Why no plans/rumors about MSP

[Dont call me Shirley]

Sorry if this has been covered in other posts, but what is everyone's take on why WN is not looking at (or not said to be) flying to the Twin Cities. Seems like it would fill a big gap.
A while back someone on the NW board said that Southwest is "scared" of what NW would in response in MEM! Doesn't make much sense to me.

 

[Kev3188]

I'm actually suprised WN hasn't started flying to MEM. It seems like the a good fit for them (lots of existing cities in their network are popular destinations from MEM).

 

[flyhigh]

...there's an old rumor that when NW sold gates to WN at MDW that was part of the agreement (the part not found in the written contract). Other than that, it's more likely the same reason they've avoided ATL.

 

[FWAAA]

My assumption is that WN has rank ordered the various cities it does not serve and MSP (as a ripe opportunity) falls somewhere below PHL, PIT, DEN, IAD and the other legacy hubs it has invaded over the past couple years. For WN, it might make more sense to keep filling in the dots from all those places before it moves into MSP.

Bottom line: MSP might be a profitable addition for WN, but not as profitable as those other cities.

But given enough time (and enough new 737s), WN will eventually be at MSP. And WN has lots and lots and lots of new 737s on order. B)

 

[Harold]

MSP to MDW and DEN would be great routes for SWA. But if SWA has the moxie to take a big shot at NWA, than a route between the MSP and DTW hubs would be very gutsy, and receive big cheers from DTW flyers.