Originally Posted by
johnso29
The B717 will have a lower CASM then any 76 seater. For the rock bottom price that the B717s were acquired for it'll be difficult to not make $$$ with them. Delta is still making money with the DC9-50. It has less seats then the B717 & is much less fuel efficient.
I'm not sure why you think SW operates the B717 any different then Delta will. I jump seated on a AirTran B717 just a few months ago, & it wasn't a quick turn at all.
The few B717 that DL will be acquiring is not enough to put a dent to reduce regional airline flying. Also, I could be wrong, but DL will be leasing the B717. Its easy to make a boat load of money when you don't have to make lease payments.
Also, an argument can be made in regards the ONE flight you took, but I don't think it adds an relevance to the OP's original question. In trying to stick to the original question, my posts were meant to offer an outside view of the U.S. airline industry as I see it living as an expat.