Originally Posted by
socrates
Not true...last week I had a 175 leave out of a46 (where they usually park both 744's and 333's)...a day later I saw a SAAB (yes a prop) parked at that same gate....175 is operated by Compass, SAAB's are operated by Mesaba (I have yet to see Pinnacle parked at A though)
They use some of the big international gates for a Saab on occasion, but in general, OP's points are true, Compass is generally in A, while the Pinnacle and Mesaba planes are over in B/C.
I assume it has something to do with the 175s being higher off the ground, possibly not requiring gate checked bags, i.e. more mainline like. I'm not sure though. Still haven't had the pleasure of flying Compass.