Before even the first hint of snowfall, United Airlines said it plans to cut capacity on winter schedules.
The move is to better match capacity to travel demand and increase efficiencies said Chief Revenue Officer Jim Compton.
United plans to have 25% percent more capacity in the busiest month of July, compared to February, when demand is lowest.
"If we can find ways to grow our capacity in the summer at the expense of winter, we think that overall that is just the right thing to do," Compton said.
The 25% difference is about twice as much as in previous years.
During the downturn in demand in winter months, United will speed up pilot training and schedule more jet maintenance checks.
"You time your maintenance visits so you ensure the aircraft are available for the summer, so you do the work during the winter," Compton explained.
Airports that will see the biggest cut in capacity include Washington Dulles which will fall by 14% and at Denver and Los Angeles by 7%.
