FWAAA

It's no surprise to me that UA is ceding the PIT-LAX route to AA. UA has never been a big player in PIT, but it's a former US hub, where there's still a concentration of loyal US elites. With the merger of US and AA, AA is the big player in PIT.

Although AA can never dominate LAX the way UA dominates SFO, AA has a lot more real estate to give it a shot (existing gates and future gates on the way with the mid-field TBIT concourse). With DL and AA duking it out at LAX, not very surprising that UA would retreat. There simply isn't that much O&D between PIT and LAX (224 PDEW in 4thQ 2013) and what little there is doesn't command high fares. PIT-LAX will sink or swim on the connections at LAX.

UA can offer those connections at SFO to PIT customers, so there isn't a compelling need to fly PIT-LAX in addition to PIT-SFO.

The latest available DoT fare data (4thQ 2013) showed that AA had the largest share of the somewhat paltry O&D (30%) at average fares slightly lower than UA.

With the much slower revenue growth at UA since early 2012 compared to DL or AA, it's no big surprise that it will concentrate where it is strong (SFO) and scale back where it isn't as strong (LAX).

Zappity

UA isn't "retreating" in LAX.

It dropped a route that financially stunk since day one and since AA took it over, has stunk even more.

LASUA1K

In a year, UA will only serve hubs, Hawaii Flights (probably reduced), NRT, SYD and MEL. I would not be surprised if NRT and MEL went away.

CO_Nonrev_elite

Or save themselves all the hassle and do a better job for their customers and not lose it in the first place. It seems the only markets UA can win is the ones they fly themselves or between hubs.

LASUA1K

I expect, LAX-SEA,YVR,OKC,SAT,AUS,DFW,PHX to all be cut within a year.

I think MCO sticks around with some California routes and hubs. LAS will probably maintain a few flights to funnel the MEL, SYD flights.

787fan

And what will you do if your Nostradamus magic 8 ball falls FLAT on the ground ?

LASUA1K

I hope I'm wrong.

kettle1

That's funny.

HAWAII -LAX-LAS also carry plenty of Hawaiians - they love to gamble.

LASUA1K

People in Hawaii are flying Hawaiian or if they really need to stick with UA they will be forced via SFO. UA gave up on LAX-HNL when they brought the 738-9 on that route. They brought back the 777 a bit too late. That flight is non rev heaven.

No need to connect when they can go non stop now.

entropy

NRT is still a hub(-lette).

I expect they will cede SYD, and possibly run MEL. less competitive, and they may run LAS... but seeing as its relatively low yield and they compete with WN, and VX on it.... maybe not without the int'l feed.

horse glasses

Going LAS-LAX-PIT on 8/13. I thought I'd try it out because IAH-PIT CPUs are impossible, so I figured this couldn't be worse. F is already almost half full, E- is completely full. Why are they getting rid of this route!?

UA-NYC

Just like ditching BKK, they can do SO much better elsewhere!!!

LASUA1K

Yup. Another SFO-ORD for a total of 18.

golfingboy

As a 1k, I am around 50% for upgrades on PIT-LAX. There are a good number of Australia traffic and decent amount of film traffic (most heavy in the summer months when big films are screening in Pittsburgh - currently southpaw is being filmed here, every year there are 2-3 major screening being filmed in Pittsburgh). My company opened offices in. Newport Beach, expanded our Centruy City office and we are going to open a office in San Diego. Running into Mylan employees is not uncommon (one guy was the head of international sales and a GS). This is a route that has a bit of a wild mix of customers, but has proven useful for many of us.

LAX is the easiest route for CPUs out of PIT besides the 6am flights. In other words, don't bother hoping for upgrades and if you get it then great! UA has cut close to 50% of the capacity out of PIT compared to 2-3 years ago, so naturally planes are full with upgrade lists 30-50 deep on mainline flights.

golfingboy

SFO is not a viable alternative for business travelers. The issue is not the route or connections, it is the timing of the flight. 6am PIT-SFO does not work as we need a 7pm option, but then that means all SFO-Asia connections won't work. Also, PIT-Australia via SFO does not really work again due to scheduling.

If UA adds a 2nd daily PIT-SFO it definitely will take some of the brunt from the LAX flight, but I doubt they are considering that option.