Originally Posted by
M60_to_LGA
Here's another question to throw out there - why does AA choose to maintain flights to those South American destinations that it hasn't abandoned? I mean, I guess GRU, SCL, and EZE are large cities with big international business hubs, but Guayaquil? Cartagena? Most of the secondary cities AA flies to on the continent seem to be tourist destinations and/or places that migrants come from - not necessarily destinations that would see a heavy skew toward premium travelers. On top of which, a lot of those destinations are also served by Spirit, which presumably would eat into margins at the low end of the pricing scale.
Yes, largely tourism, as well as some locals on VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and shopping trips to the USA. But also, perhaps cAArgo?? There could be significant enough demand for air cargo that a secondary LatAm route could make money even if the passenger cabins are not full every day. For ex: South American orchids and some fresh-cut flowers are sold in major US cities aross the country. Can't use a container ship for those!