DL to Focus More on Core Hubs in 2020
Jan 8, 2020, 10:32 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 195
I'd like to see DL rethink the balance between aircraft size and frequency to core hubs.
For example, I fly to MDT every month. Before DL upgauged to 717s on the route there were 5 MDT-ATL non-stops per day spread pretty evenly throughout the day...which was convenient. Now, there are 3 non-stops on the 717 and the timing is not optimal. Makes getting in and out of MDT a bit of a challenge on DL. I'd also like to see more frequencies between DTW/MSP and Florida as opposed to pushing everything through ATL.
For example, I fly to MDT every month. Before DL upgauged to 717s on the route there were 5 MDT-ATL non-stops per day spread pretty evenly throughout the day...which was convenient. Now, there are 3 non-stops on the 717 and the timing is not optimal. Makes getting in and out of MDT a bit of a challenge on DL. I'd also like to see more frequencies between DTW/MSP and Florida as opposed to pushing everything through ATL.
Jan 8, 2020, 1:15 pm
#17
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
Jan 8, 2020, 2:22 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: At the moment? ...
Programs: DL DM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 377
Honest question, are socks a thing when a city becomes a focus city? I'm now based out of CMH and had an odd conversation with one of the TAs where they mentioned focus city status. Perhaps my relocation was not in time for the SkyGeek in me.
On topic, I'm glad DL is focusing on their core hubs in 2020. I hope it is more than just competition against competitors and includes expedited renovation/construction at the Sky GateClubs in SLC and MSP.
Jan 8, 2020, 2:50 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
SLC is building a whole new airport from scratch, will open this Fall (the runways stay the same, but everything else is new)
Jan 8, 2020, 4:52 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: LAX/BUR, RDU
Programs: DL SM, AAdvantage, SPG
Posts: 1,360
Jan 9, 2020, 6:41 am
#23
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Washington, DC, Chapel Hill, NC (RDU)
Programs: DL Plat (won't hit DM again) 2MM (2.5), HH Gold, PC Gold, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 5,626
Jan 9, 2020, 7:43 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,042
I agree on not spending extra time there. I book so that I can go straight plane to plane. I dont stick around just to use the lounge cause it's there.
Jan 9, 2020, 8:13 am
#25
Join Date: Feb 2017
Programs: DL DM, UA Gold, Alaska MVP, Bonvoy (lol) Ambassador
Posts: 2,994
Consumer preference for mainline vs. regional jet pales in comparison to the more generic CASM vs. PRASM issue of larger gauge lowering CASM at the cost of frequency (which means lower PRASM).
Right or wrong, Delta holistically believes its network is better off with a slight PRASM hit to significantly reduce CASM.
Jan 9, 2020, 12:14 pm
#26
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
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Most of the time I'm in the camp of preferring slightly longer connections depending on airport, season/weather, time of day, etc. I don't like having to worry that if there's a slight delay, I'll lose my seat (or be VIPRed out of it) and be at the mercy of whatever is available for rebooking or whatever delta.dumb gives me automatically.
Jan 9, 2020, 12:43 pm
#27
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Posts: 10,003
On the other hand, for those who like Skyclubs, the SLC Skyclub will be brand new from Day One, and from what I hear, it should have spectacular views and much more square footage. No idea about whether the food and beverages will also be spectacular.
Jan 9, 2020, 12:58 pm
#28
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Verdi, NV, SFO & Olympic (aka Squaw )Valley.
Programs: Ikon Pass Full + AS Gold + Marriott Titanium + Hilton Gold. Recovering UA Plat. LT lounge AA+DL+UA
Posts: 3,823
Hope that part of the new SLC terminal includes non-Delta lounges like a Priority Pass lounge, or less likely a Centurion Lounge. Would love to see an Admirals Club, or a United Club but think the o/d market is probably too small there.
Jan 9, 2020, 2:00 pm
#29
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: SJC
Programs: DL PM MM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 3,276
Everything will be new ... eventually (as in 2024). But some of the old concourses will continue being used initially when the switchover to the new terminal happens in September. https://www.slcairport.com/thenewslc...ction-updates/
On the other hand, for those who like Skyclubs, the SLC Skyclub will be brand new from Day One, and from what I hear, it should have spectacular views and much more square footage. No idea about whether the food and beverages will also be spectacular.
On the other hand, for those who like Skyclubs, the SLC Skyclub will be brand new from Day One, and from what I hear, it should have spectacular views and much more square footage. No idea about whether the food and beverages will also be spectacular.
Jan 9, 2020, 2:36 pm
#30
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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As I understand it, there is space in the blue prints for another club but that the space has not been claimed yet. Rumor has perhaps a Centurion Lounge going there. But nothing officially said. And it is entirely possible that the space might remain empty for years.