Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

PMNW did pretty well with offering connections on KLM to smaller EU markets. In fact, I was skeptical when I switched from TWA (that did serve a lot of European airports nonstop from JFK) but I basically liked the arrangement. Eastbound, the flights arrived at the destination late enough in the day that hotel rooms were usually available upon arrival. OTOH, I hated all of the 6 am connecting flights, although in high season I could usually connect to the last (of three) AMS-MSP nonstops of the day, sometimes by paying a slightly higher fare for the convenience and sometimes by taking a less desirable aircraft type for the long segment.

DL could decide to offer TATL service to a smaller number of airports beyond AMS and CDG; perhaps FRA, MXP, MUC, BCN/MAD perhaps as a triangular route or on alternating days, TLV,FCO, and LHR of course, with everything else being connections even from JFK or ATL. It's similar to the ICN/KE strategy for Asian routes.