happydad100

Sorry in advance for the long post. I have been watching Delta’s fares closely out of Salt Lake City for the last 10 years. Delta usually matches the competition’s fares. However, that all changed in the last few months. Below are fares (before taxes) for a few markets for 3-day one-way and 14-day advance roundtrip (to cover both the business and leisure traveler). The competition is also listed (out of SLC this is usually WN, but often HP, UA and F9).

One-Way, 3-Day Advance
SLC to LAX: $242 ($137 Others)
SLC to SNA: $499 ($139 Others)
SLC to BOS: $599 ($499 Others)
SLC to MCO: $299 ($185 Others)
SLC to PHX: $145 ($141 Others)
SLC to ORD: $360 ($215 Others)
SLC to SAN: $399 ($165 Others)
SLC to IAH: $299 ($185 Others)
SLC to SMF: $599 ($134 Others)
SLC to SFO: $346 ($149 Others)

Roundtrip 14-Day Advance (One Night Minimum Stay)
SLC to LAX: $222 ($182 Others)
SLC to SNA: $798 ($242 Others
SLC to BOS: $998 ($198 Others)
SLC to MCO: $399 ($238 Others)
SLC to PHX: $202 ($202 Others)
SLC to ORD: $300 ($198 Others)
SLC to SAN: $798 ($242 Others)
SLC to IAH: $280 ($280 Others)
SLC to SMF: $318 ($182 Others)
SLC to SFO: $572 ($198 Others)

Comments
1. Some of these fares are unreal. $499 to $599 one-way from SLC to SNA or SMF. Would anyone pay this? The yield guys in Atlanta must have new computers or something.
2. As a small business owner, we are flying far less Delta this year.
3. It seems that the spread between the highest fare (capped at $599 one-way and the lowest fares has narrowed).

Why is Delta doing this? Is this true of other markets? I know they need to raise revenue, but this is ridiculous. Delta needs to have its cost structure in-line so they can match the competition. I’m fine paying a 10% premium to fly Delta over the competition. I guess if they reduce capacity they can find a few people to pay these high fares. I’d like Delta to survive, but not this way. Please, Delta, bring your fares back in-line so I can afford to fly you!

Happydad