I'm booked in August SFO-CLT-DAY-PIT-SFO all in first with systemwides. This is my first trip with US Airways in several years - they comped me to Silver due to my status with United and I'm trying their product out.
What is their transcontinental service like in first? Outbound aircraft is a morning flight on a 757, return from PIT is a new A321 with lunch service.
What should my expectations be?
USAirGreg
Jul 23, 01, 8:11 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dll:
I'm booked in August SFO-CLT-DAY-PIT-SFO all in first with systemwides. This is my first trip with US Airways in several years - they comped me to Silver due to my status with United and I'm trying their product out.
What is their transcontinental service like in first? Outbound aircraft is a morning flight on a 757, return from PIT is a new A321 with lunch service.
What should my expectations be?
</font>
Welcome aboard USAirways, would you care for a predepature drink? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
I think you'll find that their service is pretty good. Most of the F/A on almost all the domestic trips are very very nice. They give great service, friendly and helpful. Of course you'll run into the F/A who should be running a prison sometimes, but that is on every airline (I guess the ones on Southwest just make a game of catch the prison warden http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)
I would prob. have not used my SWU for a transcon flight, but if it is going to expire, you might as well use it.
You'll find (unless they have changed this) the service on the 757 and the A321 totally different. The 757 will have their traditional serivce meal, and the A321 will be a longer more "enhanced" service. It has been a while since I did the 757 to SFO, LAX, or SEA, but if memory serves (and 90% of the time it does not), the meal service was different.
Their 757's are old..in fact I think they got them when they acquired Piedmont Airlines (along with their 767's)...so they are a little more "worn" in, but I actually prefer them to the A321. Why? Well:
1. Boeing is an American Company, and therefore I think we should support them
2. They have been "broken in" and the seats (at least to me) are more comfortable
3. I think there is more room in the 757 over the A321 (but not sure if that is accurate, but it feels like it).
4. The Boeing is a better ride that the A321 (Airbus' are more "plastic" and lighter plane than the Boeing counterparts)
5. The A321 is a very small plane for transcon flights...
I've been told (and if anyone can validate this), they will be moving their 767 to transcon flights when they get all of their A330's in service to Europe
Let me know what you think of your flights..I'd be interested to see if you enjoyed it or not. I've flown UA a few times, and every first class flight I was on on UA was excellent, and I mean excellent (but that was serveral years ago so that may have changed).
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote.
[This message has been edited by USAirGreg (edited 07-23-2001).]
phllax
Jul 23, 01, 8:27 pm
On a transcon, here's a snapshot of what you will get.
Welcome aboard drink when she takes any coats
Post-departure drink with nuts
Menu
Hot Towels
Salad and appatizer
Entree
Dessert/coffee/after dinner drinks
Lots of beverage refills
Snack about 90 minutes from arrival
Hot towels prior to arrival
Service on the 321 is no different than the 757, it just takes longer. The galley on the 321 isn't set up for 2 people, and the kitchen slave tends to be running very junior, as many senior F/A's stay away from FC on the 321. The 757 has a better galley for 2 people working it and it flows easier.
The first 12 757's came from Eastern, and the last 12 they bought new. The newer ones have movable reading lamps and better PSU's than the ol EA ones. The newer ones also have interior walls similiar to the 737-300 with the runner lamp right above the window, while the newer 757's have walls similiar to the 737-400 with the runner light up in the ceiling where the overhead meets the side walls.
chexfan
Jul 23, 01, 8:59 pm
Dessert= Ice Cream Sundaes! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif (a chexfan favorite)
There was some discussion earlier in the month about service on the A321. As phllax noted, a number of seasoned/senior FAs have shown their dislike of the galleys (similar to the A330) by deciding to not work the FC cabin.
The makur of deels had a horrible experience flying to SEA on the A321 while I had a wonderful one flying SEA-PHL. Yet, on my return, I was sorely disappointed with the service as I had a younger/greener crew up front. It was a complete 180 in service.
On the A321, I am sad to say that you will not get a consistent product of service (as of right now at least). I'm sure geo1004 will chime in next week after his BWI-SEA flight.
In terms of the A321 vs. B757 debate, I have to say that I prefer the Airbus better. I have found the seats on the 321 to be more comfortable than the 757's that UA or US flies. I feel that the cabin's freshness provides for a more pleasant atmosphere and I enjoy having a screen over every two rows of seats rather than one in the center of the aisle.
1- I don't care if it is an American or Foreign plane. (note- I live in Seattle and drive a foreign car)
2- I can't stand "broken-in" seats if I didn't break them in. This isn't my favorite La-Z-Boy we're talking about.
3- I feel the lighter, newer Airbus to give a sense of more area than the 757, that is, if there is any difference at all.
4- I find the A321 to be a quieter ride than the B757
5- The A321 is the largest member of the A32x series. If 320s and 319s were OK for trans-cons earlier, how come this one isn't alright now? Plus, I believe there are 14 more seats on the A321 vs. the B757. I don't see how this could be considered "small".
The one slightly negative thing I can point out about the A321 is the footspace on the window seat. There's just some box there which causes a slight discomfort. But then again, my legs are most likely longer than most everyone else's.
USAirGreg
Jul 23, 01, 9:39 pm
Originally posted by chexfan:...
You are correct Chexfan...I was thinking about the A319, not the A321 in the size of the plane.
Maybe it is a personal preference...but I don't like the seats of the Airbus...they are too egronomic (sp??) for me...and I just don't like they way they recline...
I do think the boeing is a better ride though, not sure about the noise, they both sound similar to me, but then i'm usually up in the front away from the engines, and I also believe there is more room between the seats and the seats recline more...but again, maybe that is because they break http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
I did not realize those came from Eastern Airlines... They were my very first carrier and I love them..they were always so nice..but that is a southern carrier for you.... the people are still nice in the south.
The galley thing makes some what sense, but maybe i was riding the 757 during the transition, but I know that their A3xx is a longer and seems to be a more "enhanced" service. I like to eat and go to sleep and wake up in my destination.
I try to stand w/the motto: If it ain't a boeing, i ain't going http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
[This message has been edited by USAirGreg (edited 07-23-2001).]
BWI2MCO97
Jul 23, 01, 10:26 pm
Here's some info on the capacity A321 v. B757
A321 143/Y + 26/F = 169
B757 158/Y + 24/F = 182
ITRADE
Jul 23, 01, 10:33 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by USAirGreg:
Their 757's are old..in fact I think they got them when they acquired Piedmont Airlines (along with their 767's)...so they are a little more "worn" in, but I actually prefer them to the A321. Why? Well:</font>
I'm not sure if they came from Piedmont or not. Some are older birds - they came from Eastern and one of them is the first commercial production 757. However, the VAST majority of the 757s were delivered between 1993 and 1995 - well after Piedmont.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by USAirGreg:
2. They have been "broken in" and the seats (at least to me) are more comfortable
3. I think there is more room in the 757 over the A321 (but not sure if that is accurate, but it feels like it).
4. The Boeing is a better ride that the A321 (Airbus' are more "plastic" and lighter plane than the Boeing counterparts)
5. The A321 is a very small plane for transcon flights...</font>
I agree that the 757s have been broken in. Broken in to the point that there are pen markings all over the back of the seats. I prefer the LCD screens of the A-321. I actually find that the A321 seats are wider. The usairways.com web site agrees with me (21" v. 20.2"on the 757). As to size, I think the difference is minimal The 757s have 182 seats. The A-321s have 169 seats. That's a difference of about two rows.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by USAirGreg:
I've been told (and if anyone can validate this), they will be moving their 767 to transcon flights when they get all of their A330's in service to Europe
</font>
This is a BIG if - dependent upon a failure of the merger and concerted effort by Wolf and Gangbang to actually operate the airline.
USAirGreg
Jul 23, 01, 11:52 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ITRADE:
I agree that the 757s have been broken in. Broken in to the point that there are pen markings all over the back of the seats. I prefer the LCD screens of the A-321. I actually find that the A321 seats are wider</font>
Well, I agree that their are pen marks on the back of the seats, but I've already seen the A319's, A320's and the A321's with pen marks on the back of the seats.... It is very sad that people can't take care of other people's property. What is even more of a shame is people who place their feet on the bulkheads. Leaving black marks on the walls... Now I know these same preferred memebers would not put their shoes on their own furniture at home...or perhaps they would now I come to think of it. Kind of sad that people act this way in public. The LCD's are nice, but I prefer to bring my own DVD player with me and watch my own movies.
I guess it is all perception, I just feel the seats are wider in the 757, but according to your info they are not... eitherway, I get there in comfort.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ITRADE:
This is a BIG if - dependent upon a failure of the merger and concerted effort by Wolf and Gangbang to actually operate the airline. </font>
I'll leave that whole subject alone
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
[This message has been edited by USAirGreg (edited 07-23-2001).]
deelmakur
Jul 24, 01, 1:13 am
Depends on the crew. Some really enjoy doing the service, but others get overwhelmed by the ratio of 2 F/A's for 24 pax. Since one F/A has to run the galley, there is typically only one person doing the actual service. That's tough, and it gets tougher on the A321, which has 26 in First (and apparently a less convenient galley to work in). Often they don't bother with menus, only make one pass with breads, and don't drink your wine too fast, because you may not get a refill until after dinner. All this sounds petty, but the topic is an academic one, and these are merely responses. We presumably aren't flying these for the cuisine. USAirways F class service is equal to, or better than the other majors. Like all of them, actual meal services have been systematically reduced. A transcon breakfast several years ago had enough silverware alone to sink a battleship. Today, that meal is indistinguishable from a short haul (e.g. Philly to Florida)...and be wary of where you sit if you care what you eat. Like all the airlines, they don't over cater, and a row or two can make the difference between a nice hot omlette and cold cereal and a banana (or that filet, if it's dinner time).Gone is the smoked salmon appetizer at breakfast , and the Swiss chocolate just before landing. Also, US1's no longer receive first choice, and poultry abounds. By my reckoning, thanks to these guys, there can't be a chicken left standing in Pennsylvania or North Carolina!
USAirGreg
Jul 24, 01, 1:33 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by deelmakur:
... Also, US1's no longer receive first choice, and poultry abounds. By my reckoning, thanks to these guys, there can't be a chicken left standing in Pennsylvania or North Carolina!</font>
Amen to that....I've had that cold chix plate way too many times...but I am very thankful when I take that red-eye from LAX or SFO back home..then there is nothing more yummy than that the cold chix plate -- yum yum....
They still have Georgia and Tennessee...so at best they have 2 or 3 more years left of chicken plucking before they have to switch to something else.
Sat back in coach any time in the past year? Have you seen the brick snack? It is a waste of space. They'd save fuel just not loading it on the plane. I got stuck in coach not too long ago. The F/A came thru and asked me if I'd like the snack. I hesitated a few seconds and noticed that NO one was taking one. I thought it strange. I said sure. She replied "Are you sure, not many people like them"... now I was very curious. She kind of snickered and went on, not "selling" many of these..when I opened it up, I found out why... it contained: 1 pack of crackers (2 total), one slice of cheese, 3 grapes, and a tiny snicker bar (smaller than the kind you give out at halloween), oh, and a little tiny plastic spreader for the cheese and a napkin. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif I thought to myself, what a complete waste. They should save the money and the fuel to carry it, and hand out double the designer Kenneth Cole snack mix. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
Thanks for the helpful information - I'm looking forward to trying US Airways again. Used to fly them exclusively before moving to the west coast.
Normally I would use systemwides to upgrade an international itinerary (in this case, it would have to be transatlantic) but all of my international trips are either
A) free/award tickets or
B) paid by my employer who struck deals with United and Lufthansa so no chance to use them there
Will post a trip report when I return...
LEB
Jul 24, 01, 5:10 pm
It's a bit of a toss-up for me. Both of them have larger FC (than an A320/319) so you have a better chance of getting an upgrade. The Airbus have the airport for plugging your laptop in, which gives you plenty of free juice for movies or whatever it is you do with your laptop. I like the fact that you enter the 757 behind FC, which means you don't get everyone walking by like with a 321.
I like the "feel" of the airbus product and the seats are comfortable. I wish *all* of these airplanes had some sort of foot rest so I don't have to scuff my inky shoes on the back of the seat... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
I hadn't flown a 757 for a while until my most recent "run" which ended up with three 757 flights, which is covered a little in my latest trip report (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum81/HTML/001992.html) (warning: it's quite long)
The tv screens on the 757 stink, plain and simple. They are old vacuum tube screens and their screen adjustments (convergence, hue, sharpness, you name it...) are all out of whack. Sometimes you'll have to watch the movie on the most uncomfortable screen just because the other one makes your eyes cross.
vtflyer
Jul 24, 01, 5:46 pm
So here is another question. I am flying F from Lax next week on a 767... The seats look marginally bigger then a 737 coach seat, although they go back much further. What do people think about the F in a 767.
PS I like the arm rest in a 321 better.. Easier to hold the cocktails....
BizJet
Jul 24, 01, 8:05 pm
The seats in the 767 can't even begin to compare with any narrowbody aircraft! Remember that the seats in the 767 are Envoy Class even though it is sold as First Class on domestic flights. The width is probably the same, but you'll have just under five feet of pitch (55 in or so), 160o recline, and a good leg and foot rest, so you have the full sleeper seat. There is also a personal television monitor at each seats armrest. I'd take the 767 over any other transcon aircraft choice (the 330 doesn't fly transcon).
eurousair
Jul 24, 01, 11:28 pm
The Envoy seats in the B 767 are way better than any domestic first class seat.
Much more room and whenever you can grab a domestic B 767 that is the way to go.
The B 767 has been for over 10 years US Airways transatlantic workhorse and the same seat which works the 9 or 10 hours over the atlantic is great for the coast to coast hop.
BillMorrow
Jul 25, 01, 6:15 am
vtflyer,
Welcome to our bit of cyberspace.
PHL
Jul 25, 01, 6:29 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by vtflyer:
So here is another question. I am flying F from Lax next week on a 767....</font>
What transcon routes is US flying a 767 with?
RiceGradStudent
Jul 25, 01, 7:05 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PHL:
What transcon routes is US flying a 767 with?</font>
US48 is LAX-PIT with an Envoy cabin for domestic F. The flight continues to CDG.
I think it'd be really sweet if all the 767s configured with Envoy got moved to transcons. After two flights in Enovy, I felt cramped in domestic first.
USAirGreg
Jul 25, 01, 7:13 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RiceGradStudent:
Originally posted by PHL:
What transcon routes is US flying a 767 with?</font>
US48 is LAX-PIT with an Envoy cabin for domestic F. The flight continues to CDG.
I think it'd be really sweet if all the 767s configured with Envoy got moved to transcons. After two flights in Enovy, I felt cramped in domestic first.
Was a rumor someone told me at USAirways. Once they complete their A333 equipment to Europe, they are planning on moving their 767 to transcon. I think (could be wrong), but these are the same 767 Piedmont used for transcons too
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PHL:
What transcon routes is US flying a 767 with?</font>
Again, this is just a rumor someone at USAirways Chairmans told me. I don't know if it is true, was just wondering if anyone else heard this rumor.
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by vtflyer:
So here is another question. I am flying F from Lax next week on a 767... The seats look marginally bigger then a 737 coach seat, although they go back much further. What do people think about the F in a 767.
PS I like the arm rest in a 321 better.. Easier to hold the cocktails....</font>
I was unaware USAirways was putting 767's into transcon service? Are they now? Or are you talking about a 757?
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"We are dimming the cabin lights to enhance the beauty of our flight crew" - Actual Quote from USAirways F/A: CLT-BNA.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by USAirGreg:
Was a rumor someone told me at USAirways. Once they complete their A333 equipment to Europe, they are planning on moving their 767 to transcon. I think (could be wrong), but these are the same 767 Piedmont used for transcons too
</font>
Some of then were Piedmont - some were US acquisitions. Frightening to think that in '95 or so US considered getting rid of the 767s (planned on it as per SEC forms) to raise cash. What a loss that would've been.
If you want a yowzer, I'm going from A-330 Envoy class seat to a F-100 F class seat this fall...I will probably want to crawl up the walls......
chexfan
Jul 25, 01, 8:07 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by USAirGreg:
I was unaware USAirways was putting 767's into transcon service? Are they now? Or are you talking about a 757?</font>I believe there is a PIT-LAX-PIT route that is on a 767. There are also 76's that run CLT-PHL, but I think these are merely positioning flights (and not trans-con either).
Beckles
Jul 25, 01, 8:51 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by chexfan:
There are also 76's that run CLT-PHL, but I think these are merely positioning flights (and not trans-con either).
</font>
Actually, I think that's just use of the plane between international flights. There is a 767 that arrives CLT from PHL at 3:45P and goes back to PHL at 5:05P ... that looks like they're just getting it out of Philly for a bit and sending it down here (though it may not be the same 767, the idea is the same).
[This message has been edited by Beckles (edited 07-25-2001).]
geo1004
Jul 25, 01, 9:14 am
767's have doing quite a bit of domestic hops since US received their 9th A-330. There is a morning flight out of PHL to LAX, there is an evening PIT-LAX that overnights in LAX. And there is a PHL-CLT and CLT-PHL flight each day. All operated with 767.
BTW, US does little or no maintenance on the 767 in PHL... it is done in CLT. That's why there are the hops between the two. 767 international flights come into PHL and then the planes get rotated through CLT for maintenance checks, etc. then they either head to FRA or CDG from CLT or get bounced back to PHL to go overseas from there.
[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 07-25-2001).]
pitflyer
Jul 25, 01, 9:49 am
From PIT, USAirways used to fly 767s both to LAX and SFO. Usually on the high demand flight from PIT (ie the one around 6pm or so), so it arrives late into the West Coast, then overnights and leaves early in the morning back to PIT, usually connecting onto a European destination.
These are smart moves on USAirways part, since it allows people from the East Coast to get to the West Coast after a full day of work, and allows people from the West Coast to get anywhere on the East Coast in one calendar day w/o a redeye.
I see now that the 767 PIT-SFO has been dropped. Too bad..... But it is nice to have 767 to LAX. I'm flying US 767 service PIT-LAX, overnighting there, then flying AA 767 service LAX-HNL. A completely domestic itinerary on 767s is sweet. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif