As late as its news releases today, UA continues to refer to LAX as one of its mainland hubs: "United is proud to have the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco and Washington, D.C."

Yet, it has difficulty finding gate space to run a reliable LAX operation, under even its current reduced schedule. Seems as if LAX has to become a more reliable hub before it can or should match the expansion of competitors.