Originally Posted by
OscartheGrouch
Actually LL, I would suggest that allowing an RJ to operate non stop to an from BGR/DCA (as an ex.) is a waste of capacity. I would also suggest that while some of the locals might benefit, those flights are designed to accommodate members of congress (and their staffs) who then will feel obligated to respond in kind to protect said route. Let the smaller airports route through a large hub to get to DCA and then utilize bigger aircraft.
BWI is, as you point out, close enough to allow smaller cities to access the Washington DC area without taking up a slot with a 50 seat RJ.
It is quite obvious that this is all about keeping and increasing the market share so as to control prices to benefit the airline that will be created and not about service for the traveling public.
I know you meant if for emphasis, but a $39 fare would benefit the public. The airline operating it .....not so much.
The Oscar
Politics plays a part in service to DCA, but the bigger reason is all those government employees flying on government fares. Routes into DCA are some of the most profitable in the country which is why the airlines fought to keep DCA open when some government agencies wanted to close it after 9/11.