Originally Posted by
Firewind
I've been thinking about this, and supposing that it might be because of the different aircraft types (two-aisle planes plying the Atlantic|Pacific), and assumed difference in ability|resources to take care of passengers. But, strongly believing that we're going to see a lot more 757 ETOPS on near-TATL routes a propos of the merger, I think maybe this isn't reasonable. I mean, not just not reasonable as a hypothesis, but not a reasonable assumption on which to base the four-hour international vs. three-hour domestic policy.
Still wondering and asking.
My guess is country controlled takeoff/landing times. Just ask AA about times from ORD to China and what a bad time can do. Clearances over certain airpspace need to be coordinated. Missing certain time slot often causes a full 24 hour delay trying to get new approval in many ultra-long haul routes. Also recrewing a flight with 20 crew members becomes logistically almost a guaranteed cncl in many instances. Reblock the plane, and the crews all time out. Don't reblock, and you can save many more trips from going under.
Also from a passenger's perspective, if one is flying on a 12 hour flight, to be stuck on a plane for 4 hours is to be expected (not on the ground, but one plans on being on it for a long time.) If one is going on a 1 hour flight, one doesn't plan on being prepared for sitting on the plane 3 hours. You carry on different things, wear different clothes, bring less diapers and baby formula...