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For Lack of Gates at O'Hare, Virgin America Cancels Chicago Flight Plans

Scrappy Virgin America airlines tried so very hard to start a flight to Chicago, really it did, but those big bad legacy airlines put the kibosh on those plans. Time ran out on the Burlingame, California-based startup, as it was unable to reach a deal for 2009 with United, American, and Delta, who currently control the gates. The fact that the major carriers wouldn't give up their slots - even as demand for air travel slides - shows you just how coveted prime airport real estate must be. They're forgoing, well, I don't know how much, but probably a pretty good amount of money just to hang on to their fancy gates at O'Hare Airport. Virgin America CEO David Cush said that that they wouldn't give up on their Chicago dreams, but a flight wasn't likely before 2010. What will they do now? The airline will inaugurate service to another east coast city instead of Chicago, and an announcement on which city they choose could come as early as next week. Virgin America already serves New York and Washington, D.C., so where do you think they'll wind up? Boston? Atlanta? With their retro-style and snazzy red-and-white planes, I think Miami would be a good fit. Feel free to speculate recklessly in the comments.

Related Stories:
· Virgin Abandons O'Hare Plans [Chicago Business]
· Virgin America Puts Off Plans for Chicago Route [San Francisco Chronicle}
· Virgin America Could Scrap Chicago Plans [Jaunted]