Whereas it is ALWAYS Good News to start new routes what amazes me is how Marketing continues to drop the ball with some of their decisions. Adding SAT and AUS are prime examples. Instead of utilizing a Boeing/Airbus/E170-190 on these routes (approx flying time of 2-2.5 hours) they will insist on using an A319 on a segment like DCA-BDL with 16 people onboard. I did a trip recently with 3 days of flying this route and with pax loads NEVER over 30....irregardless of the time of day. THIS flight belongs on a regional jet since loads don't justify a larger a/c. Those Canadair-700 and-900s are some of the most uncomfortable planes that ever graced the skies and I for one AVOID any flight on them over 1hour. The E170/175 and 190s are great airplanes and would be more suitable for new longer stage flights like this, "IF" pax comfort is even contemplated. It is great to see YVR added out of PHL but why didn't they include PHL-SAT/AUS even as a thru flight? There are so many missed opportunities that the clowns in Marketing continue to make.......MSY (to PHX and LAS, and LGA), TUS to the East etc. Many will argue that we don't have the a/c..........BS! We just use them incorrectly. When an airline has 9 Regional partners- let THEM do The REGIONAL Flying, not the Mainline. A flight over 1 hour isn't REGIONAL.......it can be PURE TORTURE for everyone involved.