US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - opinions on US Airways?

I'm thinking about flying on US Airways in May.. SFO-PHL-BUF. I would like to know what everyone thinks about US Airways.. and any addiotional information is appreciated.. Where can I get the lowest fares?? Is the dividend program good? Thanks.
Jason

You might get a off-balanced opinion on this bulletin board as the most frequent posters here are generally happy with USAirways, but here's my $.02.

I'm Chairman's Preferred (top tier) on the Dividend Miles program. At this level I get treated excellently, and from what I can tell about other programs, better than similar levels at other programs. Preferred Gold (middle tier) also seems to be pretty good and keep people in that level happy. Silver Preferred, the lowest level, is decent, but don't expect too much at the bottom teir.

The Dividend Miles program is very good IMHO with both segment and mileage qualification without reference to fare paid (a big deal for an esaver traveller like me). Upgrades are relatively generous throughout all levels.

What I tell other people who ask me about USAirways is that US is an excellent option if it flies where you need to go. Being either the smallest or second smallest of the major airlines it's route network is lacking outside of the Northeast. The lack of an international alliance really hurts, though that might be fixed shortly.

Service in the air ranges from average to good -- most USAirways flights are relatively short so not much service is given and nor do I expect much. The longer flights service is good. I flew to Paris in coach and was amazed -- the flight attendants served our cabin constantly for eight hours.

Food quality generally leaves something to be desired. USAirways tries to stay competitive in non-hub airports, like SFO, so fares will be OK IMHO. In the Northeast, especially hubs, fares can be ridiculous.

Good luck.

I agree with all that dg1 has said.

I fly from DCA to SFO a few times a year and like US Airways service. In First Class I've had flights that ranged from pretty good to truly superior service. In coach you will find the service as good or better than any of the other majors.

One thought: You may want to try and connect through PIT instead of PHL on your way to BUF. PIT is a great airport for connecting and not plagued by the delays that PHL often experiences. You will, of course, loose a few FF miles by not going all the way to PHL but... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Yeah, PIT rocks, but I'm a little biased http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I've been flying US since it was Allegheny Airlines, mostly short-haul on the east coast. I generally find US to be #2 to CO, superior to UA. They seem to have improved greatly the last 1-2 years in on-time performance and professionalism.

Like Chalf, I started with Alligator Air. As DL is to the SE, US is to the NE, with continued (healthy) encroachment both ways. I particularly like the semi-mesh route system of US, 2nd tier to 2nd tier cities, that you don't see with DL. I also like the A320s of US better than the 738s of DL. If, however, you do much international travel, as said above, US needs partners badly.