Question to UA folks re: flight numbers

[flyastrojets]

Yesterday, I was a passenger on UA 946 from LAX to IAD. I was listening to Channel 9. Our call sign was clearly UA 8144. What's the story with that? Does it have anything to do with 946 continuing from IAD to AMS? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[Booker]

Does it have anything to do with 946 continuing from IAD to AMS?

That'd be my guess. It prevents two flights with the same number from being in the NAS at the same time.

 

[767jetz]

Sometimes there is the possibility of two flights with the same flight number being in the air at the same time. When that happens the company assigns a "radio call sign" for one flight. You were still on flight 946 as far as UA was concerned, but to ATC you were 8144. The pilots usually make an announcement regarding this when Channel 9 is in use. Perhaps you missed it or they just forgot.

767jetz