I just wonder the logic of the 763 3 class on 917 IAD-SEA.

- Its only 11 seats more than the default 752 in the schedule (that hasnt been used much in the last 1.5 years).
- It leaves at 5:05pm when a number of other widebodies are making a turn to go back over the Atlantic.

On the other hand:

- They dont have the slots to open up a new Atlantic route or the economic justification to run another fight at that time to an existing destination, so might as well send it west.
- 11 seats is 11 seats more to sell
- I think they have been selling a decent amount of paid C/F as F has been gradually filling up (at least on Fridays when I fly it)

So, after the new seats, how does this change?

- The 11 seat differential over the 752 now decreases to <0?
- Will someone pay more for a C or F seat over the pond versus to SEA? I think so.
- They WANT to do more Europe flights and maybe the new seats will get them the additional $ to justify it.

The last day 916/917 fly the 763 is Oct. 27th, coincidentally when the new seats come out. I can only presume this frees up a slot to refurb another one.

In the past (2005), the 763 would only be used in the summer. Last year they kept it through most of the off-season with occasional regression to the 752. I would think they will do the same this year esp. with the new seat installs going on. When summer comes around, will they put the 3-class back with new seats? Im just not too confident of that.