UA SFO-China, why not midnight departures?
Feb 18, 2016, 11:53 am
#46
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA 1K 1MM, AA, DL
Posts: 7,451
CA is the government, so any strings they are pulling on their own. Put differently, I'm sure United could get CA to help in exchange for having the USG give CA some additional opportunities in the US.
Feb 18, 2016, 2:11 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Increased takeoffs/landings will push the aircrafts to the limit. Given that it is a relatively aged aircraft. It is not wise to push that limit. (There is a reason why there were holes in 2 WN's B733 resulting emergency landings.)
AFAIK - UA always pushes for an early morning departure to SFO for connections, as most morning flights (except hub-to-hub), especially first flight, are not full and usually have the cheapest fare available. In that case, UA can preserve its valuable inventory.
You are thinking this in your own perspective. However, in order to understand the situation, you have to think in the airlines' perspectives.
I have been in your situation before (prefer midnight departure). However, the more I fly, the better I understand and the more I like morning/afternoon departure. You will have to experience enough to tell the difference.
BTW - if you don't like UA's schedule, there are always other choices.