Originally Posted by
dieuwer2
"Hub captivity" is just another made-up description of a problem that does not exist. Part of the endless complaining about something on FlyerTalk.
No, the airline isn't locking you in a cage in their hometown airport. But yes, it's certainly a thing.
My team and I are constantly flying from NYC to Chicago and Denver. I live near LGA and thus have 6 airlines that fly to O'Hare and 3 to Denver so choose Delta based on medallion loyalty and the ease of the Marine Air Terminal. Two colleagues live in New Jersey and can get to Newark in 15-20 minutes vs the hour to get to LGA or JFK. They both prefer Delta to United but the convenience of a non-stop from Newark vs the hour drive to LGA or the connection in DTW/ATL/MSP makes for a pretty compelling argument to take UA.