Light load TATLs
 

So I am traveling to LHR soon from MSP and have been tracking seat availablity on my flight. All of my trans-atlantic flying in the past has been during peak or shoulder travel season so I am very used to completely packed fights. What is surprising me is how empty my flight is! On an A330 there are 18 complete rows with 0 or 1 pax. It looks less than 20% full. Similar loads on the return flight.

I'm not sure, is this standard for flights during the winter, are we seeing effects of the poor economy, or is it some combo of the two? If this persists I have to believe that nice sale fares are on the way.

Remember not all ticketed passengers actually reserve seats because they are on group tours, of laziness or they dont know they can reserve them. And yes less people usually fly in the winter but I doubt if huge fare cuts are currently imminent.

MisterNice

Yes, I can't tell you how many times I excitedly viewed a nice bunch of empty seats while checking in, only to see the crush of people actually board the plane (crushing physically and emotionally).

Uh, that would be "...fewer people..."

Regards,


Mr. Language Person