American used to fly early morning from Eugene to Chicago via Portland.  They would park their 727 overnight in Eugene (it was cheaper than elsewhere).  Yes, you did have to make a stop in Portland en route, but you could just stay on the plane and in 30 minutes you were headed to Chicago.  Same routine on the return trip.  Maybe someone can at least do that again. Wouldn't be optimal, but it could be the start of something.