Originally Posted by
GNRMatt
I once took an early morning PHL-DCA flight (don't remember if it was exactly 6 AM or not). This was to connect to go to MVY. The only way to get to MVY in the US system was via DC. This is just one example where it makes sense to have this flight. I'm sure there are other routings where this is needed as well.
Ah, that airport does show it has a seasonal flight to DCA and not PHL or CLT. I couldn't find other airports that only have DCA linked, and not CLT or PHL through AA though. Anyone know if there are others?
Originally Posted by
arlflyer
It's a little one-class RJ. They just need to find 50 people who, for whatever reason or another, want to fly over taking Amtrak if we're talking O&D. And don't underestimate USdbaAA's ability to create weirdo connecting itineraries through DCA. I am sure at least some of those people will be connecting on to somewhere on a routing that makes no sense.
Yeah there might be some that do it over Amtrak. It seems like it could be a hassle though to wake up earlier and go to the airport. I also think on the connections, that if most connections can be done through CLT or nonstop through PHL, that there might be opportunity cost in USdbAA selling likely low fare connecting itineries solely for the purpose of that slot.
Then again, a market like ISP might be too far (i.e. longer flight), and I don't know if AA really has long term plans to be there with JFK one hour away. Another one might be ABE. There is no Amtrak near the Allentown area and there might be some O&D it can get on an ABE-DCA while still having a very short flight that leaves around 6am and gets into DCA before 7am. Plus it can move some connecting to Florida traffic through DCA over a longer CLT flight.