<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by DJMeatBall:
I was talking with a Philadelphia agent today about how the usually-full DC9's to Memphis are being downgraded without any additions to frequency (net effect is many less seats). I've been on more full flights than ever, lately.
What's the logic in doing this?
My only guess is that this will be an excuse to bring on more furloghs and layoffs system-wide. Less available seats means less people needed to run an emptier airport. </font>
A drop in available seat miles combined with a smaller drop in revenue seat miles leads to a higher load factor.
In the case of the PHL-MEM flights, a downgauge in equipment on previously full flights will most likely mean higher yields on the remaining passengers.
The goal isn't to get as many butts in seats, but rather to make money off each flight by charging a certain amount to maximize profit - at least that's the way it's supposed to be when airlines are trying to make money rather than protecting/gaining market share.