USA320Pilot
Veteran
- May 18, 2003
- 8,175
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about as interesting as this
The 330 is going from 30 to 28 (yes, I know it used to be 6F/36J). I think most people are ok with a reduction of 2 total current J seats when they are going from 6 flat + 24 recliners to 28 all suites/lie flat. 26 F seats in the A321 was too many. I support the decision to cut back to 16 because they weren't making any money on full fare F passengers filling any good percentage of those seats.So, an airline that does not serve sparkling wine - even in F/C - on domestic flights runs an article about sparking wine in its magazine.
Almost as ironic as extolling F/C upgrades on airline that has reduced premium cabins in its A330s, A320s, and A321s.
No, it's not 1970. But somehow, as Art points out, the likes of AA, DL, and UA find it to their advantage to have F/C cabins the size that US once had. Is their customer base that different?
USFlyer,
While that is part of the equation, the same could be said for US albeit with a smaller international network in CLT and PHL. The fact is that on non meal flights the cost differential between a first class seat and a coach seat is negligible...perhaps a drink or two and a bag of peanuts or chips from the snack basket. In any case, US' direction is clear, and if it works for them great. For every captive PHL or CLT business flyer, however, there are quite a few who will choose the others over US with the small F cabins being a factor. Also, there are other aircraft, albeit smaller, like UA 319's which have only 8 F seats, as to CO 737-500.
People need to Understand that EVERYTHING comes with a Cost. Nothing is FREE. The A321 having 26 F/C seats was a total waste of space and LOST Revenue. Waay too many Upgrades filled the seats and there was little to gain. A Consumer's Loyalty only goes so far before the "Should've,Could've ,Would've" meets up with the "I Want, I Need, Gotta Have Ideology". It is VERY Easy for a Consumer To Make a Wish List of WHAT they Expect but often times the same individual becomes extremely reluctant to pull the wallet out and PAY For It. Many people have Visions of Grandeur on what they Like/Prefer/Need. The pillow/blanket for purchase onboard is a PRIME EXAMPLE. Now that many airlines Charge for them...........suddenly You are Not so Cold or you really don't need that pillow afterall. I certainly miss The Good Old Days like the Majority but there comes a time when REALITY sets in. And on the Issue of Sparkling Wine/Champagne Onboard......? "Why do people feel a need for it on an Airplane when THEY would never consider ordering it in a general social setting?". I have dined at numerous NICE restarants over the years and I cannot even recall seeing a glass/bottle of 'the Bubbly" served unless it was some SPECIAL OCCASSION, and don't tell Me all those Business Travellers are Ecstatic about Going To Work. NOT! First Class in 2012 is not and will never be what it was in 1970 and EVERYONE needs to Accept that.
While that is part of the equation, the same could be said for US albeit with a smaller international network in CLT and PHL. The fact is that on non meal flights the cost differential between a first class seat and a coach seat is negligible...perhaps a drink or two and a bag of peanuts or chips from the snack basket. In any case, US' direction is clear, and if it works for them great. For every captive PHL or CLT business flyer, however, there are quite a few who will choose the others over US with the small F cabins being a factor. Also, there are other aircraft, albeit smaller, like UA 319's which have only 8 F seats, as to CO 737-500.