United confirms return to JFK--DL response?
Nov 10, 2020, 2:13 pm
#1
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United confirms return to JFK--DL response?
United has released details on its return to JFK, competing with AA/DL/B6 initially with two daily flights on it's most premium configured 767s to both LAX and SFO (offering Polaris seats and premium economy).
UA returns to JFK
Game on for DL to upgrade its offering and/or (finally initiate ORD from LAX or BOS-SFO once again)?
UA returns to JFK
Game on for DL to upgrade its offering and/or (finally initiate ORD from LAX or BOS-SFO once again)?
Nov 10, 2020, 2:31 pm
#2
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I feel like throwing more capacity at JFK just for the sake of it would probably be a money loser, unfortunately.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
Nov 10, 2020, 2:34 pm
#3
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I feel like throwing more capacity at JFK just for the sake of it would probably be a money loser, unfortunately.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
Nov 10, 2020, 2:53 pm
#5
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I feel like throwing more capacity at JFK just for the sake of it would probably be a money loser, unfortunately.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
Nov 10, 2020, 2:53 pm
#6
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I feel like throwing more capacity at JFK just for the sake of it would probably be a money loser, unfortunately.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
As for JFK, there will always be demand for transcontinental premium services.
Nov 10, 2020, 3:10 pm
#7
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I feel like throwing more capacity at JFK just for the sake of it would probably be a money loser, unfortunately.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
In theory, DL could try to retaliate by adding service to EWR to try and chip away at UA there (no doubt DL must have at least a moderate FF base in NJ, if nothing else but a halo effect of their overall presence at LGA/JFK), but given that they couldn't even make EWR-AMS/CDG work, and VS just pulled out of EWR-LHR, I have to wonder if that's really much of an opportunity, either. DL did recently renovate the SkyClub at EWR, and it's definitely pretty nice, but I'm not sure that's reason enough to be a platform for expanding EWR service.
Nov 10, 2020, 4:52 pm
#10
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I just don't see this as a threat to DL. These will be origin/destination flights for any UA passengers. This limits usefulness for most passengers. If there's any IRROPS, passengers will need to trek over to EWR. ETC...
Nov 10, 2020, 6:39 pm
#11
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Sounds like they're trying to push in and be positioned to poach some premium tcon business travel whenever that returns. Opportunistic gamble as competitors are not in a position to really respond so who knows it may eventually pay off.
I'd imagine these flights will be pretty empty for the first few months to start especially if covid travel restrictions remain in place for NY.
I'd imagine these flights will be pretty empty for the first few months to start especially if covid travel restrictions remain in place for NY.
Nov 10, 2020, 6:42 pm
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I sort of think this is more of a threat to AA than DL (under normal circumstances of course) who will now have the weakest J product on the route, though they will also be the only one offering F.
Do we have any idea what kind of lounge UA plans to use?
Nov 10, 2020, 8:22 pm
#13
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What terminal will UA use at JFK? A while ago, LH had a nice lounge in T4 and IIRC there's also a PP lounge there, in addition to the wonderful AmEx Centurion lounge. For a couple flights, the obvious choices for UA would be some convenient gently located *A partner or contract lounge.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
Nov 10, 2020, 8:43 pm
#14
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What terminal will UA use at JFK? A while ago, LH had a nice lounge in T4 and IIRC there's also a PP lounge there, in addition to the wonderful AmEx Centurion lounge. For a couple flights, the obvious choices for UA would be some convenient gently located *A partner or contract lounge.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
Nov 10, 2020, 8:43 pm
#15
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What terminal will UA use at JFK? A while ago, LH had a nice lounge in T4 and IIRC there's also a PP lounge there, in addition to the wonderful AmEx Centurion lounge. For a couple flights, the obvious choices for UA would be some convenient gently located *A partner or contract lounge.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
My guess is that the new UA flights are oriented toward TATL connections, including onto partners, and elites (hopefully many business travelers) wanting the nonstop tcon routes on "their" airline.
Any use for TATL connections would be pretty marginal, since LAX/SFO-FRA (or other direct flights to Europe) is always going to be shorter and faster than any East Coast connection, and there are more options via EWR to all of United's and some other partner destinations.