Longer flight times

[trireme]

I noted whilst browsing for flights from Newcastle to Paphos in September, that the flying time is now 5hrs 5m, as opposed to the usual 4h 30m ( approx ). I can only assume that the " bean counters " have implemented a cost cutting exercise, to save on avgas, by pulling the handle back on reaching cruising altitude, even though the price of aviation spirit has dropped by 23% since May this year.

I can fully understand the reasoning behind the speed reduction, but still believe they should be more open, about increased flying times.

Regards
Brian Mc Inally

[Uncle D]

Actually have you ever noticed that quite often flights are landing up to 20 minutes earlier this is because the advertised flight times are artificially extended, this allows for delays and the airlines can boast that they have got you there on time even though they are late.

[71 Trans Am]

I don't think that it has anything to do with cost cutting to that sort of penny pinching extent many airlines list the travel time between 4h 30m and 5h and this varies between airlines and is only an average anyway as it depends on weather patterns, tailwinds etc – I could be wrong but slowing the plane down would be ridiculous.

[Kili01]

Brian, I noticed that all flight times appear longer now. Sure that you must be right. Even if aircraft fuel is cheaper at present than usual, airlines have all taken a big hit financially due to a long lay off from flying. So they must be trying to operate as economically as possible.
But sometimes aircraft benefit from a tail wind which helps to increase the ground speed of the aircraft to its destination! Which results in an earlier arrival..
Dee

[Princebytor]

I suppose the fact that they currently have a massive over availability in planes means that they don't need to 'over work' the ones they are using. However I always thought that the Paphos flight out and back was close to the pilot's range in flying hours so they couldn't afford to hang around too long.............might be totally wrong on that though !!

[Kili01]

Yes, you're right on that regarding a pilots crew duty time. That's probably why EasyJet for example try to do the turnaround of the aircraft at Paphos as quickly as possible!

Dee

[WHL]

Flying planes slower does save fuel, plenty of links on google

[trireme]

I'm aware of tail winds, weather patterns,pilots flying hours, and the P.R. stunt of " how good are we, getting you here early "but the fact remains that when you key up your flight, ( Jet 2, anyway ) it is definitely taking 35 minutes longer to get to Paphos from Newcastle.

[71 Trans Am]

Maybe it’s the weight of all those Masks, Gloves and Hand Sanitizers

[Uncle D]

I'm aware of tail winds, weather patterns,pilots flying hours, and the P.R. stunt of " how good are we, getting you here early "but the fact remains that when you key up your flight, ( Jet 2, anyway ) it is definitely taking 35 minutes longer to get to Paphos from Newcastle.

Why not contact Jet 2 I am sure they will help you with your question

[trireme]

I wasn't asking a question, merely noting an an observation, that I thought may be of interest to those that travel frequently to Cyprus from the U.K.

[Maverick]

Got an email today from easyJet advising that my flight to Larnaca on 1/9/2020 would take off at 1430 as planned, but would arrive at 1750, instead of 1740...

[71 Trans Am]

I think you got it in one Lloyd - That certainly makes more sense than the weight of the face masks.

[trireme]

I can only assume that the " bean counters " have implemented a cost cutting exercise, to save on avgas. Regards Brian Mc Inally

Avgas, kerosene, call it whatever you like, is generic name is aviation fuel, cheaper than unleaded petrol, going slower and burning less,saves money.


Being a little pedantic, I can assure you that jet a/c don't consume avgas

I can fully understand the reasoning behind the speed reduction, but still believe they should be more open, about increased flying times. Regards Brian Mc Inally

The reason for the longer flight times is likely to be more prosaic: delays at the airport of departure for all kinds of loading and logistical reasons. This buys the airline or tour operator a precious half hour of not being taken to task - and possibly penalised - for being 30 mins 'late'.

[mike strand2]

Ryanair are well known for this trick! If the flight is advertised as 5 hours and it leaves on time it will arrive early. If it's delayed and still arrives on time they get the brownie points. If seriously delayed it gives them around 30 minutes before a they become liable for passenger compensation. It's all about MONEY.

[PhotoLady]

The same happened years ago with flights on BA from Manchester to Gatwick and return. It was a trip I had to take regularly with my job when I worked for First Choice Holidays.
The 45 minute flight eventually went to around 80 minutes because planes were spending longer queuing on the aprons after being pushed back off the stand.
Flight time is counted from the time of push back not time spent in the air, so flights were continually being shown as Delayed to the arrival destination airport, hence the times getting longer and longer.

[trireme]

Ok sorry everyone, for not being politically correct. I used the term "avgas". instead of jet fuel. to be honest .on reflection. I wish I had resisted posting anything. its not worth all the flak from the keyboard warriors. lurking in the wings.