This is merely an announcement for flyers in the greater LA area who used Long Beach (LGB) as a way to avoid the madness of Terminal 4 at LAX:

http://www.sacbee.com/state_wire/bus...14815604c.html

Funny thing is: I have never flown a LGB-DFW flight (or, for that matter, DFW-LGB) that wasn't packed. I guess the other flights were all empty.

Well, in any case JetBlue is doing gang-busters business out of LGB, so if they absorb the slots, they may start expanding the service offerings. Would LGB-PHL be so hard, JetBlue...? Or LGB-ORD?!

Would rather see USAir (America West) expand there (they might give you your LGB-PHL) or better yet, United move in (and give you LGB-ORD). But I think I'm dreaming.

I'm ambivalent on United starting operations there, as well as US Airways' expansion of operations. But at least we'd see some new options.

The main obstacles to LGB's expansion are the current noise curfews (and the complaints of neighbors), limited slots for commercial transport take-offs/landings, and the stop-and-start expansion plans for the old terminal.

Maybe I'll start looking into flying out of Ontario more often...!

When will the madness stop?!

The latest news has Delta Airlines starting nonstops to Salt Lake City (SLC) through their SkyWest affiliate (CRJ equipment). However, since JetBlue already flies this route, I have a sinking feeling that Delta will throw in the towel after several months of trying to compete.

Any thoughts from Delta-connected folk out there...?

Hey rjw!

Happy New Year!

Well, you might give DL a shot. Despite their troubles, they seem to be expanding service out of their SLC hub. Haven't been there, since I usually go through ATL or CVG when I take DL, but it seems like it is a good option when you're heading east. The only concern I would have is snow in the winter months.

And despite your intense love affair with JetBlue, I'm not so sure if it wouldn't be better for you & your fellow LGB flyers to have a little competition going on there?

Also, you might want to check out SNA, especially if you're looking for cheap fares . . . When I went to PSP last May (from BWI), flying into SNA was MUCH cheaper than PSP or ONT. It seems like you are the type of person who sometimes breaks the bank on trips, and some other times just wants to get there as economically as possible? If the latter's the case, keep SNA in mind!

Also, as I'm sure you probably know, it's right off the 405, and I can't imagine it's too far of a haul for you?

But, my burning question for you is: have you been to any new churrascarias lately??? I'd love to try one out, but need to lose some lbs. before I make that happen!

I'm not Delta-connected, but I wouldn't worry too much about B6 as serious competition. It's basically utilization flying for them with only one roundtrip leaving LGB at 735p and coming back from SLC in the morning at 615a. DL will offer a much better schedule, and I highly doubt B6 will up their SLC flights considering that they would be more profitable using those precious slots heading to other destinations.

LGB is much more convenient for me (and for rjw, I am sure) than SNA. And the two airports are totally different, of course. I can cross the terminal at LGB in about three strides, maybe four. I used SNA for the first time a few weeks ago and it is more like a real airport. I dropped a friend off at SNA about 15 years ago and IIRC back then it was more like LGB is now.

One thing about SNA: when Southwest has a fare sale it specifically excludes SNA departures.

<i>One thing about SNA: when Southwest has a fare sale it specifically excludes SNA departures.</i>

Hmmm... let's see...
Lido Isle...Signal Hill...
Mission Viejo...Lakewood...
Hmmm...