I don't understand hub captivity...
#17
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Up North
Programs: Skymiles, MPL Chase Premier
Posts: 782
I can see plenty of people going the 6 hour route to save 30 bucks.
This would also have to assume using a rental car and no mileage charges.
Airlines charge for convenience... hence why the non-stop is sometimes costlier than the connection. It slightly ties into the "Can't SDS to a non-stop from a connection" issue that keeps popping up here.
#19
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,079
I can almost never find a quicker route on any other airline but DL from SLC. There are sometimes cheaper routes on US Air or AA, but never quicker and my time is worth more than the dollars I can save, not to mention that it is not just my time, but time causing irreparable damage to my back and my health in general.
#20
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,079
I also think, but cannot prove, that straight dollar competition at hubs is not between the major carriers but between others. For example, I can find cheaper fares to some locations on Frontier than Delta, but I choose Delta because of the fact that I do believe that it is safer on Delta and they will take care of me in case of problems more easily. Now Southwest is a completely different matter. If I can find a cheaper flight on SW I will have my daughter take it.
#21
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
Even if you choose to stay with the hub airline because you value your time, that does not make you a CAPTIVE. You choose to fly direct.
I have lived in hub cities and have chosen to fly the non-hub airline on many occasions. You do have a choice. You may not always prefer that choice. So captive is not the word I would use here.
I have lived in hub cities and have chosen to fly the non-hub airline on many occasions. You do have a choice. You may not always prefer that choice. So captive is not the word I would use here.
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,932
The "captive" term isn't really meant to be taken literally. Obviously, there are many choices available from the hubs via connections on other airlines. It's just that most people (aka, non-FT's) simply regard air travel as a means to get from point A to point B. They look for the quickest and most convenient routing which tends to be non-stops, even though they may also be the most expensive options.
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: UA Silver, BA Gold, DL Gold
Posts: 9,779
#25
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 937
My team and I are constantly flying from NYC to Chicago and Denver. I live near LGA and thus have 6 airlines that fly to O'Hare and 3 to Denver so choose Delta based on medallion loyalty and the ease of the Marine Air Terminal. Two colleagues live in New Jersey and can get to Newark in 15-20 minutes vs the hour to get to LGA or JFK. They both prefer Delta to United but the convenience of a non-stop from Newark vs the hour drive to LGA or the connection in DTW/ATL/MSP makes for a pretty compelling argument to take UA.
#26
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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The "captive" term isn't really meant to be taken literally. Obviously, there are many choices available from the hubs via connections on other airlines. It's just that most people (aka, non-FT's) simply regard air travel as a means to get from point A to point B. They look for the quickest and most convenient routing which tends to be non-stops, even though they may also be the most expensive options.
#27
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: LAS
Programs: PA FT, TW Gold, NW/CO PE, VK Eagleflyer
Posts: 7,173
It's a poorly defended fortress.
#28
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Meechigan
Posts: 1,006
I mean, I understand the concept: your home airport is a hub to a certain airline, and you feel stuck with that airline.
What I don't understand is why people at these home airports find it hard to switch to another airline (presumably other airlines fly there). Is it because prices are higher at hubs even with other airlines? Or the thought of additional connections?
I live in a non-hub airport with few direct flights, so most of my domestic flights require connecting. Is living in a hub and flying other airlines any worse?
What I don't understand is why people at these home airports find it hard to switch to another airline (presumably other airlines fly there). Is it because prices are higher at hubs even with other airlines? Or the thought of additional connections?
I live in a non-hub airport with few direct flights, so most of my domestic flights require connecting. Is living in a hub and flying other airlines any worse?
#29
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Posts: 100,342
#30
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Clearwater, FL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Plat.
Posts: 299
After a lot of trouble with delayed connections this year (as well as Delta decimating my reward points), I'm changing my strategy to flying direct flights as much as possible, which means a lot of Southwest flights.
Connecting flights double the chances of IRROPS. Plus, as others have mentioned, there's the additional time factor involved in connecting. So I'll be giving up first class comfort in exchange for more time in a comfortable hotel room. (A somewhat dubious trade, I admit.)
Connecting flights double the chances of IRROPS. Plus, as others have mentioned, there's the additional time factor involved in connecting. So I'll be giving up first class comfort in exchange for more time in a comfortable hotel room. (A somewhat dubious trade, I admit.)