Originally Posted by
6P&E
RJ's are the most prevalent aircraft at MEM. Can a hub be successful connecting 50 pax aircraft to other 50 pax aircraft?
What are MEM OD traffic numbers ? Middle Tennessee is the economic center of the state.
I just think it's a matter of time before DL sheds it.
I fly SEA-MEM or SEA-MEM-XXX several times a year, and I find that it has pluses and minuses.
Advantages:
Easy connections (this year to AUS and MSY)
Short secuirty lines/times (usually)
A nicer SC than many places
Perhaps trivial, but exceptional BBQ in the airport
Disadvantages
Higher fares than BNA or LIT (though DL/NW may view this as a plus)
Like ALL DL/NW hubs, a short connection can be tough
Icy weather can close MEM fairly quickly
Thunder storms are common, especially in the spring
As an aside, MEM is an exceptionally busy freight destination due to FedEX, and the nearest Southwest presences are in BNA ad LIT, although I am not certain how this may affect hub decisions.