In April, when the FAA removed restrictions on additional flights at Newark Liberty International Airport, the hope was that other airlines would increase their share of the airport’s flights, in the process eroding United’s dominance and near-monopoly pricing in that important market.
As it turns out, those hopes were not in vain.
Last week, Alaska Airlines announced plans to significantly expand its Newark flight offerings, with new service to Portland and San Diego, from November 2016; new service to San Jose, California, from March 2017; and increased frequency to Seattle, from May 2017.
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And yesterday, Virgin America revealed its plans to launch extra Newark flights to both Los Angeles and San Francisco, from November 18.
The new Alaska and Virgin America flights will be in addition to new Newark services previously announced from Southwest, JetBlue, Allegiant, and WOW Air.
Newark will remain a fortress hub for United at least until October 30, the earliest date other airlines may launch their new flights. Thereafter, it will be a lot less fortress-like.
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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.
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Enter the Holland America Line “Choose Your Cruise” sweepstakes by March 31, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a seven-day Holland America Line cruise for two to the winner’s choice of Alaska, Canada and New England, the Caribbean, or Europe, including most onboard meals.
Likely in response to JetBlue’s systemwide double-points promotion, in effect through February 29, Virgin America is also offering double points, but only on select routes.
With the high probability of Virgin America’s being folded into Alaska Airlines within the next two years, Virgin loyalists are in the market for an alternative. And JetBlue wants to be that alternative.
Enter the Jarlsberg “Perfect Pairing” sweepstakes by September 12, 2016, for a chance to win the grand prize: a four-night trip for two people to Oslo, Norway, including air and hotel.
Enter the Clos Du Bois “Spring in Sonoma” sweepstakes by April 26, 2016, for a chance to win one of the two grand prizes: trips for two to Sonoma, including air, three nights’ hotel, and $700 spending money.
In its latest effort to capture the hearts, minds, and expense accounts of the travel universe’s most privileged 1 percent, American is raising the bar for airport lounges.