<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BearX220:
The long skinny MDs take a long time to load and unload. I'm sure that's why DL has never put 757s on the Shuttle line for peak hours -- same issue. The system is all about fast turn times.
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That is my most hated thing about both of these planes - far too many pax for one aisle.
The slots are the biggest gain here for any buyer. AA operates the routes now on about the same frequency and pricing, but with ERJs because both LGA and DCA are severely slot-restricted, but have exemptions for RJs. The slots from US (I'm not sure if they care about the gates or employees) would allow them to serve more than double the customers.
Funnily, I have rarely been on a full shuttle flight other than when traveling in morning and evening rush, but they are supposedly highly profitable, I suppose due to operating simplicity and efficiency.
By the way, beer and wine are free, but not other alcohol. And they do serve (small and crappy) meals at meal-time.