Originally Posted by BayAreaPilot
With AA set to start ORD-PVG service next year, maybe UA is considering abandoning that route and using the slot somewhere else. AFAIK there are not any additional China slots up for grabs any time soon.
IIRC, UA cannot change its ORD-PVG right to another city. I am too lazy to search for the approval on the DOT site. Someone correct me if I am wrong about this.
Back in 1999, when AA was applying for China service for its planned ORD-PVG route, UA also filed the same application and lobbied pretty hard to fend off AA. When UA won the right over AA, UA used that right to start ORD-PEK instead of PVG. AA was really upset and filed a complaint with DOT. DOT, in its approval for UA's current ORD-PVG service, stipulated that particular right cannot be switched to a different route; it was only good for ORD-PVG.
Of course, UA can file an application to make a switch, but you never know if DOT will grant it.
Originally Posted by haddon90
i could see that. i've never been at dulles when the ana flight left for NRT, but i can't imagine that flight selling out everyday. it doesn't seem to be a popular market....IAD-NRT i mean.
That ANA flight is also a UA codeshared flight. I have flown it a few times, the loads were pretty good. You'd be surprised how many Asian government employees fly that route to the US when they visit Washington DC. Met three Singapore government employees flying that route for their visit to US government earlier this year. Sometimes Y is only about 1/2 full during weekdays, but premium cabins are usually pretty full.
I have only lived in DC for about 5 years, but I have heard this rumor every year from either FA, RCC staff or former 1K room staff.