Has the decision on these routes still not been made?

Nope...still pending.

http://www.regulations.gov/#!searchResults;rpp=25;so=DESC;sb=postedDate;po=0; s=DOT-OST-2000-7182

I'm quite surprised this is still pending. It seems a bit ridiculous that a decision has not been made, but I hope the decision is in OKC's favor.

Long expected announcement...that has nothing to do with DCA. LOL

Delta will be eliminating one of the three daily flights to the Memphis hub. This is part of the 25 flight reduction taking the hub to just 125 daily flights, down from over 300 about ten years ago. Don't be shocked to see OKC-MEM completely eliminated eventually.

I know this thread is probably not the most appropriate for the following thought but I did not think it deserved a new thread. And let me preface this by saying that I really do try and avoid having some overly idealistic vision of OKC where everything is just perfect, as I realize every place has shortcomings.

However, I was at the airport this morning and noticed the embarrassingly poor quality of the facility in several aspects. It seems like shortcuts were taken and mistakes made throughout. I could go on and on about things I noticed that either didn't make sense, seemed poorly thought out, or were poorly executed/shoddily completed. For example, the parking garages with their elevator lobbies where the doors don't close fully and don't open automatically. And then you get to wait on a filthy, industrial looking elevator that might only take 4-5 minutes to get to your floor, where only half of the people waiting for it will be able to fit in because it's the size of a cubicle. Then you get down to the hall to the terminal where the majority of the moving walkways aren't functioning. And as you move along, it becomes clear that the construction quality of these areas is horrendous. Continuing on, there are holes or scrapes in the floors and walls, which are cracking in several areas. Then in the terminal, it's more of the same. The layout of escalators and stairs seems idiotic. There doesn't really seem to be any consistency to anything. And the entire layout of the place is just disappointing. I really feel like I could go on and on, but I'll stop there. It's just insane. But then I arrive at DFW's International Terminal and things don't look like that.

I simply don't understand why things here in OKC repeatedly turn out to be ****tier than what other cities have? I understand there are notable exceptions to this poor planning and lack of quality execution, but it feels like we have the lowest standards of anywhere I have ever been. And the sad thing is, I feel like I could substitute our airport for any number of other places in this city and have the same issues.

No real argument from me.

Seems more to speak of how they are maintaining it, the doors did fully close at one point. It was a bit surprising they did not do more to the tunnel to parking when the rebuilt almost everything else. It looked like they built a ton of stuff new above ground and at most put a coat of paint down there.

Seems more to speak of how they are maintaining it, the doors did fully close at one point. It was a bit surprising they did not do more to the tunnel to parking when the rebuilt almost everything else. It looked like they built a ton of stuff new above ground and at most put a coat of paint down there.

Pretty much. I also echo the comment about the escalators in the ticket counter area. The layout of them is just flat out stupid. Why this wasn't addressed during the remodel is beyond me...well I'm sure it was to skimp out on costs, but ya know. The underground walkway does need some help. Murals, new lighting, pictures...something. I look at underground walkways at other airports and they get really creative...here they slapped on a new coat of paint and put little LED light bars in each skylight. oOoOoOooo

Not to mention, closing the west checkpoint in the evenings makes no sense..
I understand closing one of them down after 5:00, but close down the east checkpoint. The east checkpoint is much more crowded, further away from every gate but Delta's, and it has no priority lane. It inevitably adds 20-30 minutes to my wait time every flight.

WN will be releasing new route schedule on Monday. Anyone with "insider" information know if any new routes may be coming to OK (either TUL or OKC)...

WN will be releasing new route schedule on Monday. Anyone with "insider" information know if any new routes may be coming to OK (either TUL or OKC)...

I think TUL is pretty much at its peak on what it will see from WN for awhile.

OKC we are still waiting on DCA slots. NK (Spirit) filed today to give back its 2 AIR21 slots used on DCA-FLL. This is the same type of slot exemption WN submitted for to operate OKC-DCA. The slot pair they are currently going after is being used on a temp basis by US Airways on JAN (Jackson MS) to DCA. This could make things interesting because this now gives the DOT two slot pairs to award. We could see US get to keep the existing pair used for DCA-JAN and then give preference to WN for OKC-DCA. WN recently purchased the other 4 standard DCA slots NK was holding on to. Those will be used to start STL-DCA later this summer.

If I'm reading this all correctly I feel we very well could see OKC-DCA launched this fall as there aren't many other airlines jumping at these slots. F9 was another but I don't see their case for SDF (Louisville) to DCA being all that great.

I still think at some point we'll see ATL-OKC added in once the integration of the FL hub there begins in a year.

I don’t fly very much but I was checking on some flights and noticed that Spirit airlines has some cheap airfares.
Is this an airline that hits you hard with add on charges? Is it an airline to avoid?
Thanks.

I don’t fly very much but I was checking on some flights and noticed that Spirit airlines has some cheap airfares.
Is this an airline that hits you hard with add on charges? Is it an airline to avoid?
Thanks.

That is how they are one of the most profitable airlines. They are great if you need to get someone cheap and want an a la carte service. However there are fees if you want to get the basics you normally expect on other airlines. Good or bad, they are solid in what they do.

http://www.spirit.com/OptionalFees.aspx

WN will be releasing new route schedule on Monday. Anyone with "insider" information know if any new routes may be coming to OK (either TUL or OKC)...

No changes we announced today with the new schedule. Another schedule extension will be coming soon.
Southwest's new market:


Two daily nonstop flights between Nashville and New York LaGuardia

Southwest's new seasonal markets include:


One daily nonstop flight between Nashville and Ft. Myers
One daily nonstop flight between Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood and Phoenix
One daily nonstop flight between Milwaukee and New Orleans (AirTran Conversion)
One daily nonstop flight between Ontario and Reno

Removed markets include:


Baltimore to New York LaGuardia
Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale
Orlando and Panama City
Tampa and West Palm Beach
Reno and Salt Lake City
Albuquerque and El Paso

Seasonally Suspended markets include:


Albuquerque and Portland
Albuquerque and St. Louis
Las Vegas and Albany
Las Vegas and Jacksonville
Las Vegas and Providence
Kansas City and Oakland
Kansas City and Seattle
Phoenix and Raleigh-Durham

AirTran Changed markets include:


Atlanta and Phoenix - to full Southwest
Buffalo and Tampa - seasonal suspension
Chicago and Tampa - seasonal suspension

Venture, do you think there's a chance we might get service to the NY market beyond what United currently offers, i.e. AA or Delta to LaGuardia or, by an act of God, JetBlue to JFK?

Venture, do you think there's a chance we might get service to the NY market beyond what United currently offers, i.e. AA or Delta to LaGuardia or, by an act of God, JetBlue to JFK?

AA is up in the air until they get out of Ch11 and the US Airways merger (which probably will happen). I don't see Delta dropping any other markets in favor of OKC-LGA. Though it might be possible as they continue to dump the 50-seat jets and start to bring in the bigger small jets and 717s. JetBlue would be amazing, but I don't think Oklahoma is "sexy" enough for them to consider. Don't know another way to put that. LOL

OKC-NYC is probably going to remain pretty static for now unfortunately.

You really think AA and US Airways are going to merge? I just don't see it happening...

AA is up in the air until they get out of Ch11 and the US Airways merger (which probably will happen). I don't see Delta dropping any other markets in favor of OKC-LGA. Though it might be possible as they continue to dump the 50-seat jets and start to bring in the bigger small jets and 717s. JetBlue would be amazing, but I don't think Oklahoma is "sexy" enough for them to consider. Don't know another way to put that. LOL

OKC-NYC is probably going to remain pretty static for now unfortunately.

Chic would be the appropriate term IMHO.

I have a source who has said local management at Delta has been pressuring Delta HQ hard for LGA service. We are on the "short list", but they are seeing how the other markets in their recent expansion pan out first. At least from what I have been told.

I wonder if AA and USAir merge if they keep all the same hubs or scale back like Delta/Northwest (scaled back Memphis and Cleveland). They definitely keep DFW, Chicago and Miami (American hubs) and I think they would keep Phoenix, Charlotte and Philadelpia (USAir hubs). I can see some scaling back at LAX (since Phoenix already covers the west coast) and possibly in Philadelphia but that is their northeast hub so probably not. I think Charlotte takes on a greater importance and more flights are added/remain at Phoenix, Chicago and DFW. It will be interesting to see what happens (if they even merge).

You really think AA and US Airways are going to merge? I just don't see it happening...

There are some good synergies and while I don't want it it to happen, something makes me think that it probably will.


Chic would be the appropriate term IMHO.

I have a source who has said local management at Delta has been pressuring Delta HQ hard for LGA service. We are on the "short list", but they are seeing how the other markets in their recent expansion pan out first. At least from what I have been told.

Ahh yes...Chic is much better! I would hope we were on the short list for LGA service. We are just inside the perimeter which is a plus. I could definitely see an ERJ 170 being a good fit for the route. Makes sense what you are saying though. Let DL see if any of the new routes they took over from US fail and then redeploy in new markets.


I wonder if AA and USAir merge if they keep all the same hubs or scale back like Delta/Northwest (scaled back Memphis and Cleveland). They definitely keep DFW, Chicago and Miami (American hubs) and I think they would keep Phoenix, Charlotte and Philadelpia (USAir hubs). I can see some scaling back at LAX (since Phoenix already covers the west coast) and possibly in Philadelphia but that is their northeast hub so probably not. I think Charlotte takes on a greater importance and more flights are added/remain at Phoenix, Chicago and DFW. It will be interesting to see what happens (if they even merge).

I would think most would stay intact. DFW is an obvious one. ORD should remain pretty strong as well. MIA is a good gateway to the south. PHL is a very good network hub to bridge to Europe that would compliment the JFK/LGA operation that is mostly O&D. The DCA hub (which it pretty much is) is an amazing asset to have. PHX is a tough one though. A lot of temptation to just dump it or shrink it down and shift more flying to LAX. CLT is an exceptional network hub and the largest for US Airways. It is the only real competitor to ATL in the Southeast.

Fare sale put on today by Southwest...



From Oklahoma City back to top (http://www.southwest.com/html/promotions/69-dollar-sale-popup.html#)

To Atlanta starting at $183 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=ATL)
To Austin starting at $133 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=AUS)
To Buffalo starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=BUF)
To Burbank starting at $225 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=BUR)
To Charleston starting at $204 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=CHS)
To Chicago starting at $186 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MDW)
To Cleveland starting at $215 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=CLE)
To Columbus starting at $241 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=CMH)
To Denver starting at $69 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=DEN)
To Detroit starting at $236 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=DTW)
To Ft. Lauderdale starting at $205 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=FLL)
To Houston starting at $69 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=HOU)
To Indianapolis starting at $204 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=IND)
To Jacksonville starting at $242 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=JAX)
To Kansas City starting at $69 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MCI)
To Los Angeles starting at $232 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=LAX)
To Louisville starting at $179 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SDF)
To Lubbock starting at $140 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=LBB)
To Midland/Odessa starting at $162 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MAF)
To Milwaukee starting at $219 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MKE)
To Minneapolis/St. Paul starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MSP)
To Nashville starting at $204 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=BNA)
To New Orleans starting at $183 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MSY)
To New York starting at $218 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=LGA)
To Newark starting at $224 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=EWR)
To Norfolk starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=ORF)
To Oakland starting at $225 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=OAK)
To Ontario/LA starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=ONT)
To Orange County starting at $186 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SNA)
To Orlando starting at $227 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=MCO)
To Panama City Beach starting at $199 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=ECP)
To Philadelphia starting at $181 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=PHL)
To Phoenix starting at $164 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=PHX)
To Pittsburgh starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=PIT)
To Portland starting at $154 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=PDX)
To Raleigh/Durham starting at $249 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=RDU)
To Reno/Tahoe starting at $237 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=RNO)
To Sacramento starting at $193 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SMF)
To Salt Lake City starting at $218 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SLC)
To San Antonio starting at $165 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SAT)
To San Diego starting at $150 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SAN)
To San Francisco starting at $246 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SFO)
To San Jose starting at $229 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=SJC)
To St. Louis starting at $69 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=STL)
To Tampa Bay starting at $194 one-way (http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry?lowFareOriginAirport=?OKC&lowFareDestinationAirport=TPA)

Sorry, but most of those are not much in the way of a sale. Not terrible but no bargains.

I would think most would stay intact. DFW is an obvious one. ORD should remain pretty strong as well. MIA is a good gateway to the south. PHL is a very good network hub to bridge to Europe that would compliment the JFK/LGA operation that is mostly O&D. The DCA hub (which it pretty much is) is an amazing asset to have. PHX is a tough one though. A lot of temptation to just dump it or shrink it down and shift more flying to LAX. CLT is an exceptional network hub and the largest for US Airways. It is the only real competitor to ATL in the Southeast.

I didn't think about them possibly downgrading PHX in favor of LAX. I know United and Delta already have significant operations at LAX but so does American. All of the others seem to be natural hubs for their respective regions: DFW (central/Mexico), ORD (midwest), PHL (northeast), DCA (mid-atlantic), CLT (southeast) and MIA (Florida/Caribbean/Latin America).

If that happens I could see flights added from OKC to Charlotte which would be a nice connection to the southeast/east coast, plus an alternate to ATL.

A connection to Charlotte would be very nice. I wouldn't mind seeing US Airways return and add service to Boston or Philadelphia. But there I go day dreaming again.

A connection to Charlotte would be very nice. I wouldn't mind seeing US Airways return and add service to Boston or Philadelphia. But there I go day dreaming again.

US Airways isn't as massive in BOS as they use to be. Though a nonstop to PHL and CLT would be great for eastern US connections.

I've been hearing AA may also be interested in a merger with Frontier or jetBlue, which would be interesting. Frontier adds Denver and jetBlue adds NYC, and to a lesser extent Long Beach and Boston. AA doesn't gain as much with those mergers.

I've been hearing AA may also be interested in a merger with Frontier or jetBlue, which would be interesting. Frontier adds Denver and jetBlue adds NYC, and to a lesser extent Long Beach and Boston. AA doesn't gain as much with those mergers.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-airlines-creditors-discuss-5-003453922.html


A source familiar with the situation said AMR sees itself as an acquirer in potential mergers and at least five airlines -- US Airways Group Inc (LCC (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=lcc)), JetBlue Airways Corp (JBLU (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=jblu)), Alaska Air Group (ALK (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=alk)), Republic Airways' (RJET (http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=rjet)) Frontier Airlines, and Virgin America -- will be considered.

They are just tossing names out there in my opinion.

US Airways is the most likely followed by JetBlue. They have been growing their relationship pretty strong over the last couple of years. A merger has been rumored for awhile.

Alaska always comes up in these, but doesn't really want to deal with merging with anyone. They do their thing out west and are damn good at it. I believe they are now the #1 carrier from the mainland to Hawai'i.

Frontier brings nothing to AA. They are more likely to be merged into Spirit from what I've heard.

Virgin America again really doesn't bring anything to AA. It would mostly be eliminating a competitor and that's it.

AA/jetBlue would be an interesting merger and could help solidify AA's domestic positions at New York JFK and Boston and potentially give them additional trans-Atlantic routes from those cities. They would have Long Beach which doesn't offer a lot of room for growth due to their noise and number of flight restrictions, but they also would have LAX. Fort Lauderdale and Orlando would likely be downgraded as hubs in favor of AA's existing hub in Miami, although there could still be a number of flights to those cities. AA keeps and strengthens its primary hubs at DFW and ORD. With NYC, LA, Chicago and DFW, AA would have hubs in the 4 largest metros in the US..

Though I agree the AA/USAir merger makes more sense..

The one thing that has to give soon is a new crop of start ups. California Pacific is one but would expect a few more. I have an idea in my back pocket but just need about 250 million friends with a dollar to share. :)

File this under the "many probably won't care" section..but, the aviation nerd in me is stoked to see that there could be a new passenger airplane landing at Will Rogers (or Tulsa :)) . Skywest has an agreement to purchase 100 Mitsubishi Regional jets. Not sure who Skywest will be flying for in 2017... but, mark your calendars.

File this under the "many probably won't care" section..but, the aviation nerd in me is stoked to see that there could be a new passenger airplane landing at Will Rogers (or Tulsa :)) . Skywest has an agreement to purchase 100 Mitsubishi Regional jets. Not sure who Skywest will be flying for in 2017... but, mark your calendars.

I was pretty shocked by this, but also excited to see US carriers continue to break away from the traditional suppliers (Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier, and ATR).

Trans States made the initial US order for these awhile back, but Skywest seems to be a more stable customer.

http://www.avionics-intelligence.com/content/dam/avi/online-articles/2012/07/MRJ regional jet 12 Feb 2012.jpg

http://www.bloomberg.com/image/i6OsxjREDLUQ.jpg

This image reminds me of the Embraer E series of jets. Speaking of which, why don't we see more airlines replacing their cramped CRJs with the E jets? They are infinitely more comfortable, IMO.

This image reminds me of the Embraer E series of jets. Speaking of which, why don't we see more airlines replacing their cramped CRJs with the E jets? They are infinitely more comfortable, IMO.

Well first off the 50-seat jets, both ERJs and CRJs, are going away slowly but surely. Delta should be done with them before much longer.

As far as in the 70/90/100-seat market the CRJ-700/900 offer better economics than the Embraer 170/190 families. The biggest of which is acquisition cost. We will still see more Embraer EJets enter the market, but it'll be a healthy balance.

Honestly though, the 50/70 seat aircraft being used on sub 500 mile routes really should be getting replaced with The Dash 8 Q400 and ATR 42/72-600s. Much better economics, with similar travel speeds/times, and the ability to carry more passengers typically.

I'm thrilled that Delta will be moving away from them, but it's just a shame that they're retaining the CRJ-700/900s. Those seem every bit as cramped as the smaller versions.

I've never flown on the Dash or ATR. Do they compare favorably to the E170/190s in cabin comfort?

OnlyOne: When I was in AVL, we had a plethora of the older Dash's and ATR's (Dash from USAirway Commuter and ATR's from ASA.). I found the ATR's to be far roomier inside, almost felt like a mainline cabin.. I said almost. But, they were old and so with time they were showing their age. The last time I flew on an E-Series jet was from DEN-DFW on Shuttle America and since it was brand new, it felt much nicer. I am sure had I been in an ATR that was brand new, I would have felt just as strongly about it too. So, to answer your question, the ATR is a good, beefy airplane which I really like..she was fun to fly...and board too.

ContiUnited did well placing the Dash on DFW-IAH ... works well for the route. Good for them...

We had them on OKC-IAH as well, but I think the are gone now.

For those who aren't familiar...

The new ATR 600 series aircraft
http://www.aircraftcompare.com/aircraft_images/1761.jpg

http://www.flightstory.net/wp-content/uploads/ATR-72-600-cabin.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/photos/9/8/2/1677289.jpg

Dash 8 Q400

http://www.719skvadron.no/images/dhc6/DHC-8-Q400-01-640.jpg

http://cdn-www.airliners.net/aviation-photos/middle/2/5/6/0184652.jpg

Chicago-MDW on Southwest goes to 2 daily effective January 7, 2013. That was fast. Service has only been operating 5 weeks. Will bring Southwest to 23 peak weekday departures (not including the potential DCA flight, subject to approval)

Chicago-MDW on Southwest goes to 2 daily effective January 7, 2013. That was fast. Service has only been operating 5 weeks. Will bring Southwest to 23 peak weekday departures (not including the potential DCA flight, subject to approval)

Flights haven't been extremely packed, but it does give better options now to the local O&D market. Should also permit much better connections through MDW as well now.

It's interesting that there STILL hasn't been a decision on the DCA application.

Venture, do you work at the airport?

It's interesting that there STILL hasn't been a decision on the DCA application.

Venture, do you work at the airport?

I think you'll understand when I decline to answer either way. :)

OKC has little to no political clout. Oklahoma is a back bench State/ This route will likely stay with USAIR. The economics are clear but we fail in the area of influence

As mentioned earlier, OKC-IAH Q400's are no more. Colgan shut their IAH base down and my wife and I were on the last Q400 out of OKC (on United at least) on July 5th on our way to SEA.

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/DAL1646/history/20120720/0635Z/KPHX/KATL

DAL FLT 1646 diverted to OKC enroute to ATL lastnight..anyone know why?

http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=DOT-OST-2000-7182-1911

DOT awarded the slots permanently to US Airways for service to Jackson, MS to DCA. So WN's bid has failed as many felt would happen.

Reading the comments by the DOT the main reason they went with JAN is the fact the route has been around for awhile and that it is the only nonstop service from JAN to the DC area. Also, WN's acquisition of other slots to DCA (the AUS service and through AirTran) will allow it access to DCA anyway. Also the fact that OKC already has nonstop service to IAD and BWI were a factor as well. So OKC will remain the largest city with in the DCA perimeter without nonstop service to that airport.

There will be one more pair going up for availability this Fall when Spirit gives them back for the current FLL-DCA service they are doing. Not sure we'll see WN bid for these, let alone pick OKC as the target market again.

Wow! this is a huge blow to OKC. Not really unexpected, but, to lose to a minor market like Jackson MS is discouraging. OKC and Oklahoma for that matter continue to suffer from a total lack of respect from movers and shakers in major markets. This is just plain bad, rationale is weak. Because it has been around for awhile? So why were the slots even being competed if they were profitable? Really sucks. As a Metro DC resident, this continues to make my home state one of the most difficult places to get to from the region

OKC remains a back bench city:
D.C. flight now permanent
US Airways had been offering stopgap service since March
7:04 PM, Jul. 24, 2012 | Comments

A A Thompson
Written by
Jeff Ayres



What has been a good July at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport got even better Tuesday.

Just two weeks after landing a daily nonstop flight to Chicago, airport officials learned what had been a temporary US Airways daily flight from Jackson to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., will become permanent.

"It's significant for us and for the business community to have that direct access," said Dirk Vanderleest, CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, which operates Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and Hawkins Field.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood notified 2nd District U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson Tuesday that the Jackson-to-D.C. flight would become permanent, according to a news release.

US Airways had been making the flight on a stopgap basis since March, replacing a daily flight Delta had offered since 2005.

Under Delta's agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airline couldn't sell or transfer the route if it stopped making the flight.

The federal government regained the route and then sought a new permanent carrier and/or destination.

"This flight will continue to benefit civic leaders, the business community, advocacy groups, schools and tourists throughout Central Mississippi," Thompson said in the release.

Duane O'Neill, president & CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, said in news release that nonstop service to the Reagan airport is " important to the economic future of our greater Jackson region.""This is a major victory considering our competition was Louisville, Kentucky and Oklahoma City."

U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran said the flight is important to the state as a whole. "Today's decision is good for passengers and for Mississippi as an economic development asset."

With Jackson at the heart of the state's government and business operations, it was essential to maintain a direct flight to Washington, D.C., so officials could easily interact with federal colleagues to "lobby for additional jobs and economic development," Vanderleest said.Average per-trip occupancy on US Airways has been 60 percent, he added, noting 45 percent typically is a minimum benchmark.

The airport earlier this month announced a daily United Airlines flight to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Those nonstop flights begin Nov. 4.

While I know many of us wanted access to all the DC airports..looking at the logisics made more sense for JAN. I think many Oklahomans wanted the DCA flight just to say we had access to a new airport in DC. But, the reality is that we do already have access to IAD and BWI. It''s not about access to a new airport, but rather access to a region. We have that area covered well.

I wouldn't say it's a HUGE blow for OKC.

Jackson still needs this I guess..so...good for them

OKC remains a back bench city:
D.C. flight now permanent
US Airways had been offering stopgap service since March
7:04 PM, Jul. 24, 2012 | Comments

A A Thompson
Written by
Jeff Ayres



What has been a good July at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport got even better Tuesday.

Just two weeks after landing a daily nonstop flight to Chicago, airport officials learned what had been a temporary US Airways daily flight from Jackson to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., will become permanent.

"It's significant for us and for the business community to have that direct access," said Dirk Vanderleest, CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, which operates Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport and Hawkins Field.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood notified 2nd District U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson Tuesday that the Jackson-to-D.C. flight would become permanent, according to a news release.

US Airways had been making the flight on a stopgap basis since March, replacing a daily flight Delta had offered since 2005.

Under Delta's agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airline couldn't sell or transfer the route if it stopped making the flight.

The federal government regained the route and then sought a new permanent carrier and/or destination.

"This flight will continue to benefit civic leaders, the business community, advocacy groups, schools and tourists throughout Central Mississippi," Thompson said in the release.

Duane O'Neill, president & CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, said in news release that nonstop service to the Reagan airport is " important to the economic future of our greater Jackson region.""This is a major victory considering our competition was Louisville, Kentucky and Oklahoma City."

U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran said the flight is important to the state as a whole. "Today's decision is good for passengers and for Mississippi as an economic development asset."

With Jackson at the heart of the state's government and business operations, it was essential to maintain a direct flight to Washington, D.C., so officials could easily interact with federal colleagues to "lobby for additional jobs and economic development," Vanderleest said.Average per-trip occupancy on US Airways has been 60 percent, he added, noting 45 percent typically is a minimum benchmark.

The airport earlier this month announced a daily United Airlines flight to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Those nonstop flights begin Nov. 4.

United flies non stop from OKC to Dulles daily, doesn't that count as the DC area ?

Wow! this is a huge blow to OKC. Not really unexpected, but, to lose to a minor market like Jackson MS is discouraging. OKC and Oklahoma for that matter continue to suffer from a total lack of respect from movers and shakers in major markets. This is just plain bad, rationale is weak. Because it has been around for awhile? So why were the slots even being competed if they were profitable? Really sucks. As a Metro DC resident, this continues to make my home state one of the most difficult places to get to from the region

This pair of AIR 21 slots, which are market specific, were originally awarded to Delta in 2005 to operate JAN-DCA. Since Delta and US Airways did their big slot swap last year, DL pulled back on the majority of its flying out of DCA. It then went ahead to release the AIR 21 slots for JAN-DCA and US Airways offered to maintain the service until they were permanently awarded. So this is the award that will ensure the service doesn't end unless US Airways gives the slots back.

As far as showing support, there definitely wasn't nearly the level of public response to get this service was there was for Southwest's recent AUS-DCA award. That brought out huge numbers. This one just a few local/state dignitaries and that's it. That may have also played in this.


While I know many of us wanted access to all the DC airports..looking at the logisics made more sense for JAN. I think many Oklahomans wanted the DCA flight just to say we had access to a new airport in DC. But, the reality is that we do already have access to IAD and BWI. It''s not about access to a new airport, but rather access to a region. We have that area covered well.

I wouldn't say it's a HUGE blow for OKC.

Jackson still needs this I guess..so...good for them

I would have liked it because it would be increase connections on Southwest from other airports. That's more transiting passengers through OKC that would help fill up the flights some more. But yes, we already have the region covered with IAD and BWI, just not the close in airport of DCA.

Well ****. We do have the region covered reasonably well, but that service to DCA would have been very nice. I hate having to come in from Dulles.

While I know many of us wanted access to all the DC airports..looking at the logisics made more sense for JAN. I think many Oklahomans wanted the DCA flight just to say we had access to a new airport in DC. But, the reality is that we do already have access to IAD and BWI. It''s not about access to a new airport, but rather access to a region. We have that area covered well.

I wouldn't say it's a HUGE blow for OKC.

Jackson still needs this I guess..so...good for them

If you lived in this region (NOVA) and had to drive to either IAD or BWI you would understand. The time to travel to BWI from my home is an hour + to IAD about 45m to 1 hour. This is huge in this area. DCA is right across from DC (drive time for me 30m max + metro rail access that neither Dulles (currently) or BWI have from NOVA) . the other two require travel of from 40 m to 1 hour+ after you land and await baggage. There is a reason these slots are coveted. Business people want convenience and great times. OKC has neither to the nations capital, I reiterate this is a huge blow, IMO.

United flies non stop from OKC to Dulles daily, doesn't that count as the DC area ?

At what price and what convenience (see my post above). Had OKC won this slot we would have been lauding it as a great win, but we lose and it's no big deal? go figure

At what price and what convenience (see my post above). Had OKC won this slot we would have been lauding it as a great win, but we lose and it's no big deal? go figure

You kidding me ? I didn't even know a slot was available.....and I doubt 99% of the general public did or cared either.

Wow! this is a huge blow to OKC. Not really unexpected, but, to lose to a minor market like Jackson MS is discouraging. OKC and Oklahoma for that matter continue to suffer from a total lack of respect from movers and shakers in major markets. This is just plain bad, rationale is weak. Because it has been around for awhile? So why were the slots even being competed if they were profitable? Really sucks. As a Metro DC resident, this continues to make my home state one of the most difficult places to get to from the region

Considering you pretty much detest OKC, you sure do have an itch to get here.


I would have liked it because it would be increase connections on Southwest from other airports. That's more transiting passengers through OKC that would help fill up the flights some more. But yes, we already have the region covered with IAD and BWI, just not the close in airport of DCA.

I agree. It would have been nice to get some extra passenger count to OKC but this is not the end of the world. A lot of people from here that do business in the Capitol Region do so in Fairfax/Loudon Counties, so its not like Dulles is super-inconvenient.

Also, a new METRO line is being constructed that will connect Dulles to Tysons and DC, although this is a few years off to say the least.

I personally would like if more connections to the western half of the country were made to WRWA. On my flight from DAL to ABQ last week I would vouch that about 1/3 of the flight were people from OKC.

You kidding me ? I didn't even know a slot was available.....and I doubt 99% of the general public did or cared either.

It may not be a big deal to you, but to those of us who value our time and desire convenience, it was a big deal to miss out.

It may not be a big deal to you, but to those of us who value our time and desire convenience, it was a big deal to miss out.

Like I said, 99% of the general public could gives a rats butt. I used to fly in to Reagan National years ago, been through BWI and IAD. Get stuck in traffic anywhere in that region and it's an inconvenience. It all depends on how regular a person makes the trip.

If you lived in this region (NOVA) and had to drive to either IAD or BWI you would understand. The time to travel to BWI from my home is an hour + to IAD about 45m to 1 hour. This is huge in this area. DCA is right across from DC (drive time for me 30m max + metro rail access that neither Dulles (currently) or BWI have from NOVA) . the other two require travel of from 40 m to 1 hour+ after you land and await baggage. There is a reason these slots are coveted. Business people want convenience and great times. OKC has neither to the nations capital, I reiterate this is a huge blow, IMO.

Hey dcsooner: I actually know how you feel. I grew up in Fairfax and Prince William for about 22 years. So, flying into KDCA was always a major convenience to me. I still fly back there quite often and always choose DCA over IAD and BWI. The only reason I choose DCA is likely the same reason you do, it's easy to get in and out of. BWI and IAD are kinda far. But, my reasoning for me to choose DCA over the others is strictly for pleasure (seeing family and the fun approach). I can still get to the airport, I just have to connect. I don't have to fly into DCA, but, I choose to. If I don't want to, I can choose the "other" airports that still have access to the region.

So, while I am sad that DCA didn't win, the fact that we didn't get the airport is not, IMHO, a HUGE blow. Sure, it stinks, but, I can think of other "huge blows" that would impact OKC than not getting a non-stop to DCA. Removing AA mainline from OKC and taking regionals, that's a HUGE blow. Removing SLC on Delta, that's a HUGE blow. Not getting DCA because it's convenient to getting to the monuments,closer to home, etc is not a "huge blow" to OKC. Cheers!

DCA is no less than 20 miles closer to any point in DC than the other two airports, which means 30 to 2 hours difference depending on the time of day flying in. In fact, it is frequently faster overall to do a one-stop flight from DCA through Memphis or Chicago than a direct one from BWI or IAD when you include the travel time to the airport and the layout of the airports themselves.

Do not understate the power of congressional influence. Bennie Thompson is the ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee and has significant influence elsewhere in Congress. Unfortunately, OK's delegation doesn't have much influence (outside of Frank Lucas on Agriculture).

OKC has little to no political clout. Oklahoma is a back bench State/ This route will likely stay with USAIR. The economics are clear but we fail in the area of influence

Dunno, DC. OKC is a big area for FAA and their vast training classes and there is a lot of going back and forth between DC and OKC as a result. With more people commuting, I think the clout might shift.

I agree with those in later posts who said that going into DC vs. Dulles or BWI is much more than just bragging rights. BWI not so bad because Maryland seems to have it a bit more together in terms of mass trans but the trek between Dulles and DC (and everywhere else) is a fistfight adding hours to your commute. DCA is a fantastic place to land/take off if you need to get to a meeting in DC and then want to get the h*ll out of Dodge.

DCA is no less than 20 miles closer to any point in DC than the other two airports, which means 30 to 2 hours difference depending on the time of day flying in. In fact, it is frequently faster overall to do a one-stop flight from DCA through Memphis or Chicago than a direct one from BWI or IAD when you include the travel time to the airport and the layout of the airports themselves.

Do not understate the power of congressional influence. Bennie Thompson is the ranking Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee and has significant influence elsewhere in Congress. Unfortunately, OK's delegation doesn't have much influence (outside of Frank Lucas on Agriculture).

This.

Jackson over OKC? That's interesting.

Curious, how many other "big league" cities have DCA slots?