TXL Loads
Apr 7, 2013, 3:57 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: W11
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 62
TXL Loads
As a regular flyer on the LHR-TXL route, loads seem to have steadily increased over the last few years to the point where it is now often hard to get a seat at any price if booking with less than 7 days to go, even in weeks when there are no conferences/film festivals etc going on in Berlin, and even when a significant number of the flights are on A321s. The 988 tonight was a case in point. Was curious to know if this is just my perception (e.g. maybe I am always just choosing the busiest flights) or whether anyone else has noticed this. LH used to have an early morning LHR-TXL flight that no longer exists which I guess has had a corresponding impact on the 990, but is this mainly because of AB joining One World?
Apr 7, 2013, 10:47 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London, Strathaven
Programs: BA (Gold). Various other statuses
Posts: 1,466
We flew back on the 993 yesterday and that was packed too. We don't fly this route as much as we used to but checking the website all the flights this weekend both to and from TXL seemed to be almost full. Don't forget though that the Easter holidays have just finished so that will account for some of the business.
Apr 7, 2013, 10:50 pm
#6
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,073
Lufthansa is about to cut its TXL to Manchester flights and reduce the numbers TXL to Birmingham flights. This may add to the problem.
Apr 7, 2013, 11:45 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MAN/BHX
Programs: ABBA
Posts: 6,027
I didn't realise there was a direct Berlin fligh from Manchester until checking in fr my London one. Always feels annoying seeing a direct flight when I'm heading via a 3 hour stop over in heathrow.
I was surprised air Berlin didn't do one though.
I bet prices on LH are high. Since Flybe stopped man-BRU, SN prices hae jumped, so I end up flying via heathrow. One time I actually got the train!
Why oh why can't Ba do at least short haul regional flights?
not exactly slot constrained, and I'll be happy with the 737s.
I was surprised air Berlin didn't do one though.
I bet prices on LH are high. Since Flybe stopped man-BRU, SN prices hae jumped, so I end up flying via heathrow. One time I actually got the train!
Why oh why can't Ba do at least short haul regional flights?
not exactly slot constrained, and I'll be happy with the 737s.
Apr 8, 2013, 12:34 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: BA Gold, VS Silver
Posts: 399
I've seen the same thing. Not surprising that there's more demand, given the ongoing rise of Berlin. It's become a significant tourist destination and there's an increasing amount of business travel there.
It'll be interesting to see what happens when BER finally opens and if that makes any difference.
It'll be interesting to see what happens when BER finally opens and if that makes any difference.
Apr 8, 2013, 12:45 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: W11
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 62
Indeed, LH generally seems to be significantly less busy (and commensurately cheaper) on this route which made we wonder if it was a BA/OW specific issue rather than just being about Berlin's increasing popularity
Apr 8, 2013, 1:21 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: London, Strathaven
Programs: BA (Gold). Various other statuses
Posts: 1,466
Apr 8, 2013, 3:24 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mostly UK
Programs: Mucci Extraordinaire, Hilton Diamond, BA Gold (ex BD)
Posts: 11,204
How's Lufthansa doing generally in the UK? I've not heard anything positive from them. Without BD and regional code shares they have lost a lot of UK connecting traffic.
