I need to book a work trip for May 2016 from Detroit to Boston. Was hoping to fly Southwest (just because I prefer it) but choices are slim! That’s still 6 months away. Are they likely to add additional flights?
It’s true that DET- BOSTON is not a direct route and I may be better off looking elsewhere. But still surprised to see few options this far out.
Nobody really knows, even the folks at FlyerTalk; I wouldn’t count on it. For Detroit-Boston, I’d suggest going with Jet Blue or Delta rather than Southwest (or American or United). I think you’ll have a lot more options (and non-stop options as well).
Unlikely that flights would be added.
If you happen to be near an airport, or taking another flight soon, try asking direct. Sometimes you can find an agent at the airport who will be more willing to share information than via a phone call to their call center. I don’t know if they add flights…but I definitely know they drop flights! Delta has done that to my family 5x over the last 2.5 years.
Delta just dropped my daughter’s flight back to school after winter break. I remember now being warned about Delta. (sigh)
Airlines may change the frequency of flights seasonally based on historical patterns, but they typically plan those changes months ahead to coordinate takeoff/landing slot utilization, aircraft, and staffing.
Airlines might also substitute a larger plane to accommodate special events.
While they can drop a flight ad hoc, it’s more difficult to add a flight ad hoc because they are limited by the number of staff, aircraft, and contractual takeoff/landing slots at a given airport. Airlines don’t keep a lot of extra planes. A plane that’s not flying is a large, expensive paperweight that’s not earning.
FYI. “Direct” doesn’t mean the same thing as “nonstop”. “Nonstop” means just that: there’s no stopping. “Direct” means you don’t change planes at an intermediate stop.
@GMTplus7, when I say that, my husband always points out that non-stops do stop once :). If not, you’re in big trouble.