Lots of diversions today - was wondering what the heck a 777 was doing here - guess the folks headed from Tokyo got to take the scenic route. Heck of a sight!

So with AA's addition of 738's to the schedule, I found this for Nov 3:

3 B738
2 MD80
2 E145
1 CRJ7
1 CRJ9

The 737's have 10 more seats than the S80's they are replacing. With the added RJ frequency bringing AA up to 9 daily to DFW, and with the larger 737s replacing MD80's, AA will be offering virtually the exact same number of seats at a higher frequency as they did when the route was strictly MD80.

7 MD80's = 980 seats each way
New schedule = 973 seats.

Really it's a win-win -- more frequency with greater connection potential with no loss of capacity.

So with AA's addition of 738's to the schedule, I found this for Nov 3:

3 B738
2 MD80
2 E145
1 CRJ7
1 CRJ9

The 737's have 10 more seats than the S80's they are replacing. With the added RJ frequency bringing AA up to 9 daily to DFW, and with the larger 737s replacing MD80's, AA will be offering virtually the exact same number of seats at a higher frequency as they did when the route was strictly MD80.

7 MD80's = 980 seats each way
New schedule = 973 seats.

Really it's a win-win -- more frequency with greater connection potential with no loss of capacity.

I've seen a lot more chaos with gate or gate staff availability at DFW since it was rebanked. Particularly in Terminal B for some reason - which is where the "extra" regionals go into, of course.

Has there been any problems with American's gate space at OKC since DFW was rebanked? I know we've had to sometimes wait for space on a late night arrival as they move the RON's around.

I've seen a lot more chaos with gate or gate staff availability at DFW since it was rebanked. Particularly in Terminal B for some reason - which is where the "extra" regionals go into, of course.

Has there been any problems with American's gate space at OKC since DFW was rebanked? I know we've had to sometimes wait for space on a late night arrival as they move the RON's around.

I'm not sure as I don't work in OKC anymore. They have 3 gates now, but OKC is pretty busy in the evening/night hours so it wouldn't surprise me.

Looks like we had some weather-related DFW diversions today:

- AA 48 (CDG-OKC; 772ER) --> Funny thing is I saw this pass right overhead as I was about to leave work (50 Penn Place is where I work). It was heading west and I could see the stripes on the tail, then it banked left to line up with RWY 17L. I thought that was pretty cool and almost immediately realized that was likely a diversion.
- AA 2291 (SEA-DFW; 738)
- AA 1878 (CLT-DFW; 321)
- AA 560 (PHX-DFW; 321)
- UA 1727 (EWR-DFW; 73G)
- ASH (Mesa) 5959 (HSV-DFW; CR9)
- NKS (Spirit) 866 (LAX-DFW; 320)
- CPZ (Compass) 5825 (LAX-DFW; E175)

CDG is Charles de Gaulle-Paris so international flight. Do they keep the passengers on the plane until they can go to DFW? What if they were going to be bussed? Does OKC have a back up plan for customs/immigration?

Hmm... FlightAware doesn't show AAL48 (https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL48/history/20160829/2301Z/KDFW/LFPG) as being diverted yesterday - looks like that was actually AAL49 (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL49/history/20160829/0935Z/LFPG/KOKC). SKW5980 (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SKW5980/history/20160829/1720Z/KORD/KDFW) - United (ORD-DFW; E75L) was another diversion to OKC. It's kinda neat to see the flight path of those that were diverted!

CDG is Charles de Gaulle-Paris so international flight. Do they keep the passengers on the plane until they can go to DFW? What if they were going to be bussed? Does OKC have a back up plan for customs/immigration?

Since this was only a diversion, the passengers have to stay in the plane, besides, I doubt they ever dock the jetway to the plane. Diversions are usually parked on the hardstands across from the terminal or on the ramp to the east. OKC does not have a Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility. That's the main reason why Champion Air flights had to make a stop at DFW before continuing on to OKC back in the day when returning from CUN.


Hmm... FlightAware doesn't show AAL48 (https://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL48/history/20160829/2301Z/KDFW/LFPG) as being diverted yesterday - looks like that was actually AAL49 (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/AAL49/history/20160829/0935Z/LFPG/KOKC). SKW5980 (http://flightaware.com/live/flight/SKW5980/history/20160829/1720Z/KORD/KDFW) - United (ORD-DFW; E75L) was another diversion to OKC. It's kinda neat to see the flight path of those that were diverted!

Yep, it's actually AA 49. 48 is the outbound. Slip of the fingers!

I see Southwest and Delta are selling tickets from Columbus,OH-OKC this Friday and Sunday. Delta has a 757 that is bookable on delta.com and Southwest has flights bookable as well. Flights are obviously geared for Ohio State fans.

Pretty smart move. I know AA did it last bowl season for OU.

What would it take for airlines to do that here?

I see Southwest and Delta are selling tickets from Columbus,OH-OKC this Friday and Sunday. Delta has a 757 that is bookable on delta.com and Southwest has flights bookable as well. Flights are obviously geared for Ohio State fans.

Pretty smart move. I know AA did it last bowl season for OU.

What would it take for airlines to do that here?

I hope someone takes a pic of that parked at the gate.

Can Delta's jetways even raise up high enough and handle a 757? Every time I see them, they're always down low for the regional jets.

What would it take for airlines to do that here?

A belief that it would be profitable. The lowest roundtrip price for the Delta nonstop flights is $1,122.20. Southwest is sold out so I can't tell what their price was. I suspect is was comparable, and if they have a spare plane available, I'm sure it was financially feasible for them.

Can Delta's jetways even raise up high enough and handle a 757? Every time I see them, they're always down low for the regional jets.

That won't be a problem. The jetways can easily handle that.

Delta has a mix of MD-88,.Boeing 717 and 737s here..plus Airbus A319/20 on top of the usual regionals. A 757 will be no problem at all.

No problem for a 757 at the jetway. The floor height is not much different than an Airbus narrowbody. Also, the height range for all OKC jetways are capable of all widebody floor heights except second deck.

I see Southwest and Delta are selling tickets from Columbus,OH-OKC this Friday and Sunday. Delta has a 757 that is bookable on delta.com and Southwest has flights bookable as well. Flights are obviously geared for Ohio State fans.

Pretty smart move. I know AA did it last bowl season for OU.

What would it take for airlines to do that here?

AA flew at least one OKC-MIA non-stop last year for OU's playoff debacle. Priced around a grand roundtrip if I remember. Pretty sure it was discussed on this forum as well and it went out full from what I remember.

Translating Catch22:

meaning, all OKC gates can handle all passenger jets ranging in size from regional prop up to the main floors of the largest airplanes

except the second floors of the 747 and A380 (which honestly, almost nobody but only the busy Intercontinental Gateway hubs have this capability anyway).

Just because OKC doesn't regularly have a 757 scheduled doesn't mean it can't handle them. ......

Big dip for August.

http://www.flyokc.com/statistics/August2016Enplanement.pdf

This year's numbers look particularly bad for AA.

This year's numbers look particularly bad for AA.

Airlines with hubs in Texas seem to be affected the most. I can almost be for certain oil traffic is the culprit. Delta is holding steady which means their loyal traffic probably has very few ties to the oil industry. Alaska is holding steady.

Catch, is there any chance that we could some expanded east coast options for the bio/tech employees? Maybe Boston or Philly?

Catch, is there any chance that we could some expanded east coast options for the bio/tech employees? Maybe Boston or Philly?

Boston is only a possibility if jetBlue enters the market. (not likely right now)

Philly has a slim chance due to the AA hub, but they are more focued on growing PHX right now and right sizing PHL a bit. I think Phoenix might have a shot now since they are recently focused on adding some smaller markets from there. I don't think it's a great chance though as we have LAX. And their strategy seems to be using PHX for markets that can't support LAX service or don't deserve access to their very limited infrastructure at LAX.

Boston is only a possibility if jetBlue enters the market. (not likely right now)

Philly has a slim chance due to the AA hub, but they are more focued on growing PHX right now and right sizing PHL a bit. I think Phoenix might have a shot now since they are recently focused on adding some smaller markets from there. I don't think it's a great chance though as we have LAX. And their strategy seems to be using PHX for markets that can't support LAX service or don't deserve access to their very limited infrastructure at LAX.

Is JetBlue warming up to the idea of serving OKC? What are the chances on something to JFK?

Is JetBlue warming up to the idea of serving OKC? What are the chances on something to JFK?

Doubtful they are. They have been focused on NYC/BOS to LAX/SFO and Caribbean flying. It will take a market force similar to the delta at SEA buildup to force JetBlue into diversifying their markets from BOS/JFK. The only reason we have Alaska to SEA is because DL grew SEA and forced Alaska into expanding their presence to protect their hub.

Selfishly I'd rather have PHX over LAX but understand why LAX is more desirable.

This year's numbers look particularly bad for AA.

I wonder if that's just reduced capacity?

I'd rather have Austin than anywhere.

Quite an impressive array of arriving business jets/props at Westheimer Airport (OUN) today in Norman:

http://flightaware.com/live/airport/KOUN/enroute

I don't think I've ever seen this many in one day. I bet it's the game + Trump speaking. Quite a few C650s and an Embraer 135 in there as well (I've seen a 135 here only once before).

Here's 1 of the Delta 757's that OSU chartered. the jet-bridge handled it just fine :)

13077

I also noticed that DL is using the 757 (per flightaware) on OKC-ATL today. Is this legit? I was at the airport this morning and the only 757's I saw were scheduled to Ohio...

I'd rather have Austin than anywhere.

I wonder if Southwest would ever add OKC-AUS. It *might* work but I suspect the 737 is just too much plane for the demand even just one daily flight and limited connecting opportunities. Similar to why OKC-MCI didn't last while I suspect OKC-STL remains due to eastward connections.

I also noticed that DL is using the 757 (per flightaware) on OKC-ATL today. Is this legit? I was at the airport this morning and the only 757's I saw were scheduled to Ohio...

Possibly up-gauged a regular ATL flight to handle connecting traffic for tOSU.

Did anyone notice all of the Southwest flights that were in over the weekend from Austin? Clearly it was for fans of Texas to come watch the OSU game, but still nice to see.

I see American has added seasonal daily flights from DFW to Rome, Amsterdam, and Kona. This is great. The more options from DFW the better. I'd like to have one daily flight from OKC to PHL timed to get to PHL for the European flights but the more European flights American adds from DFW the less important that is. Anyone have an inkling what American's plans for DFW are? If these are successful will we see more additions like Dublin, Brussels, Milan, etc. from DFW in future years?

Rome and Amaterdam are added because of a revenue guaranatee incentive by DFW, not unlike Stillwater.

I don't see much expansion from DFW.

Actually with the addition of the 787 in AA's fleet, more European destinations are definitely possible, albeit summer-seasonal only. Europe traffic doesn't do as well in the winter months save from a few hubs like JFK or ORD where there is good business demand year-round. Indeed, many of the European routes from PHL and CLT and other of AA's hubs get switched down to 757s or completely shut down in the winter. But the 787 is making possible more routes that at one time would have been out of question, and AA has made no secret in recent years that DFW will be one of its hubs that it will focus on promoting/generating more international flights so I wouldn't be surprised to see more 788's flying to/from DFW to some more European cities that were not linked before.

Growth in Europe is waning, China/Asia is bursting at the seams.

I wouldn't mind a flight from OKC-PHL but if EWR is mostly seasonal for OKC then I don't think PHL would work that well. I'd rather see MIA added to OKC.

I really think as a city the airport has the right number of flights to the right locations.

Any additional cities added is just me wish-casting :)

I wouldn't mind a flight from OKC-PHL but if EWR is mostly seasonal for OKC then I don't think PHL would work that well. I'd rather see MIA added to OKC.

I really think as a city the airport has the right number of flights to the right locations.

Any additional cities added is just me wish-casting :)

EWR is such a strange market. On paper it should perform so well that it should support at least 2 daily flights. I really don't know if it is lack of dedication from United, or just that it doesn't perform well in general.

I think it may have to do with EWR in general. No matter how much we grow EWR it is still not the preferred airport to NYC. It's no doubt that LGA, despite its archaic facilities, confusing transit, and horrible delays, still commands a premium based on location.

I bet if someone opened OKC-LGA it would perform very well. Delta is the only one who would think about it, but their focus has shifted to the west coast right now.

I bet PHL would be able to hold its own, also. But I don't see it as likely in AA's near term plans.

EWR is such a strange market. On paper it should perform so well that it should support at least 2 daily flights. I really don't know if it is lack of dedication from United, or just that it doesn't perform well in general.

I think it may have to do with EWR in general. No matter how much we grow EWR it is still not the preferred airport to NYC. It's no doubt that LGA, despite its archaic facilities, confusing transit, and horrible delays, still commands a premium based on location.

I bet if someone opened OKC-LGA it would perform very well. Delta is the only one who would think about it, but their focus has shifted to the west coast right now.

I bet PHL would be able to hold its own, also. But I don't see it as likely in AA's near term plans.

With LGA in the process of being rebuilt, it does not seem like they would be adding a lot of routes right now anyway

With LGA in the process of being rebuilt, it does not seem like they would be adding a lot of routes right now anyway

Is thr rebuild of LGA going to result in added capacity and new routes? You would think OKC and TUL could both support a daily flight to the bigges city in the country. I think EWR has struggled due to high cost, small plane and Newark isn't great if NYC is your final destination.

SWA could likely make Oklahoma-NYC work.

Is thr rebuild of LGA going to result in added capacity and new routes? You would think OKC and TUL could both support a daily flight to the bigges city in the country. I think EWR has struggled due to high cost, small plane and Newark isn't great if NYC is your final destination.

SWA could likely make Oklahoma-NYC work.

"The number of gates at the terminal would remain at 35, but they would be spread out to accommodate bigger airplanes."

Doubtful

http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/laguardia-airport-poised-for-3-6b-makeover-new-central-terminal-1.7689403

Alaska is having a pretty decent sale on the OKC-SEA nonstop:

https://www.alaskaair.com/content/deals/flights.aspx?o=OKC&utm_campaign=bt_adr_EV_FB_FDSale_%7B%7BI+CODE%7D%7 D_EVO&ola=bt_adr_Evo_FB_FDSale_%7B%7BI+CODE%7D%7D_EVO&utm_medium=ola&utm_source=EVO

"The number of gates at the terminal would remain at 35, but they would be spread out to accommodate bigger airplanes."

Doubtful

http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/laguardia-airport-poised-for-3-6b-makeover-new-central-terminal-1.7689403

They are spending billions of dollars and not adding any gates? ��

"The number of gates at the terminal would remain at 35, but they would be spread out to accommodate bigger airplanes."

Doubtful

http://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/laguardia-airport-poised-for-3-6b-makeover-new-central-terminal-1.7689403

They are spending billions of dollars and not adding any gates? 

They are spending billions of dollars and not adding any gates? 

Space is limited and there's only 2 runways. Pretty sure it's pretty close to max capacity flight wise.

They are spending billions of dollars and not adding any gates? 

The building was at the point it needed major renovation years ago. The layout change adds a lot of space on the ground, which one way they are using it should in theory reduce gate delays, it also frees up more space so it is at least plausible to expand if they could use it.

September

http://www.flyokc.com/statistics/September2016Enplanement.pdf

September

http://www.flyokc.com/statistics/September2016Enplanement.pdf

Pretty good month overall. Good to see the Seattle route still growing YOY

Looking out to February 2017 it looks like DL will have a funky schedule for OKC-MSP. It runs once a day just about every day but there are 2 days that the route won't operate at all. One is a Saturday and one is on a Sunday.

There is only 1 Saturday in February where there is no flight, Feb 18. Otherwise, February looks great. We get a mainline a319 during the week and E175's on the weekends. The down day could be due to transitioning in aircraft schedules.

Im not seeing anything pop up on Feb 26 for OKC-MSP

Like I said, could be a down day. However, note that projected schedules any further out than three months are just "dummy" schedules and are totally subject to change.

At the Crossgrain Brewhouse right now in the airport. It's a welcome addition to the airport as the previous offerings were terrible and slightly better than terrible.
The vibe is much more relaxed with a live musician playing at the moment. However the service is a bit below average, although that is likely to be a server specific issue and not any fundamental issue with the operation.

Food is alright but a little on the high side, prices are comparable to San Francisco.
I believe my burger patty was a frozen patty, it tasted fine but could tell it wasn't totally fresh either. It also had a mystery sauce on it in addition to the BBQ sauce. I removed it the best i could with my napkin but the server never come by in time for me to inquire what it was. Looked like some kind of jalapeño mayonnaise concoction which doesn't really fit with a BBQ bacon burger.

Not upset because it's so much better than every other option that exists or has existed at the airport, but there is definite room for improvement on the service and food side but I am content - I have an F5 in hand and that is all that counts.

What did this replace or did it go into a new space?

What did this replace or did it go into a new space?

I think it was called Lounge 1907.

^ Close, Bar 1907. Never saw many people there, and once I was rather curtly told not to sit there even when it was completely empty unless I bought a drink or something. Not that I was going to sit there for long anyway, but you know...

I just flew roundtrip Tuesday and Wednesday on United's non-stop OKC-Denver flight. Both legs were less than half full on their 737. I love this cheap, fast flight to Colorado and I hope United doesn't downgrade this to one of their smaller regional jets.

Ive taken the 737 to Denver on UAL a few times and it's been a mixed bag. Some days it's about 70% full and sometimes it's 50% full...and then I've seen it over 90% full.

You flying on a Tues and Weds probably had something to do with the fact that flight was less than half full.

UAL sends a bunch of mixed types here but as long as the 737 is profitable...well....

It has been relatively empty lately. As OKC-DEN is a large energy market, much of that has to do with actual reduced demand.

As stated, it is a mixed bag. Some days it is overbooked and other days it is about 60% LF. Right now, Denver is slightly over capacity as United has been aggressively adding mainline flying back to Denver -- high growth which has yet to be absorbed by the market.

I don't think they'll reduce Denver mainline flying at current energy prices as the Denver hub itself is growing and is very profitable after it was rebanked a few years back.

Coincidentally I flew on DEN-OKC-DEN today and DEN-OKC was 100% full and OKC-DEN was around 70%