In an ideal world, airlines could choose any route they wanted, based solely on demand and profitability. However, the U.S. aviation industry is far from this “perfect market” dream. Decades of mergers, bankruptcies, regulatory decisions, and political influence have led to a maze of rules and limitations that airlines must navigate to serve certain airports.
The perimeter rule is one of the quirkiest and most restrictive aspects of U.S. aviation. This rule limits flight distances from specific airports to manage congestion, noise, and even protect neighboring airports. The most notable examples are Love Field (DAL) in Dallas, Reagan National (DCA) in Washington, D.C., and LaGuardia (LGA) in New York. Here’s a closer look at the perimeter rules for these airports, how they affect airline choices, and what recent legislation might mean for travelers.
What Are Perimeter Rules?
Perimeter rules are distance-based restrictions that prevent flights over a certain length from operating at specific airports. These rules were created as far back as the 1960s, often with the goal of promoting traffic to larger, less centrally located airports or reducing noise in densely populated urban areas. While the rules help manage congestion and streamline traffic, they also limit airlines’ ability to expand routes at affected airports.
The Wright Amendment & Love Field
Love Field in Dallas, Texas, is home to one of aviation’s most famous perimeter rules: the Wright Amendment. Named after U.S. Representative Jim Wright from Fort Worth, the amendment was added in 1979 to limit Southwest Airlines’ flights out of Love Field. At the time, DFW International Airport had just opened, and Fort Worth area politicians wanted to protect it from competition.
Under the original Wright Amendment, flights from Love Field could only travel within Texas and to neighboring states. Over the years, exceptions expanded to include Kansas, Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri. The amendment officially expired in 2014, allowing unrestricted flights from Love Field, but restrictions remain. Southwest Airlines cannot add flights from nearby DFW without forfeiting slots at Love Field, a restriction set to expire in 2025.
Reagan National (DCA) and New Slot Exceptions
Reagan National Airport (DCA), located close to downtown Washington, D.C., is another airport with perimeter restrictions. The perimeter rule was established in 1966, initially limiting flights to destinations within a 650-mile radius, directing other air traffic to Washington Dulles (IAD). In the 1980s, this limit was extended to 1,250 miles, still covering only regional flights. To fly beyond the perimeter, airlines must receive federal exemptions granted by Congress.
Congress must propose and approve federal legislation to allow the U.S. Department of Transportation to issue “beyond-perimeter” exemptions which allows an airline to operate non-stop service to cities outside the perimeter. As a result of recent federal exemptions, non-stop service is now offered between Reagan National and the following cities: Austin, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, San Juan, Seattle and Portland, Ore.
In 2023, Congress approved an additional 10 slot exemptions, allowing more beyond-perimeter flights. These new slots could offer travelers more long-haul options, with airlines vying to connect DCA to cities farther afield.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and NY State Legislation
LaGuardia Airport in New York City is restricted by a unique perimeter rule set by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. In the 1950s, flights were limited to a 2,000-mile radius, which was reduced to 1,500 miles in the 1980s, effectively barring transcontinental flights from LGA.
Although recent renovations at LGA spurred public debate about potentially altering the perimeter rule, New York State legislators have acted to preserve it. Senate Bill S311, introduced to codify the rule in state law, passed in the Senate twice but stalled in the Assembly in both 2021 and 2023. If passed, the legislation would preserve the 1,500-mile perimeter while exempting Denver and allowing Saturday-only flights beyond the perimeter. Delta, Frontier, Southwest, and United currently operate flights from LGA to Denver, while the only Saturday-only routes are Delta’s flight to Salt Lake City and American’s to Aruba.
Final Thoughts
Perimeter rules are a fascinating aspect of U.S. aviation policy, offering insight into how regulatory and market forces influence the air travel experience. From Love Field’s Wright Amendment to the recently expanded slots at DCA and New York’s legislative efforts to codify the LGA perimeter rule, these policies are constantly evolving.
The future of perimeter restrictions at DAL, DCA, and LGA reflects broader trends in aviation and may lead to more changes. Whether expanding to meet demand or adapting to preserve nearby airports, these rules illustrate the dynamic forces at play in U.S. air travel.
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
Cover Photo “LaGuardia Airport” by redlegsfan21 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
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