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A recent article, touting the fact that Delta now flies to all 50 United States, caught my eye. I wondered how the other major airlines in the United States compare.

Delta is indeed the only airline to reach all 50 states — that is, while relying on Delta-branded commuter/regional airlines, but without relying on codeshares. Recently-added service to Delaware made it an even 50.

Northwest comes closest: 49 out of 50 states, with only Delaware left out.

United is next, leaving out Delaware and Mississippi.

The new US Airways (including America West) excludes Delaware (again!), North Dakota, and Wyoming.

Continental doesn’t fly to Delaware, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wyoming.

American is only 86% American, since it ignores Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia. Tsk, tsk.

Southwest pulls up the rear, flying to merely 35 of 50 states. No, Delaware is not on the list. Delaware just doesn’t get the airlines’ respect.

Whether Delta’s 50-state gambit makes business sense remains to be seen. Remember that Richard Nixon was the first and only presidential candidate to campaign in all 50 states (in 1960). He lost.

(image: gratuitous public domain Nixon photograph)
tags: travel | air travel | airlines | Nixon