SLC-SAN
 

It appears that the SLC-SAN route is ending in late October. This seams like bad timing since winter traffic would be optimum for going both ways on this route. Also, when this route first started, I remember reading (although I can't find the article at the moment) that the initial bookings were so strong, that a second frequency was added. Does anyone know what happened here?

I dunno, but I'm glad I got to fly on it during my AYCJ fun.

The second frequency was a flight that stopped in SLC and then continued to JFK. With B6 gone delta fares will probably go up this winter. I wish WN offered a nonstop on this route.

Keep in mind that B6 launched SLC-SAN with SLC-SFO. Later, BUR and LAS were added as well. But with only one frequency on each route (a second summer seasonal to SAN was added for 2008, but didn't return this summer), it was hard for B6 to compete with DL's multiple frequencies.

I think B6 originally wanted to use SLC as a mini focus city with multiple purposes, including increased gate utilization (which would thereby lower average cost per flight). But that obviously didn't work out, and I think B6's focus has now shifted to more profitable places (namely Caribbean/South America) and to defending its turf (BOS).

As far as SAN goes, it was the best performer out of SLC, but still was not up to par with B6's overall system. Low yields and low load factors are not going to help anyone.

If they want to improve there gate efficency, instead of adding 1 flight for 6 routes how bout 3 flights for 2 routes, then they can compete better. Oh well they are too focused on the carribean which I guess is good because its profitable. I miss the daytime SLC-JFK that they did back in September 08.

Jason

I totally agree. All too often, B6 starts up with 1 frequencies (in vast majority of cases). With a competetor offering simular pricing with 2-5 times the frequencies, its hard to attract a base of loyal customers. Look at the success of NYC vs SLC never fully taking off.

Yes and no. B6 has been pretty successful with the limited frequencies on longer flights (PDX, SEA come to mind). And they have gone into some markets with multiple frequencies from the very beginning (BWI-BOS). Some markets just don't justify a lot of service. I think that NYC-SLC is one of them. Apparently SLC-SAN is as well.