I think that the LAX-PHL flights were a very shrewd move on VX's part. It's one of the few routes where they do not compete directly with AA -- read: entertainment industry paid F dollars. If you were a travel manager at a studio who was booking (paid F) talent to fly this route for a production, which airline would you choose?

When you add that with VX's cult-like following in the LA area, this route has the potential to kick US's butt with the LA-based O&D traffic. Yes, US still rules with the PHL-based traffic and those who are connecting to smaller East Coast stations and Europe/Caribbean, but if we are strictly speaking LAX-based O&D, US will lose out big-time.

On the flip side, with less paid F tickets on this route, Preferred's are likely to see their upgrade rates increase.