Originally Posted by
Dovster
Delta may find that not too many people are willing to pay for FC, even on trans-cons.
Yesterday, I flew LAS-ATL, departing at 6 am. As this was Christmas Day there were not very many business flyers (and hence medallion members) on the flight.
Y was jammed. There wasn't a single empty seat that I saw when I walked to the back. All Medallion members, even Silver, were upgraded and Delta was selling upgrades at $150 a shot -- and (at least according to the announcement) was not even restricting it to folks on K fares.
Guess what? Of the 24 FC seats, 5 were empty. I don't know how many of the 19 occupied seats were filled with Medallions, op ups, or non-revs, but I have to guess that quite a few were. I know that I didn't see anyone approach the GA when the $150 upgrades were announced.
(I had the very rare experience on domestic flights of sitting in the front cabin with the seat next to me being empty.)
On a heavy leisure travel day (LAS market), it is highly unlikely you will find many interested in upgraded. These are the folks that choose their fare 100% on price.
This market cannot be compared to trans-cons like JFK-LAX/SFO (etc.); I'm not even sure LAS-ATL is considered a trans-con (for marketing purposes).
If there was convention and regular business traffic, you would see first class 100% full. And, as you approach New Years, these flights are packed (I was even unable once, to buy into first class on the 30th).
Remember, nobody "really" wants to visit Vegas the time period around Christmas. (16/17th to 28th of December). It's been considered one of the most cost effective times to visit the city. It's also been a time period where a number of shows are dark; though, that's not as much the case anymore.