Delta's Transatlantic Flight Reductions

[omegaet]

Just read Delta is planning a substantial pulldown in transatlantic service after the summer tourist season. Guess it is a smart money saving move for Delta, but will result in reliance on codesharing with their partners to get to most of these locations.

If you are planning fall travel to Europe aboard Delta, maybe you should double check availability.

kyshel probably has some additional insight on these moves.

[kapper]

Sounds like cost reductions in the face of rising fuel costs and fewer passengers.

[Mountie]

Sounds like fewer flights, fewer seats and an opportunity to increase fares.

Right or Wrong kyshel?

Maybe Southwest will order some of those new 787s and I can fly them to Europe without paying for my bags!

[jmbklj]

I'm a Delta FF and for several months now, I've been saying that Delta must have finally figured out how to manage and balance the supply/demand equation because on almost all the flights I've had, they been packed. At the same time, the fares have continued to rise without negatively impacting the passenger volume on these flights.

[bonniejoy03]

J....I agree. On our recent flights on United and SAS, all seats were taken! It was crazy. Plus, the planes have been reconfigured to have first, economy plus, and economy. Economy was VERY tight on the flights.

[LL_Travelfan]

We too noticed that on our return flight to the US end of June, only 3 empty seats are left. This flight announces to be very full - yikes sounds like a flying sardine box.....

[kyshel]

Restructuring schedules seasonally is always about money and personnel/equipment. Delta recently announced increased service to Africa--increased frequency, larger capacity aircraft to select cities, as well as changes like re-training pursers to understand the cultural needs of the African passenger, including beverages (preference of juices and pasta sides are now rice dishes)
Frequency and aircraft changes for Eastern European destinations are cut back every fall and cities like Cairo and Amman are currently suspended for obvious reasons.
Omegaet is correct about codesharing--it's in place for good reason--adjustments and easier transitions.
Aircraft and personnel are a huge issue--former NW FA's do not fly w/DL FA's. Bases like NY or BOS change their pilot staffing according to the aircraft they fly--can't just say, we'll change that route to a 757 from an Airbus330 without making an employee change. But, hey KLM has an airbus that's not always full 2 times a day in Nov..hmmm....
Logistics!!!

The summer loads will be high thru Sept. So, not fewer pax until later in fall.

[omegaet]

I'm a big fan of code sharing flights and love to use Delta's Sky Team Alliance members for awards.

[bonniejoy03]

I am just beginning to use this code share thing. Used my BA points for AA flights to South America. What a great deal!!! I needed less points to purchase tickets booking through BA than AA. (and I am going during high season.)

[kyshel]

we used our miles for Korean Air to get to Bali when DL didn't go into S. Asia. RT business class was 30K each as opposed to 25 in coach--what a steal!! That's the typical "price" of a a domestic coach tkt here.