dmorbust

http://www.wsj.com/articles/after-de...sco-1424896811

DL is probably quite happy after executing the slot transfer deal with US Airways to now control about 45% of LGA slots. Any guess as to effect on JFK/LGA ops?

readywhenyouare

Well it's about time. The sooner they stop screwing with market forces the better off we will be.

pbarnette

Obviously, this would be huge for DL. In terms of impact, I'd have to think that the bulk of the SFO/LAX/SEA flights would move to LGA, likely at the expense of some of the smaller destinations, or maybe some of the LGA-Other Hub frequency. The open question would be whether that loss would be offset via either increased gauge into LGA (in the case of drawdown of LGA-Other Hub frequency) or transfer to JFK (in the case of elimination/cutback on smaller destinations. For example, DL has something like 9 flights a day to RDU and 7 a day to MSP. I'd think they could steal a slot or two from each and backfill either with bigger planes or shifting some to JFK.

I will repeat myself a bit though... If this goes through, I think they should seize all the slots and re-auction them, with the funds going to help upgrade air traffic infrastructure in the region. While they are at it, do the same for JFK and EWR. I don't think DL should be handed a gift of a dominant position at an increasingly attractive LGA simply because they were there "first".

naples_flyer

I see the PANYNJ has published passenger data for 2014. Delta now occupies the number one spot for domestic passengers when all the metro airports are combined. They still lag United hugely in international passengers although some of that might be as a result of joint ventures.

I think opening up LGA would help cement Delta's strong domestic position but might also complicate it's international operations out of JFK.

jiburi

This is definitely an investor friendly news, not to mention passenger.

Tho it may become more confusing how they decide to build bank of flights.

Jiburi

MSPeconomist

If the NYC slots go up for auction, then the same should happen for at least the DCA slots, if not also BWI and IAD, since DCA slots were given up by DL in exchange for property rights on LGA slots.

pbarnette

Neither BWI nor IAD are slot-controlled, but I agree that DCA slots (and DAL gates) should also be put up for auction on a periodic basis.

LETTERBOY

Wish they'd get rid of the perimeter rule at DCA, too.

MSPeconomist

This would result in a lot of cuts to existing frequencies. It could also make IAD international connections harder to time from some airports. [However, I hate IAD, so I try to avoid IAD connections anyway.]

3Cforme

I don't think DL could get all it would want in long-distance LGA flights by upgauging. My guess is that small stations with already marginal CRJ/ERJ service would feel a big hit: airports like PWM, BGR, CAE, GSP...

DL has already accomplished a lot of upgauging out of LGA - only about 20 daily departures are on 50-seaters any more.

bayhouse

DAL gates shouldn't be up for auction regularly, but reviewed whenever leases become expired orh legislative acts create additional gate space.

DL should give up on DAL and let a small new entrant (eg anyone but SWA or AA) get a stab at running flights to destinations beside ATL

RobtheAggie

If this were to happen, it would be a boon for the business traveler. I would if the BA flight from LCY would flying LGA instead of JFK. Imagine a NS from LGA to LCY. $$$

Dieuwer

I think that only foreign departure points that have preclearance would allow for a flight to LaGuardia, i.e DUB-LGA.

mAAine_flyer

That's exactly how BA runs its Babybus service (LCY-JFK with a fuel stop/preclearance in SNN). No reason they can't substitute LGA for JFK...and I imagine they might actually prefer it.

Dieuwer

So everyone boarding LCY would need to get off at SNN, go through preclearance, and board again? What a waste of time...