MBM3,

I know this will seem strange, but I actually heard about this specifically. A few nights ago, I was on CO 10 (read: lots of time to stand around and bother the FA's), and one of the FA's mentioned that many, many, many of the CLE-based 737 runs would be downsized to ERJ status, including some very popular and full flights. Somehow, she actually mentioned, "For instance, there is a 6:30 DCA flight that is a virtual sell-out, and even that is becoming an ERJ." She often works ex-CLE (though based at IAH) because of family there, so she says she keeps up with CO flight ops and plans for that hub.

Well, here is some good news -- and I'd love your feedback to see if you've heard the same thing. She said that the CLE - LGW flight, a 757 for years now as you know, will soon be replaced by a 762. I asked if this was because of better-than-expected loads or higher yields, but she said, "No..." and sort of trailed off. Finally, she said that she was hearing more and more flack from pilots/air crews about operational performance and suitability of the 757 for a market such as CLE-LGW.

Obviously, there have been REAMS of discussion here on these boards about the EWR-based 757 flights to Europe, which are only marginally shorter than CLE - LGW. Still, even those EWR - Europe 757 flights (such as Berlin-TXL, in particular) are coming under fire from some quarters, whereas the CLE - LGW has been going for years. I brought that up, too (the fact that CLE - LGW has a history behind it now, whereas EWR - mainland Europe was still an open question) -- and my question was "So, why doesn't CO dedicate once of its very scarce 762s or 764s to EWR - Berlin, rather than CLE - LGW?"

And THAT question, apparently, DOES turn on loads: CLE - LGW has a more established ridership than EWR to Berlin-TXL. But here's my take: BOTH of my roundtrips on EWR - TXL have been totally sold out, both directions, with the exception of one no-show in BF on one leg because of a mis-connect.

Anyway, true or not, I thought you might appreciate this tidbit (albeit overheard from a FA on a long flight, which induces gossip as it is). I always appreciate your contributions to the board, even as an IAH-based flyer, so I thought I'd give you the very limited info I overheard. Actually -- and please don't flame me for this, anyone! -- it sometimes seems that CLE-based flyers get the short-end of the stick when it comes to new info, new flights, and CO ops gossip (but maybe that's a good thing).

Regards,
LawFlyer