United - Who is ready to fly?

[fisheye]

Hotels overbook inventory as well. It is based on an expected attrition or "no show" percentage, and is an attempt to maximise revenue by achieving as close to 100% or better occupancy. In the hotel business one usually has a backup plan to "walk" clients to nearby comparable accommodations in a bad situation. Kinda looks like a manager somewhere put the company needs ahead of customers and skrewed the pooch

[ckinchen]

Originally Posted by fisheye

Hotels overbook inventory as well. It is based on an expected attrition or "no show" percentage, and is an attempt to maximise revenue by achieving as close to 100% or better occupancy. In the hotel business one usually has a backup plan to "walk" clients to nearby comparable accommodations in a bad situation. Kinda looks like a manager somewhere put the company needs ahead of customers and skrewed the pooch

I didn't realize hotels did this but economically I guess it makes sense.

[Sightwindow]

It's my understanding that airlines operate on very thin margins. They have no-shows factored in. Sometimes they figure wrong and it's feasible - if a little uncomfortable - to eat some vouchers when things go wrong.

[ckinchen]

Originally Posted by Sightwindow

It's my understanding that airlines operate on very thin margins. They have no-shows factored in. Sometimes they figure wrong and it's feasible - if a little uncomfortable - to eat some vouchers when things go wrong.

Very thin margins, you are right. All of the major airlines other than southwest have been in bankruptcy at some point. Times have been good with low fuel prices for them the last three years.

[all star rod]

Originally Posted by fisheye

Hotels overbook inventory as well. It is based on an expected attrition or "no show" percentage, and is an attempt to maximise revenue by achieving as close to 100% or better occupancy. In the hotel business one usually has a backup plan to "walk" clients to nearby comparable accommodations in a bad situation. Kinda looks like a manager somewhere put the company needs ahead of customers and skrewed the pooch

Rental car companies do this to - overbook. I know because Hertz screwed me one time when I went to Memphis for a sales meeting.

Also, United sucks. Their flights are always delayed or you sent on the runway for 20-30 minutes before or after your fight. I fly them only went I have NO other choice.