Originally Posted by
Tim34
I highly doubt Midwest will get the slots. That does not add competition.
I disagree completely. The DOT favors giving access to new entrants or smaller airlines with limited service. This helps increase competition at DCA.
So far, five airlines have applied for the extra slots. U.S. Airways and Delta already have very large operations at DCA (U.S. Airways alone holds over 350 slots). They could easily cut back frequency on some routes to start service to new cities if they so desired. Spirit wants to add another round-trip to FLL (which is also served by U.S. Airways). AirTran wants to add flights to either JAX or MKE.
Earlier this year, a pair of slots was awarded to AirTran to increase service to their ATL hub. Since the planes to both MKE and MCI carry good loads most months, I'd say Midwest has a very good chance of securing at least one pair of slots (I'd be very surprised if they got both pairs).