Capacity cuts

Capacity cuts

Capacity cuts are deliberate reductions in seat inventory and availability by an airline in order to increase profits.

Airlines often reduce seat inventory by reducing the number of flights available on a given route, re-arranging the seat configuration, or using smaller aircraft in order to increase demand and boost profits by making sure more airplanes are full when they fly. These reductions are known as capacity cuts. The effects of capacity cuts on consumers are generally to make air travel more inconvenient and frustrating, with longer wait times and a higher chance of being bumped (denied boarding due to an oversold flight).