DL to Focus More on Core Hubs in 2020
Jan 7, 2020, 11:12 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2018
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DL to Focus More on Core Hubs in 2020
https://www.routesonline.com/news/29...-hubs-in-2020/
Article conclusions... (Hauenstein is DL's President)
"Having determined it has achieved a strong position the US West and East coasts and in its focus cities, Delta plans to turn its attention in 2020 to its core hubs, including Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City.
Hauenstein explained that it is “a little bit easier for us to grow” in these hubs, conceding that the airline’s core hubs had been ignored while Delta was focused on other regions. The airline can now go back and “fill the patterns” in markets such as Detroit and Minneapolis, which are important to the airline, he said."
Of course, this does not mean that the Sky Club or Sky Priority check-in in ATL will get any better. Probably just means they are going to try to squeeze the meager competition at these hubs a little harder.
Article conclusions... (Hauenstein is DL's President)
"Having determined it has achieved a strong position the US West and East coasts and in its focus cities, Delta plans to turn its attention in 2020 to its core hubs, including Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis and Salt Lake City.
Hauenstein explained that it is “a little bit easier for us to grow” in these hubs, conceding that the airline’s core hubs had been ignored while Delta was focused on other regions. The airline can now go back and “fill the patterns” in markets such as Detroit and Minneapolis, which are important to the airline, he said."
Of course, this does not mean that the Sky Club or Sky Priority check-in in ATL will get any better. Probably just means they are going to try to squeeze the meager competition at these hubs a little harder.
Jan 7, 2020, 11:34 am
#2
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: USA - Seattle area
Programs: DL Platinum, "alum" of high status with UA but not any more
Posts: 532
Hopefully this focus on "domestic core hubs" includes better scheduling of flight banks so that I do not have to choose between a risky 30-40 minute layover (which, even if everything is on time, leaves virtually no time for an airport meal or a Sky Club visit once you account for deplaning, walking [or sprinting] between gates, and boarding time) or a too-long 3 or 4 hour layover. In my mind, the ideal layover time for a domestic itinerary is about 90 minutes but recently it seems such itineraries are harder to find.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
Jan 7, 2020, 1:01 pm
#5
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Jan 7, 2020, 1:54 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 452
Hopefully this focus on "domestic core hubs" includes better scheduling of flight banks so that I do not have to choose between a risky 30-40 minute layover (which, even if everything is on time, leaves virtually no time for an airport meal or a Sky Club visit once you account for deplaning, walking [or sprinting] between gates, and boarding time) or a too-long 3 or 4 hour layover. In my mind, the ideal layover time for a domestic itinerary is about 90 minutes but recently it seems such itineraries are harder to find.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
Guess I don’t love cheese and crackers enough?
Jan 7, 2020, 2:01 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ORD / MDW / FLL
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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 7, 2020, 4:07 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: DCA
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But I quite intuitively understand why someone would want an hour in between flights to have a glass of wine, a substantial snack (much better than cheese and crackers—one of the easiest ways to get a plate of just vegetables in an airport), and check emails or read a chapter of a novel.
And see no upside to being snotty at people who enjoy different things than I do.
Jan 7, 2020, 4:34 pm
#9
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: Delta PlM, 1M
Posts: 6,363
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.
What you see is the result.
Jan 7, 2020, 5:31 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 3,097
Hopefully this focus on "domestic core hubs" includes better scheduling of flight banks so that I do not have to choose between a risky 30-40 minute layover (which, even if everything is on time, leaves virtually no time for an airport meal or a Sky Club visit once you account for deplaning, walking [or sprinting] between gates, and boarding time) or a too-long 3 or 4 hour layover. In my mind, the ideal layover time for a domestic itinerary is about 90 minutes but recently it seems such itineraries are harder to find.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
I'd also like to see hub airports strive for a 1:1 ratio between gate seats and power outlets.
Jan 7, 2020, 6:15 pm
#11
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SJC/YUL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,878
Hopefully this focus on "domestic core hubs" includes better scheduling of flight banks so that I do not have to choose between a risky 30-40 minute layover (which, even if everything is on time, leaves virtually no time for an airport meal or a Sky Club visit once you account for deplaning, walking [or sprinting] between gates, and boarding time) or a too-long 3 or 4 hour layover. In my mind, the ideal layover time for a domestic itinerary is about 90 minutes but recently it seems such itineraries are harder to find.
I see your point. Sometimes I like the relaxed connection too. But if anything, DL is likely to move towards 40 minute banks, not away from it
Jan 7, 2020, 9:10 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2012
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Jan 7, 2020, 9:15 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: RDU
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Posts: 2,667
Hopefully this focus on "domestic core hubs" includes better scheduling of flight banks so that I do not have to choose between a risky 30-40 minute layover (which, even if everything is on time, leaves virtually no time for an airport meal or a Sky Club visit once you account for deplaning, walking [or sprinting] between gates, and boarding time) or a too-long 3 or 4 hour layover. In my mind, the ideal layover time for a domestic itinerary is about 90 minutes but recently it seems such itineraries are harder to find.
Jan 7, 2020, 9:47 pm
#14
Join Date: May 2011
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Posts: 1,203
45-60 minutes is great in the morning. I like looking for 60-75 as the day goes on to account for increasing likeliness of delays.
Airport is also a big factor. While 35 minutes is doable at both ATL and DTW, say, it's far easier at DTW.
Airport is also a big factor. While 35 minutes is doable at both ATL and DTW, say, it's far easier at DTW.
Jan 8, 2020, 10:18 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: ORD / MDW / FLL
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You'll notice I said RETHINK. Twice this week I have booked away from DL due to the frequency issue (and one was a flight out of MDT).