I read online that DEN has announced construction of some new gates at Conc. C. Speculation was that Continental would be moved to C from A, allowing Frontier to take the gates at A they want.

My big question: What about the PC? Do you think they will replace the PC in C? Hoofing (or training as the case may be) it over to A from C wont work. I have a fear that it will be "enhanced" away.........

Well, that PC is shared with a number of other entities (including LH, whose pax typically roam the place prior to the daily 744/A340 flight). I suspect that that will be enough to keep it going.

In terms of getting to Terminal C...the elevator is immediately outside the PC doors, and drops you almost at the train's doorstep on the lower level. I agree that moving to "C" would be a pain, but it would not make ME miserable, at least.

Moving to "B", on the other hand...

CO could close the PC in DEN and let the PC members use the DL CRC in Term C. Although the DL CRC might be too small - but maybe it can be expanded. I have used the DL CRC in DEN when flying NW.

Of course, if CO & UA merge - then the PC would close anyway and the UA RC would take over.

I'm not sure how these gate leases work, but I doubt that an airport can move an airline to put another airline together.

IIRC, CO may even own the A gates, and sublease to Frontier. The A gates are worth more than the C gates since they're close in, so I don't think the airport can simply up and move CO.

I have always felt that the DEN PC looks more like a hub club than an outstation club. Compared to the PCs at SFO or SEA, it is two or three times as large. I unfortunately cannot imagine CO building a similar club at DEN unless it makes the crazy decision to rebuild the DEN hub. IMO, it would probably be easier and cheaper to buy F9...after all they already have a hub-like lounge.

CO can not be forced to move out of DEN Term A - but they might get a deal that makes it lucrative to move out.

UA is moving out - but got a deal - DIA building a $41.5M RJ facility at B + DIA will pay the remaining $110M debt on the unused automated baggage system. Then DIA does not have too spend more to build more gates for Frontier at A.

CO could choose to either get reduced gate fees at Term C (or by leasing A for a greater fee), get out of the PC space lease, or other items. DEN is not critical to CO - NW and DL are in Term C.

Yes Term A is closer - you can walk - do not need to take the train - but I still take the train - using the quicker main TSA checkpoint and when exiting - just take the elevator direct to the PC. But the PC is never that crowded - the bar area not that busy, etc. CO split the PC already - giving away the other half - I think BA and USO use the other part. Looks to me that there would be space in Term C in the upstairs area for a PC - or expansion to DL CRC.

Hey...

That's because it was built as a hub club.

F9 is already setting up a relationship with AirTran. AirTran is really becoming a new business traveller airline - offering business class service and corporate contract arrangements. AirTran is on the expansion - wanting to buy Midwest. AirTran may be a LCC - but they are going after the business market. My company puts AirTran in the same class as the hub carriers.

It depends. I have been at DEN many times late on a Friday afternoon when the main line was taking at least 10 minutes to get through and the A line upstairs on the sky bridge had maybe 5 people standing in it. I've also been in the PC when it was pretty busy, but usually it's fairly quiet.

If the "A" line is over about six people, just veer right and walk along the wall. It's actually an employees/elite line.

IME, the main TSA checkpoint in the terminal in DEN is NEVER quicker than the A concourse checkpoint. As far as the PC goes, there is many a time when finding a seat is difficult.

Especially if you know the wall trick (see above).

Unless you are on a first-name basis with the bartenders.

I do know the wall trick, but there is seldom any reason to use it.