Originally Posted by
moondog
Even if DL was to demonstrate that demand for PDX-HND was lousy, I can't imagine the DOT would care. From its perspective, DL can either launch it or decline to launch it. If DL declines, then the award would presumably go to the runner-up (AA LAS-HND, iirc).
I personally know people who would love an Asia flight (particularly if evening or night), as basically you can finish work and then hop on a plane to Asia. It is otherwise hard to do (you'd have to connect in SEA, and see if you could make that connection). Right now flights to Japan are crazily priced if you don't leave in the morning.