Delta has already done this......by limiting the maximum number of connections on a domestic fare to 2......and then streamlining the routing rules in order to limit connections between major city pairs such as JFK-SEA to only a single connection.

IOWs, it is not possible to book your example under a single fare basis because MCO has been removed from NYC-West Coast routings and no more than a single connection each way is allowed for any JFK-SEA/LAX fare.


Regardless.....the single act that caused many of these 'availability' issues is the general reduction of capacity at a time when more people than ever want to travel by air.

In 2004, it was EXTREMELY rare for me to be on a full flight.....let alone one that was overbooked.

In 2006/2007, full....if not overbooked....is the norm......even during the 'winter slowdown'.

Until domestic capacity is restored/increased on many high traffic routes, there will be problems........regarding both award tickets as well as general seat availability.

This is why I will openly LAUGH at anyone who suggests that there is TOO much domestic capacity......as they must either not fly a lot or be totally oblivious to what's been going on the last few months.

A.J.