Delta Connects L.A. to Chicago: Why?
Well, well, well, what do we have here? Delta Air Lines has decided to throw its hat into the already packed Los Angeles to Chicago ring, and frankly, it’s a bit of a head-scratcher. The move seems to stir up the waters of competition—you know, the kind that keeps airline execs up at night, nervously twiddling their in-flight pajamas. Kudos to JonNYC for seeing this one coming, naturally.
Delta’s Foray into the Jam-Packed L.A. to Chicago Route
Circle June 7, 2026, on your calendar because that’s when Delta will kick off a tri-daily service between LAX and ORD. The schedule is still a mystery, but rumor has it that Boeing 737-800s will be the workhorses for this 1,744-mile jaunt.
Here’s a thought—announcing a new domestic route nearly a year in advance is as peculiar as a far-off ski trip to the Val Seny ski resort with zero snow in sight. Why the wait? Maybe Delta figures that aligning with its new Hong Kong service is part of some grand transpacific plan. Paul Baldoni from Delta’s Network Planning team had this to say:
“Launching service to Hong Kong and Chicago from LAX strengthens our presence in two of the world’s most dynamic markets. As the largest global carrier at LAX, we’re continuing to invest in routes that matter to our customers and deliver the premium travel experience that they’ve come to expect from Delta.”
Is American and United’s Comfort Zone About to Be Disturbed?
Considering both Los Angeles and Chicago are heavyweights in the world of air travel, it’s not shocking that Delta wants to play matchmaker. But here’s the kicker: American and United already fly this route roughly 10 times a day. Delta’s going to look like a petite fish in a very deep pond when it comes to schedule muscle. And while Frontier and Spirit are also name-checking this route, the “big three” likely aren’t losing any sleep over them.
In the L.A. to Chicago tango, each airline has its own moves:
- Both American and Delta have a footing in Los Angeles, but nobody’s really dominating the dance floor.
- Over in Chicago, United’s been hoarding more market share, while American’s been playing musical chairs with its numbers.
So what’s Delta really aiming for with this route, especially with an 11-month lead-in?
- Is Delta trying to beef up its presence in L.A., a city that hasn’t been its belle of the ball for a while?
- Is this a strategic maneuver to throw a wrench in American and United’s plans, just for kicks?
- Could this be a connective strategy, tying L.A.’s long-haul routes to the world beyond the Pacific?
If anyone’s got skin in this game, it’s likely American. United’s financial ducks are firmly in a row, it’s got a fortified global network, and it’s securely cushioned in Chicago’s market—a combo that makes it hard for Delta to nudge United’s flyers over to their side. But hey, stranger things have happened in the airline universe.
This whole situation feels like a tease, like they’re setting us up for a punchline we’re just not getting yet. Is there a bigger strategy we’re not seeing?
The Long and Short of It
So come June 2026, Delta’s taking on the well-traveled path between Los Angeles and Chicago, facing off with the duos—American and United—who already call this lane their second home with their 10-a-day services.
The question burning brightly: What’s the endgame here? Is Delta having a sudden romantic fling with Los Angeles? Are they just trying to poke the bear a bit with their competitors? Or is there something more strategic we’re missing?
What’s your take on Delta’s surprise attack on the L.A. to Chicago front?