QF and PHX after AA/US Merger

[Justin L]

I'd like to throw this one out there for discussion.

What are people's thoughts on QF using current US Airways hub Phoenix as a DFW-style hub for onward connections in the States following the merger of AA and US?

While DFW is a larger hub, PHX would provide less backtracking connections west of DFW as well as western Canada, Mexico, and onward eastern US connections. I'm not suggesting scrapping DFW flights.

Also, I'm not too familiar with aircraft ranges but could PHX be served non-stop in both directions from SYD, MEL and BNE, unlike the westbound restrictions from DFW. This could allow for greater one-stop connections in the US to/from from more Australian cities, and focus LAX flights for O&D and JFK flights. Or serve DFW from/to SYD/BNE and PHX from MEL, giving MEL passengers similar one-stop connecting advantages to the SYD-DFW passengers.

Also, PHX like DFW is a hub airport better suited to connections than LAX. I have found both PHX and DFW easy airports to transit through, especially compared to LAX.

Anyway, I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts.

[Ash W]

Works for me and Phoenix is a good 500+ mile shorter than DFW.

[David Knudsen]

I think it would be a great idea - PHX seemed to have connections to everywhere and as you stated less backtracking for the popular destinations on the western half of the country while still maintaining the advantage of bypassing LAX. Ever had a layover in PHX Justin? How does it compare to DFW for things to do?

[Justin L]

I have been to PHX on many occasions, both on layover and as a destination. Phoenix, like Dallas-Fort Worth, is very spread out and if you want to make the most if it you'd need a car.

If however you don't have a car and just want a night or two to break up a trip, then PHX would be better than DFW for the following reasons in my opinion:

- PHX is very close to downtown, unlike DFW which is halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth
- There is light rail access from the airport to downtown (currently a free shuttle to the nearby light rail station, but a rail extension is under construction).
- This makes for easy, cheap access to downtown and the main hotels.
- Both Chase Field (MLB) and US Airways Center (NBA) are downtown next to each other making watching professional sports a great, easy entertainment option.
- Light rail also goes to Tempe which is a college town for ASU and has many restaurants and bars (and the HQ for US Airways).

I wouldn't suggest adding Phoenix to a US itinerary right now, but if it was a one-stop connecting option to/from Australia, then the above points make it a worthwhile option over DFW.