Cool...thanks for all of the Shuttle background. I flew US Airways LGA-DCA a few times in the 90's while connecting on elsewhere. I remember that the service on those flights was better than usual for such a short time in the air. I recall free newspapers/magazines and inflight snacks. I never saw the walk-up side of the operation, so that's why I never thought there was much unique about the routes. The "old days" of the Shuttle sound cool - sadly they are gone forever.

I flew those 56-seaters twice. Amazing flights, especially in Row 11 (I think). Lobster quesadillas, free booze, newspaper, etc. Hard to imagine those coming back either: there aren't any startup airlines to kick out of DAL.