American phasing out all 50 seater jets by 2030. Large order of jets to help with up-gauging routes. https://thepointsguy.com/news/american-airlines-aircraft-order-airbus-embraer-boeing-737-max-10/

Excellent news to get Embraer to replace the CRJ. When I moved to OKC it was crj 200 and embraer 145 in all the directions. Then we got these Emb 170/5 and 190/5, what a change.

Nice support from AA to order Max 10 but as this point it just throwing money in a wishing well.

$316 Million Will Be Spent On Upgrading Oklahoma's Airports

https://simpleflying.com/316-million-spent-upgrading-oklahomas-airports/

Whatever happened to Catch22?

Looks like OKC is serious about adding international flights: https://simpleflying.com/oklahoma-city-airport-eyes-international-expansion/.

They mentioned Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean as destinations OKC is already working with the airlines; and that OKC has Mexico and Guatemalan Consulates. I could easily see 5-weekly OKC-MEX, and at least 1-weekly, seasonal OKC-CUN and OKC-PVR. Would we have enough for Guatemala City or would Aeromexico or Viva do OKC-MEX-GUA?

Would be lovely if we could see a reincarnation of Great Plains Airlines to feed OKC's Int'l flights (this time, just have OKC as the hub).

Would be lovely if we could see a reincarnation of Great Plains Airlines to feed OKC's Int'l flights (this time, just have OKC as the hub).

Extremely unlikely we will ever see anything like GPA again. I wish we had regional airlines and I think the routes they had like OKC-ABQ, OKC-COS, TUL-BNA, etc would work but it just isn’t going to happen.

Whatever happened to Catch22?
I still follow him on social and message with him occasionally. He seems to be doing fine. I think he’s just a bit tired of the board. Happens to me from time to time myself.

I still follow him on social and message with him occasionally. He seems to be doing fine. I think he’s just a bit tired of the board. Happens to me from time to time myself.

Yep.

United being United. AA and SW continue their growth trajectories. https://flyokc.com/sites/default/files/February%202024%20Enplanement.pdf

United in OKC is baffling. I wonder if Delta has any growth plans for OU’s entry into the SEC or if there will be enough traffic to warrant anything?

Stagnant growth, unfortunately. If you can call it growth. You have 2 of the big 4 that don't value OKC, which means the other 2 can neglect OKC in the future because we have no alternatives.

Maybe they'll notice OKC as being one of the top job growth cities in the country.

Stagnant growth, unfortunately. If you can call it growth. You have 2 of the big 4 that don't value OKC, which means the other 2 can neglect OKC in the future because we have no alternatives.

How many flights have you taken from OKC since Jan. 2024 to help grow the passenger counts (which is what drives expanded routes)?

How many flights have you taken from OKC since Jan. 2024 to help grow the passenger counts (which is what drives expanded routes)?

3 so far. But I'm also a 33 year old.

And that is not a fair question to ask. Nice try, though.

3 so far. But I'm also a 33 year old.
And that is not a fair question to ask. Nice try, though.

Whatever that’s supposed to mean…

From the Will Rogers FB page today…

“March 2024 set a new record for passenger numbers at WRWA! With a total of 362,173 passengers, it surpassed the previous record set in March 2019, which was 353,647 passengers. This increase in passenger traffic is indicative of the airport's growing popularity and importance as a transportation hub! Got to https://flyokc.com/march-2024-passenger-numbers-higher-previous-years for the full report.”

From the Will Rogers FB page today…

“March 2024 set a new record for passenger numbers at WRWA! With a total of 362,173 passengers, it surpassed the previous record set in March 2019, which was 353,647 passengers. This increase in passenger traffic is indicative of the airport's growing popularity and importance as a transportation hub! Got to https://flyokc.com/march-2024-passenger-numbers-higher-previous-years for the full report.”

Awesome!

I have no doubt that OKC will continue to grow as a city and metro, and get better, but it's still important to enjoy these good times. The increased traffic is validation of the strength of our economy and our growing status as a destination for travelers.

I just don't understand airline scheduling. My wife just got back from flying SWA from Denver to Orlando and said the planes both ways were less than half full. Yet, l can't tell you the last time l flew Denver to OKC and there were any empty seats - and l am there almost monthly.

March

https://flyokc.com/sites/default/files/March%202024%20Enplanement.pdf

The Frontier numbers continue to impress. that being said, for the past few weeks they have had a pretty stout expansion, yet no new routes to/from OKC. Hopefully that will change soon

3.19% growth is by no means “stagnant”. That’s huge.

3.19% growth is by no means “stagnant”. That’s huge.

I posted that after the February report was shown. I hadn't seen March yet. OKC's growth is limited with no new routes or frequencies or larger planes.

Until Boeing pulls its head out of its butt, the most likely airlines that are going to get enough planes soon to add more routes is Delta and Frontier. Southwest and Alaska's stubbornness of only being a Boeing shop is going to kill their growth for the next decade. United and American have finally started to see the light by finally be willing to lease or buy additional Airbus planes but it will still takes years before they get those planes. Our next best hope is that Spirit or Air Canada come to OKC. Jetblue won't be coming to OKC for a long time if ever.

Until Boeing pulls its head out of its butt, the most likely airlines that are going to get enough planes soon to add more routes is Delta and Frontier. Southwest and Alaska's stubbornness of only being a Boeing shop is going to kill their growth for the next decade. United and American have finally started to see the light by finally be willing to lease or buy additional Airbus planes but it will still takes years before they get those planes. Our next best hope is that Spirit or Air Canada come to OKC. Jetblue won't be coming to OKC for a long time if ever.

That's a hot take that is both highly overdramatic and very unlikely.

Jetblue won't be coming to OKC for a long time if ever.

Agree. They have been downsizing in many markets, especially in mid-America. They just pulled out of Kansas City entirely.

Agree. They have been downsizing in many markets, especially in mid-America. They just pulled out of Kansas City entirely.

It’s unfortunate, but they’re a trash operation these days. Maybe the new “leadership” can turn things around, but I have my doubts.

My company put up a new camera that faces the airport. I get to watch all the diverts to DFW come in now. You know how excited this camera makes me ? :) 1879518795

My company put up a new camera that faces the airport. I get to watch all the diverts to DFW come in now. You know how excited this camera makes me ? :) 1879518795

Love seeing the international airlines when they divert.

One of OKC's largest carriers....

Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its quirky boarding and seating practices
https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-changes-boarding-seating-be96c23257a716108dc9c49903a24b3d

Personally, I like the current select-a-seat process and all seats being essentially the same. You are almost guaranteed an aisle or window seat if you are in the A or B boarding group. I like that Southwest has avoided the "nickle and diming" approach other carriers have done for bags, legroom, aisles, ch
oose your seat, etc.

Southwest has always prided themselves on being different, I hope that remains.

One of OKC's largest carriers....

Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its quirky boarding and seating practices
https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-changes-boarding-seating-be96c23257a716108dc9c49903a24b3d

Personally, I like the current select-a-seat process and all seats being essentially the same. You are almost guaranteed an aisle or window seat if you are in the A or B boarding group. I like that Southwest has avoided the "nickle and diming" approach other carriers have done for bags, legroom, aisles, ch
oose your seat, etc.

Southwest has always prided themselves on being different, I hope that remains.

I agree, but am much more protective about keeping bags free--that really helps when traveling as a family--saves me over $100 each time we fly.

One of OKC's largest carriers....

Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its quirky boarding and seating practices
https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-changes-boarding-seating-be96c23257a716108dc9c49903a24b3d

Personally, I like the current select-a-seat process and all seats being essentially the same. You are almost guaranteed an aisle or window seat if you are in the A or B boarding group. I like that Southwest has avoided the "nickle and diming" approach other carriers have done for bags, legroom, aisles, ch
oose your seat, etc.

Southwest has always prided themselves on being different, I hope that remains.I virtually never fly SW because I can't select my seat. And when I do I pay for A. Still hate it. Secondary reason is you can't get extra legroom. If they change these things I would consider flying them more.

One of OKC's largest carriers....

Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its quirky boarding and seating practices
https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-changes-boarding-seating-be96c23257a716108dc9c49903a24b3d

Personally, I like the current select-a-seat process and all seats being essentially the same. You are almost guaranteed an aisle or window seat if you are in the A or B boarding group. I like that Southwest has avoided the "nickle and diming" approach other carriers have done for bags, legroom, aisles, ch
oose your seat, etc.

Southwest has always prided themselves on being different, I hope that remains.

same. I like it

I virtually never fly SW because I can't select my seat. And when I do I pay for A. Still hate it. Secondary reason is you can't get extra legroom. If they change these things I would consider flying them more.

or you still board in the 20s because of all the pre-boards. They pulled the OKC-DAL flights and I haven't been on one since.

Noticed Allegiant is ending its seasonal OKC and TUL-VPS flights early this summer - in early August vs early November last year. Anyone know why? I looked and XNA still has its nonstop flights to VPS through November..

or you still board in the 20s because of all the pre-boards. They pulled the OKC-DAL flights and I haven't been on one since.

Since I stopped flying Southwest regularly, my “what ailment do they have that warrants getting on the plane first” scanner has gotten rusty.

Since I stopped flying Southwest regularly, my “what ailment do they have that warrants getting on the plane first” scanner has gotten rusty.
Excellent post!

I was looking at going to San Antonio in Feb but it looks like SWA only flys nonstop on Sundays now. Big bummer

I virtually never fly SW because I can't select my seat. And when I do I pay for A. Still hate it. Secondary reason is you can't get extra legroom. If they change these things I would consider flying them more.

Same. I've never understood the cultish devotion people express for Southwest. It's bizarre.

Same. I've never understood the cultish devotion people express for Southwest. It's bizarre.

I don't understand the cultish devotion but do see the draw. We are devoted Delta. We close on a vacation home in South Padre next month and Delta doesn't fly there from OKC. As much as we dislike SW, we are looking at getting the SW credit card so we can get the companion pass. I am paying about $600 for AA first class and SW is about $500 last time I looked. (Short notice booking). For $100 more....will always take the first class option. However.....if I am getting 2 tickets for the $500....then makes it more tempting to fly SW especially on short flights

I don't understand the cultish devotion but do see the draw. We are devoted Delta. We close on a vacation home in South Padre next month and Delta doesn't fly there from OKC. As much as we dislike SW, we are looking at getting the SW credit card so we can get the companion pass. I am paying about $600 for AA first class and SW is about $500 last time I looked. (Short notice booking). For $100 more....will always take the first class option. However.....if I am getting 2 tickets for the $500....then makes it more tempting to fly SW especially on short flights

I would personally look at getting the AA card (barclays or citi) and going that route. If you build up your status, your chances being upgraded between OKC to HRL/BRO via DFW would be very high every trip.

Same. I've never understood the cultish devotion people express for Southwest. It's bizarre.

We have no kids, only do carry-on, they used to have non-stops to places we want to go, and they were cheaper than anybody else, so that's why we used them pretty much exclusively.

Reasons I like Southwest:
1. Always on a 737
2. Board after A group with kids (fly enough or get their credit card and you always board with the A group anyway)
3. Usually cheaper fares than AA/United/Delta and easy award redemptions
4. Most destinations of any airline out of OKC/TUL (LAS,PHX,DEN,DAL,AUS,SAT,HOU,BNA,STL,MDW,ATL,MCO) and good connecting options

1. Always on a 737

That's the latest reason I avoid SWA recently.

That's the latest reason I avoid SWA recently.

737 and 737 MAX are very different planes.

737 and 737 MAX are very different planes.

yes, but almost 30% of the Southwest fleet are 737 Max 8.

yes, but almost 30% of the Southwest fleet are 737 Max 8.

This is the reason. Besides I hate the Hunger Games boarding, but the Companion Pass from the credit card tempted me tbh. I decided to remain an AA loyalist due to the places we fly and we don't mind DFW in the end.

I would personally look at getting the AA card (barclays or citi) and going that route. If you build up your status, your chances being upgraded between OKC to HRL/BRO via DFW would be very high every trip.

Yeah but the AA card won’t get you a companion pass. If you’re trying to save money on frequent trips and always fly with the same person,, upgrades aren’t really what you’re looking for.

Had the SW companion pass for about 5 years. It was an awesome perk.

Yeah but the AA card won’t get you a companion pass. If you’re trying to save money on frequent trips and always fly with the same person,, upgrades aren’t really what you’re looking for.

Had the SW companion pass for about 5 years. It was an awesome perk.

Much better if you live near a Southwest hub. Lived in Denver for several years with the Companion Pass and would fly all kinds of random places for weekend trips because of the amount of nonstop flights. I was flying a lot for work so I used points and my wife flew for “free” (just the taxes which are anywhere from $5-20). We basically looked at the Southwest route map and picked a new place to go every couple months.

It’s not the same living in Oklahoma with way fewer Southwest nonstops but still is one of the best airline perks out there - I think its days are numbered though so enjoy it while you can.

Yeah but the AA card won’t get you a companion pass. If you’re trying to save money on frequent trips and always fly with the same person,, upgrades aren’t really what you’re looking for.

Had the SW companion pass for about 5 years. It was an awesome perk.

Having the SWA Chase Visa will get you several free boarding ugrades per year along with multiple other benefits

In regards to boarding efficiencies on Southwest and other airlines...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHbLRjF0vo

Having the SWA Chase Visa will get you several free boarding ugrades per year along with multiple other benefits

Yes. Up until fairly recently you actually had to fly a lot with them to obtain enough points to reach A-list or A-list Preferred status and get boarding priority for the most part but now you can obtain it with credit card points as well.

I don't understand the cultish devotion but do see the draw. We are devoted Delta. We close on a vacation home in South Padre next month and Delta doesn't fly there from OKC. As much as we dislike SW, we are looking at getting the SW credit card so we can get the companion pass. I am paying about $600 for AA first class and SW is about $500 last time I looked. (Short notice booking). For $100 more....will always take the first class option. However.....if I am getting 2 tickets for the $500....then makes it more tempting to fly SW especially on short flights

Apparently you cannot use any Card Perks or Skymiles perks on Delta if you buy the Basic ticket. You have to by a Main or higher ticket to use any of the perks.

Apparently you cannot use any Card Perks or Skymiles perks on Delta if you buy the Basic ticket. You have to by a Main or higher ticket to use any of the perks.

That is correct. Even if otherwise qualified for Skyclub entrance....basic will prevent access. You also dont get miles

I fly SW because I like being on a real plane as opposed to the tiny puddle jumpers AA and others like to use to fly domestic routes from mid size airports.

I fly SW because I like being on a real plane as opposed to the tiny puddle jumpers AA and others like to use to fly domestic routes from mid size airports.

This might be an unpopular take but I actually enjoy the smaller planes because the boarding and deplaning process is quicker and there's no middle seat. Only down side is when they make you check your bag because of the limited storage space but I have priority boarding so I usually don't have to worry about it unless my suit case is too big.

I fly SW because I like being on a real plane as opposed to the tiny puddle jumpers AA and others like to use to fly domestic routes from mid size airports.

The last few times I have flown Delta out of / in to OKC it has been a Boeing 737-800. I wouldn't call those "puddle jumpers"...

I fly SW because I like being on a real plane as opposed to the tiny puddle jumpers AA and others like to use to fly domestic routes from mid size airports.

It’s probably just me coping from not being on a real plane but I feel like it’s easier to get comfortable on the E175 and CRJ’s versus the 737-800 or similar aircraft. At the very least, my anxiety is the same whether I’m on a CRJ700 or an Airbus A350, so I never feel like I’m suffering more when I fly Delta, American, or United than when I fly Southwest.

SWA offers great non-stop options (for me) out of OKC.

But if I need to connect, I'm flying someone else every time.

Piling on SW, I actually like most of their model -except this one: (You'll need a subscription)

Southwest’s Preboarding Line Is Out of Control
The airline’s snaking preboard lines rankle frequent fliers, who believe some passengers are cheating the airline’s open seating system

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/southwest-airlines-preboarding-cheaters-c71a88a5?mod=wsjhp_columnists_pos2

If they were consistent about putting an end to it, it would be done already.

Piling on SW, I actually like most of their model -except this one: (You'll need a subscription)

Southwest’s Preboarding Line Is Out of Control
The airline’s snaking preboard lines rankle frequent fliers, who believe some passengers are cheating the airline’s open seating system

https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/travel/southwest-airlines-preboarding-cheaters-c71a88a5?mod=wsjhp_columnists_pos2

I guess I need to start identifying as disabled lol.

looking at DCA flights with AA in August and it looks like they downgraded plane from E175 to CRJ700. Boooo