Alaska intentionally flying FC at half capacity?
Just curious what the observation is for anyone flying right now.
I’m currently on route PDX-PHX. 16 seat FC. Only half the forward cabin is full, despite 3 more on the waitlist for upgrades. I was 1 of the 4 (with 9 seats open) and cleared about 2 hours from departure. I figured the other 3 would clear too. Both expertflyer seat map and alaska seat map are aligned, showing 8 empty seats.
I thought maybe they are attempting social distancing but it just seems odd considering they have no problem cramming coach passengers together despite planes only being 1/3 (or less) full.
Any other reasons those 3 wouldn’t clear?