Reader comments: Delta to cut routes from Salt Lake to 5 cities

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lowonoil | 8:18 a.m. July 3, 2008
The airline industry is out of necessity changing it's business model for good. They are shrinking their carrying capacity to serve a smaller number of more well off travelers. They are the ones who can still pay the fares that reflect the real costs of providing the service. From now on, if you have to ask what the fare is, you can't afford it.

This also means that it would be wise for the airport to abandon all it's expansion plans immediately. The new capacity will never be needed. And it's time for St. George to back out of their new airport deal if they still can.

But look at the bright side. For the rest of us there's still Greyhound. Have you seen the nice new terminal they just moved to at the Intermodal Hub?
Greyhound | 9:01 a.m. July 3, 2008
Sure, for the rest of us there's Greyhound....except I don't like the idea of getting shivved while I'm waiting at the station.

Non-oil-based long-distance personal transportation can't get here fast enough.

In the meantime I'll take the train.
Air Transport | 9:43 a.m. July 3, 2008
The recognition that air travel is only for the wealthy is finally hitting this USA. The upper class airline usage has been the norm in Canada for that 25 years. With a few exceptions like WestJet (discount airline in Canada similar to SouthWest in USA).

The bus transport system is heavily used in Canada.
Comments continue below
Matt | 11:47 a.m. July 3, 2008
Airline demand is cyclical. As the economy improves, demand will increase. Downturns are nothing new, especially in the airline business. Low cost airlines will always exist. Well-managed airlines will continue to make money. Southwest, for example, posted a profit of $34 million in the first quarter. That's anemic compared to the $112 million 4Q 2007 income, but it's still a profit in the most difficult quarter since 9/11. Round trip tickets under $250 to many destinations from SLC will be around for a long time.
lowonoil | 1:59 p.m. July 3, 2008
Ocean liner and airship demand was cyclical too.
Why? | 11:18 p.m. July 4, 2008
I and my family traveled from Salt Lake to Pittsburgh and my son and his family took the same flight from Pittsburgh to Salt Lake and back. On each of those flights, the plane was full. Perhaps there are times when there aren't sufficient fares to justify the flight. But, from my family's point of view it looked to be a viable endeavor. Obviously, Delta certainly knows when they are losing money on a given flight. Yes, the days of air travel are going to be limited to a few privileged travelers. Even with all the frequent flyer miles and credit card credits towards travel, Delta wants to charge you $50 to redeem you miles. Too bad!

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