We’ve seen airlines launch all kinds of leisure oriented new routes in recent times, and often, airlines try to generate buzz surrounding these launches. Along those lines, Delta is doing something that we’ve never seen before, and it’s kind of cute…
In this post:
Should Delta fly to Ibiza, Malta, or Sardinia, in 2026?
Delta is inviting its SkyMiles members and employees to help shape the carrier’s route network, in what the company is describing as a “Route Race.” With this, SkyMiles members and Delta employees can vote on which European destination the airline will add in the summer of 2026.
From August 25-29, 2025, SkyMiles members will be able to cast their vote in the Delta app. Once voting opens, simply navigate to the Explore and Trip pages within the app, confirm your SkyMiles credentials, and cast your vote. Final results will be announced 30 days after voting closes, so that puts us into late September.
The three choices for new destinations are Ibiza (Spain), Malta, and Sardinia (Italy). Here’s how Delta describes the three destinations:
Sardinia, Italy: For customers who love a slower pace but still want adventure, Sardinia is the ultimate mix. Days here can start with a hike along rugged cliffs, move to a hidden swim, and end with fresh pasta and local wine in a seaside village. It’s a place where natural beauty, history, and food all share the spotlight.
Malta: Perfect for customers who want their trip to feel like a story, Malta blends centuries of history with sunny Mediterranean charm. One day you might wander ancient fortresses or UNESCO-listed streets, the next you’re on a boat headed for turquoise bays. It’s a destination for those who want culture, scenery, and relaxation all in one place.
Ibiza, Spain: For customers who love a destination that comes alive after dark, Ibiza is a global capital of nightlife with world-famous DJs, beach parties, and sunset-to-sunrise energy. But the island also knows how to slow things down with hidden coves, laid-back beach bars, and day trips to nearby Formentera for a quieter balance. It’s perfect for those who want their trip to be equal parts relaxation and revelry.
Here’s how Paul Baldoni, Delta’s SVP of Network Planning, describes this:
“SkyMiles Members and Delta people are at the center of everything Delta does. The Route Race is a celebration of their influence, giving our community a voice in where they want to fly next and inviting them to help shape Delta’s global network. The destinations where Delta flies are more than just dots on a map – they’re gateways to culture, connection and possibility, and this is a chance for our Members and employees to bring one of them closer.”
I think the only deceiving thing here is that Delta’s marketing photo for this shows something other than its “premium” Boeing 767-300ERs, which will almost certainly be used for this new service.
This is a fun way to engage customers & employees
Kudos to Delta, as I find this to be a creative promotion that is fun for engaging both customers and employees. We’ve seen airlines use a variety of methods to engage members with new route announcements, but I don’t remember ever seeing anything quite like this.
That being said, this is unusual:
- Typically those in airline route planning tell us where we want to fly based on the data available to them, rather than asking us where we want to fly; after all, what people say they want and how they actually act often aren’t the same
- Since the new route is expected to be announced 30 days after voting closes, Delta is essentially giving competitors a heads up as to what it’s planning to do
Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.
Bottom line
Delta is asking its SkyMiles members and employees to pick the carrier’s newest summer 2026 European island destination, with the choices being Ibiza, Malta, and Sardinia. Voting will be available between August 25-29, 2025, and then the route will be announced 30 days after that. This is a fun way to engage loyalty program members, though it’s certainly a bit unusual.
What do you make of Delta’s “Route Race,” and which destination do you think will end up being added?
Of course they will base the final decision on data. They are just doing this to get some customer engagement.
Ibiza is just....weird! DL used to fly to AGP and VLC but both are listed as 'terminated' so just fly to the big two cities at present. If I were going to pick a Balearic island, surely PMI makes more sense? It's the most populous and biggest island as well as the one with the highest volume of tourists.
I guess they chose IBZ since UA already flies to PMI.
To be fair, given all the new European destinations added by US airlines in the past few years - IBZ is now one of the largest airports in Spain without any flights to the US
this also indicates a change in DL's strategy of flying to primary and some secondary airports, esp. in Spain where DL has focused on MAD and BCN. and since DL only uses widebodies to continental Europe, they are looking at places that places that support larger numbers of people than either UA's 757s can do now; and the A321XLR as AA and UA are going to configure them does not work for heavily leisure destinations.
One has suspected for sometime now that all is not what it appears to be on this website.
Has anyone else observed that a contributor’s name, which has not been used before, suddenly ’pops up’ in a thread, yet it is accompanied by Diamond, Gold or Member status? Thereafter, it is never to be seen again …. very strange, it raises one’s awareness and suspicions, yes?
One has also noticed that it is extremely...
One has suspected for sometime now that all is not what it appears to be on this website.
Has anyone else observed that a contributor’s name, which has not been used before, suddenly ’pops up’ in a thread, yet it is accompanied by Diamond, Gold or Member status? Thereafter, it is never to be seen again …. very strange, it raises one’s awareness and suspicions, yes?
One has also noticed that it is extremely easy to ‘assume’ the login name of another user. Several users have posted comments about this fact. One has to ask, is website security deliberately laxed?
It is extremely easy to detect the similarities between the writing style of several, ostensively different characters. Again, one has reservations about the authenticity of some contributors who are suspected to be one and the same person. Obviously untrue accusations are directed against certain contributors, could this be a deliberate attempt to deflect attention away from the true multiple login users?
In the event that there are multiple logins in use by the same person, surely it is reasonable to assume that there are there far fewer contributors to this blog than there appears to be? Why would it become necessary to inflate blog contributor numbers?
Why should any of this matter to any of the blog followers? Well, for some it might be a matter of ethics, one has to wonder why the blog followers are being treated thus? Food for thought and troll bait too.
Well bless your delusional little heart, darlin’. You just live to flap them gums on this blog — paragraph after paragraph of nothin’ but trollin’ what other folks write. And don’t think I didn’t notice that fake lil’ British accent you put on, like you’re auditionin’ for some Victorian tea party. Baby, it’s givin’ community theater, not Buckingham Palace
Hello Ben, thank you for your contribution …. :-)
Oh bless your suspicious little soul. No, darlin’, Anita Grits ain’t some secret alter ego for the author. Anita Grits is Anita Grits — sequins, sass, and southern charm all wrapped up in one. And honestly, if I were hidin’ behind a fake name, don’t you think I’d pick somethin’ a little less fabulous? The fact that the wildest thing your imagination cooked up was ‘must be the author in disguise’ just proves you’re about as creative as dry toast at a church potluck.
Ok! So you claim not to be Ben pretending to be a sickly sweet southern belle …. that only leaves one other possibility …. the infamous Plain Jane …. Tim Dunn’s stalker extraordinaire. Such pathetic antics whomever you really are, it must be another boring day in the life of an imbecilic nobody. Phycological help is urgently required by you darlink.
Well bless your frazzled little heart, darlin’! I am not Plain Jane, and I’ve got zero idea who she is. Anita Grits is Anita Grits — all sequins, sass, and southern charm — and I leave the imaginary drama to folks who need a hobby. And sweetie, the fact that you’re clickin’ all the way to page 2 just to get to these comments? Honey, that’s dedication… or desperation. Just so we’re clear, I’m here...
Well bless your frazzled little heart, darlin’! I am not Plain Jane, and I’ve got zero idea who she is. Anita Grits is Anita Grits — all sequins, sass, and southern charm — and I leave the imaginary drama to folks who need a hobby. And sweetie, the fact that you’re clickin’ all the way to page 2 just to get to these comments? Honey, that’s dedication… or desperation. Just so we’re clear, I’m here for the fabulous commentary, not stalkin’ anyone. If you’re tryin’ to pin me as someone I’m not, bless your heart — you’re just flappin’ in the wind like a lost boarding pass.
Darlin’, you can sprinkle ‘Diamond, Gold, Member’ all over your name, but your faux-British flair can’t disguise that desperate scroll to page 2.
hey, darling.
The topic is flights to Europe.
Have you ever left your home county?
I would not be surprised if the answer were: all three of them! Perhaps in the same time slot on alternate days. Perhaps three to Malta, two to Ibiza, and two to Sardinia. Malta is capable of handling even A380... Olbia would be the most logical destination in Sardinia, as Porto Cervo, Porto Rotondo, and Golfo Aranci are just around the corner (they are favourite destinations for Italian politicians, jetsetters and haute bourgeoisie).
you aren't as dumb as you pretend to be but DL will not divide a flight between 3 destinations. 2 destinations, 1 at 3X/week and 1 at 4/week? yes. we're talking one stinking 767 for daily service. not exactly a heavy lift fleet wise.
the real deal will be if DL adds a couple new dots to ANY US carriers route map in Europe plus new service to Saudi Arabia and potentially the longest route...
you aren't as dumb as you pretend to be but DL will not divide a flight between 3 destinations. 2 destinations, 1 at 3X/week and 1 at 4/week? yes. we're talking one stinking 767 for daily service. not exactly a heavy lift fleet wise.
the real deal will be if DL adds a couple new dots to ANY US carriers route map in Europe plus new service to Saudi Arabia and potentially the longest route from India to the US - plus taking on UA on LAX-HKG. plus AKL and MEL year round.
2026 could well be be a fun year!
Tim, finally something we can agree on.
Delta 767 stinks.
Yes, Malta is capable of handling a 380, for takeoff and landing. But not for handling passengers. MIA has about 12 gates, in one big rectangle. It is virtually overcrowded 24 hours a day. Hope Delta passengers like climbing up and down stairs to said plane in rain. Emirates flies one 777 daily to Larnica, then Dubai.
Great location for high value tourists who want to explore 7,000 year old heritage. Not many or...
Yes, Malta is capable of handling a 380, for takeoff and landing. But not for handling passengers. MIA has about 12 gates, in one big rectangle. It is virtually overcrowded 24 hours a day. Hope Delta passengers like climbing up and down stairs to said plane in rain. Emirates flies one 777 daily to Larnica, then Dubai.
Great location for high value tourists who want to explore 7,000 year old heritage. Not many or good sandy beaches. Locals climb over boulders and large rocks to get to beaches. Taking a tour boats to visit the Blue Lagoon is a disaster. So many boats on a daily basis that they have just instituted a ticketing system.
But on the good, Maltese people are great. The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is about 60% Arabic based, with Italian and English thrown in.
The food is great, costs for Americans is cheaper than in U. S. Noise and air pollution is very high as the government has allowed developers to build wherever they want. Ground transport is terrible as way too many cars. ( One car for every two people. The government still has in place petrol subsidy, from Covid, that keeps people from changing from petrol to EV. Too few busses. Most roads are bumper bumper from 6AM to 7PM. But, on the bright side, you have plenty of time to View Malta's heritage, unless it has already been torn down.
But being retired here for six years from the States, we are in no hurry to get anywhere in a hurry. We enjoy our life here, and the friends we made. As I said the food is great(5 Michelin one-star restaurants), with cuisines from around the world, and some seriously great wine you never heard of because the island is too small to grow enough grapes for wine export. And we fully explore Malta's heritage.
Bottom line, Malta is in a totally different category than Ibiza and Sardinia.
In other industry news, WN has notified several of its unions that it wants to negotiate a side letter to serve a limited number of international destinations outside of the Americas with the 737 MAX.
Tim, sugar, only you could make Southwest askin’ for a side letter sound like the Treaty of Versailles.
Ben, is that you trolling Tim now …. you must be desperate for clicks old bean …. :-)
Ben, is that you trolling Tim now …. you must be desperate for clicks old bean …. :-)
Well bless your clumsy little heart — you went and posted the exact same accusation twice? Baby, that’s not exposin’ me, that’s exposin’ your copy-and-paste addiction. If you’re gonna try and drag Anita Grits, at least get some fresh material. Right now you’re givin’ me broken record at a yard sale, skip-skip-skippin’ along with the same tired tune. Darlin’, I shine brighter than your imagination and clearly, twice as often as your memory works.
So...
Well bless your clumsy little heart — you went and posted the exact same accusation twice? Baby, that’s not exposin’ me, that’s exposin’ your copy-and-paste addiction. If you’re gonna try and drag Anita Grits, at least get some fresh material. Right now you’re givin’ me broken record at a yard sale, skip-skip-skippin’ along with the same tired tune. Darlin’, I shine brighter than your imagination and clearly, twice as often as your memory works.
So go ‘head and keep postin’ the same thing twice — I’ll still be fabulous on the first try, while you can’t even nail it on the second
I meant to post this in the thread, not as a reply:
This seems like mostly a PR stunt and they can say whatever route they had previously determined to be the best based on their data is the winner. I don’t have any problem with a good PR stunt, I just get the impression this is something to promote engagement that has no real downside. “My city didn’t win? Oh well, no love lost.”...
I meant to post this in the thread, not as a reply:
This seems like mostly a PR stunt and they can say whatever route they had previously determined to be the best based on their data is the winner. I don’t have any problem with a good PR stunt, I just get the impression this is something to promote engagement that has no real downside. “My city didn’t win? Oh well, no love lost.” I’m sure such data will never be made public, but it would be fascinating to see how many Skypesos users that vote for the winning city actually book tickets for next summer.
And they can also fudge that number anyway they want if they release it.
No one is auditing these results.
I also believe the winner was already predetermined. Vote results is just positive reinforcement for Delta.
As a million miler and diamond medallion member - we have planned a trip next year to Sardinia and welcome Delta adding the route.
It makes the most sense and candidly will be a winner! OLBIA rules
If this was UA making the announcement, a certain small handed DL sycophant would say “how desperate to leave this to their flyers, vs in the hands of a super excellent internal demand planning department”.
really?
you should be able to back your statement up w/ facts. surely you have evidence.
what will be true is that DL has a whole lot more flights to work w/ from NYC NOW, next summer, and for years to come.
and DL will be using widebodies, not narrowbodies, no matter how nice they might be configured, to Europe.
because widebodies are the most effective use of NYC airspace. that's why
Pot meet kettle. You are Exhibit A on presenting your own biased opinions as “facts”.
And 100% you would say this is the dumbest, least data-driven decision ever if it was UA’s move. Be a man for once and just admit it.
"and DL will be using widebodies, not narrowbodies, no matter how nice they might be configured, to Europe."
Unless of course they're going to Iceland, defined as part of Europe for their own JV.
"because widebodies are the most effective use of NYC airspace. that's why"
Here's a fun fact. United flies more widebodies out of NYC than Delta.
Here's another one: United flies far more narrow body flights out of NYC than...
"and DL will be using widebodies, not narrowbodies, no matter how nice they might be configured, to Europe."
Unless of course they're going to Iceland, defined as part of Europe for their own JV.
"because widebodies are the most effective use of NYC airspace. that's why"
Here's a fun fact. United flies more widebodies out of NYC than Delta.
Here's another one: United flies far more narrow body flights out of NYC than Delta.
But here's the kicker, Delta flies far more than double the number of regional planes out of NYC vs United.
If widebodies are the most effective use of NYC airspace, it sure isn't Delta that agrees with you, United does. Delta's entire NYC "Flight" advantage you love to talk about couldn't be different than what you're trying to say. Delta desperately relies on regional planes in NYC. Far, far, more than United. Which is also why United and Delta are tied for number of seats in and out of NYC. Despite the fact that it takes Delta far far more flights to equal United's seats in and out of New York.
You may be good at something, but it sure isn't knowing what you're trying to talk about, Tim.
you, as usual, want to argue.
Most of the capacity between the US and Iceland is on narrowbodies.
in fact, from NYC, DL uses a 767 and UA uses a 757.
and you do realize that LGA is perimeter restricted but ORD is not and yet UA (and AA's) average gauge from ORD is by far the largest of any large hub in the US?
DL can't fly to Europe from LGA but they...
you, as usual, want to argue.
Most of the capacity between the US and Iceland is on narrowbodies.
in fact, from NYC, DL uses a 767 and UA uses a 757.
and you do realize that LGA is perimeter restricted but ORD is not and yet UA (and AA's) average gauge from ORD is by far the largest of any large hub in the US?
DL can't fly to Europe from LGA but they sure can and do from JFK.
DL carries 20 more passengers per int'l departure from JFK than UA does from EWR.
YOU are the one that is no good at debating and you INCESSANTLY provide one opening after another for me to prove it.
but you do bring a modicum more intelligence to the debate than UA-NYC but the two of you combined couldn't debate a leaf away from a caterpillar.
correction
and you do realize that LGA is perimeter restricted but ORD is not and yet UA (and AA's) average gauge from ORD is by far the LOWEST of any large hub in the US?
DL's average gauge from all NYC airports combined is ALOT higher than AA or UA's from ORD.
Tim "Oh no. I've been caught with my pants down and called out with actual facts about widebodies and flights in NYC"
Answer -- Let's talk about AA and United in Chicago...?
So you're suggesting ORD has more regionals as a percent of flying vs Delta at LaGuardia? Prove it, Tim. Tell us your source.
You can't because Delta's gauge at LGA is lower than AA and UA at ORD. You can't even try...
Tim "Oh no. I've been caught with my pants down and called out with actual facts about widebodies and flights in NYC"
Answer -- Let's talk about AA and United in Chicago...?
So you're suggesting ORD has more regionals as a percent of flying vs Delta at LaGuardia? Prove it, Tim. Tell us your source.
You can't because Delta's gauge at LGA is lower than AA and UA at ORD. You can't even try to redirect the conversation without making stuff up again? In fact, United is far higher gauge out of ORD than DL at LGA. And AA is higher too, just not by as much.
"Most of the capacity between the US and Iceland is on narrowbodies."
Yes, including Delta as part of their European JV flying 757s across the Atlantic despite you saying Delta does not. They do, per every definition Delta has of Europe.
"DL carries 20 more passengers per int'l departure from JFK than UA does from EWR."
I'm not even going to bother with this random obscure thing you're making up. You clearly don't look up anything before you say it. You just say nonsense and lies and look foolish. But tell us where you have this little data point from? United has a significantly higher gauge out of NYC internationally than Delta so do you have anything to back up your statement, Tim?
DL has a hub at a perimeter restricted airport just as AA does from DCA. Both have low average gauges.
No UA hub has a perimeter restriction and yet UA and AA have the smallest average gauge of major US airline hubs.
Have you lost your Diio subscription? You can figure it out if you don't bother to read actual published reports where average gauge is provided.
none of which changes that DL boards...
DL has a hub at a perimeter restricted airport just as AA does from DCA. Both have low average gauges.
No UA hub has a perimeter restriction and yet UA and AA have the smallest average gauge of major US airline hubs.
Have you lost your Diio subscription? You can figure it out if you don't bother to read actual published reports where average gauge is provided.
none of which changes that DL boards more passengers per international dept. than UA from NYC. as hard as it is for you to accept, using narrowbodies makes little sense and the fact that UA does use them explains why UA's domestic boarding share is so much lower than DL's and DL is closing the gap even in NYC international share.
and DL will fly any and all of these routes on widebodies, no matter what hub they originate from because DL does not fly narrowbodies to Ireland or beyond from the US.
Got it. You stated something as fact but have nothing to back it up.
Par for the course, as it were.
"none of which changes that DL boards more passengers per international dept. than UA from NYC."
Again. Source. United has a higher gauge out of NYC internationally than Delta. So tell us your source for this cute soundbite you made up?
there are ample places on the internet where average gauge at US carrier hubs is discussed and even if you can't find that data, you should be able to use your nifty little Diio account to figure out the data.
Yes, Max, we get it. You think all data that doesn't tell the narrative you want to tell is false.
ORD for AA and UA has the lowest average gauge among hubs outside of LGA...
there are ample places on the internet where average gauge at US carrier hubs is discussed and even if you can't find that data, you should be able to use your nifty little Diio account to figure out the data.
Yes, Max, we get it. You think all data that doesn't tell the narrative you want to tell is false.
ORD for AA and UA has the lowest average gauge among hubs outside of LGA and DCA which are perimeter restricted.
I didn't say that DL and UA's average gauge for NYC is comparable. read and debate what is said.
Actual Port Authority data, Max, says that DL carries more passengers per international departure than UA.
and despite what you want to believe, DL and UA operate similar numbers of widebody flights from JFK and EWR, respectively.
UA flies a bunch of international departures to Europe on 757s which is why their average gauge is lower.
and 1/3 of DL's mainline flights from JFK are on widebodies - twice the ratio of UA at EWR.
and, if you wonder why UA's gauge at ORD is so, almost 20% of flights are on those pesky 50 seat CRJ550s. THAT will bring gauge down a whole lot no matter how many A321s or 739s you use.
lots of statements but completely incapable of sourcing any data, whatsoever.
But thank you for your backtrack on Delta LGA gauge. It is not higher than AA and UA at ORD. As you admit, you're wrong. Your next statement probably is too but I don't have time to keep proving you wrong. You're a joke with no credibility anyway.
United's international passengers out of NYC is massively larger than Delta. Lord even knows...
lots of statements but completely incapable of sourcing any data, whatsoever.
But thank you for your backtrack on Delta LGA gauge. It is not higher than AA and UA at ORD. As you admit, you're wrong. Your next statement probably is too but I don't have time to keep proving you wrong. You're a joke with no credibility anyway.
United's international passengers out of NYC is massively larger than Delta. Lord even knows what random thing you're trying to say now to praise Delta. You're so pathetic in your love of Delta.
Who flies more widebodies out of NYC? United
Who flies more narrow bodies out of NYC? BY FAR, United
Who flies more ASMs out of NYC? United and it isn't even close
Who flies more international passengers out of NYC? United by almost 50% more
Who requires, by far, more regionals to maintain a NYC network? Delta by a VERY VERY large margin.
But sure, Tim. Live your dream. You need a new hobby.
again, for someone that claims to be as knowledgeable about the industry and has as much data as you do, you like to play incredibly dumb when it comes to getting to the bottom of issues which I raise - which you don't like to hear.
I didn't compare UA's international operation in size from NYC to DL's.
I did say that DL is considerably larger than UA in TOTAL size from NYC driven by...
again, for someone that claims to be as knowledgeable about the industry and has as much data as you do, you like to play incredibly dumb when it comes to getting to the bottom of issues which I raise - which you don't like to hear.
I didn't compare UA's international operation in size from NYC to DL's.
I did say that DL is considerably larger than UA in TOTAL size from NYC driven by DL's larger domestic size.
We have had plenty of airlines, one of which was named Pan Am, that thought that flying to a bunch of cities around the world gave it relevance. Turns out that 50 years of US industry domestic deregulation has proven that a strong domestic presence is what makes international route systems work.
UA's gauge at ORD is smaller than every other hub airport except LGA and DCA, both of which are slot-restricted.
dodge, deflect, and deny all day long to avoid admitting the truth, Max. the rest of the world knows and accepts the truth which you refuse to admit.
DL's NYC, international and fleet strategies have all proven to generate a larger and growing market position and greater profits; UA's strategies of flying small planes to small dots on the route map with narrowbodies is the antithesis of what DL has proven works best.
Only you would try to summarize by talking about Chicago on an NYC topic. :)
"dodge, deflect, and deny all day long to avoid admitting the truth, Max. the rest of the world knows and accepts the truth which you refuse to admit."
And the usual Tim send off. Say something completely wrong about Delta gauge at LGA relative to ORD for AA/UA -- not even remotely on topic, but an attempt to redirect...
Only you would try to summarize by talking about Chicago on an NYC topic. :)
"dodge, deflect, and deny all day long to avoid admitting the truth, Max. the rest of the world knows and accepts the truth which you refuse to admit."
And the usual Tim send off. Say something completely wrong about Delta gauge at LGA relative to ORD for AA/UA -- not even remotely on topic, but an attempt to redirect the topic when Tim is proven wrong in his first statements.
But end the paragraphs-long rants by saying someone else can't accept some random statement that Tim was wrong on to begin with, then changed the statement and now someone else can't accept. lol
You have mental issues. Does your "wife" know about these?
you and only you could argue onto their 46th page of OMAAT trying to make comparisons that I did not.
DL's LGA and JFK hubs work as a unit; LGA is slot restricted, as is DCA. EWR is not. DL operates far more flights from NYC as a whole than UA does and it isn't just because UA doesn't serve JFK.
DL and UA's widebody operations from NYC are similar. UA flies narrowbodies across...
you and only you could argue onto their 46th page of OMAAT trying to make comparisons that I did not.
DL's LGA and JFK hubs work as a unit; LGA is slot restricted, as is DCA. EWR is not. DL operates far more flights from NYC as a whole than UA does and it isn't just because UA doesn't serve JFK.
DL and UA's widebody operations from NYC are similar. UA flies narrowbodies across the Atlantic which neither AA or UA do - right now. DL says it won't fly narrowbodies to Ireland and beyond while AA and UA are doubling down on a strategy that does not maximize the use of valuable NYC air and terminal space
DL's widebody operation across the Atlantic is as big as UA's; DL simply does not bother chasing small cities that can not support widebodies.
The real bottom line of this discussion about new routes is that DL is willing to deploy widebodies on routes which UA would likely serve on a narrowbody.
And AA and UA's average gauge is the smallest of every hub except for DCA and LGA which are slot restricted while ORD is not slot restricted.
Facts are facts and YOU are the one that wanted to throw LGA into the mix to throw shade but then pretend that I am all wrong when I point out the far bigger travesty of how UA uses its headquarters hub schedule which is nearly 20% 50 seat "premium" Bombardier RJs.
also as usual, when you can't actually debate and defend actual facts, you resort to personal attacks.
Does your boss know how pathological you are on the internet while you use their Diio login?
I am voting for Malta.
Does Anyone know what Delta Airlines aircraft the new destination will be operated by?
All of them over touristed and crap. No thanks.
Sardinia is beautiful and many areas aren’t touristy. Also a blue zone with people living longer due to your heathly lifestyle. Parts of Ibiza are also beautiful and you should avoid the overcrowded southern area
^ "look at me, I'm a contrarian, that makes me so cool and edgy, bro!"
May these be more successful than their one season attempt at a route to Croatia…
any airline can fill any plane across the Atlantic for a few months.
The question is what generates the best return on investment of resources with markets that can be sustained year after year.
Thank Captain Obvious.
In other breaking news, water makes things wet.
it should also be obvious that what airlines did early post covid isn't reflective of how assets are used today, five years later
Hence me saying I hope they are more succesful for this route than the failed route to Croatia.
Also nothing to do with assets in this case but with demand.
whether you see it or not, the ROI does matter and is different at different points in time.
DL once served Cairo, Amman, and Kiev but there are all kinds of reasons why those aren't served now not just by DL but also by other US airlines.
if you had data, you would see that there is still decent demand from the US to those locations - but it isn't worth deploying US carrier aircraft to do so.
Which still has nothing to do with my original point, but every comment about DL seems to be a hill you are willing to die on…
Also demand is a huge factor in ROI as much as the asset used. Clearly the demand was not there for Croatia. Or enough demand in those 3 other countries you listed. RJ seems to make it work though.
But keep deflecting and changing the goal posts if thats what gets you off…
Aaron,
it has nothing to do with Delta or any goal posts other than the facts and truth.
You equate a route that doesn't operate any more as failed when it is clear there are far more reasons for why routes start and end and the timings behind all of those reasons.
Croatia demand peaked early post covid because they had different covid policies than other parts of Europe. Demand does translate into revenue...
Aaron,
it has nothing to do with Delta or any goal posts other than the facts and truth.
You equate a route that doesn't operate any more as failed when it is clear there are far more reasons for why routes start and end and the timings behind all of those reasons.
Croatia demand peaked early post covid because they had different covid policies than other parts of Europe. Demand does translate into revenue strength and profitability.
DL has consistently been the most profitable airline across the Atlantic for well over a decade. They do a pretty good job of using the resources they have to maximize profits.
When you factor in how seasonal demand is to many of these types of places, you don't have time to play around w pricing or contracts.
and the 767-300ER is well suited to serve these kinds of destinations because it is an inexpensive asset to underutilize for other times of the year and can be used on the domestic system.
when you have data to back up your statements about how this or Croatia did or the choices DL is passing up (or has passed up) to start even more new routes, get back w/ us.
Oh lord the deflecting and chaneging-goal-posts-word-vomit goes on and on and on…and all of that without providing any data yourself.
And the fact that my original comment triggered you so much reveals why so many people across various websites think you are such a clown.
"Which still has nothing to do with my original point"
Hate to say it, but Tim's kind of right: airlines were throwing capacity at anything if it got butts in seats, while keeping cap-ex down on advertisement, promotion, and growth. Combine that with a market that shot up during that period, and then crashed down (in terms of US traffic) just as hard; I'm not sure comparing that to markets that have had sustained US...
"Which still has nothing to do with my original point"
Hate to say it, but Tim's kind of right: airlines were throwing capacity at anything if it got butts in seats, while keeping cap-ex down on advertisement, promotion, and growth. Combine that with a market that shot up during that period, and then crashed down (in terms of US traffic) just as hard; I'm not sure comparing that to markets that have had sustained US traffic appeals since the days of PanAm, is anything more than anecdotal.
Again, what does that have to do with my original post? The fact that me saying I hope these routes do better than DL’s route to Croatia did triggered him so much kind of says it all.
Honestly it’s like talking to Humpty Dumpty.
"if you had data, you would see that there is still decent demand from the US to those locations - but it isn't worth deploying US carrier aircraft to do so."
Wait a minute.. is this the same Tim Dunn that cried his little eyes out like a petulant child when someone had data like Diio data and Tim did not?
Tell us, Tim. Where is your data from to tell us about US...
"if you had data, you would see that there is still decent demand from the US to those locations - but it isn't worth deploying US carrier aircraft to do so."
Wait a minute.. is this the same Tim Dunn that cried his little eyes out like a petulant child when someone had data like Diio data and Tim did not?
Tell us, Tim. Where is your data from to tell us about US demand to Cairo, Amman, and Kiev?
You made it quite clear you don't have much useful data on that particular topic when you threw a temper tantrum on the exact topic.
and all you proved is that you have access to industry-specific data that no regular airline employee or passenger has, Max.
You got flushed out, Max, and proved to everyone that bothered to watch that episode exactly who you are - just like a whole lot of people that try to pretend they are not airline network related employees.
Tim, I don't think Max ever claim to have any of those specific data.
On the other hand, Tim, you are the one trying to claim all those insider data to support your fluff.
You are just trying to be condescending as usual Tim. Especially to those who actually know things that can you right through your fluff.
on LALF he specifically argued with me about average fares on ORD-LGA and cited Cirium Diio which is a professional airline analyst tool.
He probably was right. The point is that Diio is not a tool that ordinary airline employees or customers use. It is a professional tool.
Airline social media is littered with people from the HDQs of AA and esp. UA that believe it is their responsibility to counter anything that dares threaten...
on LALF he specifically argued with me about average fares on ORD-LGA and cited Cirium Diio which is a professional airline analyst tool.
He probably was right. The point is that Diio is not a tool that ordinary airline employees or customers use. It is a professional tool.
Airline social media is littered with people from the HDQs of AA and esp. UA that believe it is their responsibility to counter anything that dares threaten the perception of their company.
and the irony is that Max comes on here talking about data when he has repeatedly discredited DOT data when it says what he doesn't want to believe to be true. and, the argument that every airline does accounting differently doesn't fly unless you want to believe that UA operates/has operated its domestic system at breakeven or losses in order for its international system to be profitable.
In the case of TATL flying, DL has consistently been the most profitable airline across the Atlantic. In fact, in 2024, DL made more money on its international system worldwide that UA did even though UA flew substantially more ASMs.
DL will fly where it can make money and not to add dots to its route map.
and when the season for these routes is over, the planes will go somewhere else.
and, if it is a 767-300ER, which is a good chance it will be, DL will either retire its fleet far earlier than UA will or UA will not grow near as much as some people think it will. 763s whether they have Delta or United on the side of them are getting near the end of their usable life but they can and do make money now.
" Max comes on here talking about data when he has repeatedly discredited DOT data when it says what he doesn't want to believe to be true."
Jesus Christ, Tim.
how many times does it take telling you the same thing? You repeatedly imply and infer geographic profitability off overall DOT data to compare airlines again proving you have no idea how revenue accounting works.
Not sure why it takes 100 times beating...
" Max comes on here talking about data when he has repeatedly discredited DOT data when it says what he doesn't want to believe to be true."
Jesus Christ, Tim.
how many times does it take telling you the same thing? You repeatedly imply and infer geographic profitability off overall DOT data to compare airlines again proving you have no idea how revenue accounting works.
Not sure why it takes 100 times beating into your tiny little brain that there is no standard for DOT data, by region yet you come here trying to say I don't believe DOT data? No, you just are simply too ignorant to learn what the data is and is not and too stupid to read when people tell you what it is 100 times.
The only thing the DOT data can tell you is how profitable overall companies are.
And I was not probably right. I was right, you're just an idiot. This wasn't a disagreement of opinion. Since you brought it up, that example came up because you just made up nonsense on ORD-LGA about Delta's "Lead" in your head with ZERO data, yelled at other posters that you had data when you clearly did not. And it took about 2 minutes to prove you wrong since you kept on yelling at others about fake stuff you made up.
Is this you apologizing for once?
You only proved to everyone how illogical and fake everything you say is, despite a claim of data.
Sorry to disappoint you, Tim. You're just poor. I certainly don't work for network planning or an airline. I'm happy to report I was not fired from one either, unlike you.
lol. oh Tim. You're such a loser. You claim to have data you don't have above then are absolutely certain that only professional network planners have access to Diio.
I can assure you that is not true, buddy.
Stop being such a loser. you got called for talking about data you don't have lol
Tim. I'll make this short.
There is a reason airlines pay expensive money for Cirium and not use "free" DOT data like you do.
While I don't think the subscription is exclusive to airlines, I do suggest you don't argue about data against someone who has access.
and normal people don't spend hundreds of dollars per month to argue on social media. Max and anyone else that uses Diio is an airline employee using their employer's tools or is a professional analyst.
none of which changes that we can argue points one way or another but only powerful airline industry tools provide some sort of indication of the size of industry markets and none have route profitability data.
UA still serves...
and normal people don't spend hundreds of dollars per month to argue on social media. Max and anyone else that uses Diio is an airline employee using their employer's tools or is a professional analyst.
none of which changes that we can argue points one way or another but only powerful airline industry tools provide some sort of indication of the size of industry markets and none have route profitability data.
UA still serves DBV so the market did not collapse.
route selection involves meeting market demand AND maximizing ROI. DL has long generated higher margins not just on its entire network but also across the Atlantic than UA or any other airline. DL is not serving DBV because they believe there are more profitable places to use their assets. It is that simple.
and the bigger piece is that DL is considering at least one and maybe multiples of new cities in Europe that are not served by ANY US airline.
Oh, Tim. This is really hurting your feelings, huh?
No. I'm not an airline employee. I'm a little surprised you don't have it. You must not make any money on your articles. But it's nice to know those are as poorly researched as they seem. You're just annoyed that you can't make up things in your head then claim them to be facts.
But... you seem most insulted that someone has data to reply...
Oh, Tim. This is really hurting your feelings, huh?
No. I'm not an airline employee. I'm a little surprised you don't have it. You must not make any money on your articles. But it's nice to know those are as poorly researched as they seem. You're just annoyed that you can't make up things in your head then claim them to be facts.
But... you seem most insulted that someone has data to reply to you. I suppose that means you should just stop spouting flat-out lies when you reply to me. Even you seem to think I'm an airline employee with actual data? I'm not, but was I united management, per you? For some time? Then I was America West somehow... ruining the world
Sorry to ruin your fun little day and life. Yes, Tim. Some people actually have and use data to make their opinions. They're still opinions, not dogma, but they're opinions based on data. I also use data to make statements based on actual numbers. You should try that sometime. No, Delta LGA gauge is not higher than AA and UA ORD gauge. Yes, United flies more widebodies from NYC vs Delta.
You see it on a.net all the time. You're just not allowed to post there because you've never used data.
so someone that has a subscription is letting you use their logon?
you still can't read or accept reality so you argue points which no one else is making.
No one said that DL's gauge at LGA is comparable to UA at EWR or ORD.
AA and UA's gauge at ORD is the lowest of any major hub that is not perimeter restricted. That is simply reality which you cannot accept
DL and UA...
so someone that has a subscription is letting you use their logon?
you still can't read or accept reality so you argue points which no one else is making.
No one said that DL's gauge at LGA is comparable to UA at EWR or ORD.
AA and UA's gauge at ORD is the lowest of any major hub that is not perimeter restricted. That is simply reality which you cannot accept
DL and UA have comparably sized widebody operations from NYC. DL's widebody flight count is about twice the rate as UA's.
UA's international operation at EWR is larger than DL's because UA uses narrowbodies on much longer flights than DL does.
DL's new flights will be on widebodies because DL only flies widebodies to continental Europe, unlike UA.
and the 321XLR will not work for highly leisure routes like these 3. as with the 757s, UA can chase share but they simply waste valuable NYC air and terminal space and then act like they are satisfied that DL has handedly overtaken UA as the largest carrier from NYC.
I use data and come to data-driven conclusions while you reject any data that doesn't present the narrative you want.
"I use data and come to data-driven conclusions while you reject any data that doesn't present the narrative you want."
This reflects you Tim a lot more than Max.
And missing the point as always Tim, stop wondering how he has access to subscriptions. It doesn't matter if he works for an airline or his dad is a billionaire. For all you should care is he has better data than you.
...and yet he acts completely dumb-founded at the most basic facts.
DL and UA operate very comparable numbers of widebody flights from NYC
UA operates narrowbodies all the way across the Atlantic which is the only reason UA is larger.
ORD has the lowest average aircraft size of all hubs except for at LGA and DCA.
I speak facts. Max plays games with words to try to argue against reality.
You wouldn't know the...
...and yet he acts completely dumb-founded at the most basic facts.
DL and UA operate very comparable numbers of widebody flights from NYC
UA operates narrowbodies all the way across the Atlantic which is the only reason UA is larger.
ORD has the lowest average aircraft size of all hubs except for at LGA and DCA.
I speak facts. Max plays games with words to try to argue against reality.
You wouldn't know the truth if it hit you up the side of the head.
This isn't a popularity contest. It is about facts.
None of which changes that DL's new flights to Europe will be on a widebody because DL doesn't fly anything else to continental Europe, unlike UA.
that reality reality really frosts some people
what is innovative about this compared to AA and UA is that Delta starts the process of generating excitement about new routes well ahead of the route announcements which typically take place in September.
second, the fact that DL is talking about even more new routes to southern Europe says that the huge downturn in travel hasn't materialized and DL doesn't believe it will by next year. Americans are traveling in huge numbers to Europe.
...what is innovative about this compared to AA and UA is that Delta starts the process of generating excitement about new routes well ahead of the route announcements which typically take place in September.
second, the fact that DL is talking about even more new routes to southern Europe says that the huge downturn in travel hasn't materialized and DL doesn't believe it will by next year. Americans are traveling in huge numbers to Europe.
third, there is probably a competitive dynamic at play here. AA won't do anything like this. DL could be trolling UA which can't stand to see DL announce anything - so UA will be forced to divert resources to start one or more of these routes.
fourth, the 767-300ER is not only one of the more comfortable aircraft in economy - far more so than AA and UA's 787s or 777s - but it is also very operationally capable. not only is it small enough to get into some airports - such as where AA tries to send a 789 - but also can get off the runway quickly even in heat which is common in southern Europe. The 332 and 788 are in a comparable class in terms of performance and size. There will be far fewer of these new routes possible as the 763s leave the fleet not just for DL but also for UA - and both airlines 767s are of similar age so will have to be replaced very soon.
and the configuration of the 763 doesn't matter for starting routes to any of these 3 cities because there is no competition. DL has used the 763 to start a number of new routes and then "graduated" to larger routes, esp. from BOS.
and almost half of DL's 763 fleet is being used this summer for domestic routes including to Hawaii where UA uses their domestic 777s; a 763 is a far better product than UA's domestic 777s
Thank you Tim, you never fail to impress both your fans and the trolls too with your extensive knowledge base.
Eat your hearts out all you terrible trolls …. :-)
Ben can easily see that we are not the same person but clearly loves to see this back and forth.
there is a backstory - not yet known - about what DL is doing w/ fleet planning for 2026 since the 35Ks are reportedly delayed and DL has said it will keep retiring 763s so they don't have a whole lot of growth airplanes to work w/. Even though DL has received more new...
Ben can easily see that we are not the same person but clearly loves to see this back and forth.
there is a backstory - not yet known - about what DL is doing w/ fleet planning for 2026 since the 35Ks are reportedly delayed and DL has said it will keep retiring 763s so they don't have a whole lot of growth airplanes to work w/. Even though DL has received more new widebodies than either AA or UA for the past 2 years, they are using a fair amount of new aircraft for TPAC flying. AKL is supposed to go to year round; MEL is starting this winter (US) and is supposed to remain year round - both less than daily. LAX-HKG starts.
ATL-DEL and ATL-RUH are both "on the drawing board" likely awaiting airplanes.
any European growth will add to DL's position of generating the highest profits of any US airline across the Atlantic.
“Such as where AA tries to send a 789”
As I recall, there have been no reports of AA flying an aircraft to an airport and being told upon trying to land they are unable to accommodate the aircraft.
Thanks, Tim. I was hungry before I opened this thread and was dreading rising from the couch to make dinner. Now I’m nice and full of word salad.
Tim,
In all the discussions about this/these new routes no one has mentioned climate. In the six years we have lived here, the summer weather has decidedly gotten hotter. When first got here, the started in late May and ended in the middle of September. Now it starts in early May and runs until mid October. And used to be 80-90F. Now it goes from 85-95, with 100's thrown in.
There is a growing...
Tim,
In all the discussions about this/these new routes no one has mentioned climate. In the six years we have lived here, the summer weather has decidedly gotten hotter. When first got here, the started in late May and ended in the middle of September. Now it starts in early May and runs until mid October. And used to be 80-90F. Now it goes from 85-95, with 100's thrown in.
There is a growing trend that sees tourists coming lower numbers to the Med. countries, in favor of heading to the Scandinavian and Nordic countries.
Just a thought.
FYI Tim
We retired to Malta six years ago, and there is one piece of info you are perhaps not aware of. The temperature in Malta and the rest of the Med countries have been rapidly rising, bot in temp. and duration. It's added a month of hot weather. And average top temps have risen from about 90f to over 100. As a result, tourism numbers in the region are dropping. As a result, more and more tourists are taking cool captions to Scandinavia and the Nordic.
Ibiza sounds the coolest.
Knowing Delta, they've already chosen the Italy option.
Seriously, who is gonna fall for this PR trick? No one.
Come along there Tim, the trolls are missing their opportunity to gripe at you, the rest of us await your submission with bated breath …. :-)
It's really weird how you keep talking to yourself
If you Planet, are Plain Jane the resident troll in drag, then it is you who is “Talking to yourself” you old f*rt …. :-)
Someone had to talk to them. Glad it's not me.
Not sure why there is so much hate for the 767. For an economy pax who cares about window or aisle access, the 767 configuration is the best plane for transatlantic service. As long as the engines don't fall off mid flight, the 767 would be my first choice.
It beats the 757 3-3, the 787's 3-3-3 and the 777's 3-4-3
Only other planes that are comparable are the A330's 2-4-2 and the A350's 3-3-3 (which has wider seats than the 787)
@ jon -- You're right, in economy it's a reasonably pleasant ride (assuming there aren't maintenance issues, and the noise doesn't bother you). However, economy passengers also aren't as likely to choose a flight based on product as those in premium cabins.
As far as US airline premium cabins go, I consider Delta's 767-300ER business class to be the worst wide body, international business class offered by any US airline.
I don't have any data...
@ jon -- You're right, in economy it's a reasonably pleasant ride (assuming there aren't maintenance issues, and the noise doesn't bother you). However, economy passengers also aren't as likely to choose a flight based on product as those in premium cabins.
As far as US airline premium cabins go, I consider Delta's 767-300ER business class to be the worst wide body, international business class offered by any US airline.
I don't have any data to back this up, but I don't think there are many Delta loyalists who say "oh, I love to fly Delta because of the 767-300ERs."
I agree, if people here actually ever sat in economy. They would say the 767 is one of the best.
2-3-2 in Y and 2-2-2 in PE is about as good as you can get. 4/7 passengers get directly aisle access in Y and 4/6 in PE. That's about as good as you can get.
Very biased editorial content!
@ Julie -- I can't figure out if you're trolling or not, because your email address has the name of a certain DL "enthusiast" in it. Could you shed some light on that?
"I can't figure out if you're trolling or not, because your email address has the name of a certain DL "enthusiast" in it. Could you shed some light on that?"
ooooh, popcorn time!
Ahhh there’s one Lil Timmy D alias unmasked. Sunlight is the best disinfectant Ben!
I don't care about economy. I would have to be out of my mind to fly that on international long distance.
While that's true, the vast majority of readers on this site travel in premium cabins most, if not all the time, which is where DL's 763 significantly lags the competitors and hence gets its hate here.
Ibiza Please!!
Ha. Hi Mike.
What airport in Sardinia is big enough to handle a 767?
Both Cagliari and Olbia have 9,000 ft runways which are fine for a 767. The runway at Catania is under 8,000 ft and DL currently serves it from JFK. Looks like they are targeting Olbia though.
When I was at Olbia last week, there was a Qatar 747-8 there (I think that's the Qatari Royal family airplane) as well as a 787-9 from Etihad, a charter. That airport can handle a piddly 767 or whatever Delta may fly there.
Thanks for the info.
I have been to Olbia region and been to Malta. Olbia is def a bit sleepy and of the 3 choices, I would be most surprised if that is the one that is picked.
Malta I LOVED! Wonderful group of islands, and increasingly popular to visit too. They do drive on the left similar to the UK, wonderful sights all around. From the 3 options, I see this one being popular.
Ibiza will of...
I have been to Olbia region and been to Malta. Olbia is def a bit sleepy and of the 3 choices, I would be most surprised if that is the one that is picked.
Malta I LOVED! Wonderful group of islands, and increasingly popular to visit too. They do drive on the left similar to the UK, wonderful sights all around. From the 3 options, I see this one being popular.
Ibiza will of course be popular too, and it is the only one I have not been to. I am not much of a late night party animal, so this could be nice to have a nonstop, but it will attract a very different vote.
To add to your “ Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.” comment Benjamin, DELTA would be the only Airline of this Trans Atlantic Network out of ALL SkyTeam members to serve ANY of these 3 destinations!
Yes, KL/AF lack completely in interesting destinations within Europe, Virgin … no need to mention!
DELTA has a very different approach...
To add to your “ Regardless of which route ends up being selected, these are all really cool destinations that aren’t currently served by any US airline.” comment Benjamin, DELTA would be the only Airline of this Trans Atlantic Network out of ALL SkyTeam members to serve ANY of these 3 destinations!
Yes, KL/AF lack completely in interesting destinations within Europe, Virgin … no need to mention!
DELTA has a very different approach to what UNITED did when starting it’s Newark-Palma de Mallorca, Spain (PMI) flights, as LH Group has a huge presence there too, to many countries, so passengers could use PMI as a “Hub”, DELTA is going a completely different way! Very interesting. :-o
But of course with 1 or even 3 flights a day, it might be difficult to attract a good amount of people i think? Sounds like ALL of these new places, no matter which one will be the final destination then, will be flown out of JFK?!
Sardinia and Malta to the loss of AZ connections and IBZ as a possible great connection with UX and their flights to mainland Spain or even PMI.
If i would be able to decide for DL, IBZ won the race already!
Simply because of the connections from UX.
KL&AF completely fail due to missing flights to ANY of these destinations, but who knows, maybe the French/Dutch Route planning people finally realize, that LH-Group is making the race again by destinations served, not just frequencies. :-)
Good Luck DL!
Air France operate flights from CDG to Cagliari, Olbia, Malta and Ibiza. Transavia a 100pct subsidiary of AF KL, also operate from Amsterdam and Orly
Ux is surprisingly weak in IBZ - just 3 flights a day to MAD in the summer - and just once daily in the winter.
They stopped the IBZ-PMI inter-island flights a few years ago - UX now just have a codeshare with Uep Fly.
I was just in Sardinia. It was lovely. I dont want it to be further ruined by something like this. it's relatively hard to get there from the US (very little direct connectivity to US bound flights) but insanely popular with Europeans.
LH-Group airlines have a ton of connections there, to both int. airports on the Island and all connect easily to Trans Atlantic 1-stop flights!
From several airports, Munich & Frankfurt.
AZ is flying there too out of the Hub in FCO, several times a day, and often more during high season.
The trouble in your case, might have been the lack of availability?
Both Sardinia & Ibiza a high frequented destinations...
LH-Group airlines have a ton of connections there, to both int. airports on the Island and all connect easily to Trans Atlantic 1-stop flights!
From several airports, Munich & Frankfurt.
AZ is flying there too out of the Hub in FCO, several times a day, and often more during high season.
The trouble in your case, might have been the lack of availability?
Both Sardinia & Ibiza a high frequented destinations by Europeans too in the summer months, as both Islands offer different vibes to all travelers and both are usually typical summer destinations, so booking early is a MUST, i’d say, especially if you need to connect. ;-)
Nudists from all over love both destinations and also Party people going to Ibiza or people who prefer not overcrowded beaches and small villages with the laid back Italian flair of Sardinia or those who simply park their boat there in the winter time.
Sardinia has been a Hotspot for many years and since LH-Group pulled all triggers to ruin the biggest competitor (airberlin AB) to both destinations (actually all 3 destinations, CAG & OLB as well as IBZ) they are now leading the game again.
The Lufthansa flights from Olbia to Frankfurt and Munich mostly leave Olbia around 6 to 9PM. These flights arrive Frankfurt/ Munich well after all US -bound flights have left for the day. you can certainly do an overnight at either of those airports, but you wont make it back to the US on the same day.
The only airline that consistently has a same day connect to the US is Air france, with their 10:15AM...
The Lufthansa flights from Olbia to Frankfurt and Munich mostly leave Olbia around 6 to 9PM. These flights arrive Frankfurt/ Munich well after all US -bound flights have left for the day. you can certainly do an overnight at either of those airports, but you wont make it back to the US on the same day.
The only airline that consistently has a same day connect to the US is Air france, with their 10:15AM OLB-CDG flight.
British Airways has a flight to LHR daily, but only on 2/3days of the week does it attempt a connection to the US (most of the times it leaves Olbia at 9PM or so). However, we got burned by the connection and ended up at London for the night.
actually, apparently, LH does have a MUC flight some days at 12PM that can make the 4PM bank of US - bound flights from Munich, but that misses a lot. And no connectivity over Frankfurt, as Frankfurt always leaves Olbia after 6PM.
So, not great US connectivity.
LH-Group flights connect well via ZRH, MUC as well as VIE from Olbia.
Cagliari is well connected for flights to US via FRA as well.
there is several other flights with Discover Airlines, which often are not published as scheduled flights or as LH Codeshare flight.
The connections to make it with 1 stop between Sardinia and USA is given.
BA flights to Olbia are only good 3x a week till...
LH-Group flights connect well via ZRH, MUC as well as VIE from Olbia.
Cagliari is well connected for flights to US via FRA as well.
there is several other flights with Discover Airlines, which often are not published as scheduled flights or as LH Codeshare flight.
The connections to make it with 1 stop between Sardinia and USA is given.
BA flights to Olbia are only good 3x a week till 24.Sep, then reduced to 2 and after October 18the there is just 1 flight a week left to connect to a US bound flight at LHR, non from Cagliari.
AZ does NOT fly to Olbia from Rome. Aeroitalia does, and that's a different airline.
Alaska does something unique: "Innovative".
Delta does something unique: "Hah".
This is the definition of that HR meme.
@ Julie -- Not sure which meme you're referring to, but in terms of significance, I think there's a difference between letting people vote on a single route, and launching an entire new loyalty program, premium credit card, and more. But that's just me.
Sorry, what Alaska announced today is industry leading and game changing, definitely worth at least two posts. What Delta announced is good for a smile, but nothing worth more than a brief mention. And for the love, 767 country bumpkin planes....no one cares.
Do you think there could've been any other applicable tag that has a more positive or even neutral application?
You have used "Wow" or "Cool" tags for very similar topics
@ Julie -- First of all, you're more than welcome to start your own blog, where you can title posts however you'd like. ;-)
We all use words differently, and "hah" isn't intended to be an insult, or anything. Personally, I use it when something is cute or unique but insignificant. I think that perfectly fits the bill here. There's nothing "wow" about this.
Way to go Ben, you should use this reply more often
Tim's S.O. or just Tim?
or, wait, wait, a fraud
Not even the usual Julie (as Ben can tell from the email reference). So probably Tim just using other logins, as usual.
How about ALL of them? Plus, add in some destinations that United is already serving. These include Nuuk, Porto, Madeira, Palermo, Palma de Mallorca, and Malaga.
DL used to fly to Malaga (from 2008 to 2019; termination was announced pre-panedemic), they cut it because it was only popular enough for a 752 and they wanted to be Premium™ by only flying widebodies across the ocean.
A few thoughts.
1) This is unusual. Will they announce them all? Usually customer demand might be one input into broader decision making but there’s more sophisticated modeling they do. Could they announce them all?
2) American really needs to step up its international network. Oneworld isn’t great outside of Western Europe and American’s European routes are very lacking vs United and Delta
I wonder if there's the possibility of the announcement being, gee golly gosh, they were all so popular, we're going to do all three!
Yea I thought the same thing. Could imagine them adding all three a few days a week each instead of just one destination.
Willing to bet this is the case
This seems like mostly a PR stunt and they can say whatever route they had previously determined to be the best based on their data is the winner. I don’t have any problem with a good PR stunt, I just get the impression this is something to promote engagement that has no real downside. “My city didn’t win? Oh well, no love lost.” I’m sure such data will never be made public, but it would...
This seems like mostly a PR stunt and they can say whatever route they had previously determined to be the best based on their data is the winner. I don’t have any problem with a good PR stunt, I just get the impression this is something to promote engagement that has no real downside. “My city didn’t win? Oh well, no love lost.” I’m sure such data will never be made public, but it would be fascinating to see how many Skypesos users that vote for the winning city actually book tickets for next summer.