United 2019 Domestic Network Changes -- 22 new routes, some reductions/deletions
#121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 14,891
We might take the morning flight out sometimes, as it may still work occasionally, but we’re more likely to do a connection now, either SFO or SJC - whatever makes more sense for each trip. Also mucked up our return from TPE next week - would have done TPE-SFO-CVG, where the old timing work well to connect. Between the choices, a stateside connection from SFO or all-day layover to the red eye are not good options, so we’re doing TPE-NRT (NH), then NRT-IAD-CVG.
#123
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: PHL | EWR
Programs: UA Platinum | Amex Platinum
Posts: 95
As an update for PHL-IAD, rumors from my company's travel geeks indicate that UA will bring it back as a seasonal flight. Fingers crossed! ^
It would only make sense to bring it back. Acela does PHL-DC in ~1:40 & PHL-NYC in ~1:15 (TERRIBLE O&D). Also, in regards to AA's similar short segments in the NE airpace that they refuse to cut, the airline has always been more interested in saturating that airspace with several smaller planes -- aka slot-squatting (intentionally under-using gate slots just for the sake of taking up space and keeping competitors out of the airport). So their LGA-PHL & DCA-PHL flights essentially exist for strategy, not profit.
It would only make sense to bring it back. Acela does PHL-DC in ~1:40 & PHL-NYC in ~1:15 (TERRIBLE O&D). Also, in regards to AA's similar short segments in the NE airpace that they refuse to cut, the airline has always been more interested in saturating that airspace with several smaller planes -- aka slot-squatting (intentionally under-using gate slots just for the sake of taking up space and keeping competitors out of the airport). So their LGA-PHL & DCA-PHL flights essentially exist for strategy, not profit.
#124
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 366
As an update for PHL-IAD, rumors from my company's travel geeks indicate that UA will bring it back as a seasonal flight. Fingers crossed! ^
It would only make sense to bring it back. Acela does PHL-DC in ~1:40 & PHL-NYC in ~1:15 (TERRIBLE O&D). Also, in regards to AA's similar short segments in the NE airpace that they refuse to cut, the airline has always been more interested in saturating that airspace with several smaller planes -- aka slot-squatting (intentionally under-using gate slots just for the sake of taking up space and keeping competitors out of the airport). So their LGA-PHL & DCA-PHL flights essentially exist for strategy, not profit.
It would only make sense to bring it back. Acela does PHL-DC in ~1:40 & PHL-NYC in ~1:15 (TERRIBLE O&D). Also, in regards to AA's similar short segments in the NE airpace that they refuse to cut, the airline has always been more interested in saturating that airspace with several smaller planes -- aka slot-squatting (intentionally under-using gate slots just for the sake of taking up space and keeping competitors out of the airport). So their LGA-PHL & DCA-PHL flights essentially exist for strategy, not profit.
For UA, IAD and PHL aren't slotted, so there isn't slot squatting in comparison. UA must have figured (when it cut PHL-IAD) thatt PHL pax traveling anywhere west can use the ORD DEN IAH SFO flights. It also knows Philly/Del Valley/Lehigh valley originating passengers drive or ground transport up to EWR, especially for international.
I suppose UA has to make enough PHL-IAD-international work but it knows PHL pax anyways will drive up to EWR.
Florida is no point, as ULCCs have that covered as the alternative to American's flights. e.g. no need to offer a discount PHL-IAD-MCO ticket. I suppose UA wasn't pulling enough passengers profitably on PHL-IAD-CLT/RDU/ATL to make PHL-IAD worthwhile. I remember seeing a PHL-IAD-PIT flight that was under $150 one-way and 3.5 hrs which is better than driving and lot cheaper than the $400 American was asking for a nonstop. If one is wanting the best, take a nonstop, even if it's on the competitor, AA. If one settles for a connection, UA figures an extra one hour backtrack to ORD isn't that big of a deal. e.g. an PHL-ORD-CLE vs. a PHL-IAD-CLE.
I suppose if it brings it back as a seasonal, it's for the PHL-IAD-Europe itineries in the summer.
#125
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: PHL | EWR
Programs: UA Platinum | Amex Platinum
Posts: 95
I would have to agree with many of your points...AA doesn't seem to care about O&D for PHL-DCA (DCA being a high-demand, slot-based airport to boot), so why should UA for PHL-IAD? I still miss connecting through IAD as pax such as myself heavily depended on connecting through there due to the hub being closer, more user-friendly, having better flight options, nicer staff, etc compared to the other hubs. For example, I just got back this weekend connecting thru ORD via Int'l, and that was a complicated nightmare compared to connecting thru IAD. Anyhow, I really think UA's depriving PHL with many connections to both East and West just by cutting the IAD route, and the remaining planes & waitlists for the remaining routes have been saturated because of that in addition to no fleet additions for existing PHL routes. Let's hope the seasonal route moves to becoming a permanent reinstatement. ^
#126
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: UA MM
Posts: 4,129
UA knows where their PHL passengers are going and how much they are paying. I doubt they care to operate a PHL-IAD leg if it's to connect people to MCO for $150. That's a waste of resources so just let them fly AA, Spirit, etc.. OTOH, to get them to FRA, ZRH, MUC, NRT, etc., yes, I'm sure they are interested in providing that link. As I said, only they know how many passengers have been doing that and when.
#127
Used to be MBS PremExec
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Saginaw, MI (MBS)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Marriott Titanium w/Lifetime Plat, Hilton LIfetime ♢, National Exec, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,722
PHL has become one of my most frequent destinations (4-5 times a year). I only fly UA. It was a PiTA taking the train up to EWR to get to Florida when I’d do a back-to-back trip. I actually wouldn’t mind routing via IAH for the additional PQMs, but it was often cost prohibitive.