US bound aircraft in hold

[tarbat]

Just spotted these two US-bound aircraft (AAL71, NWA41) turning round on hold - wonder why.

[Blackthorn]

Looks like they are on their way over the pond now.

[tarbat]

Yes.  I guess the transatlantic routes were getting so busy these two were put on hold.  First time I've seen aircraft in a hold above me enroute to the US.

[pilot_ngb]

Not something you see everyday.

[daelight]

Just to speculate - they could have been too early to their entry point (these are strictly set by EGGX clearence) but for 2 of them to hold like that, yes very unusual...

[BobR]

Spoke to a friend of mine today who is a BA 777 pilot and he has never heard of this before but agrees it could be due to a very early arrival at an entry point. Nice capture Tarbat.

BobR