Hi FTers. I'm doing my part. Couldn't resist putting more miles in the bank for next year's requalification for CP. I decided to visit all of the $29 GoFare cities in one weekend with a 2nd trip to Hartford to complete 5 new bookings and gain the 20,000 bonus preferred miles. I plan to bring goodies with me and speak with all the FAs, GAs, etc I can and give them a little something as they go through this tough time. And I want to support US and give them a little revenue. I couldn't convince Mrs. Dukeman to join me, so if any of you would like to join me for all/part please send me a PM and or just show up. I might even contact USAirways about this and see if they want some PR.... Can someone PM me a contact in US Communications or give me Deb(Your Fault)'s contact info? I had to cram this into the weekend of 12/18 and 12/19 as I am already traveling US next weekend on my return from LGW which unfortunately won't count for the promo as it was booked before 11/16. I would have started earlier in the day, but I am in the restaurant business and have to work Saturday am. Here is my itinerary:

12/18 -- PHL-PVD #1406 1600-1706 (A319)
12/18 -- PVD-PHL #1699 1805-1924 (E170)

12/18 -- PHL-BDL #1442 2210-2311 (757)
overnight at Sheraton Bradley Airport
12/19 -- BDL-PHL #577 0545-0700 (A321)

12/19 -- PHL-RDU #546 0825-1001 (734)
12/19 -- RDU-PHL #1238 1055-1216 (734)

12/19 -- PHL-BDL #1096 1340-1450 (A320)
12/19 -- BDL-PHL #61 1540-1653 (A320)

12/19 -- PHL-MHT #1252 1735-1853 (734)
12/19 -- MHT-PHL #1482 1935-2101 (734)

I even managed to get on 6 different aircraft types ^
For those interested -- $388 all in for a total of 25K preferred miles. 500 per segment + 20K bonus. And 30K total mileage.

Very impressive. And you managed to get 9/10 flights on mainline jets.

I'm thinking about doing the same thing during the first week of January, as I have off school through the holidays about Jan. 10. (Ah, the joys of working in academia.)

I'm GP by about 6K. 25K won't get me close enough to CP this year to consider it, but I'll take the 25K next year (plus the 10K BOA Plat Bonus). That will put me well on the way to renewing GP for '06.

Anyone else having such thoughts???

Very impressive. And you managed to get 9/10 flights on mainline jets.

Thanks. I could have done all of it on mainline, but wanted to maximize types.

Thanks. I could have done all of it on mainline, but wanted to maximize types.

What if a bump opportunity comes up?

Question. Do all the flights have to be booked seperately? Or can they all be under one PNR?

T

Better pray for good weather that weekend... ^

Question. Do all the flights have to be booked seperately? Or can they all be under one PNR?

T

For the 20K preferred miles bonus you have to buy 5 roundtrip tickets. Thus, five PNRs...

I've got $300 worth of US vouchers I want to use similarly over the holiday time (out of PHL, same routes, but on the 20th/21st). Do I have to call on the phone to use these vouchers? Or can I book online and hold it somehow then pay with a voucher at the airport? Or am I just ineligible for these promotions, being forced to book this way?

I got the vouchers from US after a three month letter writing/phone call exchange. A flight attendant gate checked my regulation-size carry-on without my permission (and told me after pushback what he'd done), breaking my digital camera.

Better pray for good weather that weekend... ^

You're not kidding. I'm hoping if the weather gets in the way that the fine men and women at the CP desk can help me out with some creative thinking....

This time of year is a light travel time for Karen and I. We only had one trip planned by the end of the year, but we wanted to take advantage of this promo. As a result, we spent some time this weekend flying between MHT and PHL.

12/4 # 967 MHT-PHL 0530-0656
12/4 #1270 PHL-MHT 0810-0943
12/4 # 183 MHT-PHL 1030-1156
12/4 #1264 PHL-MHT 1305-1443
12/4 # 351 MHT-PHL 1510-1636
12/4 #1252 PHL-MHT 1735-1853
12/5 # 967 MHT-PHL 0530-0656
12/5 #1270 PHL-MHT 0810-0943

All main line, all cleared to F at window, all in for $312pp. Two great days for flying. The only delay was #1252 when we (and everyone else in PHL) had to wait for W and Air Force 1.

We're going to LAS via LAX next weekend. For the two weekends, we should net ~31K status miles and total miles of ~41K each.

I think you guys need a hobby!! Or maybe spend time in bed ;-)

I have planned a similiarly-inspired tour 12/10 & 12/11 (details posted in US Rendezvous Thread). Here's hoping for good weather!

I flew similar flights this last weekend:

PHL-RDU, RDU-PHL on Saturday -- each flight had about 30 people on it (737s) and several empty seats in first class (so as Silver I was upgraded into them)

PHL-BDL, BDL-PHL on Sunday -- each flight had about 40 people oin it (737, A319) and several empty seats in first class (so as Silver I was _not_ upgraded into them the day before, and I did not bother to get in line with the gate agent to ask, so I sat in coach, each of us one to a row)

Even if half the plane paid full fare and the rest paid GoFares I can't imagine how USAirways is making money.. but I guess I'll make Silver Preferred just in time for them to go under...

This time of year is a light travel time for Karen and I. We only had one trip planned by the end of the year, but we wanted to take advantage of this promo. As a result, we spent some time this weekend flying between MHT and PHL.

12/4 # 967 MHT-PHL 0530-0656
12/4 #1270 PHL-MHT 0810-0943
12/4 # 183 MHT-PHL 1030-1156
12/4 #1264 PHL-MHT 1305-1443
12/4 # 351 MHT-PHL 1510-1636
12/4 #1252 PHL-MHT 1735-1853
12/5 # 967 MHT-PHL 0530-0656
12/5 #1270 PHL-MHT 0810-0943

All main line, all cleared to F at window, all in for $312pp. Two great days for flying. The only delay was #1252 when we (and everyone else in PHL) had to wait for W and Air Force 1.

We're going to LAS via LAX next weekend. For the two weekends, we should net ~31K status miles and total miles of ~41K each.

Nice!

Any strange looks by the staff as they kept seeing you? :D

Would there be an advantage to reaching the gold or cp threshold after some magic date, some say July 1st for the status to last until '07 instead of '06 or was I having a dream? @:-)



Jay, aka 1095

dukeman, I was planning on joining you for the entire goodwill tour, but it looks like all the $59 GoFares are sold out at this point. Now each roundtrip is between $106 and $136 all-in, a bit beyond what I'd like to pay for a segment run. Do the $59 fares carry a 14-day advance purchase restriction?

I should have booked these over the weekend but delayed. Ahh, just typical procrastination, wahooflyer style :D

Yes the cheapest fares have a 14 day advance purchase requirement.

Spiff,

We only turned with one crew in MHT. Claimed we were stalking them. ;)

The gate agents in MHT didn't really notice us doing the turns, but by the last flight acknowledged us 'regulars'.

Would there be an advantage to reaching the gold or cp threshold after some magic date, some say July 1st for the status to last until '07 instead of '06 or was I having a dream? @:-)


Status earned this year is good through 2/28/06. Whenever you hit status after 1/1 next year, it will good until 2/28/07. I've done it in May and in Nov/Dec - no difference in expiration date.

The only time I've heard of date making a difference is in comping status. E.g., if you get comped to PLT at SPG after some magic date, it's good for the extra year. I was comped in late May this year and it's good through 2/06.

I am having a hard time building something. Trying to build something out of DCA but I can't get a GO FARE

I am having a hard time building something. Trying to build something out of DCA but I can't get a GO FARE

I've been looking too. DCA seems to be a hard market to start a run out of, so here's some of my findings.

Not really GoFares, but FYI...
DCA-CRW $78+ RT with 14 day adv, no min stay

Isn't DCA-RDU like $98+, but has some min stay requirements.

If someone can find a "good" way to get to PHL from DCA via a GoFare market (RDU, PVD, MHT or BDL), please share the info.

If someone can find a "good" way to get to PHL from DCA via a GoFare market (RDU, PVD, MHT or BDL), please share the info.

How about Amtrak with Discount Code V618? :)

I need about 13K miles to reach silver. Should I go on a GOF (GoFares) MR? Does silver do anything for me? Would you do it? I do plan on traveling a lot w/ US, since I am based out of PHL, and travel a lot to FLL, plus will be traveling to Europe a couple times this year.

I need about 13K miles to reach silver. Should I go on a GOF (GoFares) MR? Does silver do anything for me? Would you do it? I do plan on traveling a lot w/ US, since I am based out of PHL, and travel a lot to FLL, plus will be traveling to Europe a couple times this year.

The answers are YES, YES, and YES. Details are on US site at http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/preferredlevels/silver.htm

It's worth it just for the advance boarding, the elite checking/security lines and the mile bonus on flights. Getting a shot at upgrades is definitely a bonus.

If someone can find a "good" way to get to PHL from DCA via a GoFare market (RDU, PVD, MHT or BDL), please share the info.

I'm just going to drive (from Charlottesville no less) if I decide to do a GoFare run ex-PHL. Or I may start out of RDU...haven't figured it out yet.

If traffic isn't bad, PHL is less than a 3-hour drive from DCA up the Balt-Wash Parkway and I-95. If traffic is bad on 95 and/or the parkway, a viable alternate is US 50 over the Bay Bridge to US 301 north to Delaware 896 north, reconnecting with I-95 into the Philly metro area. A bit longer but much less traffic and a 55 mph speed limit most of the way.

Well, I've taken the plunge. I am going for it. A one day GOF MR. I have 12,346 miles preferred. These 3 flights account for 3,000 miles, plus 9,000 bonus miles would place me at 24,346 miles preferred. Plus, I am taking a PHL-FLL-PHL trip on Dec. 14-17 (booked the trip before 11/16). So, that should put me over the top, easily. Here's my schedule (all on 12/30):

7:00A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
8:20A Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) US Airways 1171

9:20A Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
10:41A Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 171

11:40A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
12:39P Arrive Providence/Newport, RI (PVD) US Airways 469

1:20P Depart Providence/Newport, RI (PVD)
2:39P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 385

3:45P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
5:08P Arrive Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT) US Airways 502

6:00P Depart Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT)
7:26P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 1292

A 12+ hour day for me. I spent $231.60 all in. for the pleasure of silver.

P.S. No RJs on any segment. :D

Well, I've taken the plunge. I am going for it. A one day GOF MR. I have 12,346 miles preferred. These 3 flights account for 3,000 miles, plus 9,000 bonus miles would place me at 24,346 miles preferred. Plus, I am taking a PHL-FLL-PHL trip on Dec. 14-17 (booked the trip before 11/16). So, that should put me over the top, easily. Here's my schedule (all on 12/30):

7:00A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
8:20A Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) US Airways 1171

9:20A Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
10:41A Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 171

11:40A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
12:39P Arrive Providence/Newport, RI (PVD) US Airways 469

1:20P Depart Providence/Newport, RI (PVD)
2:39P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 385

3:45P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
5:08P Arrive Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT) US Airways 502

6:00P Depart Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT)
7:26P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 1292

A 12+ hour day for me. I spent $231.60 all in. for the pleasure of silver.

P.S. No RJs on any segment. :D



Wow thanks for the tip I am a CP who is about 9 segments shy of making status this year, so those flights are going to be a life saver. I have already booked those flights. If your interested I'll be happy to fly with you and who knows we might get lucky and have a few free upgrades along the way (CP can upgrade for free along with one travelling companion). Maybe a free lunch is a good way to return the favor ;).

Since we will have the same schedule it might work out well. I start out of RDU on the 29th, and then follow your schedule on the 30th and return home afterwards.

Here is my schedule below. If you use AOL IM try me at bison1847tdx.

December 29th
7:55P Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
8:46P Arrive Charlotte, NC (CLT) Dec 29 US Airways 529 K 04A

10:20P Depart Charlotte, NC (CLT)
11:51P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) Dec 29 US Airways 40 K 08E

December 30th
7:00A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
8:20A Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) US Airways 1171

9:20A Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
10:41A Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 171

11:40A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
12:39P Arrive Providence/Newport, RI (PVD) US Airways 469

1:20P Depart Providence/Newport, RI (PVD)
2:39P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 385

3:45P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
5:08P Arrive Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT) US Airways 502

6:00P Depart Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT)
7:26P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 1292

8:30P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
10:02P Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) Dec 30 US Airways 355 K 04F

All for a GRAND TOTAL OF $$338.40

Take Care!!
:)

Wow thanks for the tip I am a CP who is about 9 segments shy of making status this year, so those flights are going to be a life saver. I have already booked those flights. If your interested I'll be happy to fly with you and who knows we might get lucky and have a few free upgrades along the way (CP can upgrade for free along with one travelling companion). Maybe a free lunch is a good way to return the favor ;).

Since we will have the same schedule it might work out well. I start out of RDU on the 29th, and then follow your schedule on the 30th and return home afterwards.

Here is my schedule below. If you use AOL IM try me at bison1847tdx.

December 29th
7:55P Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
8:46P Arrive Charlotte, NC (CLT) Dec 29 US Airways 529 K 04A

10:20P Depart Charlotte, NC (CLT)
11:51P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) Dec 29 US Airways 40 K 08E

December 30th
7:00A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
8:20A Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) US Airways 1171

9:20A Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
10:41A Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 171

11:40A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
12:39P Arrive Providence/Newport, RI (PVD) US Airways 469

1:20P Depart Providence/Newport, RI (PVD)
2:39P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 385

3:45P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
5:08P Arrive Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT) US Airways 502

6:00P Depart Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT)
7:26P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 1292

8:30P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
10:02P Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) Dec 30 US Airways 355 K 04F

All for a GRAND TOTAL OF $$338.40

Take Care!!
:)

Nice job! ^ Welcome to FT, also!!

One word of caution though... some people have had a problem with itin's to the same cities get cancelled because the system thinks they have no clue what they are doing. You might want to keep an eye on that, as you have two trips from PHL to RDU on Saturday. We don't know how the system flags things, but you should keep watch.

Ahhh, I see all of you are celebrating my birthday with GoFares!

Well, maybe, just maybe I'll have to make a GOF run that day as well...

Let me look things over and see what I can do. It would also prove interesting to see how mileage would post - if it would post against 2004 or 2005.... :p

-JC

Wow thanks for the tip I am a CP who is about 9 segments shy of making status this year, so those flights are going to be a life saver. I have already booked those flights. If your interested I'll be happy to fly with you and who knows we might get lucky and have a few free upgrades along the way (CP can upgrade for free along with one travelling companion). Maybe a free lunch is a good way to return the favor ;).

Since we will have the same schedule it might work out well. I start out of RDU on the 29th, and then follow your schedule on the 30th and return home afterwards.

Here is my schedule below. If you use AOL IM try me at bison1847tdx.

December 29th
7:55P Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
8:46P Arrive Charlotte, NC (CLT) Dec 29 US Airways 529 K 04A

10:20P Depart Charlotte, NC (CLT)
11:51P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) Dec 29 US Airways 40 K 08E

December 30th
7:00A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
8:20A Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) US Airways 1171

9:20A Depart Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU)
10:41A Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 171

11:40A Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
12:39P Arrive Providence/Newport, RI (PVD) US Airways 469

1:20P Depart Providence/Newport, RI (PVD)
2:39P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 385

3:45P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
5:08P Arrive Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT) US Airways 502

6:00P Depart Manchester/Concord, NH (MHT)
7:26P Arrive Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL) US Airways 1292

8:30P Depart Philadelphia-Int'l, PA (PHL)
10:02P Arrive Raleigh/Durham-Int'l, NC (RDU) Dec 30 US Airways 355 K 04F

All for a GRAND TOTAL OF $$338.40

Take Care!!
:)


I just might do this run on Dec 20th. However, it will cost me a bit more since it is not in the 14 day window. I will have to drive from DC to PHL to get it though. US wants 580 r/t from DCA to PHL on Dec 20th. If I knew how to get around that one I would. The drive is about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. My total would come to $410 since I am not within the 14 days like you guys are. I am only in the USA for a short time from Dec 16 thru Dec 26.

Troy

Troy, you could always take Amtrak from DC to 30th Street Station in Center City Philadelphia, then transfer to the R1 SEPTA train which takes you directly to PHL. The round trip on SEPTA is $11.00 all in. Amtrak can't be too expensive.

Bison, I'll contact you soon. But, if you only need 9 segments for CP, you have more than that listed. Why?

This is true. All's I would need to do now is to find out their schedule for running times. Thanks for that tip. I will do that today.

Troy

Troy, you could always take Amtrak from DC to 30th Street Station in Center City Philadelphia, then transfer to the R1 SEPTA train which takes you directly to PHL. The round trip on SEPTA is $11.00 all in. Amtrak can't be too expensive.

Bison, I'll contact you soon. But, if you only need 9 segments for CP, you have more than that listed. Why?


Thanks for everyones information!! :cool:

I count 9 segments am I mistaken?


Ben

Oops! My bad! ;)

I'll see you guys on 1171/171 on 12/30! I grabbed 12C/12A for the coach seats and hopefully should get upgraded to FC!

-JC

Just out of curiosity, what are you trying to achieve on this trip? CP? GP? SP?

How were you able to get exit row seating? I was blocked out. :( I was able to get 9F/5A. :(

I'll see you guys on 1171/171 on 12/30! I grabbed 12C/12A for the coach seats and hopefully should get upgraded to FC!

-JC

Just out of curiosity, what are you trying to achieve on this trip? CP? GP? SP?

How were you able to get exit row seating? I was blocked out. :( I was able to get 9F/5A. :(

I've already qualified for GP this year, and am waaaaay too far away to go for CP (I made a run earlier for GP). I'm making the run as a birthday present to myself (as its on the 30th), just for fun.

Since you're a US4 you can't select exit rows until day of departure. US1/2/3's have the ability to select exit rows upon time of booking.

-JC

dukeman, I was planning on joining you for the entire goodwill tour, but it looks like all the $59 GoFares are sold out at this point. Now each roundtrip is between $106 and $136 all-in, a bit beyond what I'd like to pay for a segment run. Do the $59 fares carry a 14-day advance purchase restriction?

I should have booked these over the weekend but delayed. Ahh, just typical procrastination, wahooflyer style :D

Bummer you won't be joining us. I just returned from LGW yesterday. Great service both ways, all US employees were great overall. Only trouble was baggage in PHL -- what a mess. 1/2 the bags from our CLT flight hit the belt and then the belt stopped. We waited 25 minutes and then everyone went to the baggage office to file a report. I filed my report and we gathered our other bag and went to wait for the shuttle to the parking lot. 1 HOUR after the belt stopped -- an announcement was made that there was a belt jam and the rest of the bags from the CLT flight were on the belt. Most folks were gone already. US spent a lot of money to deliver bags last night. I got lucky that I had to wait for the parking shuttle or I would have missed the announcement. I couldn't believe that nobody made an announcement that there was a jam and nobody in the baggage office knew either. Needless to say there were a lot of unhappy people in PHL last night. This isn't what US needs right now. I plan to write a letter to CA about the great service and also the baggage issues.

I've got to work on the goodies for this weekend. Anyone with thoughts? BTW -- all 9 upgradeable segments cleared at the 7 day window.

I've got to work on the goodies for this weekend. Anyone with thoughts? BTW -- all 9 upgradeable segments cleared at the 7 day window.

Yay! All four of my segments cleared as well, and I just got off the phone with the CP desk to choose my seats. I think she was a bit confused "i'm showing 2 roundtrips that day..." uh huh. :)

As for the goodies, I picked up some holiday goodie bags, and random chocolates, mini candy canes...still need to work on the FFOCUS tags though. Anyone out there feeling creative?

As for the goodies, I picked up some holiday good bags, and random chocolates, mini candy canes...still need to work on the FFOCUS tags though. Anyone out there feeling creative?

Awesome! I'm definitely not the creative type, but I will see if someone in my office can assist. I will bring McD's GC's as indicated in a previous PM. Anyone else joining us??

When I arrived at PHL on the Nov. 21, there was a belt jam in Term. A as well. Thankfully, there was staff there to fix it immediately, so we had to wait about 40 minutes. It was frustrating, especially after traveling so long, we just wanted to get home. :( Other then that, FAs have been great to deal with on all US flights.

1/2 the bags from our CLT flight hit the belt and then the belt stopped. We waited 25 minutes and then everyone went to the baggage office to file a report. I filed my report and we gathered our other bag and went to wait for the shuttle to the parking lot. 1 HOUR after the belt stopped -- an announcement was made that there was a belt jam and the rest of the bags from the CLT flight were on the belt.

Yay! All four of my segments cleared as well, and I just got off the phone with the CP desk to choose my seats. I think she was a bit confused "i'm showing 2 roundtrips that day..." uh huh. :)

As for the goodies, I picked up some holiday goodie bags, and random chocolates, mini candy canes...still need to work on the FFOCUS tags though. Anyone out there feeling creative?

I'll see what I can get worked up if I can get some FFOCUS / GoFare images...

-JC

Well I'm back home and a little early. My 5th RT was CXL because of the weather tonight in PHL. So - I have to go out and do the last RT one night this week. Anyone doing a run to/from MHT on Monday or Tuesday -- I might join you. Other than the cancellation all went well. Several delays, but no missed flights. Visited 3 clubs -- PHL, RDU, and BDL. Gave away lots of $5 books of McDonald's Gift Certificates. And Shell NYC brought candy bags. We gave them to all the FAs, GAs and Club Agents we encountered. I had a great 24 hours of flights. All of the crews were very happy and thankful for the "goodies." Many couldn't really understand that we were paying to fly several trips in one day -- they asked if FFOCUS was reimbursing us since we made labels that said Happy Holiday from FFOCUS and gave the website. One crew tried to offer us an op-up after we gave them the goodies -- they didn't quite get that we were CP and already had upgrades until we told them. But, overall today was a very positive experience. We even made the Club agent in RDU cry. Comments heard varied from "Thank you very much" to "You're going to make me cry" to "I didn't know we had any fans." There were on the other hand a few FAs who knew about FFOCUS and the "Cockroaches." One FA on of our RDU flights asked if we were going to post a trip report (let me know if you are reading this). We even had one pilot acknowledge us on the PA with a thank you and a message to the other passengers that there were some folks who sent some gifts up to the cockpit and that "they are setting a high standard..." Just a great day. I felt like Santa Claus -- we got lots of crazy looks and questions, but when we explained all were very appreciative -- it felt very good. So, to all of you traveling over this holiday week -- extend best wishes and thank the crews for "hanging in there." Most that I spoke with were very positive about the recent agreement and the attitude has changed to "I think we are going to be fine," and "USAirways isn't going anywhere." I did witness a few "ugly" elites yesterday who talked down to the FAs and were a little demanding. I know that none of those folks lurk or participate on this board.

Nice writeup Dukeman. I'll be performing my MR on 12/30, along w/ jcooke and bison. I'll be sitting in the back, while they munch on goodies in F.

P.S. Just looked out the window of my place and it looks nasty out there. :td: I can see why it was CXL.

Nice writeup Dukeman. I'll be performing my MR on 12/30, along w/ jcooke and bison. I'll be sitting in the back, while they munch on goodies in F.

P.S. Just looked out the window of my place and it looks nasty out there. :td: I can see why it was CXL.


Thanks photog72. Enjoy your trip. I think I saw the snack basket too many times today :D I could have gone out on the 8:30 flight tonight, but couldn't return to PHL until tomorrow and I need to be here for work tomorrow. I'm not upset to be back at home -- there's always another day to fly.

I think I saw the snack basket too many times today :D

So how many XOXO bars did you have today? :D :D

So how many XOXO bars did you have today? :D :D


There's always room for more XO's. One gentleman on one of our flights tooka few and said he brings them home to his wife and tells her that he bought them for her. I told him he had better not bring his wife with him on a flight in 1st....He laughed. :D

Just got home about 1.5 hours ago (just as the rain was turning to snow.) Dukeman did a great job summing the experience, but I'll go ahead and chime in here...

I drove to PHL from NYC this morning, getting there a bit later than I would have liked due to some pretty heavy fog. Thankfully there was absolutely no one in front of me at security, so had a chance to drop into the B/C club just long enough to grab a cup of coffee and hand out the first of many goodie bags. Which was followed by the first of many "I think I'm gonna cry!" reactions.

Today was a lot of fun, and really good for the soul. Everyone was so genuinely appreciative and touched. From the woman in the PHL club who said I was the first to wish her a Happy Holiday to the FA who said "I didn't know we had any fans" and hugged me as I left the plane...it was great. I even had the chance to upgrade a 19yr old Air Force guy heading home to VA on his 2 wk R&R from Iraq. It definitely felt good to spread a little holiday cheer.

Ah, can't leave out a few typical Trip Report remarks:

no breakfast bars in the snack basket on the 8:25am flight to RDU :(
a nice example of abstract art on the seatback in front of 2D...unfortunately I'm apparently not "cultured" enough to "get it." Just looked like some random pen marks to me.
Lots of XOXO bars...but I was good and and only had 1 all day!
Yikes! Can't comment on the all important color and availability of limes...no one asked for any!


It was a pleasure to join you and your mom on the Goodwill Tour...Thanks again for the opportunity! I'm definitely game to do this again sometime early next year.

I'm definitely game to do this again sometime early next year.

Well, come along on Jan 7 & 8!

I did 6 segments last week, great service on all and a lot of excellent US employees on mostly empty flights (like three B737 flights with under 35 folks on them). Over the next two days (leaving in the morning) I'll do my super run that takes me from PHL through BWI, CLT, LAS, CLT, PHL, LGA, SYR, PIT, and back to Philly before a return to Florida in another week.

I don't have any goodies, unfortunately, other than kind words for the great US employees, and my show of support with my "Fly the Flag" button on my backpack and cockroach pin.

Well I just completed my 5th RT. After my flights cancelled last night I rebooked for this afternoon. My schedule was open and I went out on the 2:45 PHL-MHT and returned on the 4:45 MHT-PHL. My outbound had 44 total pax -- 4F and 40Y. My return only had 16 pax 7F and 9Y :confused: I hope they get better loads soon. Can anyone comment on the MHT flights -- is there too much capacity? There are 8 flights per day to PHL on US..... Anyway, great crews on both legs. Gave them all goodies (thanks for giving me a few extra Shell NYC) and each got a book of McDonald's GCs. They were all thankful and I even got a few hugs. Surprisingly -- every FA that we gave stuff to said that no pax had ever given them anything... I was shocked. I think I will start traveling with GCs and give them out as a morale booster....

I flew on flights 1270 and 1291 last week and F was full each time and Y was about 70% full.

I flew on flights 1270 and 1291 last week and F was full each time and Y was about 70% full.


Thanks. BTW -- I was the guy about 30 years old with the shaved head on flight 95.....

I'll be on one of those MHT flights from/to PHL on 12/30. I did take a O/W flight on Southwest once from PHL-MHT, and it was 90% full. That was during the height of fall foliage colors in New England though.

Less than a week to go before this MR, and the WX looks good. It will be in the low 50s on Thursday! :eek: Bison, I have entered your AIM name into my buddy list. When I see you online, we'll chat. jcooke, we'll see you on 12/30? Anyone else?

Hrmm...wonder who this could be?

http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17842

 According to a colleague of mine, “The other day we landed in PVD and a man, as he was deplaning, handed each of us a McDonald's gift certificate packet. On the cover was this sticker: "Happy Holidays from FFOCUS". In small print was the explanation of FFOCUS: Frequent Flyers Organized and Committed to US Airways Success. Awesome!"

Regards,

USA320Pilot

Hrmm...wonder who this could be?

http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17842

Cool beans!! ^ ^

Speaking of beans.... that's part of what Alysia and I have cooked up for January. :D

Cool beans!! ^ ^

Speaking of beans.... that's part of what Alysia and I have cooked up for January. :D

Beans? Are you guys sure that that is a good idea? They work in enclosed spaces with recycled air. Even if the beans are dished out at the end of the flight, think of the poor pax who come after us. ;)

Hrmm...wonder who this could be?

http://www.usaviation.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=17842


I don't know, but he sounds pretty cool.... ;)

Cool beans!! ^ ^

Speaking of beans.... that's part of what Alysia and I have cooked up for January. :D

shell nyc -- they are jelly beans :)

jimcfsus -- don't you have a special houseguest arriving tomorrow (actually I guess it's now today) for whom you should be cleaning for instead of posting on FT? ;)

shell nyc -- they are jelly beans :)

jimcfsus -- don't you have a special houseguest arriving tomorrow (actually I guess it's now today) for whom you should be cleaning for instead of posting on FT? ;)

I'm workin' on it... :p

Less than a week to go before this MR, and the WX looks good. It will be in the low 50s on Thursday! :eek: Bison, I have entered your AIM name into my buddy list. When I see you online, we'll chat. jcooke, we'll see you on 12/30? Anyone else?

Let keep our fingers crossed the weather holds out, I'll leave my pc up all day so hit me up and we can work out the details for Thursday. AOL IM: Bison1847tdx

No need to cross any fingers, at least in PHL.
Check out the forecast here (http://images.ibsys.com/phi/images/weather/auto/5day_640x480.jpg) to see that the WX in PHL should hit about 50! :) Very nice and warm for this time of year. ^

Since I haven't read any GOF trip reports lately, I thought I'd take the time and write one.

Jcooke, Bison1847, and myself started off December 30, 2004 on flight 1171 PHL-RDU. I met jcooke at US ticketing about 5:45ish. Thanks to jcooke for upgrading me on both legs. Seated in 2C, Bison was behind us in 3C. Upon arrival in RDU, jcooke had to get a little something for airdiva1. Return leg was uneventful as well. While on the place, we found someone else, not on FT who was doing a MR to qualify for preferred as well. He had the exact same itinerary as we did. Perhaps he saw this thread? So, all four of us sat down in C terminal at PHL to relax between flights. I had a bite of pizza and bison had a cheesesteak. After the quick meal, jcooke left. Thanks to Bison, he upgraded me on 3 out of 4 segments (the only one not to clear was PVD-PHL), as we headed for PVD. We left on time, and return was uneventful as well. I'd like to thank Bison for bringing the USA Today Sports section back to me in coach, along with a wrapped can of Heinekin. :D Next trip was PHL-MHT. Outbound was fine. Return was quite empty. We left just a couple minutes early, as everyone was on board fast. We arrived early at PHL, and the gate was still occupied. Well, the aircraft at the gate left, but we had to wait even longer as another aircraft needed to taxi out to the runway, and that plane was in the way. Okay, we finally get to the gate. No problem, right? Wrong. We wait for at least, 10-15 minutes before a GA comes to move the jetway over to the plane. :huh: Didn't a plane just leave from that gate? I had already been running late for a dinner date, which made it that much longer. ARGH. Thankfully, I was excused.

As of this writing, I see the actual miles have posted, but not the bonus mileage. I am sure it will post soon. Tomorrow, I have a MR on DL out of JFK. I hope everything goes as smooth as it went on 12/30.

As of this writing, I see the actual miles have posted, but not the bonus mileage. I am sure it will post soon.

Thanks for the report. According to the CP desk the bonus miles for the 20K bonus only runs once per week on Saturday. So, see if your miles post this Saturday. I'm still waiting for one flight to post from my first set of MRs.

Still nothing. :( Not even the 1K bonuses for purchasing online. Hmmmm.. Only things that show are the actual flights.

Still nothing. :( Not even the 1K bonuses for purchasing online. Hmmmm.. Only things that show are the actual flights.

Same for me...time to call the desk and/or DMSC again...

Thanks for the report. According to the CP desk the bonus miles for the 20K bonus only runs once per week on Saturday. So, see if your miles post this Saturday. I'm still waiting for one flight to post from my first set of MRs.

The 2K from the only eligible roundtrip I took in December (Dec 3 & 4) posted on Dec 25 for me.

Still nothing. :( Not even the 1K bonuses for purchasing online. Hmmmm.. Only things that show are the actual flights.

I spoke with the CP desk tonight -- I still haven't received my 6K for my final RT of 2004 (and my 5th under the promotion). The agent called the DMSC and verified that it will post. According to the DMSC they haven't run bonus postings since 12/29. They assured me that they will post within 3-6 weeks after the flight --- so keep waiting......

dukeman, thanks for the update. I hate how slow bonus mileage posts to accounts. With DL, it posts right away, as I completed a MR on 1/6, and the bonus miles were there before I stepped off the plane. :p

Edit: I just checked. Voila! The miles have been credited to me - at least the 20K bonus ones. Interesting. I've done 3 out of the 5 bonus runs. It shows the proper 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 miles. But then it shows an additional 1 mile for each of the bonuses. :confused: Is that how it gets me into silver?

Edit: I just checked. Voila! The miles have been credited to me - at least the 20K bonus ones. Interesting. I've done 3 out of the 5 bonus runs. It shows the proper 2,000, 3,000, and 4,000 miles. But then it shows an additional 1 mile for each of the bonuses. :confused: Is that how it gets me into silver?

Well well well...my bonus miles from the run on the 19th finally posted sometime last night too! I've also got the random 1 Bonus mile for each bonus, and they're all dated 31 Dec. I'm still missing a few online booking bonuses, but at least we're making progress here...

Well well well...my bonus miles from the run on the 19th finally posted sometime last night too! I've also got the random 1 Bonus mile for each bonus, and they're all dated 31 Dec. I'm still missing a few online booking bonuses, but at least we're making progress here...

Now I feel left out.:( Even after verifying with the CP desk last night -- nothing posted last night.....

same, still missing my last 6k for 2004 to give me CP ugh.

Phlbuddy,

If all you need is the last 6k to bump you up to CP. Call the DMSC. They will go ahead and bump you up to CP if they can verify that you took the flight. It will not (should not) be a big deal for them.

T