As I've been booking future trips for Nov, Dec, and Jan I've noticed that (with a few exceptions to the schedule around Thanksgiving) AS has changed all of its flights from PHX to SEA and PDX to -400s.
This used to happen more in the summer months, but this past summer it was almost all -800s out of PHX. Now we're moving into the busier winter months and we're down to -400s.
Anyone (RASMGuy) know why the change went into effect? It makes for PACKED flights and many fewer upgrades
Programs: AS MVPG, SPG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Hilton Silver
Posts: 713
Quote:
Originally Posted by avmba
As I've been booking future trips for Nov, Dec, and Jan I've noticed that (with a few exceptions to the schedule around Thanksgiving) AS has changed all of its flights from PHX to SEA and PDX to -400s.
This used to happen more in the summer months, but this past summer it was almost all -800s out of PHX. Now we're moving into the busier winter months and we're down to -400s.
Anyone (RASMGuy) know why the change went into effect? It makes for PACKED flights and many fewer upgrades
Sounds like they're going the OAK/SFO-SEA route and reducing service capacity. Don't complain, you might end up on a Q400.
It also probably has to do with more Hawaii service and need for ETOPS planes, as well as (and someone could update me here) more ETOPS usage flying SEA/ANC, saving time and fuel.
Programs: Various bits of plastic with names of noble metals on them
Posts: 1,984
In addition, AS is flying 738s in new service to ATL, AUS and IAH. The planes to fly those routes and Hawaii have to come from somewhere- most likely, the ~1000 mile West Coast routes that could be served either by a 734 or 738.
It also probably has to do with more Hawaii service and need for ETOPS planes, as well as (and someone could update me here) more ETOPS usage flying SEA/ANC, saving time and fuel.
I don't believe they fly ETOPS routes to ANC. When I flew ANC-PDX on an ETOPS -800 earlier this year we were hugging the coast almost the entire flight.
SEA-PHX got a few 739s too. Not sure where those are going.
I don't believe they fly ETOPS routes to ANC. When I flew ANC-PDX on an ETOPS -800 earlier this year we were hugging the coast almost the entire flight.
SEA-PHX got a few 739s too. Not sure where those are going.
While they dont use an ETOPS route there are plenty of ETOPS 738s coming and going from ANC daily. Most times when Im going from ANC-FAI or to SEA and am on an 800 it tends to be ETOPS. Why? I have no idea. I believe the one A/C goes from HNL-ANC-FAI-ANC-FAI-ANC-SEA but I aint sure
As I've been booking future trips for Nov, Dec, and Jan I've noticed that (with a few exceptions to the schedule around Thanksgiving) AS has changed all of its flights from PHX to SEA and PDX to -400s.
This used to happen more in the summer months, but this past summer it was almost all -800s out of PHX. Now we're moving into the busier winter months and we're down to -400s.
Anyone (RASMGuy) know why the change went into effect? It makes for PACKED flights and many fewer upgrades
You're worried because they've dropped from J16/Y141 to J12/Y132?
that's 13 seats out of 157. Me thinks you're making mountains out of mole hills.
You're worried because they've dropped from J16/Y141 to J12/Y132?
that's 13 seats out of 157. Me thinks you're making mountains out of mole hills.
4 F seats difference doesnt sound like very much but it makes a heck of a difference for upgrading chances. I cant blame OP for wanting 800s. A lot of the 734s are in tatters with seats falling apart
Programs: AS MVP Gold (83K), AS BR [3 year renewal], Maika`i Card, CO
Posts: 11,089
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANC
4 F seats difference doesnt sound like very much but it makes a heck of a difference for upgrading chances. I cant blame OP for wanting 800s. A lot of the 734s are in tatters with seats falling apart
Programs: AS MVP Gold (83K), AS BR [3 year renewal], Maika`i Card, CO
Posts: 11,089
Quote:
Originally Posted by tusphotog
I don't believe they fly ETOPS routes to ANC. When I flew ANC-PDX on an ETOPS -800 earlier this year we were hugging the coast almost the entire flight.
SEA-PHX got a few 739s too. Not sure where those are going.
It seems that their schedule in the summer is putting the 734 on nearly all ANC-SEA flights too... kinda strange...
It seems that their schedule in the summer is putting the 734 on nearly all ANC-SEA flights too... kinda strange...
I cant quite see how thats going to work because they are going to need to shuttle 738s to ANC somehow to get to HNL OGG ORD DEN and LAX unless they are going to put 700s on the ORD DEN and LAX. Actually on a dumby res I looked up for near christmas time had a 73G on the ORD to ANC
It seems that their schedule in the summer is putting the 734 on nearly all ANC-SEA flights too... kinda strange...
Since they aren't really working on the summer schedule just yet they seem to put flights with a 734 on the schedule until they actually figure out which planes are going where. I am confident you will see this change as we get closer to spring time.
__________________ My thoughts here are mine alone. I do not represent Alaska Airlines on this forum or speak on behalf of the company.
Programs: AS MVP Gold (83K), AS BR [3 year renewal], Maika`i Card, CO
Posts: 11,089
Quote:
Originally Posted by AS Flyer
Since they aren't really working on the summer schedule just yet they seem to put flights with a 734 on the schedule until they actually figure out which planes are going where. I am confident you will see this change as we get closer to spring time.
I know... it was just something 'I noted' when booking travel in June/July (I know... that far out )
Programs: AS MVP (withering away due to insane fares), UA, AA, AGR, NPS passport, Costco Exec
Posts: 5,218
Quote:
Originally Posted by beckoa
It seems that their schedule in the summer is putting the 734 on nearly all ANC-SEA flights too... kinda strange...
Actually, change that from "nearly all" to "all." I couldn't find a single non-400 when searching last week for a multitude of dates for summer travel! I wonder if they're just doing that as a failsafe because they don't have it worked out exactly what aircraft they're going to be deploying, and it's easier to upgauge than downgauge. Just a thought.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tusphotog
I don't believe they fly ETOPS routes to ANC. When I flew ANC-PDX on an ETOPS -800 earlier this year we were hugging the coast almost the entire flight..
Don't forget that the increased ANC-Hawaii service does require more ETOPS aircraft to be positioned in ANC, so there is at least some need for ETOPS aircraft to be assigned to routes going to ANC.
Also, I've checked flightstats.com maps on ETOPS aircraft versus non-ETOPS aircraft, and in the (albeit relatively small) sample size I have, the ETOPS ones definitely do pursue a slightly more direct, offshore route than the non-ETOPS ones.
Programs: AS MVP Gold (83K), AS BR [3 year renewal], Maika`i Card, CO
Posts: 11,089
Quote:
Originally Posted by ANC
I cant quite see how thats going to work because they are going to need to shuttle 738s to ANC somehow to get to HNL OGG ORD DEN and LAX unless they are going to put 700s on the ORD DEN and LAX. Actually on a dumby res I looked up for near christmas time had a 73G on the ORD to ANC
I know... I'm on the 73G ANC-ORD in Feb... at least its in F
Good news... no stops... perhaps that was the problem with winter winds... not enough range on the 73H?
)
