A rumor about LAX
Sep 28, 2014, 10:33 pm
#16
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The OP mentioned something about metrics. Could a hub classification make metrics and goals a little more flexible? Are staffing levels different in a hub? Those could be some reasons why a Red Coat would care.
Sep 28, 2014, 10:42 pm
#17
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Sep 28, 2014, 10:55 pm
#18
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I agree with others that right now space is a huge problem at LAX, but maybe they know something we don't about future gate potential. They already have some of T-6, and who knows, maybe they will eventually buy AS.
Sep 28, 2014, 11:14 pm
#19
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They are expanding in cities with great wealth and people who will buy premium airfares and expensive last minute coach fares.
I agree with others that right now space is a huge problem at LAX, but maybe they know something we don't about future gate potential. They already have some of T-6, and who knows, maybe they will eventually buy AS.
I agree with others that right now space is a huge problem at LAX, but maybe they know something we don't about future gate potential. They already have some of T-6, and who knows, maybe they will eventually buy AS.
Oh, and that kind of assumes AS wants to be bought. There's zero evidence their management is thrilled at the idea of adding their technological and cultural distinctiveness that is the Borg Collective of DL, and their argument to AS shareholders of being pretty good at returning profits to them is actually bolstered by evidence...
Sep 28, 2014, 11:45 pm
#20
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What to make of SLC
If LAX does indeed become a hub for delta, what would become of SLC? SLC is too close to LAX, i think, and wouldn't allow for efficient operation if SLC isn't significantly downsized.
Jiburi
Jiburi
Sep 29, 2014, 12:34 am
#21
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I think that SEA is a much bigger threat to SLC than LAX. Unless there is a significant physical expansion at LAX, there is no way it could handle all the traffic of SLC. Then again, I think that SLC has a fairly robust economy, and also serves as an important connecting point for a lot of smaller mountain communities.
Sep 29, 2014, 12:41 am
#22
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I think that SEA is a much bigger threat to SLC than LAX. Unless there is a significant physical expansion at LAX, there is no way it could handle all the traffic of SLC. Then again, I think that SLC has a fairly robust economy, and also serves as an important connecting point for a lot of smaller mountain communities.
Delta isn't United where a hub must revolve around international flying. SLC is the only other airport that can really compete with Denver for the rocky mt. area.
FWIW by 2017 DL will be 100% F class in SLC (minus any OO at-risk flying) and is planning growth in both capacity and flights for that hub also.
Sep 29, 2014, 12:55 am
#23
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It would be more convincing if DL were grabbing the four gates in T6 that are apparently going to AA. Then DL would have space to expand at LAX.
However, more generally, I'm not sure I see the wisdom of DL stressing "hubs" like JFK, LAX, and SEA now as they're very competitive markets with much more competitive fares in general than ATL, DTW, MSP, CVG, MEM, SLC, etc. Why expand in places where you must offer low prices and might get into price wars?
However, more generally, I'm not sure I see the wisdom of DL stressing "hubs" like JFK, LAX, and SEA now as they're very competitive markets with much more competitive fares in general than ATL, DTW, MSP, CVG, MEM, SLC, etc. Why expand in places where you must offer low prices and might get into price wars?
SEA is the best (available) location to build a hub to Asia.
Sep 29, 2014, 7:50 am
#24
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Could you expand upon the metrics remark, and describe how designating LAX a hub (in something more than boilerplate at the end of every press release) will be better for employees, please?
Sep 29, 2014, 7:52 am
#25
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LAX or SEA will never sub for SLC as an east-west connector and pressure-valve option for transcon traffic. The coastal corners are for international, Utah is for domestic. And SLC is preferred by many over MSP and ATL for quick gate-to-gate walk times and great bad-wx ops, two great advantages. (Ran breathless through MSP for 10+ minutes to make a quick connection last week -- walked three minutes through SLC on the way back.)
Sep 29, 2014, 8:22 am
#26
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Additional LAX flights
DL has loaded some additional LAX capacity for this winter/next spring within the last week:
LAX-SFO from 13x daily to 15x daily
LAX-MCO from 2x daily to 3x daily (start Spring 2015)
LAX-TPA from 10x weekly to 2x daily (Spring 2015)
LAX-SMF from 5x daily to 6x daily
LAX-SJC from 7x daily to 8x daily (including 1x daily mainline 738)
LAX-PHX maintain 5x daily but with 1x mainline (1x 739); currently all CR7/CR9s
LAX-YVR 2x daily (originally only seasonal but now going year-round)
LAX-SFO from 13x daily to 15x daily
LAX-MCO from 2x daily to 3x daily (start Spring 2015)
LAX-TPA from 10x weekly to 2x daily (Spring 2015)
LAX-SMF from 5x daily to 6x daily
LAX-SJC from 7x daily to 8x daily (including 1x daily mainline 738)
LAX-PHX maintain 5x daily but with 1x mainline (1x 739); currently all CR7/CR9s
LAX-YVR 2x daily (originally only seasonal but now going year-round)
Last edited by ClipperDelta; Sep 29, 2014 at 8:48 am
Sep 29, 2014, 8:32 am
#27
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Like others, I have no idea how DL will increase service at LAX with the current gate situation. There simply isn't enough room, unless they go to remote stands, which to me doesn't seem very efficient.
Sep 29, 2014, 9:02 am
#28
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David
Sep 29, 2014, 9:19 am
#30
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Not to worry. Those without checked bags are only 5 cars ahead of you on the 405.