Originally Posted by ANDREWCX
If there really is a gate shortage in L then the obvious thing would be to move the LCC's (ATA, Frontier, AirTran) to H and invite in other LCC's as well (Southwest, JetBlue, Independance Air
)
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This does make some sense, in that group the LCC together and utilize the HH terminal for that. As far as inviting other carriers in, Im not sure they need to be invited in, its more of if they can get gets which they should be able to even if it is at the HH. I would be very surprised to see Southwest show up at MSP given their approach at some other hubs. Historicaly the MSP area complains about lack of LCC yet look at how Sun Country has struggled to get by. While there are those that leverage the LCC, I still think a lot of people in the MSP area prefer to complain about NW, then fly on them as its convient. JetBlue could make an appearance however I suspect they will wait and see what happens with NW and FL before launching an eastern front for the NW battle with LCC.
Originally Posted by ANDREWCX
... oh and of course there would have to be some decent inter-terminal transportation (skytrain? perhaps NWA could pay for that???).
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Stay tuned, I do not recall the opening date, however the new light rail is supposed to stop at the Lindbergh terminal somewhere near the transit center at the east end of the parking complex, then continue on to the HH terminal, and then on to the Mall. Sure you would have to leave a secure environment, however that is not all that different from some other airports.
Originally Posted by ANDREWCX
Another way to free up gates would be for the Skyteam members to reduce duplicate routes to a single member airline.
True, the industry could use some consolidation of routes and seat capacity reduction, however, then someone would complain about monoply on routes, no compeition, and so forth.
Originally Posted by ANDREWCX
Another point - Can Humphrey even do international arrivals? If not then the proposal would split up Air Canada from US Air and United....
This is a non-issue at least for Air Canada and most other U.S. carriers. Canada flights clear customs and formalities in Canada. The AC and NW flights that I have seen or been on have always cleared in Canada and thus you dont see them over at the G concourse.