mjd
Sep 30, 00, 10:55 am
I'm considering going to munich in the near future. Any suggestions on using miles to upgrade to envoy class? is it worth the miles or should i save them?
US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - envoy class
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ITRADE
Sep 30, 00, 1:25 pm
That's a lot of miles for an upgrade - 40,000 on restricted tickets. If you do it, be sure to do it WELL in advance of the flight. Upgraded Envoy class - O class - "zeros" out quickly
Skylink USA
Sep 30, 00, 6:18 pm
I flew on US Airways Envoy (J) class, PIT-LGW and LGW-CLT earlier this month. I slept through the service to London. I think they served dinner by courses with an express (1 course) option. The 767-200ER's had PTV with repeating programs every 4 hours. They had a nice looking dope kit that is fairly basic.
At Gatwick, a Fast Track coupon was given (for the short immigration line) as well as a pass to the lounge (acutally 2 hotel rooms) at the adjacent Gatwick Hilton, where one could take a shower and eat a croissant.
I found that I could sleep in the reclining seats.
I would upgrade for 40,000 miles only if I had a lot of miles. I used a free upgrade coupon.
At Gatwick, a Fast Track coupon was given (for the short immigration line) as well as a pass to the lounge (acutally 2 hotel rooms) at the adjacent Gatwick Hilton, where one could take a shower and eat a croissant.
I found that I could sleep in the reclining seats.
I would upgrade for 40,000 miles only if I had a lot of miles. I used a free upgrade coupon.
emerald
Sep 30, 00, 7:16 pm
I've flown US in Envoy twice, once on the A330 and the other on the 767.
The A330 was much better than the 767. The 767 was comfortable, but the seats were rather bulky, though roomy, and the entertainment system was very basic.
The A330 has much newer, fully electronic seats, extremely similar to the QF "Dreamtime" Business Class seats. The entertainment was the Sony P@ASSPORT system, which was fantastic. They have on-demand video sans cassettes or DVDs, so you could stop, FF, rewind, etc, at your wish.
Service was pretty good on both, but, incidentally, the FAs were more chipper on the 767 flight.
Possibly why: I was talking with the FAs during a sleepless fit on the A330. They described how the pax love the A330 in all cabins (Full-Flat seats in First, new Envoy seats, generous pitch in Economy, and Sony P@ASSPORT in all classes), but the FAs hate it. It was very poorly designed with regards to the FAs. That's really too bad.
They invited me to stick around after landing and test out the First Class seats. I did so. They were sort of like the current AA 777 Full-Flat seats, in that it reclined pretty much flat and the legrest fully extended, but it was not a suite in the fashion that the legrest meets a footbench to form a bed.
The cabin seemed a little claustrophobic, thanks to the single row. The overhead space is tight as it only extends 1/2 of the cabin, but this is meant to give a feeling of space, it seems. The tired FAs assured me that all of these shortcomings were made up with the outstanding service, but, oddly, the had no menu to offer me, to preview the service.
I'm not sold on the US Airways International First Class product, but, again, I only sat in the seat for two minutes, and the service was only mentioned by the FAs. If the service is outstanding, it could easily surpass AA and UA, even with their suite products.
Has anyone here flown US International FC?
Sorry this is so long.
The A330 was much better than the 767. The 767 was comfortable, but the seats were rather bulky, though roomy, and the entertainment system was very basic.
The A330 has much newer, fully electronic seats, extremely similar to the QF "Dreamtime" Business Class seats. The entertainment was the Sony P@ASSPORT system, which was fantastic. They have on-demand video sans cassettes or DVDs, so you could stop, FF, rewind, etc, at your wish.
Service was pretty good on both, but, incidentally, the FAs were more chipper on the 767 flight.
Possibly why: I was talking with the FAs during a sleepless fit on the A330. They described how the pax love the A330 in all cabins (Full-Flat seats in First, new Envoy seats, generous pitch in Economy, and Sony P@ASSPORT in all classes), but the FAs hate it. It was very poorly designed with regards to the FAs. That's really too bad.
They invited me to stick around after landing and test out the First Class seats. I did so. They were sort of like the current AA 777 Full-Flat seats, in that it reclined pretty much flat and the legrest fully extended, but it was not a suite in the fashion that the legrest meets a footbench to form a bed.
The cabin seemed a little claustrophobic, thanks to the single row. The overhead space is tight as it only extends 1/2 of the cabin, but this is meant to give a feeling of space, it seems. The tired FAs assured me that all of these shortcomings were made up with the outstanding service, but, oddly, the had no menu to offer me, to preview the service.
I'm not sold on the US Airways International First Class product, but, again, I only sat in the seat for two minutes, and the service was only mentioned by the FAs. If the service is outstanding, it could easily surpass AA and UA, even with their suite products.
Has anyone here flown US International FC?
Sorry this is so long.
dg1
Sep 30, 00, 10:31 pm
skylinkusa (or anyone else) .. do you have more information about the 'arrivals' facility in Gatwick? How difficult is it to get to the Hilton? (is it connected to the airport).
I'm flying envoy next month and it would seem like a nice way to freshen up after my 6am arrival.
I'm flying envoy next month and it would seem like a nice way to freshen up after my 6am arrival.
CLTFlyer
Oct 1, 00, 7:48 am
dg1: The arrivals lounge is a tiny bit of a hike. You leave the terminal, then go through the parking garage, to the Hilton and then follow the signs to the US lounge. The walk is entirely covered, although once you leave the bridge from the terminal to the garage, it is covered, but not enclosed (it is a parking garage after all). Then there's a short walk in an enclosed walkway before you get to the Hilton. IIRC, I think it was about a 7-10 minute walk.
As skylink usa noted, the lounge is 2 hotel rooms connected together (BAA is starting to build a set of arrivals lounges in US's terminal, under the the terminal - assuming that US is still flying there, I'd expect their lounge to move there when the space is available). When entering, you'll need to show you pass to the concierge there and breakfast items are in the concierge's room. The other room has sofas and a TV. As each room has a shower, 2 showers are available. They've got basic tolietry, and I can't remember if they provide you with shaving supplies (I was in my " I have 2 weeks off before starting my new job so I can sure as hell grow a beard phase then") When I flew there in November last year, the lounge was not croweded at all. I don't remember there being more than 2 other Envoy folks there at any time (the first PHL flight had already arrived, and the second wouldn't be there for another couple of hours).
With breakfast and a shower, it was a good way to get started and fight jet lag.
Not that you asked, but on departure, the lounge available for Envoy passengers is an Ogden lounge which is not the greatest in the world. Very self service with no announcements being made in the lounge. But it's better than nothing.
skylink: I'm assuming you flew the upgraded Envoy service (it was spiffed up by US with the 330 launch). The amenity kit served before last year's service upgrade left something to be desired, IMHO.
dg: Sounds like I'll miss you by a month - I'm heading over there right after Thanksgiving - flying over on the 330 via PHL and retuning on the nonstop. Have 2A on the 330, and 1A on the 767. Should be fun.
[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 10-01-2000).]
As skylink usa noted, the lounge is 2 hotel rooms connected together (BAA is starting to build a set of arrivals lounges in US's terminal, under the the terminal - assuming that US is still flying there, I'd expect their lounge to move there when the space is available). When entering, you'll need to show you pass to the concierge there and breakfast items are in the concierge's room. The other room has sofas and a TV. As each room has a shower, 2 showers are available. They've got basic tolietry, and I can't remember if they provide you with shaving supplies (I was in my " I have 2 weeks off before starting my new job so I can sure as hell grow a beard phase then") When I flew there in November last year, the lounge was not croweded at all. I don't remember there being more than 2 other Envoy folks there at any time (the first PHL flight had already arrived, and the second wouldn't be there for another couple of hours).
With breakfast and a shower, it was a good way to get started and fight jet lag.
Not that you asked, but on departure, the lounge available for Envoy passengers is an Ogden lounge which is not the greatest in the world. Very self service with no announcements being made in the lounge. But it's better than nothing.
skylink: I'm assuming you flew the upgraded Envoy service (it was spiffed up by US with the 330 launch). The amenity kit served before last year's service upgrade left something to be desired, IMHO.
dg: Sounds like I'll miss you by a month - I'm heading over there right after Thanksgiving - flying over on the 330 via PHL and retuning on the nonstop. Have 2A on the 330, and 1A on the 767. Should be fun.
[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 10-01-2000).]
BizJet
Oct 1, 00, 6:02 pm
When I flew CLT-LGW in December, there was no mention of an Arrivals Lounge. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif It would have been useful.
The Odgen Lounge leaves much to be desired IMO. It was very basic. It had bottle water and sodas, with coffee and tea. But the snacks were packages of cookies and pretzals. A few sofas, but it was empty. There was an attendant in the back, who came out to tell us the flight was boarding.
Envoy in the sky is great, despite being a 767. I think that while US upgraded certain aspects, it also downgraded others, to make FC "more special". Very trival though, so that's good. For example, they used to place a white cloth, bread plate, salt and pepper, and silverware on your tray table. Now I hear that they give you a tray with everything on it, while the former service is in First Class. As I said, trivial! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
The Odgen Lounge leaves much to be desired IMO. It was very basic. It had bottle water and sodas, with coffee and tea. But the snacks were packages of cookies and pretzals. A few sofas, but it was empty. There was an attendant in the back, who came out to tell us the flight was boarding.
Envoy in the sky is great, despite being a 767. I think that while US upgraded certain aspects, it also downgraded others, to make FC "more special". Very trival though, so that's good. For example, they used to place a white cloth, bread plate, salt and pepper, and silverware on your tray table. Now I hear that they give you a tray with everything on it, while the former service is in First Class. As I said, trivial! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
CLTFlyer
Oct 1, 00, 7:56 pm
BizJet: Sorry they failed to tell you about the lounge. I remembered reading about it on US's website and while we were descending, I received a card from the FA with the information on Fast Track and the arrivals lounge. And Biz - I think I got lucky in when I flew, the service had not been changed and my FAs set the table for me.
So for anyone flying in Envoy to LGW, CDG, FCO, and FRA (I think), if they forget to tell you about the lounge, or give you a card about it, ask about it. Check US's website for info on which destination have the arrival lounges.
Interestingly enough, unlike UAL, they provided me with the access to the arrivals lounge even though I was flying on an award ticket (I recall reading in the UAL forum that on an award ticket, you may not receive the services of Arrivals By United.
So for anyone flying in Envoy to LGW, CDG, FCO, and FRA (I think), if they forget to tell you about the lounge, or give you a card about it, ask about it. Check US's website for info on which destination have the arrival lounges.
Interestingly enough, unlike UAL, they provided me with the access to the arrivals lounge even though I was flying on an award ticket (I recall reading in the UAL forum that on an award ticket, you may not receive the services of Arrivals By United.
dg1
Oct 1, 00, 10:11 pm
Since you brought up all this good information how do I get to the Ogden lounge on departure? Can I check in there if I don't have any checked baggage? Or do I check in at a ticket counter and they direct me there?
Thanks for help with the elementary questions..
Thanks for help with the elementary questions..
geo1004
Oct 2, 00, 6:55 am
Originally posted by CLTFlyer:
So for anyone flying in Envoy to LGW, CDG, FCO, and FRA (I think), if they forget to tell you about the lounge, or give you a card about it, ask about it.
Arrivals lounge in FRA is the Cathay Pacific Lounge just a minute or two from the arrival gates. Departure lounge is not the CX lounge but a more generic lounge just next to it (no showers, etc., but plenty of drinks, snacks, etc.).
So for anyone flying in Envoy to LGW, CDG, FCO, and FRA (I think), if they forget to tell you about the lounge, or give you a card about it, ask about it.
Arrivals lounge in FRA is the Cathay Pacific Lounge just a minute or two from the arrival gates. Departure lounge is not the CX lounge but a more generic lounge just next to it (no showers, etc., but plenty of drinks, snacks, etc.).
geo1004
Oct 2, 00, 6:58 am
Originally posted by dg1:
Or do I check in at a ticket counter and they direct me there?
At LGW on departure, you check-in, get you boarding pass, Fastrack card (to speed through customs in the dedicated line), and the departure lounge pass. The lounge is after security and customs and very near the departure gates for all the US flights out of LGW.
Or do I check in at a ticket counter and they direct me there?
At LGW on departure, you check-in, get you boarding pass, Fastrack card (to speed through customs in the dedicated line), and the departure lounge pass. The lounge is after security and customs and very near the departure gates for all the US flights out of LGW.
eurousair
Oct 2, 00, 9:27 am
Sorry geo for correcting you but in FRA the Cathy Pacific Lounge is the departure lounge as well.
Just used it few weeks ago. It also has big signs on the outside stating US Airways First and Envoy class lounge.
Anyone in coach with a US Airways club membership can also use the very nice Admirals club which is as good as the Cathy lounge but in a different terminal. One whereas US flys out of terminal two. It takes about six to ten minutes to get to it after check in.
Just used it few weeks ago. It also has big signs on the outside stating US Airways First and Envoy class lounge.
Anyone in coach with a US Airways club membership can also use the very nice Admirals club which is as good as the Cathy lounge but in a different terminal. One whereas US flys out of terminal two. It takes about six to ten minutes to get to it after check in.
geo1004
Oct 2, 00, 10:16 am
Originally posted by eurousair:
Sorry geo for correcting you but in FRA the Cathy Pacific Lounge is the departure lounge as well.
Just used it few weeks ago.
Interesting. When I departed FRA late August, I was directed to this other adjacent lounge. It was nice but definately operated by a third party (not a specific airline). I did use the CX Lounge upon arrival and saw the US Airways Envoy/First signs at the door.
One possibility. US has three flights out of FRA. Two of them depart between 11 am and Noon (clt & pit). The late afternoon flight to PHL with a 2:30 pm departure, leaves at just about the same time as a CX flight to HKG (a 747-400). Since the CX lounge is not that large, maybe CX has asked US to use this other lounge for late departure Envoy and FC passengers????
[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 10-02-2000).]
Sorry geo for correcting you but in FRA the Cathy Pacific Lounge is the departure lounge as well.
Just used it few weeks ago.
Interesting. When I departed FRA late August, I was directed to this other adjacent lounge. It was nice but definately operated by a third party (not a specific airline). I did use the CX Lounge upon arrival and saw the US Airways Envoy/First signs at the door.
One possibility. US has three flights out of FRA. Two of them depart between 11 am and Noon (clt & pit). The late afternoon flight to PHL with a 2:30 pm departure, leaves at just about the same time as a CX flight to HKG (a 747-400). Since the CX lounge is not that large, maybe CX has asked US to use this other lounge for late departure Envoy and FC passengers????
[This message has been edited by geo1004 (edited 10-02-2000).]
PSU Lion
Oct 3, 00, 3:44 am
I have taken all three of the mentioned flights out of Frankfurt and been directed to the Cathay Pacific Lounge each time
CLTFlyer
Oct 12, 00, 7:53 pm
Just bringing this one forward to ask a quick question of those who've flown Envoy or First through PHL. I'm flying to London via PHL (so I can take the 330 in Envoy while we still got 'em). How is the Envoy Lounge in PHL? Understand it's a good bit different from the Clubs in that alcohol is free - but curious about the other amenities and differences (and yes, I have looked at the website description - just looking for your take, as opposed to the ol' corporate version). Thanks.
[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 10-12-2000).]
[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 10-12-2000).]
geo1004
Oct 13, 00, 7:36 am
Originally posted by CLTFlyer:
How is the Envoy Lounge in PHL?
It is great. Full open bar, shrimp, smoked salmon, small sandwiches, veggie trays, beers, sodas, coffees, etc. Glassware and china (No plastic stuff). Two announcements made for departure: a pre-board and a last minute board. Very near the intl. departure gates.
Probably the nicest of the departure lounges I've used (US,AA, BA, CX, and QF).
How is the Envoy Lounge in PHL?
It is great. Full open bar, shrimp, smoked salmon, small sandwiches, veggie trays, beers, sodas, coffees, etc. Glassware and china (No plastic stuff). Two announcements made for departure: a pre-board and a last minute board. Very near the intl. departure gates.
Probably the nicest of the departure lounges I've used (US,AA, BA, CX, and QF).
NOVACAT
Oct 13, 00, 7:50 am
CLTFlyer, we used the Envoy/FC lounge in PHL last week before our trip to LGW (Flt#126). We found it very nice. Besides the comp spirits, wines, etc. there was a nice selection of hors d'oeures including shrimp and crab claws. Since it was the last USAirway flight of the day it was uncrowded and quiet. Enjoy http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif .
garra
Oct 13, 00, 8:38 am
I agreee with everyone who says that if its a 330 its worth it if its a 767 ots not.The differnce is big particularly in terms of seat comfort and entertainment.Im flying Philly-Madrid later this month(767) returning Paris-Philly(330)and I know which one Im looking forward to most!
executive
Oct 13, 00, 9:31 am
I'm in the category that Envoy Class in the 767s is pretty good, so if I choose the A330, I'll be pretty happy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Can you tell me if the Envoy Lounge has a separate section for First Class?
[This message has been edited by executive (edited 11-13-2000).]
Can you tell me if the Envoy Lounge has a separate section for First Class?
[This message has been edited by executive (edited 11-13-2000).]
geo1004
Oct 13, 00, 11:26 am
Originally posted by executive:
I'm in the category that Envoy Class in the 767s is pretty good, so if I choose to connect in PHL/PIT rather than CLT for the A330s, I'll be pretty happy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Can you tell me if the Envoy Lounge has a separate section for First Class?
executive:
1. CLT-LGW and CLT-FRA flights are scheduled for A330 service next year.
2. The Lounge in PHL is labeled "Envoy - Intl. First Class" and there is no separate section for the FC folks.
I'm in the category that Envoy Class in the 767s is pretty good, so if I choose to connect in PHL/PIT rather than CLT for the A330s, I'll be pretty happy. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Can you tell me if the Envoy Lounge has a separate section for First Class?
executive:
1. CLT-LGW and CLT-FRA flights are scheduled for A330 service next year.
2. The Lounge in PHL is labeled "Envoy - Intl. First Class" and there is no separate section for the FC folks.
CLTFlyer
Oct 13, 00, 12:52 pm
geo and NOVACAT: thanks for your input - looking forward to my (scheduled) 3 hour layover in PHL in the Lounge - just hoping that I'm not stuck in delay hell at either end.
Interesting thing (and probably off point)- a question for us in CLT is whether they'll get around to turning the "D" US Airways Club into an Envoy Lounge anytime soon or once the 330s get going. Currently, the Club between C & D works fine for C & D passengers - and I'm not sure how used the D Club is. It would be nice to turn it into an Envoy Lounge - although its small size might be an issue with 3 Envoy flights leaving within an hour. Nonetheless, it would be nice to have - and probably something that won't be dealt with until the merger is resolved one way or another.
Interesting thing (and probably off point)- a question for us in CLT is whether they'll get around to turning the "D" US Airways Club into an Envoy Lounge anytime soon or once the 330s get going. Currently, the Club between C & D works fine for C & D passengers - and I'm not sure how used the D Club is. It would be nice to turn it into an Envoy Lounge - although its small size might be an issue with 3 Envoy flights leaving within an hour. Nonetheless, it would be nice to have - and probably something that won't be dealt with until the merger is resolved one way or another.
dg1
Oct 13, 00, 1:03 pm
I've got a three hour layover in Philly too, CLTFlyer. There's no other way to be ensure you'll make your connection through Philly. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Steven
Oct 14, 00, 3:39 pm
Isn't is strange that CDG will not be getting the A330s from CLT, but LGW and FRA will?
If they can only allocate two CLT routes to A330s, why FRA and LGW? Are their loads better than CDG?
If they can only allocate two CLT routes to A330s, why FRA and LGW? Are their loads better than CDG?
dg1
Oct 14, 00, 10:09 pm
Frankfurt and London generally have more business travellers -- and people who'll pay for the nice new planes and pay to sit in business or first. That's IMHO.