Seat occupancy lower

[Melburnian1]

On Monday 7 February 2022, UA870, the 1400 hours differently timed from the traditional late morning departure from SYD to SFO had nine out of 24 W seats occupied, 19 J from 60 available and 28 whY of 266. Its load factor was therefore 16 per cent, yet the USA borders aren't closed to us as.

Maybe given freight rates have enormously increased and perhaps partly due more passengers southeast bound ex SFO the return flights were overall profitable. Hard to see though with such tiny numbers northwest bound and high overheads such as tens of staff (including check-in and ground staff/contractors) required to operate.

At least there'd be plenty of staff to supervise uncomfortable compulsory mask wearing on board.

SYD - SFO was a route QFi planned to (re)commence by February 2022 but that has been deferred, perhaps indefinitely.

 

[Melburnian1]

On Sunday 20 February 2022, despite the USA being 'open' to us, UA842 (1120 hours SYD - LAX) has just 28 economy users among its 149 seats in that class of travel. That's occupancy of only 18.79 per cent: pathetic.

Freight and mail will help, as should Polaris class patrons, but hard to see this flight being profitable.

 

[Melburnian1]

Wednesday 9 February 2022 has UA870 (SYD - SFO, the 1400 hours) likely to depart with just 61 out of 266 whY/Economy 'Plus' seats taken, or 22.93 per cent.