The possibility of applying for DCA-LAX authority using N7's beyond-the-perimeter slots have definitely been presented to Alaska's management by the employees. It would be a huge asset, especially since no one has served DCA-LAX since AS was granted TW's old beyond-the-perimeter slots in early 2001.

The only potential problem is that should AS apply, you'd now have both UA and AS applying to provide service to LAX. Part of the idea behind providing beyond-the-perimeter slots was to give smaller carriers access to DCA, but another was to provide D.C. area residents with greater access to the West Coast. AS offers many connection options up and down the coast from LAX, but UA definitely has a much larger share of the market there, providing connections within California as well as to international destinations in Asia and the Pacific.

I don't see AS applying for this route, since they've got so much on their plate right now with opening both EWR and MIA. Furthermore, the DOT is more likely to approve UA's request since they offer superior connectivity from their LAX "mini-hub."