Originally Posted by
alggag
Lower CASM (cost per seat mile) than a -700 plus with load factors being so high now they are likely leaving money on the table by not being able to accommodate as many full fare short notice travelers.
Larger planes is a detriment to frequency, and therefore a detriment to attracting business travelers. This week I flew MCI-STL, but because of the lack of frequency and poor schedule for the flights that do exist, I chose to drive the STL-MCI return. Having bigger planes with less frequency would make WN less attractive relative to other airlines and other non-flying options (driving and train).
BTW, there were 80 passengers on that MCI-STL flight (Tuesday morning, which was more like Monday morning since it was after a three-day weekend), having a 737-800 would have done nothing to enhance the profitability of that flight!