US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - PHL - LAX on a 767

I was surprised to see that US Airways is using a 767 on the PHL - LAX route (Flight 15 and 14 on the return). Has anyone information on why they are using a wide body on this route.

Please don't think that I am complaining, just surprised.

As US gets more 330s, they decided to start making the 767s available for transcon service (supplementing the 757s, 319s, and 320s). They've made it clear that they would start doing this once enough new 330s were in the stable. What many forget is that 767s used to make the transcon runs from CLT-LAX back when Piedmont first got the planes, and were also used by US when it merged with PI (for add'l transcon service from PIT and PHL). But as Europe service increased (and as some 767s were wetleased to BA - as part of that alliance, that at least kept US going in the dark days of the early '90s) the 767s were pulled off the transcons, since it appeared to make more sense from a utilization standpoint (my guess). Then the 757s became available after Eastern disintegrated, and thus, the transcons could use the 757s, as well as the 737-300LR (and possibly the 727s, at least that's what PI started the transcons with). Now, you have the 67s flying in from Europe, then heading out from PHL (or CLT sometimes) to LAX. Of course, they then overnight in LAX.

After all, why be the one of the only carriers not using wide bodies for some transcon service?

So, it shouldn't come as a surprise - they're just going back to their original routes. And the 67s are appearing on Bermuda and San Juan flights (so are the 330s I understand).

Thank you for the detailed response! It all makes more sense to me now.

[This message has been edited by mikewebb (edited 10-11-2000).]

Originally posted by mikewebb:
I was surprised to see that US Airways is using a 767 on the PHL - LAX route (Flight 15 and 14 on the return). Has anyone information on why they are using a wide body on this route.

Please don't think that I am complaining, just surprised.


US is using these craft as bigger and better craft on transcon routes - attempting to induce more high dollar passengers to use the Envoy Class product for domestic transcon service. The craft also continue on to European cities.

One problem may arise in that one 767 burned up at PHL a couple weeks back. They may have to write the plane off due to extensive heat damage.

Now there is 767 service from Los Angeles to all three hubs (PIT, CLT and PHL), and from PHL-BDA and I believe a few other routes (I flew CLT-FLL, 360 miles, on a 767!)

Sitting in Envoy for 30 bucks is the ONLY way to fly, even if it's only for an hour http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Originally posted by dg1:
(I flew CLT-FLL, 360 miles, on a 767!)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

They must have been serving some good wine that day. You couldn't even tell the difference between the JAX airport and FLL. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

Just noticed that my PIT-SFO-PIT flights to connect with flights to/from FRA around X-mas and New Year´s have been switched from 757s to 767s. I think it will be nice to connect to a widebody after an already long transatlantic flight (though I guess the extra seating might reduce my chances of getting voluntarily bumped...). Does this make it more likely that I'll be able to snag an upgrade?
Inquiring minds want to know http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif.
Yonatan

[This message has been edited by yonatan (edited 10-12-2000).]

Originally posted by geo1004:
They must have been serving some good wine that day. You couldn't even tell the difference between the JAX airport and FLL. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

So I take it this was a mistake? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif I fly CLT to FLL frequently, and I WISH I could get on a 767! But I also fly CLT-JAX - there's a 767 in service on that route? Which flight if you don't mind sharing?

Ahh geo be quiet. You've got way too good a memory. Yes I flew CLT-JAX on a 767. It was an unexpected equipment change, svpii so don't bet on it http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm flying PIT-SFO on Dec 14 -- no 767's yet. Flying back on the 17th...and they have a 767 on the first flight of the day! Unfortunately I already booked the flight right after it!!!! ARGH!!!

Let's see, what are the chances that a Chairman's Preferred, who's never asked or gotten any rule bent for him will get USAirways to confirm him onto the earlier flight... any bets? I say the chances are nil!

Your chances are these: CLT-LAX; PIT-LAX; PHL-LAX; CLT-PHL; PHL-BDA. US is converting the PHL-BDA to A-330 in late fall.

ITRADE, I know about the LAX routes. As early as a week ago I checked and they had no SFO routes with 767s. Now thanks to Yonatan I see that they are starting service SFO-PIT with a 767. I'm on the flight right after the 767.. which means I have to beg off on my restricted ticket to get it changed without a hefty charge.

Too bad there's no USAirways angels on this boards like other airline bboards http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Update: just tried to switch. I thought I was getting somewhere as she confirmed me onto the earlier flight..and then smacked me with the $75 change fee... as much as I would like the more upgrade seats and wide body aircraft I ain't forking over $150 when my tickets only cost $400 to begin with http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif So El Cheapo stays on the Airbus..


[This message has been edited by dg1 (edited 10-12-2000).]

Originally posted by dg1:
ITRADE, I know about the LAX routes. As early as a week ago I checked and they had no SFO routes with 767s. Now thanks to Yonatan I see that they are starting service SFO-PIT with a 767. I'm on the flight right after the 767.. which means I have to beg off on my restricted ticket to get it changed without a hefty charge.


If you're really dying, try standing by for the earlier flight with upgrade in hand. It might work. On flights with 24 F seats, there are usually a couple open.

I'm Chairman's Preferred. I don't have certs. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif I'm considering that but don't like the idea of getting to the airport two hours early for possibly nothing or coach.

The way I see it if I get the upgrade on the Airbus I won't bother.. if I'm sitting in coach might as well give it a shot. Oh well, here's to twiddling thumbs till 7 days in advance. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif