February Bookings?
- Thread starter Schwanker
- Start date
Doc said:
February is bad anyway, but think about it logically. If you were a customer and were on the east coast . . . you'd know about the labor relations carnage that US Air is inflicting on itself. You'd know about the stupid statements from Bronner,
You'd have to be some kind of knucklehead to book on U if there were some alternative available.
Well, February is tough out of Boston *until* the Presidents' Day weekend and Winter Break for the schools in Massachusetts. But it's tough to get a seat out that weekend and coming back the following weekend -- and this is reflected in the fact that most of the winter fare sales only cover dates through mid-February. I'm flying out of BOS on Delta to CVG on the Thursday before the holiday and it already appears that my flight is about 1/3 booked (I can see most of the seats reserved as a Medallion member). I'm on a Song flight in early Feb. that already appears to be 60% full 45 days out.
Now, I would not be surprised if bookings on routes like BOS-DCA, BOS-LGA, BOS-PIT, etc. are really light even for Presidents' Day weekend since those aren't the most ideal routings down to Florida. But I do think US is being hurt by a lot of people booking away. Last weekend, US had Domestic E-Savers available to about 25 different cities from both PHL and CLT while CO and DL offered none whatsoever. Even if you can get your money back from your credit card issuer, few want to take a chance on ruining their vacations/holidays on an airline that may end up being defunct.
Until there's more certainty in what's going to happen with US (i.e. the IAM contracts are voted in *or* imposed with the judge enjoining a strike), forward bookings on US are going to continue to be weak. This is as much the fault of management for its liquidation threats as it is the unions for their strike threats.
Now, I would not be surprised if bookings on routes like BOS-DCA, BOS-LGA, BOS-PIT, etc. are really light even for Presidents' Day weekend since those aren't the most ideal routings down to Florida. But I do think US is being hurt by a lot of people booking away. Last weekend, US had Domestic E-Savers available to about 25 different cities from both PHL and CLT while CO and DL offered none whatsoever. Even if you can get your money back from your credit card issuer, few want to take a chance on ruining their vacations/holidays on an airline that may end up being defunct.
Until there's more certainty in what's going to happen with US (i.e. the IAM contracts are voted in *or* imposed with the judge enjoining a strike), forward bookings on US are going to continue to be weak. This is as much the fault of management for its liquidation threats as it is the unions for their strike threats.
firstamendment
Veteran
- Apr 1, 2003
- 1,348
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Yeah, let's cherry pick those routes to make our point. 
Forget Febuary, look at the loads for Xmas. I finish work on Friday afternoon and was worried I would have trouble getting myself from PHL-BOS and my wife from CLT-BOS. I checked a total of 8 flights (4 from each city) and ALL 8 had over 100 seats available. 4 of them had 140+ seats open. I know this is not the ideal time to fly for Xmas but it being a Friday and the day before Xmas you would expect at least 70%-80% loads. These flights were in the 20%-30% range. Huge losses of $$$. This is a disaster if you ask me. -Cape
ps, I am sure some flights a full so don't bother. The problem is in past yrs ALL flights would be full in and around Xmass.
ps, I am sure some flights a full so don't bother. The problem is in past yrs ALL flights would be full in and around Xmass.
US1YFARE
Veteran
- Mar 31, 2004
- 3,932
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Winglet said:
Well, I have trips booked into 2005 and I have flown a few times this week and several times this month. The FAs are STILL working hard and doing an OUTSTANDING job. I haven't had an unpleasant flight crew yet despite the uncertainty. Thank you, thank you--for still caring about your customers. Whether you believe it or not, it goes a long way.
firstamendment
Veteran
- Apr 1, 2003
- 1,348
- 0
US1YFARE said:
Thanks for the kind words. Just remember that we are a senior airlline and most of us have put up with US Uncertainty Airways for a looooooooooong time. Our pension, vacation, and pay can be taken away, but you can't take away our pride, dignity, or work ethic. I own those things and they aren't negotiable. Enjoy the holidays!!
Jennyann
Advanced
Thanks US1.......Happy Holidays to you and yours. Our F/As are the best and we realize our customers arent the cause of this mess.US1YFARE said:
For me - I have already booked 2 flights the first week of January and have some more january flights to set up.
Frankly, with the fare structure the way it is, there is no need to book so far in advance - I can find good (and sometimes great) fares much closer to the departure.
Frankly, with the fare structure the way it is, there is no need to book so far in advance - I can find good (and sometimes great) fares much closer to the departure.
........Just want to wish All of Usairway's passengers MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR..........Thank You for continuing to fly on this airline despite all the Strife that has occured during the last year or so..I'm just an old A&P/ Inspector that would like to see this old airline continue to fly....Just hope management/IAM can come up with something. Time will Tell.........
