Omaha Eppley Airfield - DISCUSSION

[Mr.Nuke]

We get Priority Pass lounge access included with our credit card. While checking in I've noticed there are plenty of people who just pay to get access on that day as well.

The latter being how the lounge other than premium wine/beer/spirits is actually making money. It is the same for airline lounges too a fair number of people are using day passes either purchased directly from the airline or via an airline credit card where the airline is still obviously coming out ahead either way. And for a common use lounge the day passes are probably even more important.

[GenX]

I’d imagine those bullet points could potentially change based on how many proposals they actually receive?

[Bob from Omaha]

My favorite lounges are the ones that have a view, especially the international gateways. I also like the few that have a rooftop deck. For a smaller airport like OMA it wouldn't bother me if it didn't have a view. For me I used a lounge when I had a long layover or needed to meet someone, OR if I was hungry. Nice to see OMA adding one tho

[Bellevue Kid]

Last month, the Omaha Airport Authority also released an RFP and held a pre-proposal conference regarding artwork to be installed as part of the modernization project.

The RFP, conference slideshow, and other related documents can be found on their Call For Artists Page.

[skinzfan23]

That will be nice to have some art installed as well. Looks like selection will be complete by the end of July and installed by 11/20/26.

[Mr.Nuke]

I’d imagine those bullet points could potentially change based on how many proposals they actually receive?

The two in riceweb's post? I doubt it. Those two bullet points are basically telling the potential bidders what the airport wants. Again though I don't think this is a big deal. The airport wasn't going to get an airline exclusive or credit card exclusive club to begin with. Any third party lounge isn't going to have a problem with either of those two demands. A common use lounge literally wants as many people in there as possible. That is how they make money.

[Mr.Nuke]

May down 1.6%, down 4.2% YTD
https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

[riceweb]

I’d imagine those bullet points could potentially change based on how many proposals they actually receive?

The two in riceweb's post? I doubt it. Those two bullet points are basically telling the potential bidders what the airport wants. Again though I don't think this is a big deal. The airport wasn't going to get an airline exclusive or credit card exclusive club to begin with. Any third party lounge isn't going to have a problem with either of those two demands. A common use lounge literally wants as many people in there as possible. That is how they make money.

Exactly. Either there's demand for a common-use lounge, or we get no lounge at all. The demand for a United-specific lounge, for instance, would be too narrow, and our popular airlines like Southwest don't even do lounges.

[joleo]

May down 1.6%, down 4.2% YTD
https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

Does anybody know if the seat count is down at Southwest in Omaha (less flights/ smaller planes) or are they just getting a much lower load factor from Omaha? I know Southwest's prices have been stupid expensive lately so that could have something to do with it too.

[Bob from Omaha]

I’d imagine those bullet points could potentially change based on how many proposals they actually receive?

The two in riceweb's post? I doubt it. Those two bullet points are basically telling the potential bidders what the airport wants. Again though I don't think this is a big deal. The airport wasn't going to get an airline exclusive or credit card exclusive club to begin with. Any third party lounge isn't going to have a problem with either of those two demands. A common use lounge literally wants as many people in there as possible. That is how they make money.

Exactly. Either there's demand for a common-use lounge, or we get no lounge at all. The demand for a United-specific lounge, for instance, would be too narrow, and our popular airlines like Southwest don't even do lounges.

Grand Rapids Michigan airport just opened a common use lounge. Looks pretty nice.

GRR Lounge

[Louie]

Pay $50 to get in, that may be worth it if you have a long layover, but at Eppley that wouldn't happen much.

[Bob from Omaha]

Pay $50 to get in, that may be worth it if you have a long layover, but at Eppley that wouldn't happen much.

I doubt there are any layovers at GRR.

[nebport5]

Pay $50 to get in, that may be worth it if you have a long layover, but at Eppley that wouldn't happen much.

I doubt there are any layovers at GRR.

There have been ton of delays lately and there are also regular diversions, thus many people are spending much more time in the terminal than you would expect.

[damonhynes]

Pay $50 to get in, that may be worth it if you have a long layover, but at Eppley that wouldn't happen much.

As someone who frequents United's IAH clubs, there's a lot of fine print regarding access. Allowing for the (somewhat) reasonable fire dept capacity limits, the clubs are more often than not closed to access. UA has instituted a rule that only pass-holders with a departure within the next three hours can access the club IOW, you can't treat the club as a Regus office, which admittedly I used to do two years ago.

[Mr.Nuke]

Does anybody know if the seat count is down at Southwest in Omaha (less flights/ smaller planes) or are they just getting a much lower load factor from Omaha? I know Southwest's prices have been stupid expensive lately so that could have something to do with it too.

The DOT only has data through March. In March though when Southwest was down 6.4% for the month, I'm showing they were only down 163 seats or basically the equivalent of a single flight for the month. However, load factors went from 84.2% to 77.9%, or 6.3% pretty darn close to the 6.4% for the month.

[joleo]

Does anybody know if the seat count is down at Southwest in Omaha (less flights/ smaller planes) or are they just getting a much lower load factor from Omaha? I know Southwest's prices have been stupid expensive lately so that could have something to do with it too.

The DOT only has data through March. In March though when Southwest was down 6.4% for the month, I'm showing they were only down 163 seats or basically the equivalent of a single flight for the month. However, load factors went from 84.2% to 77.9%, or 6.3% pretty darn close to the 6.4% for the month.

That’s a large load factor drop! All my United flights are 100% full I’ve been on this year, including the one I’m on now. The ticket was VERY expensive for a domestic flight, probably the reason why load factors are down. Southwest has really raised prices.

[Mr.Nuke]

That’s a large load factor drop! All my United flights are 100% full I’ve been on this year, including the one I’m on now. The ticket was VERY expensive for a domestic flight, probably the reason why load factors are down. Southwest has really raised prices.

System wide LF for Southwest was 73.9% down from 78.4% a year ago. Eppley's load factor for the 1st quarter on Southwest was 71.9%. System wide passengers for the 1st quarter were down 9.2% and -5.2% at Eppley.

[OmahaRedWing]

I assume Omaha will look into offering this once the renovations are complete. Could really help all the new restaurants, bars and retail:

New KCI ‘guest pass’ will allow those not traveling past security checkpoint

A new program at the Kansas City International Airport will allow those without a ticket past security to spend time with loved ones and enjoy everything the airport has to offer.

The new Guest Pass program lets those who are not traveling apply for a guest pass that will let them past the security checkpoint.

https://www.kmbc.com/article/kci-airpor ... y/65255264

[skinzfan23]

That would be nice to have something like that, especially if there is a wait before boarding. You could still have a meal together.

[Bob from Omaha]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

[nebport5]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

They already do. Of course, most just use the smart phone app and can skip the kiosk unless you’re checking a bag.

What airline do you use?

[Bearcat06]

Does anybody know if the seat count is down at Southwest in Omaha (less flights/ smaller planes) or are they just getting a much lower load factor from Omaha? I know Southwest's prices have been stupid expensive lately so that could have something to do with it too.

The DOT only has data through March. In March though when Southwest was down 6.4% for the month, I'm showing they were only down 163 seats or basically the equivalent of a single flight for the month. However, load factors went from 84.2% to 77.9%, or 6.3% pretty darn close to the 6.4% for the month.

That’s a large load factor drop! All my United flights are 100% full I’ve been on this year, including the one I’m on now. The ticket was VERY expensive for a domestic flight, probably the reason why load factors are down. Southwest has really raised prices.

They've raised prices and eliminated free checked bags, the two things that kept them competitive with everyone else. There's a lot of negative discourse on Reddit about SW right now. I have a feeling they will be hurting for a bit due to their chances, they've ticked off a lot of customers.

[Greg S]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

They already do. Of course, most just use the smart phone app and can skip the kiosk unless you’re checking a bag.

What airline do you use?

Are you talking as a ticketed passenger? Or unticketed guest? And if unticketed, you do this at Eppley now?

[nebport5]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

They already do. Of course, most just use the smart phone app and can skip the kiosk unless you’re checking a bag.

What airline do you use?

Are you talking as a ticketed passenger? Or unticketed guest? And if unticketed, you do this at Eppley now?

No sorry, I misread the initial post.

Here’s an article with a list of US airports that allow non-travelers post security…

https://www.travelandleisure.com/us-air ... ty-8382685

[Mr.Nuke]

June up 1.9%, now down 3.0% YTD. This was another record breaking month for total passengers at the airport, breaking the previous record set last June.

https://www.flyoma.com/wp-content/uploa ... istics.pdf

[Bob from Omaha]

In the last few months I flew Breeze and Avelo. I was thinking that Breeze could bring some new destinations to Eppley. They have an interesting concept. Nice airline. On time, clean, friendly crew, good prices. Avelo, maybe not so much as far as Eppley.

[Mr.Nuke]

2025 Q1 PDEW

Phoenix 435
Orlando 241
Denver 231
Las Vegas 214
Chicago 193
Dallas/Fort Worth 181
Los Angeles 180
Miami 158
New York City 153
Washington D.C. 150
Atlanta 118
Houston 115
Tampa 95
San Francisco 94
Seattle 88
Minneapolis 73
San Diego 69
Salt Lake City 61
Charlotte 59
Nashville 57
St. Louis 55
Detroit 54
Boston 50
Fort Myers 49
Philadelphia 42
San Antonio 41
New Orleans 39
Punta Gorda 38
Austin 38
Portland 35
Palm Springs 33
Sarasota 32
Sanford 32
Sacramento 28
Raleigh/Durham 28
Jacksonville 27
Tucson 25
Columbus 23
Indianapolis 23
Pensacola 20

[riceweb]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

They already do. Of course, most just use the smart phone app and can skip the kiosk unless you’re checking a bag.

What airline do you use?

Bob was talking about a gate pass, which is not tied to flying, it's for helping passengers off the plane. I've used them in Seattle.

[Bob from Omaha]

2025 Q1 PDEW

Ok. The total pdew is 3,650. Multiplying that by 365 gets you 1,332,250. Multiplying that by two gets you 2,664,500. That's about half of what Eppley did last year. Where are the rest? Seriously.

Also, nobody wanted to go to New Orleans?

[NEDodger]

I’d assume Q1 is their worst quarter of the year?

[nebport5]

I just picked someone up at Detroit's airport. I found out I could just use a kiosk at ticketing and print my own gate pass. No waiting. Just scanned my driver's license, print & go through security. Eppley should definitely do that.

They already do. Of course, most just use the smart phone app and can skip the kiosk unless you’re checking a bag.

What airline do you use?

Bob was talking about a gate pass, which is not tied to flying, it's for helping passengers off the plane. I've used them in Seattle.

see about 4 posts above…

viewtopic.php?p=415484#p415484

[Mr.Nuke]

Also, nobody wanted to go to New Orleans?

It is on there... See 39 PDEW.

[Bearcat06]

I’d assume Q1 is their worst quarter of the year?

Going back to 2018 which is the furthest back that I have the monthly numbers, yes, the first quarter is typically the lowest average quarter. Jan/Feb are usually the lowest two months and while March can sneak into the top 6 months of the year, it's usually the lowest of the six, sometimes just eeking by Aug or Dec.

[Bearcat06]

Eppley has announced that Frontier will be running twice weekly non-stop service to ATL starting Oct 10th.

I wonder if this is replacing SW, who stopped their non-stop to ATL? If it didn't bode well for SW, I wonder if it'll be feasible for Frontier?

https://ketv.com/article/omaha-eppley-a ... a/65476007

[Bob from Omaha]

2025 Q1 PDEW

Ok. The total pdew is 3,650. Multiplying that by 365 gets you 1,332,250. Multiplying that by two gets you 2,664,500. That's about half of what Eppley did last year. Where are the rest? Seriously.

No kidding. I'm trying to understand the concept of pdew but half of the demand is missing. So where did those people go?

[Mr.Nuke]

2025 Q1 PDEW

Ok. The total pdew is 3,650. Multiplying that by 365 gets you 1,332,250. Multiplying that by two gets you 2,664,500. That's about half of what Eppley did last year. Where are the rest? Seriously.

No kidding. I'm trying to understand the concept of pdew but half of the demand is missing. So where did those people go?

You realize are responding to yourself?

Eppley has announced that Frontier will be running twice weekly non-stop service to ATL starting Oct 10th.

I wonder if this is replacing SW, who stopped their non-stop to ATL? If it didn't bode well for SW, I wonder if it'll be feasible for Frontier?

https://ketv.com/article/omaha-eppley-a ... a/65476007

Yeah this seems like another example of Frontier throwing darts against the wall hoping a route will stick. They haven't had much luck with that particularly here.

[damonhynes]

2025 Q1 PDEW

Ok. The total pdew is 3,650. Multiplying that by 365 gets you 1,332,250. Multiplying that by two gets you 2,664,500. That's about half of what Eppley did last year. Where are the rest? Seriously.

No kidding. I'm trying to understand the concept of pdew but half of the demand is missing. So where did those people go?

You realize are responding to yourself?

Eppley has announced that Frontier will be running twice weekly non-stop service to ATL starting Oct 10th.

I wonder if this is replacing SW, who stopped their non-stop to ATL? If it didn't bode well for SW, I wonder if it'll be feasible for Frontier?

https://ketv.com/article/omaha-eppley-a ... a/65476007

Yeah this seems like another example of Frontier throwing darts against the wall hoping a route will stick. They haven't had much luck with that particularly here.

F9 is famous for 1/2-donkeying their schedules. I can't take twice-a-week seriously.

[Bob from Omaha]

You realize are responding to yourself?

And you still haven't answered my question.

[BuildTaller]

You realize are responding to yourself?

And you still haven't answered my question.

Cities with less than 20 PDEW and international destinations.

[riceweb]

Echoing the sentiment that Frontier flights don't really count. Allegiant the same. I'd argue they hurt in some ways because they do still pull demand from the other carriers because of their low prices, but their lack of reliability because of their low frequency of flights hurts consumers and makes them less likely to fly in the future and hurts demand for the main carriers that would otherwise potentially expand service in the area.