Transatlantic Flights Are Packed…In Premium Cabins

I’ve closely followed award space availability for years and have never seen a shoulder season in Europe quite like this one, with premium cabin demand seemingly through the roof in both directions.

A Busy European Shoulder Season: Transatlantic Flights Are Packed Once Again In Premium Cabins

My experience is anecdotal, but I still spend a lot of time looking at premium cabin award availability and upgrade space and have been surprised at how packed flights are traveling both eastbound and westbound on transatlantic routes ranging from Dublin to London to Frankfurt to Vienna to Zurich to Paris to Amsterdam to Copenhagen.

And I contrast that to July and August when I had a much easier time securing premium transatlantic space across a variety of carriers at attractive last-minute mileage pricing (or confirmed upgrades using miles). In fact, it was almost scary how easy it became to get cheap last-minute space on American Airlines…I began to wonder if demand was cratering.

The historic model has been that around this time of year, it becomes much easier to find award space on transatlantic flights. And perhaps as we progress through the shoulder season and into the colder months, we will see that trend return.

But not now…not lately. On the bright side, the flights have plenty of space: economy class cabins are wide open and economy class awards are cheap. If you have to travel between the USA and Europe quickly, you can use your miles or book on Norse Atlantic…and you won’t break the bank.

But those last-minute premium cabin seats have not been opening. I’m not concerned…yet. I don’t think we are suddenly seeing a coordinated effort by carriers from across the USA and Europe to eliminate “saver” award space at the last minute. Instead, I see when looking at loads that these flights are full. The ominous warnings of a steep drop in airline demand are not happening yet…

What has been your experience in finding transatlantic award space in premium economy, business class, and first class?

image: Air France