Delta Adding New Transcon Routes From LaGuardia and to Cancún

Delta Air Lines is adding several new routes to its map, per The Points Guy, primarily from its LaGuardia hub, but also from some other cities as well. This is a notable expansion for Delta, as many of these routes will operate beyond the perimeter rule of the New York City airport.

New Routes and Frequencies From LaGuardia

Delta is adding 4 new routes from New York (LGA) to Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), and Salt Lake City (SLC) that will operate only on Saturdays, an exception day for the 1,500-mile perimeter rule that is in place to prevent long-distance traffic from LaGuardia. Carriers are allowed to operate flights beyond this perimeter on Saturdays only, so Delta is taking a risk in offering these once-weekly flights, hoping there’s enough of a desire to depart from the closer-in New York City airport. Saturday is traditionally not busy for business travelers, so you may find cheaper fares if you’re willing to depart on the Saturday-only services.

In other news, Grand Rapids (GRR), Madison (MSN), and Omaha (OMA) will receive once-daily service from New York (LGA) starting September 18, 2023.

New Cancún Routes From Cincinnati and Raleigh

Delta will operate Cincinnati (CVG) and Raleigh (RDU) to Cancún (CUN) seasonally on Saturdays only from December 16, 2023, through April 6, 2024. The Cincinnati route is in direct response to the same route recently launched by American Airlines.

Cancún traditionally sees a huge surge in traffic over the winter months as people look to escape to a warmer climate, and Delta clearly sees there’s enough traffic from the former hub and focus city.

Final Thoughts

While most of these new routes will only operate on Saturdays, the convenience for New Yorkers to depart from the closer LaGuardia airport may be appealing for many travelers. It’s nice to see Delta also expanding into other cities from New York, as New York is a business hub and connecting point for long-haul traffic.