What's the pattern of U space of SEA-JFK/EWR routes?
Mar 17, 2016, 4:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AS: MVPG, Hyatt: P, SPG: G, Marriott: G, IHG: P
Posts: 305
What's the pattern of U space of SEA-JFK/EWR routes?
So it turns out I'll have meetings at NYC on both April and May.
For April, I can see that SEA-JFK and JFK-SEA has U spaces open around my dates, and EWR is not open for U, so I booked JFK both ways with GGUs.
For May, I can see that SEA-EWR has U spaces open around my dates, but SEA-JFK or either return doesn't have anything, so I booked SEA-EWR with gold upgrade fare (ran out of GGUs) and JFK-SEA back (not gonna hold my breath for upgrading on this).
Is there any general pattern on SEA-JFK/EWR routes? When booking April trip I thought people prefer SEA-EWR because of SEA-JFK is a red eye (even with upgrade, a non-lie-flat FC is not gonna help a lot in a red eye), that's why U is available on JFK routes. But then booking May trip denied my previous speculation (not gonna complain here).
For April, I can see that SEA-JFK and JFK-SEA has U spaces open around my dates, and EWR is not open for U, so I booked JFK both ways with GGUs.
For May, I can see that SEA-EWR has U spaces open around my dates, but SEA-JFK or either return doesn't have anything, so I booked SEA-EWR with gold upgrade fare (ran out of GGUs) and JFK-SEA back (not gonna hold my breath for upgrading on this).
Is there any general pattern on SEA-JFK/EWR routes? When booking April trip I thought people prefer SEA-EWR because of SEA-JFK is a red eye (even with upgrade, a non-lie-flat FC is not gonna help a lot in a red eye), that's why U is available on JFK routes. But then booking May trip denied my previous speculation (not gonna complain here).
Mar 17, 2016, 10:50 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SEA/YYZ
Posts: 1,561
So it turns out I'll have meetings at NYC on both April and May.
For April, I can see that SEA-JFK and JFK-SEA has U spaces open around my dates, and EWR is not open for U, so I booked JFK both ways with GGUs.
For May, I can see that SEA-EWR has U spaces open around my dates, but SEA-JFK or either return doesn't have anything, so I booked SEA-EWR with gold upgrade fare (ran out of GGUs) and JFK-SEA back (not gonna hold my breath for upgrading on this).
Is there any general pattern on SEA-JFK/EWR routes? When booking April trip I thought people prefer SEA-EWR because of SEA-JFK is a red eye (even with upgrade, a non-lie-flat FC is not gonna help a lot in a red eye), that's why U is available on JFK routes. But then booking May trip denied my previous speculation (not gonna complain here).
For April, I can see that SEA-JFK and JFK-SEA has U spaces open around my dates, and EWR is not open for U, so I booked JFK both ways with GGUs.
For May, I can see that SEA-EWR has U spaces open around my dates, but SEA-JFK or either return doesn't have anything, so I booked SEA-EWR with gold upgrade fare (ran out of GGUs) and JFK-SEA back (not gonna hold my breath for upgrading on this).
Is there any general pattern on SEA-JFK/EWR routes? When booking April trip I thought people prefer SEA-EWR because of SEA-JFK is a red eye (even with upgrade, a non-lie-flat FC is not gonna help a lot in a red eye), that's why U is available on JFK routes. But then booking May trip denied my previous speculation (not gonna complain here).
JFK is an outbound red-eye and an early 7AM departure, which I can't imagine is especially popular with business travelers, except maybe Monday AMs. I'm assuming this is why there's plentiful U space to JFK vs. EWR, which is an insanely tough upgrade, even for instant upgrade coach fares.
Of course, the U pattern for May doesn't make sense, but revenue/inventory management is a complex subject I'm not qualified to speak about.
Mar 17, 2016, 11:41 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SJC
Programs: AS: MVPG, Hyatt: P, SPG: G, Marriott: G, IHG: P
Posts: 305
EWR is a premium heavy market for Alaska. It's been their NYC airport since they started service in 2002, so there's a history at EWR. Additionally, the flights are timed for business travelers so EWR commands a higher fare over JFK.
JFK is an outbound red-eye and an early 7AM departure, which I can't imagine is especially popular with business travelers, except maybe Monday AMs. I'm assuming this is why there's plentiful U space to JFK vs. EWR, which is an insanely tough upgrade, even for instant upgrade coach fares.
Of course, the U pattern for May doesn't make sense, but revenue/inventory management is a complex subject I'm not qualified to speak about.
JFK is an outbound red-eye and an early 7AM departure, which I can't imagine is especially popular with business travelers, except maybe Monday AMs. I'm assuming this is why there's plentiful U space to JFK vs. EWR, which is an insanely tough upgrade, even for instant upgrade coach fares.
Of course, the U pattern for May doesn't make sense, but revenue/inventory management is a complex subject I'm not qualified to speak about.
Guess I'll just call my May SEA-EWR luck and move on with my life
Thanks.
Mar 18, 2016, 3:57 pm
#4
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,633
the basic pattern i have seen:
far in advance, JFK is routinely available for U
far in advance, EWR is rarely available for U
however, EWR often opens up 45-60 days in advance if the cabin is not heavily sold (ie, if the cabin is less than 50% booked). JFK often shuts U down by this point because people have claimed upgrades into the long-available U space.
so, if booking far in advance, JFK is more of the sUre thing. if you are looking less than a couple of months in advance, i feel like it is more of a crapshoot.
and FWIW i think your chances on JFK-SEA are not that bad. i would say 50% or better that you get the complimentary upgrade, depending on the day of travel.
YMMV.
far in advance, JFK is routinely available for U
far in advance, EWR is rarely available for U
however, EWR often opens up 45-60 days in advance if the cabin is not heavily sold (ie, if the cabin is less than 50% booked). JFK often shuts U down by this point because people have claimed upgrades into the long-available U space.
so, if booking far in advance, JFK is more of the sUre thing. if you are looking less than a couple of months in advance, i feel like it is more of a crapshoot.
and FWIW i think your chances on JFK-SEA are not that bad. i would say 50% or better that you get the complimentary upgrade, depending on the day of travel.
YMMV.