Half full to full flight within 24hours?
Nov 1, 2018, 2:25 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 845
Half full to full flight within 24hours?
I am due to fly UA927 (FRA-SFO) tomorrow 11/2. Leading up to the flight, and even earlier today Y was wide open, maybe around 60% full. But as the flight got within 24 hours of departure, most seats became suddenly occupied, especially in the regular Y-section. Did the flight suddenly become that busy, or is UA just blocking off seats?
Nov 1, 2018, 2:29 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
Programs: UA 1K, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Formerly Starbucks Gold
Posts: 3,525
Probably neither, lots of people never had assigned seats and are now checking in and being assigned seats, which is what you're seeing.
With FRA being a major *A hub, lots of people could have booked with other carriers. Most people aren't like us.
With FRA being a major *A hub, lots of people could have booked with other carriers. Most people aren't like us.
Nov 1, 2018, 2:30 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 21,369
I am due to fly UA927 (FRA-SFO) tomorrow 11/2. Leading up to the flight, and even earlier today Y was wide open, maybe around 60% full. But as the flight got within 24 hours of departure, most seats became suddenly occupied, especially in the regular Y-section. Did the flight suddenly become that busy, or is UA just blocking off seats?
Nov 1, 2018, 2:34 pm
#4
Moderator: United Airlines
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Plat 1.99MM, Hyatt Discoverist, Marriott Plat/LT Gold, Hilton Silver, IHG Plat
Posts: 66,777
Tour / sports / cruise / school groups can have this kind of impact -- they generally don't do seat assignments in advance.
This is just one of those case that highlight relying on seatmaps can be problematic.
This is just one of those case that highlight relying on seatmaps can be problematic.
Nov 1, 2018, 6:13 pm
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
Bottom line is that seat maps only show seats selected and say nothing about whether a seat has been sold. Don't rely on them for any purpose other than their intended use, e.g. seat selection.
Trying to game out an empty seat is close to impossible.
Trying to game out an empty seat is close to impossible.
Nov 2, 2018, 4:18 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: FRA
Programs: Milage Plus 1K 1.3MM, Marriot LT Platinum
Posts: 99
Moin!
Wow PZ9 and 9 on pretty much all fare buckets. This flight clearly is not full. If you have instruments or miles then just upgrade, but I guess in economy plus a free middle seat should be achievable (easier when seated to the back of the section).
So long
-Ralf
Wow PZ9 and 9 on pretty much all fare buckets. This flight clearly is not full. If you have instruments or miles then just upgrade, but I guess in economy plus a free middle seat should be achievable (easier when seated to the back of the section).
So long
-Ralf
Nov 2, 2018, 8:19 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: IAH
Programs: UA
Posts: 603
I experience the same phenomenon with the upgrade list. I check in at ~T-24 and I land in spot #2 . And I stay there and start getting excited about my upgrade chances. Then the upgrade list inflates remarkably at T-2, and I drop way beyond hope. That meant some Premier Golds and higher checked in at the counter. What kind of Premier Member isn't checking in at T-24 to optimize his/her upgrade chances? And if they aren't obsessing over their upgrade chances, they don't deserve status! 
Nov 2, 2018, 8:27 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: DTW/MBS
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Posts: 3,525
Nov 2, 2018, 10:11 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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I experience the same phenomenon with the upgrade list. I check in at ~T-24 and I land in spot #2 . And I stay there and start getting excited about my upgrade chances. Then the upgrade list inflates remarkably at T-2, and I drop way beyond hope. That meant some Premier Golds and higher checked in at the counter. What kind of Premier Member isn't checking in at T-24 to optimize his/her upgrade chances? And if they aren't obsessing over their upgrade chances, they don't deserve status!
Nov 2, 2018, 10:49 am
#14
Join Date: Nov 2012
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Posts: 3,477
Nov 2, 2018, 11:24 am
#15
Join Date: Apr 2012
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