Originally Posted by
MikeyZBT
Why would you want a niche out of the SEA/Alaska market? The population center up there is so small it doesn't make sense. Seattle is just about the same size as San Diego and has no nearby medium-large cities to connect to. LA and SF are MUCH larger areas with MUCH larger population bases.
If VX is going to look for a secondary market on the west coast, San Diego would offer the benefit of closer connection cities (LAX, TUS, PHX, LAX, etc.) and also with better weather in SAN vs. SEA, you will have less delays.
From April-October AK is full of destination traffic because of its natural scenery and attractions. From November-March people that live in AK vacation more than others to sunnier places to get out of the winter. In addition, VX would be able to attract biz travelers during the winter months (all months really). Also VX would be able to provide quick one-stop flights to SFO/LAX (SAN/IAD/FLL/JFK if my fantasy plan is followed). Why go on AS for the same price as VX using the same SEA connection?
SEA is much bigger than SAN in people who use the airport. SEA has the combined O/D of BLI south to Centralia. At BLI and Centralia people would look for the lowest airfare and go to YVR or PDX (also BLI, but BLI is very small, flights to LAS/RNO,PSP (seasonal)/SLC/SEA, recently discontinued CMH). SAN has the combined O/D of everyrthing North of the Border to CLD, at CLD people choose whether to use SNA, CLD, or SAN.
SEA has good weather, not as good as SAN, but better than many other places.