Why don't low cost carriers fly over the pond?

[Fast Jet Wannabe]

So there I was sitting at work today under the varying shades of UK May sunshine trying my best to get a sun-tan :), (I'm a lifeguard at an open air swimming pool) spending more time watching and dreaming about the aircraft flying very low overhead on approach to Stansted then watching the people in the pool, and a question occured to me.

Most of the aircraft flying over today belonged to a one of the three low cost carriers based at STN, Go, Buzz and Ryanair. (I love watching the different coloured Go 737's fly over). These airlines, like queasyJet, all fly 737's and 146's to European destinations.

So why are there no low cost carriers flying large aircraft to the USA and further afield? Does the paying public not want a cheap seat to Florida? :) I know I would jump at the chance to pack my own sarnies and flask and jet off to LAX or similar for the half the cost of BA or VS!

Or is it that these routes are so competitive that the charges that BA and VS etc charge can't go any lower?

I really am interested to hear any answers wise people may have for me!

Many thanks!

----

Oh, and whilst I'm here, does anyone know why a Lancaster was being escorted by two Hurricanes over the same area about 5pm today?

What a fantastic sight that was, I think everyone in the whole pool stopped at looked up at that!

Happy flying.

FJW.

[Flap 5]

737's don't have the range. Buy bigger aircraft? That's expensive. High cost aircraft and low cost airlines tend to be mutually exclusive!

[This message has been edited by Flap 5 (edited 20 May 2001).]

[PaperTiger]

Well if you can find Sir Freddie Laker's phone number, give him a call. He probably has an opinion.

[JB007]

Sir Fred tried it in the 70's with Laker's Skytrain...didn't last too long, although reading his autobiography which I would highly recommend (Fly me I'm Freddie!) he seemed to do everything right, I just don't think the market was there and it certainly isn't what it is today..

In short, too much competion and congestion on US routes...besides, you can get a flight only to SFB with the charter carriers for approx £180 if you shop around!!!

------------------
Regards JB007!
[email protected]
Flight Ops,Crewing and Dispatch Moderator

[Airbanda]

>>Oh, and whilst I'm here, does anyone know >>why a Lancaster was being escorted by two >>Hurricanes over the same area about 5pm >>today?

Can only be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Transiting from base and/or between displays.

Based at Coltishall probably either to or from the Aerofair at North Weald.

Confirmation/Clarification anyone?.

[737-NG First Officer]

No Memorial flight over North Weild today, and I think it is a Spit, Hurricane & Lancaser.......easily confused in the haze of the Bishop's Stortford sunshine!!

Perhaps Southend?? not sure if that was this w/e?

Cheers.

[PaperTiger]

"you can get a flight only to SFB with the charter carriers for approx £180"

High probability of a bonus stop in Bangor too, apparently.

[Squawk 8888]

If you want a cheap trip across try Canada 3000 (http://www.canada3000.ca) or (ugh) Air Transat. In the winter you can go LHR-YYZ for about CAD $400-500, then YYZ to Florida for < $200.

(edit-URL)
------------------
Per dementia ad astra

[This message has been edited by Squawk 8888 (edited 21 May 2001).]

[Ham Phisted]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">Based at Coltishall probably either to or from the Aerofair at North Weald.</font>

Not quite right. Jaguars are pretty old but they didn't take part in the Battle Of Britain although 41(F) Sqn was there with Spitfires or Hurricans, I believe. BBMF is based at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.

[flyblue]

Usually Airlines make money out full fare pax. They use the "yield management" to try to sell as many full/high fare tickets possible in a particular flight, leaving just the inevitable to low fares. In order to do this they have to study the fill up of the routes the year long.
For charter airlines it is different, because they sell tickets in a different way (the Tour Operator(s) buy all the seats from the airline, then it is their business to sell it to the pax).
Well, maybe too simplified, but it is roughly how it works.

[Mooney]

Fast Jet Wannabe,

I read that the Atlantic is currently 70% over Capacity- you'll find that the seats are already dirt cheap- about the same as a return on Go/Buzz etc to some where in Europe- walk into a bucket and spade shop and you could pick up a flight on BA or VS for 170 JFK return. It can't be beaten!