"If you look at the big picture, we are better off now than we were (as a hub). It's almost a no-brainer," he said. "We have many more service options that are truly demanded by our community as opposed to markets that are offered just based on the hub system."

Still, the Journal report found some advantages in being a hub. Cincinnati had nonstop service to 130 cities, including Europe, while Nashville provided direct service to only 51 cities and had international flights only to Canada and Mexico.

Debbage agrees there are significant downsides to losing hub status. Besides having fewer flights (in most cases), it's a significant blow to city pride, and the community loses the prestige of being a hub.

Moreover, non-profitable routes will likely go away, and there's an initial period of one or two years when service levels may be down.

Economic impact

Then there are the jobs.

In Utah, Delta employs approximately 4,000 people, including about 700 pilots.

Fewer Delta flights would likely mean fewer jobs in Utah. Moreover, there would be fewer connections and, therefore, fewer passengers to spend their money here while on layovers.

That layover decline could mean less money for concessionaires and fewer jobs at Salt Lake City International Airport, home to some 13,500 employees, making it the fifth largest employment center in the state.

Drawbacks aside, the traveling public would likely see lower fares to popular domestic destinations at a non-hub airport.

"It might not be the hammer blow that some of your chamber folks might expect," Debbage said. "Of course, you've lost the prestige of being a hub, but for the everyday flier, you'll probably see some much more competitive fares."

Overall, the financial health of the region will determine whether it can survive after losing hub status, Debbage said.

San Jose, Raleigh-Durham and Nashville are all thriving areas that have experienced significant population growth in recent years. That growth, along with healthy median household income rates, has caused their airports to thrive sans hub status.

In Pittsburgh, which is losing its status as a US Airways hub this year, the loss may be more dire, Milazzo said.

The Steel City isn't seeing rapid population growth, and there are other international airports nearby, in Cleveland, Philadelphia and Columbus, Ohio. Also, Pittsburgh isn't expected to see Southwest swoop in anytime soon.

Still, the airport is putting its best face forward with a media campaign touting the increased competition and lower fares passengers will see without the US Airways hub.

Staying 'focused'