Bear96

I haven't been able to understand this either. Every once in a while in the last week or so I check FlighAware or FlightRadar24 and there are tons of planes flying. Maybe the maps aren't quite as dense as usual but the volume of planes in the air certainly doesn't seem to match the dire headlines about 90% of (passenger) flights being grounded.

fumje

But do you know what that map used to look like? I have no idea.

I do know UA's schedule is far far below normal capacity. I roughly estimate hub-hub flights are in the 10-20% range.

txaggiemiles

I have a friend who due to work is flying weekly IAH > LBB. The route has gone to 1 or 2x daily (from ~5) and he says the flights have had anywhere from 4 to 10 people on them.

Assuming this was always served by an ERJ145 prior (it wasn't - sometimes mainline, sometims 175) and taking his highest estimate, that's 10 folks twice daily so flying 20 people total for what used to be 250 seats. Assuming the flights were 80% full before, that is a 90% reduction in passengers served.

Obviously very anecdotal but I think a 90% reduction in passengers (not passenger flights) could be accurate.

UA_Flyer

This was a screen shot I took a few min ago at noon US EST.

Surprised to see that many flights and wonder about loads of the passenger flights:

Bear96

Yes, roughly. I never studied it THAT closely but on a quick glance at the whole country looks *about* the same, maybe a little less congested now but not by much.

glbltvlr

Agreed. Collectively, US airlines have stated they have reduced US scheduled flights approximately 60%. Hard to reconcile that.

shelby101

Will be grounded until I can go to a foreign country and not have to spend 2 weeks in quarantine upon arrival.

FlyngSvyr

rThose maps posted are just graphic representations of a moment in time with oversized icons. Unless someone is willing to do more research into actual filed flight plans per day vs. the same time last year, I am willing to accept the US airlines word on the % of flights reduced. One other thing to consider is that the "flying day" has generally been compressed. There are not as many options for the flights leaving @ 5:30 a.m or 8-9 p.m. So a snapshot @ noon may look like a full sky, but take one @ 8 am & 6 pm to see what it looks like

The only anecdotal evidence I need to support the airlines #'s are the MANY unused planes I see parked on taxiways & unused gates @ the airport, as well as the very reduced options when I book a flight from A to B. There are clearly less planes in the sky.

Bear96

That's a good point. I generally only look during the day as a quick diversion from some work misery or other at my desk.

LReyes66

Got back from LAX Tuesday night so just ended day 1 of quarantine (mandatory 14 day quarantine in Texas). Avg incubation period to show symptoms is 5 days and up to 14. High anxiety while counting down days. Was extra careful with masks and cleanliness with constant hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes.. hopefully it pays off.

nachosdelux

closer to 95% lately.

https://www.tsa.gov/coronavirus/passenger-throughput

bhunt

Do employees count in TSA numbers? Flights I have been has been more non-Rev then travelers.

nachosdelux

yes. at the bottom of the link it states it includes Known Crewmember numbers, which would be pilots and flight attendants.

ccna101

Greetings: I need a plan B from SFO-IAD non stop ... UA 653 seem to fit the bill for this weekend.

How can I check to see which day is best ( seat spacing) to plan and book the fly ? It seem only saver or F seat available and I may have to take saver seat.

TIA,
-cc-

Repooc17

There are still lots of flights in the air because airlines are supposed to maintain at least minimum service as part of CARES Act. There are also tons of other flights still operating - e.g. freight, charter, private, ferry