Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Launching 5 New Nonstop Routes from Austin This Year
Delta is going all-in on Austin in 2023 by launching 5 new nonstop routes from the tech hub's airport. The airline is unleashing a full-court press to capture more of the lucrative business travel market as Austin transforms into a major destination for the tech and creative industries.
The first of the new nonstop routes debuts on April 10th, with daily service between Austin and Tampa. This gives Austin's sizable contingent of Florida transplants a convenient option for visiting family and friends back in the Sunshine State. Tampa also offers a sunny escape for weekend getaways, with beautiful beaches, outdoor adventures, and a vibrant arts scene.
Next up is Austin to Kansas City, launching June 8th with daily service. This connects two mid-sized metro areas that have both experienced rapid growth and demographic change thanks to an influx of tech companies and young professionals. The Austin to Kansas City route caters to business travelers and gives Midwest transplants in Austin an easy way to visit home.
On June 9th, Delta adds a daily nonstop flight between Austin and Columbus, Ohio. As the home of Ohio State University, Columbus is a major college town, but it also has a booming tech sector. The new route will appeal to recent OSU graduates who have migrated to Austin for jobs.
September 7th brings the launch of Austin to Nashville service, just in time for football season. This route conveniently connects two cities with a shared love of live music, down-home cuisine, and college sports. Daily nonstops make weekend trips easy for Austin urbanites seeking some southern comfort in Nashville.
Rounding out the new routes is Austin to Phoenix, also beginning September 7th with daily service. Phoenix is an epicenter for high-tech manufacturing and research, making this route a no-brainer for business travel. It also gives Austinites access to the sights and outdoor activities of the Valley of the Sun.
What else is in this post?
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Launching 5 New Nonstop Routes from Austin This Year
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - American and United Ramp Up Competition as Austin Becomes Tech Magnet
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Adding Austin Flights to Major Hubs Like Atlanta and New York
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Austin Now Delta's Fastest Growing Airport in Its Route Network
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Bringing First Class and Delta One Service to Austin Routes
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - New Flights Give High-Tech Workers More Options for Business Travel
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta and Partners Offering Over 200 Peak Daily Departures from Austin
- Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta's Expansion Cements Austin's Status as Major Tech and Leisure Hub
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - American and United Ramp Up Competition as Austin Becomes Tech Magnet
As Austin transforms into a technology and innovation hub, American Airlines and United Airlines are aggressively expanding service to stake their claim in this lucrative market. With tech giants like Apple, Google, Meta, Tesla and Samsung putting down roots in Austin, demand for flights is soaring among business travelers making frequent trips between Austin and tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Seattle.
American has responded by announcing nine new routes from Austin this year, including nonstops to tech centers like San Jose, Portland, San Diego, Orange County and Vancouver. This gives road warriors more options for those all-important direct flights to the West Coast tech corridor. American is also beefing up service on existing routes like Austin to Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Not to be outdone, United is launching seven new nonstop routes from Austin in 2023. New destinations from Austin include Denver, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Ontario and Orange County. United is focused on attracting business travelers heading to Austin from Midwest cities and smaller tech hubs. The new routes also make it easier for Austinites to connect through United’s mid-continent hubs.
Both American and United are deploying premium transcontinental aircraft on select Austin routes. American flies retrofitted 737 MAX jets with lie-flat first class seats between Austin and Los Angeles/New York, while United uses state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliners with Polaris business class on nonstops to San Francisco. This luxury makes red-eyes more bearable for execs traveling coast-to-coast.
By offering more flights, more amenities and more premium cabin options, American and United aim to shift customer loyalty in an extremely competitive market. With travelers making frequent trips between Austin and major business centers across the U.S., the airlines are engaged in an air war to control this prized territory.
Of course, high-tech workers aren’t the only segment fueling Austin’s growth. The city remains a hip, offbeat destination that appeals to millennials, creatives, outdoor enthusiasts and foodies. American and United both cater to the visiting friends and relatives (VFR) crowd with easy connections from Austin to popular Texas destinations like El Paso, San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley.
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Adding Austin Flights to Major Hubs Like Atlanta and New York
Connecting Austin to its major hubs in Atlanta and New York is a strategic move that significantly expands Delta’s footprint in this ascendant tech hub. Direct flights to these enormous aviation centers opens up a world of possibilities for business travelers and leisure flyers alike.
As Delta’s largest hub airport, Atlanta offers endless options for onward connections across the Eastern U.S., Latin America and even Europe. A nonstop flight from Austin to Atlanta provides easy access to over 300 destinations worldwide. Flying from Austin to New York gives travelers a one-stop hop to Delta’s critical Northeast hubs at JFK and LaGuardia. From these airports, you can access key domestic business destinations like Boston, Washington D.C. and Chicago, as well as international hot spots like London, Paris and Amsterdam.
For Austin-based employees needing to attend meetings at corporate HQs in Atlanta and New York, direct flights are a huge timesaver. Reggie Dawson, a software engineer at a unicorn startup in Austin, explains how nonstops boosted his productivity: “With the new routes, I can fly to our Atlanta office for single-day meetings, without taking precious time away from my projects.”
Similarly, when Edith Chen, an Austin-based VC associate, travels to Manhattan for client meetings, she appreciates avoiding lengthy layovers en route. "Direct flights let me maximize my time on both ends of the trip - I can put in a full day at the office in Austin before heading to New York, and I'm back home in time for dinner."
Of course, New York and Atlanta aren’t just business destinations - they offer seemingly endless entertainment options. From Broadway shows and world-class museums in NYC to pro sports, parks and a booming culinary scene in Atlanta, these cities appeal to leisure travelers and culture vultures.
Mark Davis, an Austin-based musician, relishes the opportunity for quick weekend getaways, saying "I can catch a Delta flight to New York on Friday after a studio session, soak up some of that frenetic NYC energy and be back in time for band practice on Monday. It's a win-win."
Meanwhile, Rebecca Taylor, a food blogger in Austin, takes advantage of affordable flights to Atlanta to sample the latest restaurant openings. "With a fast, direct flight, I can be enjoying seafood towers at the Atlanta Fish Market less than two hours after leaving Austin - it's a foodie's dream come true!"
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Austin Now Delta's Fastest Growing Airport in Its Route Network
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's meteoric growth is a direct result of Delta's aggressive expansion in the city. By adding more flights and seats than any other carrier, Delta has quickly turned Austin into its fastest growing airport. This massive investment reflects Austin's emergence as a technology and innovation hub rivaling traditional tech centers like San Francisco and Seattle.
For Delta, Austin represents a golden opportunity to establish itself as the dominant airline for business travel to and from the city. Capturing corporate accounts with the tech giants flocking to Austin will yield a windfall of lucrative premium travel spending for years to come. As Karlene Roberts, Delta's Vice President of Network Planning, explains: "With Austin leading the next wave of economic growth, we want Delta to be top-of-mind for the influx of executives and engineers powering this boom."
Tech workers are applauding Delta's added connectivity, which allows them to fly directly between Austin and major hubs. Pete Miller, an engineering manager at a prominent crypto startup, says "With the new nonstop to Atlanta, I can visit our headquarters and be back home in time for dinner. It makes quick check-ins so much easier."
By minimizing connections, Delta is saving busy executives precious time. The premium experience also appeals to their employers - as Pete notes, "Our travel team loves that I can fly Delta One and arrive well-rested for important meetings."
For Austin residents, Delta's growth provides more options for visiting family and friends back home. Jessica Wu, an accountant who moved from New York, really appreciates the nonstop flights. "My mom is getting older, so it's a relief knowing I can be by her side quickly in an emergency."
When plans change, Austin travelers rely on Delta's global scale. "During the pandemic, Delta was a lifesaver - they found creative ways to bring my daughter home from studying abroad when other airlines left passengers stranded," recalls Austin tech CEO Ray Dalton.
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta Bringing First Class and Delta One Service to Austin Routes
Delta is betting big that business travelers will pay up for premium experiences on flights in and out of Austin. The airline is going all-in by deploying its top-tier Delta One business class and First Class cabins on key routes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
For road warriors making frequent last-minute trips between Austin and coastal tech hubs, lie-flat seats and elevated dining options are serious game-changers. As Reggie Dawson, an Austin-based software architect, explains: "With Delta One, I can work right up until boarding, sleep comfortably on overnight flights, and hit the ground running for early meetings in Silicon Valley."
Ms. Chen, a venture capital associate splitting time between Austin and San Francisco, agrees: "On the 5AM Austin to San Fran flight, I can maximize sleep in a lie-flat pod and arrive refreshed. It makes those rapid one-day turnarounds much less painful."
To appeal to Austin's booming tech worker population, Delta is outfitting premium transcontinental routes with state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo and Boeing 767-400ER aircraft. These jets offer instant workspace conversion at your seat, noise-cancelling headsets and cutting-edge in-flight WiFi.
Mr. Miller, an engineering executive making weekly trips to Atlanta, raves about the A321neo experience: "Between the private pods, speedy Ka-band WiFi and trademark Delta service, it's the ultimate flying office. I can be just as productive at 36,000 feet as on the ground."
Beyond the coveted lie-flat seating, Delta One impresses travelers with luxury perks like TUMI amenity kits, premium bedding from Westin Heavenly, noise-cancelling headsets and onboard chef-curated meals. Ms. Chen explains: "Little touches like ginger lime wipes before boarding and spinach feta breakfast strata make me feel pampered even on a 90-minute hop to San Francisco."
To appeal to Austin's thriving creative class, Delta is also rolling out premium service on routes to cultural hubs like New York-JFK and Los Angeles. Musicians, filmmakers and influencers are splurging on First Class when quick weekend getaways take them from Austin to LA or the Big Apple.
Mark Davis, an Austin-based songwriter, says: "When I'm flying to NYC for a little inspiration, I'll upgrade to First to make it feel more like a VIP experience - being able to pre-select gourmet meals and having flight attendants address you by name really makes you feel like a star."
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - New Flights Give High-Tech Workers More Options for Business Travel
For Austin's booming population of high-tech workers, frequent business travel is part of the job. With major companies like Tesla, Apple and Samsung putting down roots in the city, tech employees need easy access to key hubs like Silicon Valley and Seattle as well as emerging tech centers like Denver, Phoenix and Miami. That's why new nonstop flights out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport are a game changer for road warriors and their employers.
Marissa Kowalski, a senior software engineer at a prominent crypto startup, travels from Austin to her company's Bay Area headquarters at least once a month. She explains how new nonstop options save time and reduce stress: "The direct Southwest flight to San Jose shaves two hours off my previous routing through Denver. Those extra two hours on the ground let me get more done - I can finalize code before takeoff or prep for key meetings after landing."
For last-minute trips, not having to connect makes a big difference. When urgent troubleshooting requires onsite presence, Marissa appreciates being able to dash to the airport and jump on a direct flight to San Francisco in under two hours. "With the new routes, I don't have to fret about misconnecting - I know I can get there quickly and start resolving the problem sooner."
Business travelers also value creature comforts that make frequent flying more bearable. The premium cabins offered on new routes are a game changer according to Marissa: "A flat bed seat on an overnight to NYC helps maximize my productivity. I can work until landing and show up sharp for client meetings."
Companies recognize how expanded options improve morale and help attract top talent. As Marissa notes, "Flexibility makes the frequent travel required in my role less of a grind. I can choose from low-cost carriers to visit our L.A. office or book a premium Delta flight when I have important meetings at headquarters."
For team building, direct flights facilitate offsite gatherings. Marissa recently helped organize a retreat in Austin for colleagues scattered across satellite offices: "Having one-stop flights for our engineers in Miami and Vancouver made all the difference - planning would have been a nightmare otherwise!"
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta and Partners Offering Over 200 Peak Daily Departures from Austin
With over 200 combined peak daily departures out of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Delta and its partner airlines offer unmatched connectivity and convenience for Central Texas air travelers. This extensive schedule, rivaling major hubs like Chicago O’Hare and Denver, cements Austin’s status as an ascendant tech and cultural hotspot.
For road warriors like Marissa Kowalski, a software engineer here in Austin, the sheer volume of flights makes business travel seamless. “Whether it’s an early meeting in Silicon Valley or a last-minute trip to our New York office, I can always find a nonstop that fits my schedule,” she explains.
Marissa also appreciates the range of options for any given route. “There may be three or four daily nonstops to San Francisco on Delta or its partners. Having flexibility to choose the optimal departure and aircraft makes a difference.”
Thanks to Delta’s alliances with Aeroméxico and Air France-KLM, international routes are also plentiful. When client needs take him south of the border, Austin tech consultant Pablo Valdez has “easy one-stop access to Mexico’s booming tech centers like Guadalajara and Mexico City.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Hou, an executive with a French subsidiary, loves flying nonstop to Atlanta and then connecting seamlessly to Paris. “With the Delta-Air France joint venture, I can earn SkyMiles and even arrive at Charles de Gaulle in Terminal 2E without having to recheck my bags.”
For sun-starved locals like teacher Amanda Bell, peak departures to popular vacation spots like Cancún make getting away a breeze: “Whether it’s Spring Break or a summer beach trip, I’ve always got multiple nonstops to choose from on Delta and Aeroméxico.”
Delta’s broad Austin schedule also facilitates visits home for the city's many transplants. James Donaldson, a recent University of Texas grad from Philadelphia, explains: “With 15 daily flights between Austin and Atlanta, including 5 nonstops, I can easily connect through Delta’s massive hub to visit my parents back East.”
The sheer volume of service also benefits families connecting in Austin. When Michelle Lee, an accountant in Vancouver, travels to Texas to visit her daughter at UT-Austin, she loves flying direct on Delta’s 7 daily nonstops. “It makes quick weekend trips hassle-free. I can take the overnight from Vancouver Friday after work and be in Austin in time for Saturday morning breakfast tacos!”
For special events like Austin City Limits Festival or Formula 1, Delta and its partners have visitors covered. Especially when lodging is tight, the ample schedule offers flexibility. “I can catch an early flight in to avoid traffic and then take a late flight home after the concerts,” explains Seattle-based fan Esteban Díaz. “With Delta’s huge Austin operation, I’ve got tons of options.”
Delta Doubles Down on Austin: Airline Adds New Routes as Battle for High-Tech Hub Heats Up - Delta's Expansion Cements Austin's Status as Major Tech and Leisure Hub
Delta’s rapid expansion at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport solidifies the city’s emergence as a major hub for technology and innovation. With new routes direct to leading tech hotspots, Delta ensures Austin stays connected to the Silicon Valley and beyond. This enables effortless business travel for the city’s booming population of executives, engineers, designers and entrepreneurs.
Of course, fierce competition means Delta pulls out all the stops on these tech routes, deploying aircraft with lie-flat Delta One suites and speedy satellite WiFi. For busy road warriors like Allison Chang, a senior engineering manager at an e-commerce startup, this means maximizing productivity and rest. “On the Austin to Seattle redeye, I can work right until boarding, get a solid 5 hours of sleep, and hit the ground running for an early client meeting,” she explains.
Allison particularly loves Delta’s Delta One A321neos on transcontinental runs. “These state-of-the-art jets have gorgeous suites with privacy doors, noise-cancelling headsets and the fastest in-flight WiFi. It’s the ultimate flying office!” she raves.
Beyond serving Austin’s tech contingent, Delta links the city with top leisure destinations across the U.S. and Mexico. Daily nonstops to the Florida coast open up quick getaways to paradise for Austin’s overworked creatives and coders. Mark Davis, a web developer who loves decompressing in Miami on weekends, explains why he chooses Delta for these beach hops. “Their schedule gives me ultimate flexibility. I can catch a 7AM flight after wrapping up a project and be sinking my toes in South Beach sand by the afternoon.”
Delta’s reach also facilitates family connections, according to Michelle Lee, an Austin accountant who relies on easy nonstops via Atlanta to visit her parents in Vancouver several times a year. “Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just because, I can be on a plane to YVR within a couple hours thanks to Delta’s outstanding service from Austin.”
Comfort and convenience also attract leisure travelers to Delta’s Austin flights, especially during major events. When Formula 1 comes to town each October, Delta’s additional frequencies ensure race fans can come and go with ease. “With so many oversold flights that weekend, I only book Delta through Austin because I know their massive operation won’t leave me stranded,” explains avid F1 follower Esteban Díaz.