Delta, United Spin Expanded New York Schedules as Slot Waivers End

Following recent announcements from Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, anyone outside of the airline industry could be excused for thinking the travel recovery is roaring forward, with road warriors flocking back to planes. As those carriers put it, they are giving travelers more choice and meeting pent-up demand with robust expanded schedules from New York-area airports, beginning in November.

But the resumptions at Delta and United are far from a sign of visitors flocking to Fifth Avenue for their holiday shopping, or bankers resuming their grueling travel schedules. Both airlines have said in recent weeks that the recovery, particularly of business travelers, remains at least three or more months off, with the end of 2022 a more likely timeline. The announcements are fine examples of marketing spin — making lemonade from lemons.

Delta and United — as well as every U.S. carrier — must resume flying at least 80 percent of their slots at New York's JFK and LaGuardia airports, and at least 80 percent of their runway timings at Newark Liberty Airport on O