Originally Posted by
newsmanhoss
But, you're absolutely right. FL's MKE-MSP route seems to be particularly pronounced. What I can't figure out is why so many passengers choose to connect on FL on these routes over flying nonstop on DL from MSP. Is there that much of a difference in fare?
Fare differences between MSP and MKE are huge. I've had flights on non FL/F9 metal price at 1/2 to 1/3 of the MSP price. Last march I went to DCA on CO, I had ex-MSP price at $549 (CO was cheapest carrier) and ex-MKE price at $170 (CO tied with F9 on price). FL and F9 often price significantly less than DL and DL 1-stops are typically cheaper than DL non-stops from MSP.