I currently live in Houston but am from Philadelphia. For the last six years Continental/United has been my preferred carrier out of convenience of living in Houston.

Due to work being nuts this year I haven't taken any flights...my last was on 30 December 2012.

However I am looking to book tickets for my mother and sister to come visit over Christmas and I see there seem to be only three direct PHL-IAH flights now. If my memory serves correct there used to be around five or six a day from both IAH to PHL and PHL to IAH. There are only two to three direct non-stops from IAH to PHL as well.

Now everything seems to be connections! ORD, IAD, CLE and even TPA!

When did this reduction in IAH-PHL/PHL-IAH direct non-stops happen? And why?

PS - I searched for anything prior to posting. So I turn to you savvy fliers for some insight...thanks!