The public comment period for the proposed new slots was Wednesday, with the Department of Transportation set to announce which airlines will be awarded the slots in a “timely manner,”Eight airlines have proposed new flights beyond the typical 1,250-mile radius in which most flights departing Reagan National are typically limited.
The big three airlines have all proposed flights. American Airlines, which uses Reagan National as a hub, has proposed a flight to San Antonio, Texas, while United Airlines, which operates a hub out of nearby Dulles International Airport, has proposed a flight to San Francisco, California. Delta Air Lines has requested permission to operate a flight to Seattle, Washington.
Other airlines hoping to get one of the spots include Southwest Airlines, seeking a flight to Las Vegas, Nevada, and Alaska Airlines, for a flight to San Diego, California. JetBlue and Frontier Airlines are each proposing flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Spirit Airlines wants a flight to San Jose, California.
Those who favor more slots, including the Capital Access Alliance, argue that the airport can safely handle more flights during non-peak times and that the added flights could help lower prices for flights in the area out of Reagan National and Dulles.