Just back from my flights with HP and US. I am so sick of hearing the excuse of why something can't be done because the computers haven't merged yet.

Shouldn't someone have figured it out before they decided to move the two of them together at the counter?

Lets not forget all the trouble I had trying to find out if I had gotten any upgrades. Then was told I was upgraded only to find out it was to row 5 in coach. Don't think that is much of an upgrade to be thankful for. I don't expect to be upgraded every time but I think the gate agent decided who she was going to put in first and didn't have a list after watching some of what went on.

I couldn't check in at the 24 hour mark either because it was US ticket stock but HP flights. CP desk gave me another confirmation number to use and that didn't work either.

For everyone that complains about first on US I think service on HP was much worse. We didn't get a can of soda and no snack basket but a bag of premium nuts.

I will go out of my way to avoid the HP side of the new USAirways until I hear that the systems have merged and the bugs have been worked out.

Several people on the US flights today complained about sticky tray tables. They were gross. FA did dampen some napkins for the flyers to clean off their tables.

My HP flights had me longing for US.

I could have written the same report. The only difference is my planes were pretty clean (except the bathrooms: gross!) I think I'm about done with this group. As Deelmakr said, kiss my cactus.

Iternestingly I just got done my first US ticket/HP metal flight as well, PHL-PHX-HNL RT. My H fare should have been upgraded "anytime after ticketing", according to the integrated web site. But the first US GP agent I talked to said airport only for the upgrade (this was before I consulted the web site). I think the second agent wait listed me.

No upgrade for the first leg, but then it get's "interesting". After 20 minutes of sitting at the PHL gate with the hatch closed, the pilot comes on saying they're having nav comp issues and are going to taxi, then shutdown everything, to reboot it. They did and we finally left a hour late. As we're taxiing to the gate at PHX, they give all the connections before HNL the bad news, but say "the 6 of you going to HNL wait for the electric cart we've called for you". OK, I get off and wait. 2 more annoucements by the G/A about wiating for the cart. Still waiting. Suddenly "any HNL passengers still waiting for the cart" ... better run for it. Needless to say, I didn't make it. The other 5 had decided to start early and I guess intercepted the cart, they all made it. I got the "I think the gate's closed but I'll call down." It was.

Off I'm sent to the dreaded "special services" desk. I say dreaded because the ones in PHL are either never manned, or have 300 disgruntled passengers in line. Well my first pleasant surprise is that it's only 50 feet away, there are actually two agents there and a very short line. Well I get booked on the 20:35 PHX-HNL flight, and ask about upgrading. She says she'll wait list me. She seemed as startled as I, when a new boarding pass with seat 3B printed out. Things are looking up.

I went to find something to eat for lunch and start my 9 1/2 hour layover. Hmm this Taverna doesn't look to bad. And could that be, it looks like a brown dog leg tap, nah this is a mexican themed palce, it couldn't be that foamy dark brown nectar of the Erse Gods, could it? It was! (That's Guinness for those who haven't seen the light :D.) And, after I found out there was free WiFi too, those 9.5 hours flew by. Turned out 3A was occupied by a not unattractive non-rev passenger from HP corp., which made that flight go by quickly. To cap off this flight, I was able to retrieve my checked bag, which had made the connection, from the HNL baggage agent before the rest of my flight got theirs. I almost got shut out by Avis closing as I didn't think to warn them of the big delay, but I wasn't the only one that had to take the Hertz bus to the Avis hut. Hilton I had warned and they took care of their DP customer at o'dark early.

The way back wasn't quite as interesting. No kiosks at HNL, just a USDA baggage scan, then agents. I had two agents. At first they couldn't figure out out why my e-ticket was requesting a flight coupon for one leg. That was sorted, then we did the upgrade dance. At first they asked if I wanted the $200 upgrade (that data point probably belongs on another current FT US thread). I said no, I wanted e-upgrades and pointed out I was GP. They asked for my GP card, not noticing "GOLD" was already printed on the coach boarding passes. Having my card handy, I didn't bother to point this out to them. After much pointing at the screen and muttering about R class (probably 10 minutes all told), I get told 1/c is full. I get wait listed.

No upgrade for the HNL-PHX red eye, I'm in coach. And it doesn't look good for PHX-PHL. I board with zone 1 and sit in my coach seat as the plane fills to near capacity. It looks like no joy this day. Such is the life of a measley GP on most PHL flights. Then the heavenly choir comes on the intercom and calls my name forward to the promised land. :) Fortunately I have two relatively small carry ons and there's probably room for a roll on anyway over row 2. Coffee with Bailey's here I come!

So: 2 for 4 on upgraded legs from PHL to HNL. I'm impressed by the HP people, so far. Of course I'm comapring them with US folks where I have a much larger sampling, including a few negative sigma folks. My impression was the HP folks were trying to battle their not quite merged systems on my behalf, but the s/w, training, or experience wasn't quite there yet.

I didn't find the hardware appreciably better or worse than US. I did get real glasses a metal fork and spoon on my breakfast tray. Haven't seen that on US in a while, except Envoy.

-Jed

I'm taking my first HP flight on Sunday and have had problems selecting a seat and upgrading. I was not automaticly upgraded at the window so I called HP. (The cabin was completely empty) They said there were 5 seats available for upgrade but he could not upgrade me because I was not within my upgrade window.....eventhough I was.

I need to use online check in to make sure I get my LAS upgrade on Sunday. Has anyone else experienced problems with checking in online for an HP flight under US codeshare?

Iternestingly I just got done my first US ticket/HP metal flight as well, PHL-PHX-HNL RT. My H fare should have been upgraded "anytime after ticketing", according to the integrated web site. But the first US GP agent I talked to said airport only for the upgrade (this was before I consulted the web site). I think the second agent wait listed me.

No upgrade for the first leg, but then it get's "interesting". After 20 minutes of sitting at the PHL gate with the hatch closed, the pilot comes on saying they're having nav comp issues and are going to taxi, then shutdown everything, to reboot it. They did and we finally left a hour late. As we're taxiing to the gate at PHX, they give all the connections before HNL the bad news, but say "the 6 of you going to HNL wait for the electric cart we've called for you". OK, I get off and wait. 2 more annoucements by the G/A about wiating for the cart. Still waiting. Suddenly "any HNL passengers still waiting for the cart" ... better run for it. Needless to say, I didn't make it. The other 5 had decided to start early and I guess intercepted the cart, they all made it. I got the "I think the gate's closed but I'll call down." It was.

Off I'm sent to the dreaded "special services" desk. I say dreaded because the ones in PHL are either never manned, or have 300 disgruntled passengers in line. Well my first pleasant surprise is that it's only 50 feet away, there are actually two agents there and a very short line. Well I get booked on the 20:35 PHX-HNL flight, and ask about upgrading. She says she'll wait list me. She seemed as startled as I, when a new boarding pass with seat 3B printed out. Things are looking up.

I went to find something to eat for lunch and start my 9 1/2 hour layover. Hmm this Taverna doesn't look to bad. And could that be, it looks like a brown dog leg tap, nah this is a mexican themed palce, it couldn't be that foamy dark brown nectar of the Erse Gods, could it? It was! (That's Guinness for those who haven't seen the light :D.) And, after I found out there was free WiFi too, those 9.5 hours flew by. Turned out 3A was occupied by a not unattractive non-rev passenger from HP corp., which made that flight go by quickly. To cap off this flight, I was able to retrieve my checked bag, which had made the connection, from the HNL baggage agent before the rest of my flight got theirs. I almost got shut out by Avis closing as I didn't think to warn them of the big delay, but I wasn't the only one that had to take the Hertz bus to the Avis hut. Hilton I had warned and they took care of their DP customer at o'dark early.

The way back wasn't quite as interesting. No kiosks at HNL, just a USDA baggage scan, then agents. I had two agents. At first they couldn't figure out out why my e-ticket was requesting a flight coupon for one leg. That was sorted, then we did the upgrade dance. At first they asked if I wanted the $200 upgrade (that data point probably belongs on another current FT US thread). I said no, I wanted e-upgrades and pointed out I was GP. They asked for my GP card, not noticing "GOLD" was already printed on the coach boarding passes. Having my card handy, I didn't bother to point this out to them. After much pointing at the screen and muttering about R class (probably 10 minutes all told), I get told 1/c is full. I get wait listed.

No upgrade for the HNL-PHX red eye, I'm in coach. And it doesn't look good for PHX-PHL. I board with zone 1 and sit in my coach seat as the plane fills to near capacity. It looks like no joy this day. Such is the life of a measley GP on most PHL flights. Then the heavenly choir comes on the intercom and calls my name forward to the promised land. :) Fortunately I have two relatively small carry ons and there's probably room for a roll on anyway over row 2. Coffee with Bailey's here I come!

So: 2 for 4 on upgraded legs from PHL to HNL. I'm impressed by the HP people, so far. Of course I'm comapring them with US folks where I have a much larger sampling, including a few negative sigma folks. My impression was the HP folks were trying to battle their not quite merged systems on my behalf, but the s/w, training, or experience wasn't quite there yet.

I didn't find the hardware appreciably better or worse than US. I did get real glasses a metal fork and spoon on my breakfast tray. Haven't seen that on US in a while, except Envoy.

-Jed

Good, informative report--thank you. I am somewhat amazed actually that you didn't have more to say (negatively actually) about HP's F catering on this flight. Spend a few mins at the HP forum and you'll find it's pretty awful (AZRTW pretty much summed it up in one of his posts). Bottom line is HP's catering is pretty lame, with the same two choices offered time and time again (pastrami sandwich or chicken caesar). Although I've never personally flown this route, it gets cxld due to being too heavy.

Just back from my flights with HP and US. I am so sick of hearing the excuse of why something can't be done because the computers haven't merged yet.

Shouldn't someone have figured it out before they decided to move the two of them together at the counter?

Lets not forget all the trouble I had trying to find out if I had gotten any upgrades. Then was told I was upgraded only to find out it was to row 5 in coach. Don't think that is much of an upgrade to be thankful for. I don't expect to be upgraded every time but I think the gate agent decided who she was going to put in first and didn't have a list after watching some of what went on.

I couldn't check in at the 24 hour mark either because it was US ticket stock but HP flights. CP desk gave me another confirmation number to use and that didn't work either.

For everyone that complains about first on US I think service on HP was much worse. We didn't get a can of soda and no snack basket but a bag of premium nuts.

I will go out of my way to avoid the HP side of the new USAirways until I hear that the systems have merged and the bugs have been worked out.

Several people on the US flights today complained about sticky tray tables. They were gross. FA did dampen some napkins for the flyers to clean off their tables.

My HP flights had me longing for US.

I agree about the computer BS. I go through it all the time. HP/US should have thought about that more before attempting to integrate systems. IMO, it's pretty half assed.

HP's version of your snack basket like you said is the Gold Mix. Personally, I enjoy them (I'm eating some right now at my office :D ) but I know I sound like a broken record with HP's catering. I still think their inflight crews (and the HP Plat line) are top notch. I've needed a drink after speaking to some US CSR's before.

Ian

Good, informative report--thank you. I am somewhat amazed actually that you didn't have more to say (negatively actually) about HP's F catering on this flight. Spend a few mins at the HP forum and you'll find it's pretty awful (AZRTW pretty much summed it up in one of his posts). Bottom line is HP's catering is pretty lame, with the same two choices offered time and time again (pastrami sandwich or chicken caesar). Although I've never personally flown this route, it gets cxld due to being too heavy.

You're welcome.

I really don't recall the catering on PHX-HNL. There must have been something since I hadn't eaten since early on in the layover, but apparently it was forgettable. The morning PHX-PHL had an omlet, croissant and fresh fruit. Not terrible, but not the HHV (http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/) breakfast buffet, either. I always pine after the fresh pineapple for weeks after these trips.

However you should know I have a fairly low standard for food. I've only recently given up on chili dogs from pushcart vendors due to health reasons. ;)

Iternestingly I just got done my first US ticket/HP metal flight as well, PHL-PHX-HNL RT. My H fare should have been upgraded "anytime after ticketing", according to the integrated web site.
You misread the Web site :)

Full-fare tickets in Y, B, U fare classes on US Airways or Y, H fare classes on America West are eligible for immediate upgrade. You bought an H-fare US Airways ticket, which is not full-fare :)

Just back from my flights with HP and US. I am so sick of hearing the excuse of why something can't be done because the computers haven't merged yet.

Shouldn't someone have figured it out before they decided to move the two of them together at the counter?

Lets not forget all the trouble I had trying to find out if I had gotten any upgrades. Then was told I was upgraded only to find out it was to row 5 in coach. Don't think that is much of an upgrade to be thankful for. I don't expect to be upgraded every time but I think the gate agent decided who she was going to put in first and didn't have a list after watching some of what went on.

I couldn't check in at the 24 hour mark either because it was US ticket stock but HP flights. CP desk gave me another confirmation number to use and that didn't work either.

For everyone that complains about first on US I think service on HP was much worse. We didn't get a can of soda and no snack basket but a bag of premium nuts.

I will go out of my way to avoid the HP side of the new USAirways until I hear that the systems have merged and the bugs have been worked out.

Several people on the US flights today complained about sticky tray tables. They were gross. FA did dampen some napkins for the flyers to clean off their tables.

My HP flights had me longing for US.

Some HP lovers get mad at me for saying this, but I truly feel that HP should have been named America Pest, and now that they merged with US Airways, all the cheap practices will carry over. Cheap wine, anyone? LOL

Several people on the US flights today complained about sticky tray tables. They were gross. FA did dampen some napkins for the flyers to clean off their tables.

My HP flights had me longing for US.

Is it time to revisit Project 409? :eek:

Some HP lovers get mad at me for saying this, but I truly feel that HP should have been named America Pest, and now that they merged with US Airways, all the cheap practices will carry over. Cheap wine, anyone? LOL

They better not find out about Trader Joe's Two Buck Chuck, or we're all in trouble. :(

now that they merged with US Airways

Wouldn't "purchased" be a more appropriate word instead of "merged" :confused:

before and since the merger I've flown HP on a few short and long-haul flights, including a tirp or two on their RJ service. My thoughts...

1. F product comparable to US (and that's not a good thing)

2. Y cabin feel crammed and interiors are dreary

3. I like the Cranium trivia

4. Flight options on transcon service are limited and don't work well for biz travelers

5. There is no rhyme or reason for their upgrade system

6. The ground and in-flight crews are not of the caliber of US (exlcuding, of course, PHL gorund crews)

7. Fares on HP routes are consistently higher than the competition (AA, UA, DL)


I have made a conscious decision to either fly on US metal or shift business over to UA metal or AA. I'd rather sit in E+ than wonder if I will be crammed in HP Y if I don't clear F.

You're welcome.

I really don't recall the catering on PHX-HNL. There must have been something since I hadn't eaten since early on in the layover, but apparently it was forgettable. The morning PHX-PHL had an omlet, croissant and fresh fruit. Not terrible, but not the HHV (http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com/) breakfast buffet, either. I always pine after the fresh pineapple for weeks after these trips.

However you should know I have a fairly low standard for food. I've only recently given up on chili dogs from pushcart vendors due to health reasons. ;)

I have done PHX-HNL twice during the last 2 months, in first class. Miserable all around on all four legs. The 757 cabins have never been upgraded and the seats are and feel old. Food is well below mediocre. There is not one US or HP employee based in HNL. Gate agents are sub-contracted. Boarding in HNL is an unadulterated nightmare. Nobody is in charge. On the last HNL-PHX flight, the cockpit crew showed up at 11:55 for an 11:59 PM departure. I did not see one of them do an external walkaround. As you may know, the HP crews have a 32 hour layover in HNL. They arrive at 2:15 PM and do not leave until the following night at 10:59 PM. So, being late is simply dumb.

But because there is no station manager from HP at HNL, it is an un-monitored free-for-all.

we now fly AA and UA out of LAX for HNL, as the result.

Wouldn't "purchased" be a more appropriate word instead of "merged" :confused:

While your point is both valid and accurate, you might want to see how this all plays out before you get too far up on that high horse of merged versus purchased.

If the airline tanks, it'll look better if you merged with US instead of taking it over and having total control, only to have failed in the end.

If it's up and running with profit and a good stock position, then you most rightfully can then say that you purchased and saved a failing airline.

I'll let others decide which is the most likely scenario.

Wouldn't "purchased" be a more appropriate word instead of "merged" :confused:


Then I think they need to take the lead and quit making excuses when they can't do something. :(

The seats in F on HP were very tired and worn. In fact I thought the seats on US were better and that is saying something.

Yes I think it is time for Project 409!

Wouldn't "purchased" be a more appropriate word instead of "merged" :confused:

Well, technically yes, but many other things feel more like a merger, e.g.
US Airways flight attendants now have more seniority over the America Pest flight attendants since US is older than HP and with the merger, seniority is determined by the date in which cabin crews were hired.

So whatev, I have a facial in an hour. :p

There is not one US or HP employee based in HNL. Gate agents are sub-contracted. Boarding in HNL is an unadulterated nightmare. Nobody is in charge.

Actually there is an HP manager but he does oversee 4 cities. I have founfd the Aloha Airline employees there very freindly and courtious and the lines move slow but all seem to make the flights. The issue is not Aloha or AWA in HNL it is 100% the TSA. It for some reason is the tightest security in the county when leaving HNL? The open and swab every check bag and not just a touch or two but every pocket every nook and cranny, it takes at least 5 minutes per pax. The TSA also tells the airline how many employees they are stafiing and becuase of the weird way HNL is set up it is a 1-1 TSA per ticket agent and even if the Airlines brought in more people the TSA isn't and the extra people couldn't do anything. Then after all of that you go through a "normal" TSA security screening. Does anyone have any detail about why HNL is this way and the redundancy and extra thorughness of the TSA?

I need to use online check in to make sure I get my LAS upgrade on Sunday. Has anyone else experienced problems with checking in online for an HP flight under US codeshare?

There are sometimes issues with OLCI. A good best practice is to go to the AmericaWest.com website, Use Travel Planning Pull Down Menu, then select Manage Reservations. Type your US PNR in here and it will pop out your HP PNR. Use the HP PNR for OLCI and you are on your way, baby!

I hope this helps. If not, LAS has more Mr. Chicken (as the UA folks call them) kiosks than just about anywhere else on earth.

Funny how attitudes are different.
I have flown darned near every airline since 1985 and US was one of them. I was an early HP fan, then walked away when the "Village Idiot" Bill Franke gutted them. I came back when Parker took the reins and was quite happy with the service, especially given the low fare, low class direction of all domestic carriers catering to the waddling tourist crowd.

I flew US from PHX to CLT every week for several months in '03-'04 and found their service to be abysmal. In Flight service was equal to HP, but every other aspect was just stinking nasty.

The one point that made HP my favorite over AA, UA, NW or US was the attitudes of the FAs. I still see the difference, but wonder if it will be still be there after a year or two of the merged union groups.

As a former 1M UA customer, a current Plat AA customer, and a Silver US customer (former Plat), I am dismayed at the changes Parker brought from the failing US, yet don't have a heck of a lot of choice in PHX. Face it people, American owned airlines just plain stink!

I hope that we open our skies to foreign lines flying domestic flights. I will be happy to be pay more out of my pocket for better service.

Is it time to revisit Project 409? :eek:
I was on US 1272 (a 733) yesterday (did eventually get my originally
requested 2F) - pulled out the table to do some paperwork, and it
was spotless, emanating a strong scent of cleaning liquid. So maybe
someone is already at it! Bad news: no Rugers on two consecutive
flights. Worse news: I'm getting a taste for Honey Sesame Sticks.