Originally Posted by
ND76
Delta's route system is weakest in Texas, where there is fierce competition between WN (with major operations at DAL, HOU and SAT), UA (hub at IAH) and AA (headquarters at DFW). DL dehubbed DFW about 25 years ago. If Delta wanted to be on an equal footing in Texas with the others, there is no one to merge with; DL would have to build up an operation on its own. AUS would seem to be the only potential hub where it could have a chance at success, but this would have to build a new concourse there as its present gates are insufficient to support a hub operation there.
The AUS hub will happen someday from someone and I think Delta is the best position to assume that role. But yes, significant infrastructure has to happen there to make it happen. DFW dehub was a liittle less than 25 years ago...maybe 2000 or so. Definitely DL's weakest domestic spot is south and west Texas. They, and SkyWest, could still push a little harder in the intermountain west and the north-south routes in the far west traditionally dominated by AS.
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Doesn't DL use Amtrak for their Allentown/Bethlehem "flights"?
Delta operates non-stop FLIGHTS from DTW and ATL to ABE.
Originally Posted by
flyerCO
With who? There's only 3 major US airlines now. The DOJ/T is already working to cancel the AA/B6 codeshare alliance and that isn't even a full merger.. WN is not a major airline in likes of DL. It is still a LCC (not ULCC like Spirit, but still a LCC)
On what planet is WN not a major airline? They are number one in market share in many, many markets.