Empty Seats TATL in Business
IB 6275 MAD-ORD took off yesterday with 16 of 40 business class seats empty. I had been watching award availability for this and surrounding flights since late last year, and nothing showed up.
Several factors can contribute to empty seats-late cancellations, seats held for late sale (at high prices), etc. Factors the other way include non-revs and upgrades.
This still seems a disappointing result for customers and IB Yield Management alike.