Really what Delta is trying to do is speed up all the regional and short hop flights and commuter flights, because aircraft turnaround is a big drag on them in

Really what Delta is trying to do is speed up all the regional and short hop flights and commuter flights, because aircraft turnaround is a big drag on them in those situations. And if I'm not mistaken, the longer flights would involve a crew change anyway. Those flights are going to get massively disrupted in the next decade. I know self-driving gets absolutely hammered here, but highway self driving should be a lot more achievable, and when it is, airlines are going to face a reckoning. I can't wait for highway self-driving to automate 95% of a 400-800 mile trip. No airports, lines, crotches, baggage junk (just pile what you need into the car), crammed in like sardines, no/crappy food, wait for rental car, 1/2 the price (or WAY less if you have a family). Did I mention you get to leave when you want on a moment's notice with no scheduling 10-30 days in advance to get the "best rate"? A 400 mile trip is practically a wash in time with airport rigamarole, cheaper, and you get to bring a lot more stuff. A 600 mile trip? Well, a bit crappy, but if highway self driving is up to standard, you can sleep for a lot of that. An 800 mile trip? Sure if you're single, you'll pick the flight. Family? The economics and PITA of getting a family packed organized and corralled to the airport... I'd still drive it if I didn't have to do the highway concentration drudgery. And when self-driving EV RVs with foldout solar arrays and starlink/5G internet become a thing...