United Airlines adds 5 new routes, Delta cuts Texas route from former Cincinnati hub
United Airlines is adding five new routes to its schedule this fall, launching new service to Alamosa, Colorado, and Abilene, Texas, even as it anticipates being up to 50% smaller amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Chicago-based Star Alliance carrier will add new service this September between its Denver (DEN) hub and Alamosa (ALS); Rochester, Minnesota (RST); and Sioux City, Iowa (SUX), according to Cirium schedule data. In addition, United will add service between Houston Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and Abilene (ABI) and Chattanooga, Tennessee (CHA).
While United is adding some spokes to its map, Delta Air Lines continues to cut its former base in Cincinnati (CVG). The SkyTeam Alliance carrier will end service between Cincinnati and Austin (AUS), a route that has been suspended since April, Cirium shows.
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The schedule changes come as both Delta and United head for an autumn that will be challenged by COVID-19. Both airlines plan to fly significantly less than they did in 2019, flying reduced schedules after a so-called "V-shaped" recovery from the virus failed to emerge during the summer. The schedule cuts mean fewer staff are needed with potential furlough notices sent to thousands of employees.
"We expect the recovery in demand we’ll see to be jagged," United CEO Scott Kirby said on July 22. He added that the airline does not expect air travel to recover beyond about half of 2019 levels until a vaccine is widely available, something he hopes for by the end of 2021.
Data from trade group Airlines for America (A4A) shows passenger traffic stalled at down around 60% compared to 2019 since the beginning of July.
Related: United Airlines worries travel recovery will stall until there’s a COVID vaccine
But travelers have begun to return to places where they can be outside,such as beach and mountain destinations. This has driven numerous flight additions to places like Aspen, Colorado (ASE), and Bozeman, Montana (BZN), since the pandemic began.
United's five new routes will all be flown by SkyWest Airlines with Bombardier CRJ200s outfitted with 50 seats. Alamosa service is subsidized by the federal government's essential air service (EAS) program, while the Sioux City route is supported by local funds.
Delta's move to cut service between Austin and Cincinnati follows decisions to close its flight attendant and pilot bases in Cincinnati. The airport had been the airline's main Midwestern hub prior to its 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines, but has shrunk since then. Delta now counts it as neither a hub nor a focus city.
Related: Delta Air Lines ‘committed’ to new Boston hub; Austin, Raleigh focus cities
Delta spokesperson Drake Castañeda told TPG that the airline continues to evaluate and adjust its schedule based on travel demand, travel restrictions and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Separately, Alaska Airlines continues to add new routes to its map. The Seattle-based carrier will begin daily service between San Diego (SAN) and Santa Barbara (SBA) on Nov. 20. Alaska will operate an Embraer E175 with 76 seats on the route.
Alaska, Delta and United all plan to be markedly smaller this fall than they were in 2019. While schedules beyond September are not final, Alaska plans to fly more than 60% of what it flew in North America during the same month last year. Delta plans to fly around 58% and United roughly 41%, Cirium data shows.
Related: Global air travel unlikely to recover until 2024 as COVID remains ‘issue’ in US, elsewhere
Below are details of United's new routes this fall.
Denver
- Alamosa: up to twice daily flights beginning Oct. 1
- Rochester: daily flights beginning Oct. 1
- Sioux City: daily flights beginning Oct. 14
Houston
- Abilene: twice daily flights beginning Oct. 21
- Chattanooga: daily flights beginning Oct. 1
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees