA (they fly FLL-CCS/SDQ/PAP, and will likely be announcing FLL-SJO soon), Avianca, and all the other international services.

I do commend them on this new service. I am confident it will do well, and it opens new markets that Charlotte and Philadelphia cannot support. Though AA isn't going to be losing many customers, and they will likely respond with new service to keep the few they may lose.

Believe it:

I will say that is not 100% confirmed, but I wouldn't post it if I didn't trust who I've heard it from.

It will be confirmed Monday 8/23 at 1030 am when Ben and the Broward County Mayor hold a joint press conference at FLL.

Question. Which costs less from US's standpoint... ???

#1 Mainline jet and/or RJ to CLT/PHL to connect to Mainline jet to the Caribbean destination.

-or-

#2 Mainline jet and/or RJ to FLL to connect to a RJ to the Caribbean?


There are already flights from many of US's key focus cities and hubs nonstop to FLL (PHL, CLT, BOS, DCA, NYC et al). While some of the routes to the Caribbean will be served by mainline due to the distance and the overwater regulations (think BGI and Aruba), the vast majority of US's Caribbean destinations can be easily served by RJ's from FLL. We just saw one of US's Express affiliates seek authority to fly to the Turks & Caicos - which was granted I think?

Could US be developing a mini-Caribbean hub in FLL the same way AA has done in SJU?


Hmmmmmmmmmmm. ;)

Will be interesting to see if SAA start flying down to South Africa from FLL at some point in the future - there is a large SA population in the region and there have been rumours about service in the past. Now that SAA is divorcing DL (and leaving ATL) in favour of Star Alliance then FLL could become a logical second US destination after JFK.

Question. Which costs less from US's standpoint... ???

#1 Mainline jet and/or RJ to CLT/PHL to connect to Mainline jet to the Caribbean destination.

-or-

#2 Mainline jet and/or RJ to FLL to connect to a RJ to the Caribbean?


There are already flights from many of US's key focus cities and hubs nonstop to FLL (PHL, CLT, BOS, DCA, NYC et al). While some of the routes to the Caribbean will be served by mainline due to the distance and the overwater regulations (think BGI and Aruba), the vast majority of US's Caribbean destinations can be easily served by RJ's from FLL. We just saw one of US's Express affiliates seek authority to fly to the Turks & Caicos - which was granted I think?

Could US be developing a mini-Caribbean hub in FLL the same way AA has done in SJU?


Hmmmmmmmmmmm. ;)

The FLL operation is not a hub. It is meant to rely on O&D. They won't be routing passengers through it with the exception of PTY/KIN/SAL/GUA, since those will be served only through FLL. It is meant to capitalize on the high-yielding orgin & destination traffic between South Florida and the Caribbean and Central America. For example, whereareas Nassau is a leisure route from anywhere else, it is a major and important business market from Miami/Ft. Lauderdale.

Believe it:

Boston, San Jose, Guatemala City, San Salvador, Tampa, Orlando, Key West, Providenciales, Nassau, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Panama City, Kingston, Cancun, Baltimore, Newark, and Hartford. You can already book Hartford, Baltimore, and Cancun. The rest bookable by Monday. The intra-Florida, NAS, and PLS will be Express.

I will say that is not 100% confirmed, but I wouldn't post it if I didn't trust who I've heard it from.

Very interesting. FLL is a popular alternative to Miami, and there may be a market for some of these flights. Problem is that most new routes lose money for awhile, and U may not be able to afford the upfront costs. The Tampa and ORL flights sound like money losers, unless they are primarily for connection purposes. SW has very inexpensive fares on these routes, and the cost of flying in a RJ will certainly exceed the revenue.

There are already flights from many of US's key focus cities and hubs nonstop to FLL (PHL, CLT, BOS, DCA, NYC et al). ;)

Currently, there aren't any nonstops from BOS, and I don't think NYC either (although I know they've been announced from LGA). BOS hasn't had any US nonstops to a FL airport for at least a couple years, to the best of my knowledge.

I keep hoping more FFP would recognized MIA/FLL/PBI and LAX/BUR/LGI as same airport areas, like the NYC or WAS airports, so making more choices on award tickets. That way, you can still stop in S. FLA without it counting as an open-jaw.

I keep hoping more FFP would recognized MIA/FLL/PBI and LAX/BUR/LGI as same airport areas, like the NYC or WAS airports, so making more choices on award tickets. That way, you can still stop in S. FLA without it counting as an open-jaw.

I totally agree! I still don't understand why at least MIA/FLL don't have a single airport code, like BWI/DCA/IAD have WAS. Especially since they are so close to each other and serve the same exact market. And none of the LA or San Fran airports have a single code either. Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York City, and DC do. The other 2-airport cities, Orlando (MCO/SFB), Tampa (TPA/PIE), and Detroit (DTW/DET; though DET currently has no commercial service) also do not have a single code.

Will be interesting to see if SAA start flying down to South Africa from FLL at some point in the future - there is a large SA population in the region and there have been rumours about service in the past. Now that SAA is divorcing DL (and leaving ATL) in favour of Star Alliance then FLL could become a logical second US destination after JFK.

I believe they are going to IAD once they figure out how to pay off Delta.

The other 2-airport cities, Orlando (MCO/SFB), Tampa (TPA/PIE), and Detroit (DTW/DET; though DET currently has no commercial service) also do not have a single code.

I believe ORL used to be used for MCO/SFB but its used for Orlando Executive airport now, and DTT is used for all of Detroits.

Hopefully memory is serving me correctly.

-JC

Glad to see another option for SJC-FLL! Great news!

I guess we will also find out where the other Liberia, Costa Rica flight is coming from.

I think US's cajones have finally dropped. They saw what SPirit was planning on doing, and moved in for the kill before they could even get 1 new Airbus on the property. I think most of these flights do not have to be daily to start, but most will eventually go daily, once people catch on.

The one think that I am surprised over is that PSA and not MDA is going to Provodenciales and the Bahamas and maybe more. The 170 doesn't have the weight issues period. I wonder if there will be any on the CRJ-700 from the added life vests and rafts. Add to that that MDA crews are already overwater trained from initial mainline training.

Even being in LA, I cannot wait for Monday's announcement. I just hope they remember LAZ in FLL's plans.

In addition to the FLL expansion there is a rumor that US is talking with the folks at JFK for mainline service. :eek:

Twenty five daily flights start on February 13 (except Panama City, which starts a week later)...

Eff. 22Feb05
US 603 FLL 1050-1347 PTY Daily 319
US 616 PTY 1450-1741 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 295 FLL 1050-1242 SJO Daily 319
US 954 SJO 1345-1722 FLL Daily 319

Eff.13Feb05
US 715 FLL 1105-1240 GUA Daily 319
US 706 GUA 1340-1703 FLL Daily 319

Eff.16Feb05
US 249 FLL 1050-1241 SAL Daily 319
US 290 SAL 1353-1728 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 2374 FLL 1920-2010 TPA Daily CRJ
US 2292 TPA 0920-1005 FLL Daily CRJ

Eff. 13 Feb05 (Miami/Lauderdale's only jet service to the Keys!)
US 2240 FLL 1120-1210 EYW Daily CRJ
US 2272 FLL 1435-1535 EYW Daily CRJ
US 2241 FLL 1600-1700 EYW Daily CRJ
US 2309 FLL 1730-1830 EYW Daily CRJ

US 2296 EYW 0610-0652 FLL Daily CRJ
US 2240 EYW 1240-1322 FLL Daily CRJ
US 2272 EYW 1600-1640 FLL Daily CRJ
US 2286 EYW 1730-1812 FLL Daily CRJ

Eff. 13Feb05
US 2305 FLL 1925-2015 MCO Daily CRJ
US 2228 MCO 0920-1010 FLL Daily CRJ

Eff. 13Feb05
US 2308 FLL 0730-0820 NAS Daily CRJ
US 2292 FLL 1120-1216 NAS Daily CRJ
US 2341 FLL 1500-1550 NAS Daily CRJ

US 2308 NAS 0850-0940 FLL Daily CRJ
US 2285 NAS 1300-1359 FLL Daily CRJ
US 2341 NAS 1700-1750 FLL Daily CRJ

Eff. 13Feb05
US 1991 FLL 1130-1257 PLS Daily E70
US 1990 PLS 1340-1505 FLL Daily E70

Eff. 13Feb05
US 810 FLL 1930-2200 BWI Daily 319
US 271 BWI 0730-1004 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 706 FLL 1930-2203 EWR Daily 319
US 715 EWR 0705-0957 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 276 FLL 0730-1006 BOS Daily 319
US 312 FLL 1750-2042 BOS Daily 319
US 1246 FLL 1915-2204 BOS Daily 319

US 287 BOS 0700-1018 FLL Daily 319
US 463 BOS 1350-1700 FLL Daily 319
US 593 BOS 1615-1925 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 263 FLL 1145-1328 KIN Daily 319
US 260 KIN 1430-1610 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 287 FLL 1100-1404 SDQ Daily 319
US 312 SDQ 1500-1619 FLL Daily 319

Eff. 13Feb05
US 305 FLL 1215-1540 SJU Daily 733
US 1251 FLL 1805-2126 SJU Daily 733

US 1146 SJU 0715-0902 FLL Daily 733
US 318 SJU 1645-1832 FLL Daily 733

Eff. 13Feb05
US 62 FLL 1945-2223 BDL Daily 319
US 1147 BDL 0700-1001 FLL Daily 319
(the Saturday service will still operate)

Eff. 13Feb05
US 771 FLL 1130-1216 CUN Daily 733
US 772 CUN 1310-1543 FLL Daily 733

I'll tack my vote on here too by saying I think it's great USAir is finally getting off of their asses and going on the offensive. My only question is if there's enough O&D travel for some of the Caribbean locations.

I'll tack my vote on here too by saying I think it's great USAir is finally getting off of their asses and going on the offensive. My only question is if there's enough O&D travel for some of the Caribbean locations.


The big question here is whether the flights will be profitable. U does not have the luxury of time in developing these markets. It seems there is some hope of making money on some of the Caribbean markets, but I doubt U will make a profit challenging JB out of Boston, or SW/Airtran out of BWI.

I'll tack my vote on here too by saying I think it's great USAir is finally getting off of their asses and going on the offensive. My only question is if there's enough O&D travel for some of the Caribbean locations.

The O&D travel is the reason why they are doing this. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is the single largest O&D market between the United States and the Caribbean and Central America. Look at the new Kingston route, for example. Kingston is not a tourist market, it is a VFR (Visting Freinds/Relatives). Ft. Lauderdale has one of the world's largest Jamaican communities. Kingston is a maket that would never work from Philadelphia or Charlotte, even with feed. Panama City, San Salvador, and Guatemala City: FLL can support these, CLT/PHL can't.

In addition, you have a lot of business to the Caribbean. There is a lot of business traffic between SoFla and the Caribbean. Nassau is a good example...you will find a lot of business travelers on this route paying last minute fares. I'm surprised there isn't a late evening departure from Nassau, because one-day business trips are common.

The O&D travel is the reason why they are doing this. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is the single largest O&D market between the United States and the Caribbean and Central America. Look at the new Kingston route, for example. Kingston is not a tourist market, it is a VFR (Visting Freinds/Relatives). Ft. Lauderdale has one of the world's largest Jamaican communities. Kingston is a maket that would never work from Philadelphia or Charlotte, even with feed. Panama City, San Salvador, and Guatemala City: FLL can support these, CLT/PHL can't.

In addition, you have a lot of business to the Caribbean. There is a lot of business traffic between SoFla and the Caribbean. Nassau is a good example...you will find a lot of business travelers on this route paying last minute fares. I'm surprised there isn't a late evening departure from Nassau, because one-day business trips are common.

These are very profitable flights and AA has the monopoly. It is brilliant for US to do this. Let WN fill its planes with $98 seats to FLL. US can sell those along with feeder seats that are $500-$1000+ to these Latin American cities--Business is increasing in these areas, adoptions by US citizens are increasing. I think it is a great move. Also, the Carib/Central America do not like AA because they have the market--I would bet US got lots of incentives to go into FLL and to serve the cities they are serving. If this JFK rumor is true, AA and CO should be a little nervous. With the Star Alliance and United's feeder flights, US could do very well.

These are very profitable flights and AA has the monopoly. It is brilliant for US to do this. Let WN fill its planes with $98 seats to FLL. US can sell those along with feeder seats that are $500-$1000+ to these Latin American cities--Business is increasing in these areas, adoptions by US citizens are increasing. I think it is a great move.

Agreed.

Also, the Carib/Central America do not like AA because they have the market--

I have to disagree. They love AA because AA provides the most reliable service between Miami and the Caribbean/Central America. AA has plenty of compietition with national carriers, like Grupo TACA, BWIA, AeroHonduras, and COPA.

US Airways to Add Florida Hub

By Keith L. Alexander
Washington Post Staff Writer


US Airways Group Inc. on Monday will announce the establishment of a new mini-hub in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in a major strategic move to build on what is increasingly its biggest strength, its Caribbean route system.

The ailing Arlington-based airline, which is trying to get another round of concessions from its employees to avoid a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, plans to serve about 15 cities from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport beginning in February -- including destinations in Mexico, South America and Caribbean islands. It also will add domestic flights from some key Northeast cities to Fort Lauderdale that would connect passengers to the international flights.

US Airways' move to build up its Caribbean system -- reported earlier by the Miami Herald -- comes as it eliminates about one-third of the flights at what once was its primary domestic hub, in Pittsburgh. The airline will shift jets being pulled out of Pittsburgh to Fort Lauderdale.

"This is a very bold move for an airline in their financial position to make," said Darryl Jenkins, an aviation consultant and professor at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. "They're trying to restructure themselves for the future by serving to their strength now."

This will be the first new hub the airline has established in a number of years, US Airways spokesman David Castelveter said. It still has domestic hubs in Philadelphia and Charlotte.

US Airways has 16 daily flights from six gates at the Fort Lauderdale airport.

"The company has been looking for opportunities to expand its Caribbean and Latin American network, and we plan to build on that network in Fort Lauderdale," Castelveter said.

The new international destinations from Fort Lauderdale will include Cancun, Mexico; Guatemala City, Guatemala; Panama City; Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic; Kingston, Jamaica; and San Salvador, said Michael Linenberg, an analyst at Merrill Lynch & Co.

US Airways, battered by soaring fuel prices and price competition from lower-cost carriers, has said it must trim annual costs by an additional $1.5 billion a year, $800 million of it through employee pay and benefit cuts, by the end of September to avoid having to file for bankruptcy protection for a second time. It is the third time US Airways has sought concessions from workers in three years. During the airline's bankruptcy reorganization last year, employees gave up $1.2 billion a year in pay and benefits.

Despite weeks of concessions talks, no unions have agreed to such cuts -- although the airline was close to an agreement yesterday with its pilots' union. Last week, Glanzer & Co., an independent financial adviser hired by the pilots, said in a report that the airline could file again for protection from its creditors as early as next month and could even face liquidation if it failed to reach new cost-cutting agreements with its unions.

Now that FLL is being referred to as a "hub", does that mean there will be a Club opening there too? It's been about 6 years since I've flown in/out of there, but I don't remember much room in that concourse for US to put a club. PBI's club is pre-security (assuming it's still there?)... perhaps an FLL club would be the same.

Anyway, speculation anyone??

The O&D travel is the reason why they are doing this. Miami/Ft. Lauderdale is the single largest O&D market between the United States and the Caribbean and Central America. Look at the new Kingston route, for example. Kingston is not a tourist market, it is a VFR (Visting Freinds/Relatives). Ft. Lauderdale has one of the world's largest Jamaican communities. Kingston is a maket that would never work from Philadelphia or Charlotte, even with feed. Panama City, San Salvador, and Guatemala City: FLL can support these, CLT/PHL can't.

In addition, you have a lot of business to the Caribbean. There is a lot of business traffic between SoFla and the Caribbean. Nassau is a good example...you will find a lot of business travelers on this route paying last minute fares. I'm surprised there isn't a late evening departure from Nassau, because one-day business trips are common.


I'm glad to hear this. I had no idea the greater MIA area had so much O&D traffic. Hope this works out for them!

A key ingredient in whether the FLL-Caribbean market will be profitable will be the AA response. Many of these flights have possibilities of profits. However, if AA decides this is a threat, and adds low fare flights in the same markets, the possibility of short term losses markedly increases. Normally, this would not be so bad--short term losses are often need to be sustained till a market matures. However, U urgently is no position to sustain a bloody fare war in another market.

An article states that US Airways is making FLL a new hub. They should say focus city not hub. 6 gates (possibly going to 7 gates if they get E8) is hardly a hub for anyone. However, I am very happy and excited for US Airways and it´s travelers. I really hope they can get over these bumps in the road ahead. If they do and get their costs in line. They will be an excellent competitor.

US Airways has a ton of gates at MCO as well. I hope they can start making use of those gates as well.

Oh and for those of you who keep stating that US Airways planes are the color scheme Red, White and Black are wrong. That black is a very deep blue. I hope they never change the livery on the planes (yes some of them need a new paint job) as I think it is one of the classier ones out there.

In addition to the FLL expansion there is a rumor that US is talking with the folks at JFK for mainline service. :eek:


Just saw this. Does anyone have any confirmations of this? Seems like it'd be good to do to connect with *A airlines.

This is such good news that even the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" over on US Aviation can't pick this apart.

This is such good news that even the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" over on US Aviation can't pick this apart.

ROTFLMAO :p

This is such good news that even the "Nattering Nabobs of Negativism" over on US Aviation can't pick this apart.

Tis a bummer that you can't read the follies over there for free anymore...

Tis a bummer that you can't read the follies over there for free anymore...

Ok, that's twice that I've seen that comment. What am I missing? I'm reading that drivel (trust me, you aren't missing much) from time to time and SFAIK I'm not paying anyone for the privilege.

Ok, that's twice that I've seen that comment. What am I missing? I'm reading that drivel (trust me, you aren't missing much) from time to time and SFAIK I'm not paying anyone for the privilege.

Apparently if you hadn't signed up for an account before August 6th they are subscription-based forums.

Oops...deleted because I just now Jim's post about the same Wash Post article from this morning.

Oops...deleted because I just now Jim's post about the same Wash Post article from this morning.

Sorry Alysia, I saw the article pointed on justplanenews.com (the US Employees unofficial web site... some good reading if you haven't checked it out) and brought it over since no one had as of then.

This is going to get interesting before it's all over.

Apparently if you hadn't signed up for an account before August 6th they are subscription-based forums.

After some encouragement from l4pi, I signed up after getting back from RF. Had to pay in order to get read/post to forums. I haven't decided if I'm going to continue there if I have to pay.

An article states that US Airways is making FLL a new hub. They should say focus city not hub. 6 gates (possibly going to 7 gates if they get E8) is hardly a hub for anyone.

Do you know a newspaper or media outlet that knows a thing about the airline industry? Honestly, most of the general public will think of it as a hub too...it's a station that goes to more than just hub cities and maybe a few others. All they know is hub and end-station, and hubs are where they make connections. These same people think that WN just has lots of hubs or they don't know how to explain it.

to hear about this expansion for US.

It's good to hear goodnews. I truly hope that it goes great for US.

I've been pretty negative about the possibilities of surviving, and while this is still IMHO a company in critical condition, finally we are hearing news.

This is great news. Maybe they'll also start more non-stop/direct flights to other places in the northeast. It amazes me that at the same time Bonner is talking of liquidating the airline next month management is planning a major expansion.
Will US have to get gates in terminal 4 or does terminal 3 have a customs area that I don't know about?

The success or failure of this hinges upon AA. If AA feels that the MIA operation is in any way jeopardized by a US move into FLL, they will saturate all relavent markets.

Unfortunately for US, AA can probably survive the game of chicken for a much longer period of time.

I'm very excited about Panama City, Panama (PTY) its a fun travel destination, and i'm going next week. I had to go on Delta, since no star alliance partner serves the route up until now.

The success or failure of this hinges upon AA. If AA feels that the MIA operation is in any way jeopardized by a US move into FLL, they will saturate all relavent markets.

Unfortunately for US, AA can probably survive the game of chicken for a much longer period of time.

I agree that the AA response is the key factor--What matters here is profit, not market share. If there is a slugfest, and the planes are full at money losing fares, the focus city will be a big loser.

There are over 5M Hispanics in the northeast (over 2.5M who are not Cuban, Puerto Rican or Mexican). The feeder flights from LGA, BWI, BOS, PHL, DCA, EWR should be very helpful to fill these new flights. AA decreased its SJU frequency in PHL once US entered the market.

The success or failure of this hinges upon AA. If AA feels that the MIA operation is in any way jeopardized by a US move into FLL, they will saturate all relavent markets.

Unfortunately for US, AA can probably survive the game of chicken for a much longer period of time.

US Airways and American Airlines are not exactly enemies. They worked with each other before back in 1996 and 1997 from DCA to LGA and you could get triple miles for flying either one. They both have a respect for each other and American knows very well that US Airways is not coming to FLL to try to take their customers away. American Airlines knows very well that US Airways is needing to change the way that they need to operate and they know very well that they have an extreme strengths in the north east and opening up FLL to the Carib and Centeral America will help generate revenue for the company. In some ways this will help AA and US to help eachother in some ways. Yes they are still going to compete but in some ways they do help eachother out. People on these boards and other boards always try to make bull fights of the airlines. AA and US yes the do compete on certain routes but they are not enemies by any means. Is this some kind of insider information? No, ask any employees that work for AA and US. They respect each other very much.

Now DL and US that is a different story all together.

[QUOTE=US AIRWAYS FAN]US Airways and American Airlines are not exactly enemies. They worked with each other before back in 1996 and 1997 from DCA to LGA and you could get triple miles for flying either one. They both have a respect for each other and American knows very well that US Airways is not coming to FLL to try to take their customers away. American Airlines knows very well that US Airways is needing to change the way that they need to operate and they know very well that they have an extreme strengths in the north east and opening up FLL to the Carib and Centeral America will help generate revenue for the company. In some ways this will help AA and US to help eachother in some ways. Yes they are still going to compete but in some ways they do help eachother out. People on these boards and other boards always try to make bull fights of the airlines. AA and US yes the do compete on certain routes but they are not enemies by any means. Is this some kind of insider information? No, ask any employees that work for AA and US. They respect each other very much.

HUH??? Of course U wants to take AA's customers away!!!! This is not a country club. What self-respecting business doesn't want to take away the business of their competitors? Respect is nice, but winning is better. You can expect AA to fiercely protect their market.

I'm glad to hear this. I had no idea the greater MIA area had so much O&D traffic. Hope this works out for them!

Sure does. The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area is the sixth largest metropolitan region in the United States. At current growth rates, both it and Dallas will surpass Philadelphia (fourth largest) in a few years. US Airways has a good stragedy going on: buildup on the Eastern seaboards five largest markets: Miami, Philly, Boston, NYC, and DC. On paper it looks good, let's hope it works. They will need to do a good job building up a customer base in Miami/Lauderdale, and it won't be easy, but they can do it.

As for a Crown Club at FLL: No. Not because they don't want to, but because there is no space to build one. AA, who shares T3 with US, wants to build an Admiral's Club at FLL, and can't either. Hopefully FLL officials can work out a way to find space.

US Airways and American Airlines are not exactly enemies. They worked with each other before back in 1996 and 1997 from DCA to LGA and you could get triple miles for flying either one. They both have a respect for each other and American knows very well that US Airways is not coming to FLL to try to take their customers away. American Airlines knows very well that US Airways is needing to change the way that they need to operate and they know very well that they have an extreme strengths in the north east and opening up FLL to the Carib and Centeral America will help generate revenue for the company. In some ways this will help AA and US to help eachother in some ways. Yes they are still going to compete but in some ways they do help eachother out. People on these boards and other boards always try to make bull fights of the airlines. AA and US yes the do compete on certain routes but they are not enemies by any means. Is this some kind of insider information? No, ask any employees that work for AA and US. They respect each other very much.

The AA/US tie up in the late 90s was a marriage of convienence, mostly to keep UA at bay.

American eats people (or tries) for lunch who try to pray on their prized turfs. Fly 3/get one anywhere in the world in response to B6. Expanding in LGB as a result of B6. A few years ago, US threw a sale out of DFW, and AA immediately lowered transcon fares to all US west coast cities (at the time) to $200 R/T from the hubs (when such a thing _never_ happened otherwise). Braniff. The list goes on.

The only way AA will let this slide is if they believe it won't impact their existing market share. AA is not building that new terminal down at MIA to share the proverbial love.

Don't get me wrong--the idea of South Florida to the islands and latin america is great on paper--high yields, lots of AC utilization, huge O&D potential and so forth. The problem for US is that AA likes having all this to itself and has more money to burn to keep it. If US somehow lowers their costs, this might work. However, US is pretty darn close to another BK filing--not a prime time to be picking on AA's jewels.

If I were AA at this point, I'd throw sales on at PIT and CLT. PIT to woo disgrunted O&D customers who are going to be unhappy about the hub loss, and CLT because it would cut into US' profits in a large way (due to the continuing "BlowFares" that the residents of the Queen City enjoy from US). Piling on in PHL is probably not necessary.

Then there are the issues of facilities at FLL--the FIS/CBP facility is not large, and the airport (for jets) is basically a single runway operation. If US tries to schedule it like they do in PHL, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

It's good to see US growing for a change, but I have to wonder why the company decided to mess in AA's backyard - if history is any guide, AA will destroy US by any means necessary if the effect upon loads or yields is too great. :eek:

The success or failure of this hinges upon AA. If AA feels that the MIA operation is in any way jeopardized by a US move into FLL, they will saturate all relavent markets.

Unfortunately for US, AA can probably survive the game of chicken for a much longer period of time.

AA cares all right. Ft. Lauderdale is an official AA focus city. American Airlines runs about 36 daily flights from FLL to twelve cities, including four international destinations - Santo Domingo, Port Au Prince, Nassau, and Caracas. The rumour is that AA will shortly be announcing FLL-SJO, FLL-GUA, and FLL-DCA has a counterattack. We'll see if that happens, but it won't surprise me. AA does consider FLL their turf, because it shares a customer base with MIA. The reason AA opened an FLL focus city is because a lot of airlines (namely Spirit) started talking about opening up routes like FLL-CCS, FLL-SDQ, etc. AA one upped them and started the routes ASAP.

I do think US Airways will do well at Ft. Lauderdale with what they have announced. It is too small an operation to really dent AA's profits, so they are not going to be that cruel. But they are going to respond in some way, shape, or form, and it won't be fun for US Airways. AA is in good enough shape where they can substain any losses that a reponse may entail. I am anxious to know what they do.

The FLL expansion would have been a good idea if U had the resources to sustain short term losses in the market with the hope of developing this into a future profitable market. Unfortunately, given U's terrible condition, it can withstand this short term risk. I expect a significant response from AA that will further erode U's cash position. Regrettably, this move probably will increase the liklihood of a U liquidation.

IMO, even if AA picks up most of the O&D traffic, US has feeder flights from loyal US cities (LGA, BOS, DCA, PHL, TPA, MCO, etc.). US is only operating 1 flight a day. Now, if the JFK rumor is true, AA should be a little more nervous because of the *Alliance feed. US has done very well in the Carib and in Europe--a lot of people doubted they would be able to go against AA in the Carib. AA in fact has reduced the number of flights and size aircraft out of PHL to SJU because of US's expansion in the Carib. It is smart of US to stop using these planes on flights losing $$$$$ and use them on flights that have great potential. Also, let WN fill their planes with $98 seats and US can have some GoFare seats and some where customers are connecting onto Central American and paying $500-$1000+. AA is having its own problems and is probably perplexed at the best way to respond. Like WN said to US when they entered the PHL market, it's just a few flights a day--why should they be worried--AA operates hundreds in the S.Fla. market--US is just trying respond to where it sees a need for increased service.....hehehehe

IMO, even if AA picks up most of the O&D traffic, US has feeder flights from loyal US cities (LGA, BOS, DCA, PHL, TPA, MCO, etc.). US is only operating 1 flight a day.

AA offers the same connections.

Now, if the JFK rumor is true, AA should be a little more nervous because of the *Alliance feed.

That's a joke. Star Alliance operates a combined 32 daily flights to JFK. AA and their partners operate 111 daily flights from JFK (about 95 of those flights are AA metal). Why in the world would AA worry?

AA in fact has reduced the number of flights and size aircraft out of PHL to SJU because of US's expansion in the Carib.

They are still flying two daily 757s. I am not sure if they ever flew a third daily, but they haven't reduced aircraft size.

It is smart of US to stop using these planes on flights losing $$$$$ and use them on flights that have great potential. Also, let WN fill their planes with $98 seats and US can have some GoFare seats and some where customers are connecting onto Central American and paying $500-$1000+.

Very true. The market offers so much potential. The start up costs aren't going to be cheap, especially to the four new markets, but the profits won't take long to come in.

AA is having its own problems and is probably perplexed at the best way to respond.

US Airways could only dream of having American's problems (or the four billion AA has in the bank). American is in much better financial shape. They can hit US Airways hard if they wish, even if it means themselves taking a financial hit, they can afford it. We'll have to see how they respond. They will, somehow.

AA previously flew at least one flight with a widebody (A300 I believe) before US entered the Carib market. I used to fly AA to Carib--they were the only choice. In PHL, the choice is now US because the number of nonstops or connections through CLT (rather than SJU or MIA).

Also, with respect to JFK, the *A is much stronger overall, IMHO, than OneWorld. The feeds from LF, United, Singapore Airlines, SAS, Air Canada, Austrian, South African, and LOT should help.

AA previously flew at least one flight with a widebody (A300 I believe) before US entered the Carib market. I used to fly AA to Carib--they were the only choice. In PHL, the choice is now US because the number of nonstops or connections through CLT (rather than SJU or MIA).

I never knew they used an A300 on PHL-SJU, thanks for the corrections.

Also, with respect to JFK, the *A is much stronger overall, IMHO, than OneWorld. The feeds from LF, United, Singapore Airlines, SAS, Air Canada, Austrian, South African, and LOT should help.

How?

Total number of daily Star Alliance/US partner flights at JFK: 33 daily
-SAS does not fly to JFK, only EWR.
-United is bigger in EWR and doesn't even fly JFK-ORD or JFK-DEN.
-Air Canada has only one flight to JFK, from Vancouver, everything else goes to EWR/LGA.
-Two daily flights to London and nothing more.
-No regional feed at all.

Total number of oneWorld/AA partner flights at JFK: 111 daily.
-Served by all eight oneWorld airlines.
-Served by additional AA partners, including El Al, Turkish, and Swiss.
-American Eagle regional feed from Boston, Halifax, and Montreal, all three being huge markets to the Caribbean (which is a major reason AEagle flies the rotues, along with Europe connections).
-About 14 daily flights to London and one to Manchester. The UK is a huge feeder for Caribbean markets, even though it has a lot of non-stop service itself.
-Feed from AA partners including all seven other oneWorld members, plus AA partners Swiss, El Al, and Turkish.

To say that Star is stronger at JFK, when oneWorld/AA has nearly four times the presence at JFK does not make sense.

http://www.usairways.com/about/press/nw_04_0823.htm



US AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES FORT LAUDERDALE HOLLYWOOD AS CARIBBEAN AND LATIN AMERICA GATEWAY
GoFares Are a Hallmark of the Airline’s Newest Focus City

ARLINGTON, Va., August 23, 2004 -- US Airways® today announced a major expansion at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, more than tripling its daily flights and connecting 10 Caribbean and Latin American destinations with key cities in the Northeast and Florida, beginning in February 2005.

In the Caribbean and Latin America, US Airways will introduce new service in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Kingston, Jamaica; Panama City, Panama; and San Salvador, El Salvador, subject to foreign government approval. Additionally, the airline will begin nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale Hollywood and Nassau, Providenciales, Santo Domingo, and San José, subject to foreign government approval, and San Juan. Service to Cancun, which will begin on Oct. 16, 2004 as Saturday-only service, will increase to daily service in February 2005.

In the U.S., US Airways will link Fort Lauderdale Hollywood with nonstop service from Boston, Newark, and Key West, Orlando, and Tampa, Fla., introducing GoFares® on each new route. In addition, US Airways is also launching GoFares for the first time in Charlotte, N.C., and Pittsburgh, on flights to and from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood. Charlotte GoFares start as low as $89** each way, and Pittsburgh GoFares begin at $99* each way.

Recently announced Saturday flights from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) and Hartford, Conn., to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood, which begin in November 2004, will increase to daily service in February 2005. New York (LaGuardia) service, also slated to begin in November, will gain additional daily frequency in February. All three are GoFares markets.

Combined with existing US Airways nonstop service to Ronald Reagan Washington National, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Providence, R.I., a total of 13 points in the U.S. will be conveniently connected to the Caribbean and Latin America via Fort Lauderdale Hollywood.

As part of the expansion, US Airways is introducing its first international GoFares to bring the most value to those travelers with ties between the U.S. and US Airways’ newest Caribbean and Latin American destinations – what airlines call Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travelers. GoFares will be available from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood to Cancun, Guatemala City, Kingston, Panama City, San José, San Juan, San Salvador, and Santo Domingo.

"The addition of a Caribbean and Latin American gateway in South Florida allows us to continue our expansion in the region by reaching beyond the leisure markets, which have become a strength for US Airways," said B. Ben Baldanza, US Airways senior vice president of marketing and planning. "We are committed to bringing low, simple fares and easy access for all customers to South Florida and major U.S. cities, a market that has been dominated by a single carrier for years. With this expansion, we are pleased to offer a value-added alternative to larger, congested airports."

SAMPLE EACH-WAY FARES TO/FROM FORT LAUDERDALE HOLLYWOOD
Destination

Fares From*
Cancun $104
Guatemala City, Guatemala $149
Kingston, Jamaica $124
Nassau, Bahamas $ 81
Panama City, Panama $149
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos $184
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic $124
San José, , Costa Rica $149
San Juan, Puerto Rico $104
San Salvador, El Salvador $149

BWI $ 79
Boston $ 72
Hartford $108
Key West, Fla. $ 69**
New York (LaGuardia) $ 72
Newark, N.J. $124
Orlando, Fla. $ 49
Tampa, Fla. $ 49

**The lowest Charlotte and Key West GoFares require roundtrip travel and a one-night minimum stay.

*Additional taxes and fees – for domestic travel, a $3.10 federal excise tax is imposed on each flight segment of the itinerary (a flight segment is defined as a takeoff and landing); passenger facilities charges of up to $18 per itinerary; and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per itinerary. The lowest domestic fares must be purchased seven or 14 days in advance, are one-way, and are nonrefundable. For travel to the Caribbean and Latin America, passengers are responsible for payment of U.S. International Departure and Arrival taxes of $27.40; passenger facilities charges of up to $18 per itinerary; the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per itinerary, U.S. inspection fees of up to $10.10; and foreign taxes and fees of up to $64.90. The lowest international fares are non-refundable and based on required roundtrip travel. Blackout dates apply, and other restrictions may apply. For more details, visit usairways.com.

US Airways has many other airline partners, and a part of a trip might be on one of the partner’s airplanes. These GoFares are available for travel on the US Airways Express® carriers Air Midwest, Chautauqua, Colgan, Mesa, Piedmont, PSA, Shuttle America or Trans States, and MidAtlantic Airways. A flight also might be operated by our Star Alliance partner United Airlines®. For all of the details about GoFares, including a few other restrictions, please go to usairways.com.

Finally GOFARES out of Charlotte!! YABBADABBADOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why no LAX/SFO - FLL as part of this expansion?

1. Are you telling me that iflyswa is a CLT resident? Excuse me while I go light myself on fire.

2. Panama City: the redneck riviera. Who doesn't enjoy vacationing in Lower Alabama? (joke here, in case you didn't get it and plan to correct me on the destination.)

You knew they would be coming sooner than later. US Airways has said it time and time again they plan on going system wide with Go Fares. It is going to take time.

Finally GOFARES out of Charlotte!! YABBADABBADOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know gate E 8 sits empty and no airline uses it. I wonder if US Airways will aquire it. Air Tran Uses E2 and E4. South East Airlines uses E6. US Airways has Gates E1, E3, E5, E7, E9 and E10.

There is no E 11 (as I thought there might have been one).

Troy

...the redneck riviera...

HEY! My hometown, Myrtle Beach, has long claimed that title! :D

Finally GOFARES out of Charlotte!! YABBADABBADOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

About time...need to go visit some friends...

HEY! My hometown, Myrtle Beach, has long claimed that title! :D

That's the place, the "redneck riviera", that West Virginians go for the big week-long vacation each year. Yee-ha! Grab up the kiddies, mee-maw and pap-paw and cousin it too.

I'd also like to say that I am not a WV native, thank you. ;)

And if you read the posted Press Release carefully, PIT also joins the ranks in the GoFares list for the first time. I guess service to FLL isn't going to be cut? ;)

I'm surprised no one has commented on that yet... or do we not care about PIT anymore that it's now a "focus city"?

I wonder what other cities will be added to GoFares. Im waiting for a GoFare to DC, IAD to far from my destination.

I wonder what other cities will be added to GoFares. Im waiting for a GoFare to DC, IAD to far from my destination.

According to management at RF, GoFares are eventually to be brought out systemwide... so time will tell when each route gets included.

That's the place, the "redneck riviera", that West Virginians go for the big week-long vacation each year. Yee-ha! Grab up the kiddies, mee-maw and pap-paw and cousin it too.

I'd also like to say that I am not a WV native, thank you. ;)
Tell me about it. I can't tell you how many Cletuses I see driving their rusty 1985 Chevy pickup with expired WV plates with the blinker (the one that works, that is) on for miles. ^

When US Express previously offered service from FLL with the Dash 8, they parked them on the ramp East of gate E1, (to the right looking outside from the terminal) They could probably fit 2-3 CRJ's in that space without getting too close to the Delta 767-400's that come in.

Did anybody else notice that Liberia was not on the list. Seems we still have a "mystery flight" on our hands.