Originally Posted by
IADCAflyer
So:
AS: DCA-SAN
WN: DCA-LAS
AA: DCA-SAT
DL: DCA-SEA (assumed)
UA: DCA-??? (conventional wisdom assumes LAX as that's pretty much all UA can do based on the language of the statutory provision).
UA's choice will depend a lot on what JetBlue does.
I'm sure UA's preference would be for another SFO, and given the size of the Bay Area's economy and with only 2 beyond perimeter flights, plus the fact that there's already a competitor on the route, there's a case to be made for SFO (if LAX has 4 flights, and Seattle would have 3, and Phoenix has 3... but SFO only has 2?). But it clearly is the least responsive to the requirements. If B6 doesn't apply, then UA can ask for SFO and there's basically no other option - and the law says the Secretary 'shall' issue these exemptions.
If B6 does apply, then I'd imagine UA's choice would depend on what they pick. LAX would be the safest choice and the easiest argument.