Delta Air Lines is taking its flights from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to new heights, quite literally. The airline is expanding with four transcontinental routes that will send passengers west, really far west.
Starting on September 9th, Delta will offer flights from LaGuardia to Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Los Angeles International Airport, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, and Salt Lake City International Airport (with service extension). Passengers can expect a luxurious travel experience as Delta plans to deploy Airbus A220 aircraft on all four routes.
However, there’s a catch. Due to the airport’s “perimeter rule,” these flights can only operate once weekly on Saturdays. This rule restricts airlines from flying to airports farther than 1,500 miles away except for routes to Denver and any flight operated on Saturdays.
While Saturday-only service may not be the most lucrative option for domestic routes since it’s typically the quietest day of the week for flying, Delta is willing to give it a shot. With limited demand for business travel currently and an evolving leisure market during weekends post-pandemic, who knows? Maybe this could become a profitable venture after all.
Interestingly enough, while these specific destinations are new additions or extensions of existing routes from LaGuardia airport lineup – such as Salt Lake City which was initially planned earlier this year but got extended until May 2024 – Delta has had previous attempts at similar services.
In 2006 they did have brief trials of LGA-LAX flights before ultimately canceling them just six months later (*teleporting back & forth anyone?). Even Spirit Airlines launched their own transcontinental route between LGA and LAX during pandemic times which later got discontinued as well but hey nothing like giving things another try… Or so seems what Delta must think now that they’re planning bigger-than-ever ambitions toward conquering long-haul domestic missions departing from LaGuardia airport; even if only on Saturdays.
Apart from their coast-to-coast flights, Delta is also making some changes to its shorter LaGuardia routes. Effective September 18th, the airline will add one daily frequency to Omaha, Nebraska; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Madison, Wisconsin. However, they’ll be dropping one daily frequency in three markets: Albany, New York; Hartford Connecticut; and Providence Rhode Island.
But wait! There’s more!
Delta has some exciting plans for those seeking sunshine during the winter months. The airline will offer Saturday-only seasonal service from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Cancun International Airport starting December 16th of this year through April 6th of next year.
While most of Delta’s flights operate through hubs which allow them to maximize connective optionsSponsored Product for passengers (and therefore securing fuller planes) these new services departing from Cincinnati and Raleigh-Durham are expected primarily aimed towards attracting locals wanting a tropical getaway straight out of a dreamy postcard ending with palm trees gently swaying under sun’s kissing rays… or at least that is what we get out every time someone mentions a vacation spot like Cancun
These expansions coincide interestingly with American Airlines’ own announcement that it too plans on offering flights between Cincinnati and Cancun just about a week earlier than Delta – all partaking on an ode personal feud taking place among airlines lately? Or maybe as we question souls would rather suggest both flight operators could view competition brewing around serving this particular market niche?
And now finally because who doesn’t want lists within articles (everyone here LOVES reading listicles), let us present you with:
The Top Ten Longest Routes From LGA
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Distance: 2,469 miles- Operated by Delta.
- Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)- Distance: 2,242 miles- Operated by Delta.
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)- Distance: 2,149 miles- Operated by Delta.
- Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) – Distance: 1,982 miles -Operated by Delta.
- Queen BeatrixInternationalAirport(AUA)-Distance: 1,961miles- Operatedby American Airlines.
6.Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) – Distance: 1,810 miles- Operated by American Airlines
7.DenverInternationalAirport(DEN) -Distance: 1,619miles-OperatedbyDelta,J etBlue,SouthwestandUnitedAirlines
8.WilliamP.HobbyAirport(HOU)-Distance:
1,428 mileSe s-Outhwest.
9.George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
-Distance :1416miLesAmericanDeltaSpirit and United competing fiercely against each other here.(*Authors Note hears chants “fight! fight! Fight!”)
10.Dallas Fort Worth International Airport(DFW)
-DIsTAnce:1389mIles-AmericanDeltaF ronteRand Spirit going head-to-head for some more pugilism FTW!
And just like that folks; you now have all the juicy details on Delta’s westward expansion from LaGuardia airport as well as their summer plans to fill your snow-free winter days with Caribbean sunshine brought straight to you from both Cincy and Raleigh Durham airports.
Now go out there create those happy travel memories but remember friends it’s still a pandemic out there… it isn’t OVER yet; so keep safe ‐- we’ll see ya soon though because with winter around we’re all seeking refuge in warmer climate spots anyway right?
Until next time!
