Inferiority complex when flying non-hub airlines out of fortress hubs
Jul 6, 2018, 3:50 pm
#1
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Inferiority complex when flying non-hub airlines out of fortress hubs
This is silly but today's Friday.
When I'm at DTW and not flying Delta, I feel like I'm not part of the cool kids. The Delta terminal is huge, airy, has an interior train, has multiple lounges and shops and restaurants. Looking at the departures board you see flights heading all over the world, and you feel like you're part of something real. The other airlines' terminal is very dull and limited.
The same deflating feeling of being an outcast applies at DFW when not flying American, or EWR when not flying United.
Anybody else share these sentiments?
When I'm at DTW and not flying Delta, I feel like I'm not part of the cool kids. The Delta terminal is huge, airy, has an interior train, has multiple lounges and shops and restaurants. Looking at the departures board you see flights heading all over the world, and you feel like you're part of something real. The other airlines' terminal is very dull and limited.
The same deflating feeling of being an outcast applies at DFW when not flying American, or EWR when not flying United.
Anybody else share these sentiments?
Jul 6, 2018, 4:06 pm
#2
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Nope.
Back when UA still flew into the Smith terminal it was great - no crowds and a short walk from baggage to the street. I was captive to NWA for too long when I lived in MSP and visited family in DTW - I'm quite happy to avoid both DL and the McNamara terminal.
Back when UA still flew into the Smith terminal it was great - no crowds and a short walk from baggage to the street. I was captive to NWA for too long when I lived in MSP and visited family in DTW - I'm quite happy to avoid both DL and the McNamara terminal.
Last edited by chrisl137; Jul 6, 2018 at 4:14 pm Reason: wrong terminal name
Jul 6, 2018, 8:37 pm
#3
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When I am in any airport in the world, I am just trying to get from one place to another, so no I don't get the "inferiority complex".
Jul 6, 2018, 10:49 pm
#5
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At EWR, I'm happy that I'm not flying UA but I'm happier if I can avoid EWR totally.
Jul 7, 2018, 2:26 am
#6
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I really like flying from LHR because of the superior Oneworld lounge offering, same in HEL. However, that's where the difference stops for me.
I sometimes walk past the Senator lounge in ZRH and wonder... what if I did switch my loyalty program. But that's that.
I sometimes walk past the Senator lounge in ZRH and wonder... what if I did switch my loyalty program. But that's that.
Last edited by thebigben; Jul 7, 2018 at 2:32 am
Jul 7, 2018, 12:18 pm
#9
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But, on point, I generally prefer places that are less crowded so I certainly wouldn’t feel inferior because I am not one of the masses.
Jul 9, 2018, 3:04 am
#11
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If you fly the ULCCs you often get the oldest terminal or the least-wanted place in the pecking order. Though with MIA you get to see the pictures of 50s and 60s celebs that went there. With FLL the old concourse H used to be the "Black Hole of Calcutta" for Spirit passengers, but now they have space in the adjoining concourse as well.
Sometimes, though, like SEA and LAS, some of the legacies get booted to satellite terminals and you're better off with the older concourse.
The difference usually is in which places attract the best restaurants and other vendors. Northwest tried to do that for their hubs when they were around...even in MEM.
Jul 10, 2018, 7:51 am
#12
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Not really.
The less-dominant carrier is often friendlier, less crowded, and easier to use. Especially if they're just barely big enough to have a lounge of their own. (AA in DEN is my personal example.)
The less-dominant carrier is often friendlier, less crowded, and easier to use. Especially if they're just barely big enough to have a lounge of their own. (AA in DEN is my personal example.)
Jul 12, 2018, 7:37 am
#13
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I like it. I feel like I am avoiding the bulk of the crowds. And I REALLY love not flying WN from any airport, but especially out of PHX and SAN..SAN isn't a WN hub but that circle of hell is a torment when you fly WN from SAN, and a dodged bullet when you don't.
Jul 12, 2018, 7:52 am
#14
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My PHX travel is typically okay on the hub carrier (AA). Mainly because I've yet to run into serious WX there.
Jul 12, 2018, 8:01 am
#15
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I actually prefer Gate 1 and 2. 1A especially...if only because they are not in the Circle of Hell and no matter how chock full the main area gets, that 1A area tends to remain empty so I hang out in there.