Originally Posted by flyer703

Looks like we will be getting 5 new beyond-perimeter flight pairs!
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/...ional-airport/
I will update the table as the new slots are awarded. Here are my final guesses:

WN: SAT
Why? Southwest is from Texas and already has a large DCA operation to/from DAL & HOU, and they already have one beyond-perimeter Texas exemption (AUS). Plus Ted would be happy, stashing up some political chits for WN.

DL: SLC
Why? They used to have 2x daily service to their SLC hub but switched one to LAX for 752 Delta One service (which I assume has been immensely profitable). At the time, they said they would rather have kept both SLC flights and just added LAX. Here's their chance to do that. (Alternate guess: SEA)

UA: DEN
Why? The UA 753 operated on this route is currently coming in and going out nearly full every day. Even with competitive 3x daily DEN service from F9, there seems to be demand for this route. Also an AM departure westbound and a PM departure eastbound would open up a lot of new connection opportunities for UA and their DCA customers.

AA: SAN
Why? This would restore the service previously offered by US and converted to LAX after the merger. It would be a new DCA destination, so very attractive to the DOT. (Alternate guesses: LAS, SFO)

AS: SNA
Why? This one is more of a hope than a guess, as I have friends in Orange County (lol). AS already operates one of the four flights to/from LAX. This is a chance to increase SoCal service, but to a unique and new DCA destination - again, attractive to the DOT. (Alternate guesses: SEA, OAK)