Profits, not love, will get Delta's attention

The timing seems good for business and consumer groups to join ranks over Delta's high fares out of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Part of that is starting to happen, as witnessed by the story in today's Enquirer about efforts in the business community to pressure the now-profitable carrier to give the region some relief.

It's important: Delta's fares can impede the region's ability to attract and retain good jobs. And the fares are big barriers for anyone thinking of coming here as a tourist, convention-goer, friend or family member.

People appreciate that we have so many non-stop flights to so many places, and everyone I know is willing to pay a bit more for convenience and service that far exceeds many regions our size. But it's hard to buy Delta's claim that maintaining the CVG hub justifies fares that are routinely double (or more) the cost of flying out of Dayton, Louisville or Indianapolis. Delta doesn't have a hub here as a public service. Show me the accounting that justifies $1,200 round trips from Cincinnati to Washington when non-stops from Dayton are under $300.

Of course, Delta is in business to make money, not take pity on us. CVG spokesman Ted Bushelman often points out that whenever discount carriers have come to CVG, consumers haven't supported the newcomers, flocking back to Delta once the airline matched the introductory prices. Then the competitor leaves and the prices go back up.

This region has shown Delta a lot of love over the years, but -- as Tina Turner sang -- what's love got to do with it? The case has to be made on the most fundamental level. Nothing will change until Delta believes it will make more money, not less, by doing what the region needs Delta to do.