Trying to Nonrev out of IST May 18th. Loads are not great-Does anyone know if the payload program restricts seats out of IST. Thanks

 

Probably. IST, ATH, are usually. So is FCO.

 

Recommend a ZED to somewhere in western Europe as a backup in case it gets dicey. If you don't use it you can get it refunded.

 

Just did a ATH. We got all NREV on but don't count on it.

 

When you do get payload optimize how many seats would you say are left unfilled on average? Are we talking like 10-15 or more like 30+? I know it varies on city and cargo load, but just curious if it is a bunch of seats just a handful.

I have seem some of the "payload optimized" warnings pop up on travelnet and the flight in question has 75 open seats on it.

 

I have prt with 50 open seats at mgtow. Unusual though.

 

It's based on certain routes that are typically Payload Optimized or have high bookings ahead of time. So the flight that day might be Optimized or might not be. Or a route that isn't on the list might be PO because of heavy cargo that day.

In my experience, when a flight is payload optimized, some non-revs might get on, all might get on, or none might get on. But almost always the initial estimate for cargo is high - so when the numbers (cargo, pax, temperature, etc) comr into load planning more weight could be carried. Unfortunately, it often happens very close to departure time, so the station might not have time to get non-revs through immigration, security and to the gate.

The flight plan will tell the crew they are Payload Optimized - an on-the-ball Captain will see that and ask the right questions to the agent/station manager and get on everyone they can.

 

I would like to throw my question in the hat... JFK-NRT jumpseat tomorrow. Any way of knowing if this flight will have a weight issue? Thank you for any help!

 

If you can zed to Turkish go with that. Two flights a day going to 3 flights come June

 

If you are a Delta pilot list for the jumpseat. You will not be denied the jumpseat due to payload optimization. The IST flight normally can go out with all seats full but that can change with runways in use, wind, temp and cargo and weather back in JFK. Never saw the need to block more then a few seats off.