Originally Posted by UhhhKhakis

Just seems a little silly to send an empty airplane from a hub to an outstation, back to the hub again empty just for the completion.

Originally Posted by UhhhKhakis

Thanks for the responses. The rolling delay on the deadhead was actually on mainline. But what you all said makes sense, need the airplane there the next morning. The completion factor thing for the regional carriers makes sense too. Just seems a little silly to send an empty airplane from a hub to an outstation, back to the hub again empty just for the completion.

Originally Posted by Swakid8

Keep in mind, a lot of times there’s crew swaps at outstations well. There’s a big picture to all of this….

Originally Posted by UhhhKhakis

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way trying to stir any sort of pot here. United is always my first choice to fly on no matter what the circumstances because you all always treat me like I am one of your own. This is more for my genuine curiosity. I work for a regional partner (if you really wanna know you can look at my post history) and it seems as though lately United refuses to cancel a flight for any reason whatsoever right now. I saw at least 3 Express flights in January that flew with 0 passengers just so there would be not be cancellations. I was supposed to be on a deadhead today that departed at 1:30pm and due to maintenance issues, an equipment change, and subsequently crew issues is now currently delayed until 2am assuming they can get some pilots (it’s currently 0042)… just wondering if any of you knew the reason why delaying so long is better than a cancellation or an overnight delay?

Originally Posted by Otterbox

Not enough info given but top reasons include:

Future gate allotment at departure or arrival airport tied to usage.
Aircraft needed in place for downstream flying.
Aircraft needed in place for maintenance requirements.
Measured performance metrics include completion factor in calculations.

Originally Posted by UhhhKhakis

Thanks for the responses. The rolling delay on the deadhead was actually on mainline. But what you all said makes sense, need the airplane there the next morning. The completion factor thing for the regional carriers makes sense too. Just seems a little silly to send an empty airplane from a hub to an outstation, back to the hub again empty just for the completion.