Chicago Flights Showing Success

When the first direct flight from Chicago touched down at Yellowstone Regional Airport, it arrived with a water cannon salute – a tradition in aviation to honor a special occasion. The return of United’s direct flight to Chicago this summer has been a welcome addition to Cody’s air service. Early numbers suggest the new United flight is already delivering on its promise, and community leaders are watching the data closely, knowing Delta is too.

Aaron Buck, director of Yellowstone Regional Airport (YRA), recently reported that flights to and from Chicago are already filling up more, indicating initial success in expanding destinations from Cody. But this expansion does not mean the talks with Delta have stalled. YRA and Cody Yellowstone Air Improvement Resources (CYAIR) are still working to gain direct access to Salt Lake City from Cody.

Inaugural Flight

The Cody Chamber of Commerce handed out goodie bags to welcome the first passengers off the first flight. The next morning, community members and the first departing flight passengers enjoyed free treats and beverages from Heart Mountain Bar & Grill while a ribbon cutting ceremony took place. The first departing flight was also celebrated with a water cannon salute.

Mayor Lee Ann Reiter welcomed visitors at the morning gathering to celebrate the return of direct flights between Cody and Chicago, stating, “Today marks a milestone as we kick off the summer season with the return of the United flight to Chicago. This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our CYAIR Board working cohesively with Forward Cody and our Yellowstone Regional Airport.”

The flight uses the larger E175 plane, which offers first-class accommodations, room for carry-on luggage, and Starlink in-flight service, giving a delightful change from the typical planes we see in Cody.

Why Chicago Before Salt Lake City?

So why is CYAIR working to fully fund a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) to Chicago when the strong desire is for access to Salt Lake City? The short answer is that United approached YRA to explore adding this flight. They already could see this would be a win-win situation. YRA, in turn, brought in the funding arm, CYAIR. All parties showed interest because the previous direct flight in 2021 was successful. The information YRA gained from a leakage study showed that 54% of established customers (mainly local residents) were reaching Chicago via Denver, using YRA rather than flying out of another airport. The traffic was already there.

This information gave both CYAIR and United the confidence to enter into an MRG that shares the risk of expansion between them. On United’s side, they are keeping flight costs down to encourage travelers. With the support of Forward Cody and pledges to CYAIR from Park County Travel Council (PCTC), the Chamber, as well as various individual donations, the MRG was signed, and the direct flights began. While all is in place, fundraising is still ongoing to fully fund this MRG and start looking toward the Delta MRG.

As opposed to the MRG used in 2021, the current agreement costs less, includes more flights, and uses a better plane. Add in the fact that Chicago is a major hub with 1,200 direct flights, including all airlines, and suddenly it becomes much easier to reach a final destination with fewer connections. YRA and CYAIR would have been remiss to turn down the idea United brought to them.

One of the economic goals of the Chicago flight is to make it easier for visitors from the east, including Europe, to reach Cody, and to make it easier for locals to reach their destinations to the east. YRA and PCTC are working together on promotional efforts. The work to increase enplanements ensures the momentum of adding additional destinations continues.

Side Benefits to the Chicago Flight

There are a couple of side benefits to the Chicago flight as well. If your flight is delayed on Saturday morning due to weight restrictions, you very well may have the option of catching a flight to Chicago instead of waiting for the next flight to Denver.

Also, if people choose to fly directly to or from Chicago rather than connecting through Denver, that will free up seats on the Denver flights. Flight prices to Denver have been higher due to demand, and United may lower its prices to Denver. This is a part of the risk they assume in making both destinations successful. It truly is a partnership between the leadership and residents of a destination city, its airport, airport funding arm, and the airline carrier to make these expanded flights work.

Delta is Watching

Delta, on the other hand, is still watching. All parties involved in the expansion to Salt Lake City are waiting for improvements in aircraft availability through SkyWest. Delta requires planes with first class, business class, and economy class seats to come here. SkyWest is working as quickly as possible to expand its fleet to meet this requirement, but Cody is one of many towns waiting for the aircraft, and SkyWest decides where the new aircraft will be assigned. The goal for these aircraft arriving here is still on track for 2027.

At the same time, CYAIR is raising funds for the MRG needed for that expanded air service, and YRA continues negotiations. Community support and donations are still needed.

Delta is also watching the enplanement numbers on the Chicago flight. They want to know how the different seat classes fill and the level of interest in the expansion. They will be encouraged if the first- and business-class seats fill.

Consider Visiting Chicago

If you want a getaway to Chicago just for fun, you can spend the week or choose to fly direct one-way. Check the prices as it may be more reasonable than you realize. Also, when looking at other destinations, be sure to compare the pricing between using Denver or Chicago as your connection.

Chicago has much to offer in shopping, dining, and nightlife. Catch a Cubs game, or treat yourself to a concert. According to Choose Chicago (the Destination Marketing Organization for Chicago, like PCTC), Chicago has been voted best big city for nine years in a row. They have much information about everything there is to do in the Windy City that is now only a three hour flight away this summer.

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