Originally Posted by
SOBE ER DOC
How is a 101-mile route designed largely for connecting traffic a "flagship" route?
I think the use of "flagship route" was tongue in cheek based on the later comment about the route mainly being used for "slot squatting."
Originally Posted by
mersk862
Way back in the day (pre-9/11, I think summer of 2000 or so), DL did have a BDL-JFK flight on a 767-300. Was done for international connections and to ease up on gate space at JFK.
LGA is definitely a slot squat though (as are PVD, ALB and to a lesser extent ORH). That being said, it does make DL more of an option for connections, notably in the Virginia/North Carolina area where ATL/DTW are a bit out of the way.
That was my thought too. One of the best markets for this route may be connections to DCA for those who prefer to stay with DL though I don't know how preferable this will be over the nonstop on AA between BDL and DCA, especially when you factor in the extra time and risk by adding the connection (especially via LGA).