Originally Posted by
cbn42
This can be explained by the purchasing behavior of most consumers. Yes, MEM is much easier to connect in than ATL. But how much extra will you pay? If you search online and connecting through MEM is even $5 more expensive, will you pay it? Some Flyertalkers might, but most people won't. Therefore, factors like ease of connecting and congestion do not play into Delta's decision on keeping the hub.
ATL has the economy of scale and the O&D traffic, therefore it is going to be cheaper. That's really all that matters.
Actually, MEM is often cheaper due to the lack of PFC's. The issue is likely more a lack of frequency/destinations and the prevalence of CRJ's. Business fliers want schedule flexibility and a chance of an upgrade, something that is difficult to obtain when connecting through MEM vs. ATL.