Originally Posted by
BearX220
Most people riding those ATL-TPA Delta aircraft started their journey someplace beyond ATL, or are heading there, which dilutes yield on this short leg. (A passenger traveling SFO-ATL-TPA for $300 one way is riding ATL-TPA for just a few dollars.) I would bet WN gets more O/D traffic, and therefore is making better margin despite lower published fares.
WN doesn't have a hub and spoke network, so almost by definition they have more O&D traffic on their routes.
For many people, WN isn't viewed as a good substitute for DL. They're differentiated products in many people's minds, so of course DL should charge more for its flights with seat assignments, the possibility ofr free elite upgrades, PreCheck, meals, interlining and alliance partners, international connections, and a FF program that's worldwide, etc.