US Airways Dividend Miles (Pre-FlightFund Merger) - Why I love US Airways

I spent some time this weekend reviewing my choice for a preferred carrier, and the more I think about it, the happier I am that I decided to stick with US Airways. Sure, it has some faults, but far fewer than other airlines. I get the sense from this board that US, unlike other airlines, doesn't have a lot of flyers who are quite disgruntled with the airine but fly them anyway out of convenience or inertia. The company gets a lot of bad press and has a pretty bad reputation, especially with articles daily about their poor financial conditions. But so many frequent flyers love the airline. US Airways must be doing something right.

Dividend Miles
For my purposes, the DM program is the best in the industry. I will never really be able to qualify for top-tier on an airline, so I look for the best mid-tier product. I've found that with US Airways Gold Preferred.
I don't sit in coach unless I choose to. When I desire to upgrade, I can clear at the 3-day window about 95% of the time. The rest, I clear at the gate. When I don't want to upgrade (which is when I'm traveling with more than one companion and wouldn't feel comfortable in F with them in Y), I always check to see if I could upgrade, if I desire to. The answer is always yes. Silver Preferreds might not always be able to upgrade at their window in advance, but they generally do well at the gate. Anecdotally, I'd say 75% eventually clear. Preferred status really means something, since most of the time not everyone and his mother has it. I'll grant that I've been on some flights (mostly interhub) flooded with elites, but there are still relatively few that even Silvers and Golds get recognition from the agents. When I was in Lexington, the agent commented on my Gold Preferred status, thanking me for my continued loyalty to her airline. Silver Preferreds still receive full benefits, unlike other airlines (Delta, for example, won't let their Silvers use priority security lines...limited to Gold/Platinum) Systemwide upgrades are given to all levels of elite Envoy Class upgrades to Europe can be used on almost all fares ALL domestic fares upgradeable domestically. I can fly a $175 roundtrip TPA-PHL to sit in FC. An upgradeable fare would be well over $350 at Delta.


Hub Network
This is one of the biggest selling points for me. I don't live in a hub or major city, so I'm going to have to connect just about everywhere I go (and practically always if I want to fly only one airline always to get elite status). And US Airways has unquestionably the two best hubs in the nation.
Pittsburgh and Charlotte aren't located in congested corridors so you don't get ATC holds and you don't spend half of your day circling above them. They aren't too busy, so there isn't as much congestion and delays on taxing and taking-off. They are spread out enough that traffic keeps flowing, but they aren't so huge as to make for really long walks on connections. They have good food and shopping. Connecting in PIT and CLT is significantly easier than connecting in ATL, DFW, IAH, ORD, EWR, JFK, DEN, IAD, etc. I also use DCA as a connecting point which is very nice (for the most part uncongested, never a long walk to the connecting gates and club). I admit that PHL sucks bigtime, but it is avoidable as a connecting point for all but a handful of destinations. I'll take the two great hubs and put up with just one Philadelphia, especially compared to most other airlines, all of whose hubs are Philadelphias (i.e., AA at ORD/STL/DFW/MIA). US Airways Express has dedicated facilities at all three hubs now, so connecting between mainline and USE is a breeze. Flying USE is much more bareable than dealing with mainline/express connections in ATL, ORD, etc.


Route Network
This is the weakest points about the airline, but if they go where you want to go, they're great! Additions of European destinations and Caribbean destinations over the last few years have been welcome.


Service
After a slump after 9/11, FC service has returned to it be quite good. Florida-Northeast runs now have hot meals a mealtimes. Transcon multi-course service is still good. US flies a lot of short hops, and their service in FC is a lot better than other airlines. Always a beverage unless its extremely bumpy, and the snack basket is much better than a pack of peanuts (I always take milanos and cape cod chips!). Almost always get preflight beverage and coats hung promptly (321 excepted, but I did get a preflight drink recently on the big bus!) Envoy Class product to Europe is excellent, especially on the 330s. Coach class to Europe on the 330s is comfortable enough, with PTV's and 34-in pitch (according to family and friends, I haven't been back there...see upgrade section!) Most employees are friendly, competent, and willing to be helpful and put you at ease. US has some really good FA's.


Fleet
Since the DC-9, MD-80, and F-100 were retired, there is no longer a specific plane I need to avoid Domestic Airbus equipment are great. Very fresh, airy, and comfortable in both cabins. Powerports at EVERY seat (most airlines just have them in FC and possibly the first few rows of coach). 737 equipment is just fine for their mission A330s to Europe are a dream, and the 767s are comfortable enough and serve their mission well No 737s Denver and west! All flights to West Coast destiniations (DEN/PHX/LAS/SAN/SNA/LAX/SFO/SEA) are operated by 319/320/321/757. People used to hate US for operating 737s out west, but they now only use comfortable equipment. Compare to United (i.e, a 737-300 from Tampa to Denver) or American (MD-80s out the wazoo on long flights) or Continental (737s transcon, even the next generation type, are less comfortable than Airbus equipment).


US Airways Clubs
Almost all clubs are either brand new or renovated. Favorites include TPA, PHL, CLT (C/D), but all the clubs are really nice and comfortable.


I know I'm not even touching upon a lot of other good points about our airline, but these are the key reasons why I choose to fly US Airways and really like the airline. Sure it has a lot of negatives (route network!! and future), but it also has a lot of positives. I guess my big summary is if it goes where you want to go, you can't do any better than US Airways.


[This message has been edited by BizJet (edited 08-04-2002).]

DITTO!!! I am typing this while waiting in the US Club in CLT waiting to catch my next FC to MHT which I always am able to upgrade , did as a Silver w/ 24 hrs notice, and always do as Gold. After having just reviewed my statement this month w/ 65,000 miles for the month I happily ditto you, and 2 months ago w/ normal 35,000 miles I would have as well. USAir has a loyal contingency on the East Coast and will have more and more happy people as time goes by and they progress out west. Interesting changes to their magazine this month, the letter from Siegel and CS complaints in his letter and next page Q&A. I think they have as many happy letters but don't mention these.

I couldn't agree more.

I couldn't have said it better myself!! I think US people are the best in the industry!!

In light of all that's going on they continue to deliver an outstanding product!



------------------
Regards,

Art from ISP

Excellent Post!!! While I've had my bumps and concerns, US is my airline of choice, not convenience. Thank you for succinctly reminding all of us why we're here.

DITTO. My normal route is a 2 1/2 drive but a 3 1/2 flight (thru PHL) but I keep flying. They make it so comfortable (96% upgrade pct. - missed 1) and lucrative (miles) that I keep comming back. I also joined the club to try to give them some more revenue.

Hertz can't compare!!

Let me add my voice to those in praise of the US employees. With very few exceptions, they have always treated me well and have definitely gone 'above and beyond' on several occasions.

I agree wholeheartedly. I had to decide which top tier to lose this year, and based on many of the points the above posters have said, DL is the loser. I'm steering most of the remainder of my travel this year to US and will try for US1 again, currently at 60 segments. This will probably be the last year I will be DL Platinum. Future United benefits should make US even a better option than DL.

I'd have to agree! I fly out of IND and am continually on e-saver flights to PHL, CLT, etc.

This year I've also done some transcon LAX and on 09/15 I'll be going to SFO.

Their commuter airline US Airways Express here in IND is run by Chautaunga (spelling?) and they have great flights to PHL.

This year I'm approaching Silver Preferred for the first time in 4 (?) years and looking forward to it.

Flew First Class PHL - LAX/LAX-PHL and had fantastic service and good food (okay the plastic knife drives me insane).

Website is pretty good - I didn't like the fact that after I clicked continue after I picked my seats it didn't give me a chance to make sure everything was okay before it ticketed it!

I booked Air New Zealand to AKL earlier this year and dumped those miles into UAL and now that there is a partnership that works out great for my US miles.

Western USA network - with the help of UAL I'll be able to utilize UAL this weekend IND - SEA (or IND - Spokane) and put those miles to use on US.

I love US Airways because--for some strange reason--people here seem to use many more wink smilies than any other forum...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BizJet:
I guess my big summary is if it goes where you want to go, you can't do any better than US Airways. </font>Well said BizJet! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

"Website is pretty good - I didn't like the fact that after I clicked continue after I picked my seats it didn't give me a chance to make sure everything was okay before it ticketed it!"

Do we use the same website? The US website I have found to be the worst in the industry, I have lost countless reservations halfway through making them because I cant go back on the website. Twice I have been charged for 2 tickets on the same route because it was so slow (and I have DSL) that I had to click again, because after 5 minutes I wasnt sure if I had clicked. In addition I can't change seat assingments like I can on DL, I have to call US reservations and wait.
However depsite the website they are a pretty good airline, I just wish that they would create a late bank of flights that would allow me to leave DC around 8-830 pm and get into FLL around midnight.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GWU ESIA STUDENT:

"Website is pretty good - I didn't like the fact that after I clicked continue after I picked my seats it didn't give me a chance to make sure everything was okay before it ticketed it!"

Do we use the same website? The US website I have found to be the worst in the industry, I have lost countless reservations halfway through making them because I cant go back on the website. Twice I have been charged for 2 tickets on the same route because it was so slow (and I have DSL) that I had to click again, because after 5 minutes I wasnt sure if I had clicked. In addition I can't change seat assingments like I can on DL, I have to call US reservations and wait.
However depsite the website they are a pretty good airline, I just wish that they would create a late bank of flights that would allow me to leave DC around 8-830 pm and get into FLL around midnight.

</font>

Yes, we've all had some of these problems on the website but it has improved immensely- I had a mishap last week where I was double-ticketed on the same flights, I sent an email in to the support desk and it was fixed withing 30 min.!! Not too bad...

The feature of letting you pick a fare and then find the avail dates for that fare is quite handy.

U has always made me a happy comfortable traveler. They get me to the obscure out of the way little towns in the Northeast when I need to get there, and I sit in F whenver I fly jets. The recent addition of Finlandia and a pretty good run of green limes lately just makes it that much better.
I flew paid F on UA last Saturday from SFO-LIH (Kaua'i) and the service pales to the first-class product on U.

The U Website's better way to book tickets instead of picking by fare (as sometimes dates and/or seats are sold out that way and its frustrating to keep pickingfares that are sold out) is to enter your info at the home page. It then shows you various options at the next screen, then shows you that fare, and lower fares available for the same date and various flights. I discovered this way was much easier from the website CSR. Also, there is an additional re-design of the website for the end of the month so perhaps it will be even better. Comparing it to Delta's website I find it easier to use, and more righteous in the fare dep't.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Skip Middleton:
Also, there is an additional re-design of the website for the end of the month so perhaps it will be even better.</font>

Where did you see this?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by TribeFlyer:
Where did you see this? </font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum51/HTML/002923.html

BizJet,

Well, yes, I know something's in the wind, but I wondered how Skip knew it would be at the end of this month--they gave me no clue at the interview if and when it would happen.

I love US Airways because of the mysterious button with the indecipherable pictogram (next to the FA call button) on the A330's. Even the flight attendants don't know its function. I haven't pressed it yet, but I know wondrous and magical things will happen when I do!

When you press the button, you get quadruple tier mileage for the flight. What, you haven't been doing this all along? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

****. Here I thought it was for a full body massage from the flight attendent gender of your choice.

(Dealmakur: "Hey! I'll take one of each!")

I hate to rain on this parade, but . . . I have to fly them frequently 'cause I live in western PA, and I just hate 'em. The rudest gate people anywhere, and flight attendants not much better. About every third trip I have some horrible experience that I have to write to customer service about.

1. Working for USAirways means never having to say you're sorry. Only in the past year have I ever heard an apology from any USAir employee (except corporate Consumer Affairs), no matter how egregious the offense. Late flights are ignored, treated as if everything was just fine, even when the plane hasn't even started boarding at departure time. I'm not exaggerating here folks--it's become almost comical over the years. AA and CO have always apologized profusely for delays, and CO in particular always keeps me updated. Not US. I can't even go into all the horrible encounters--the flight attendant who started a huge fight when I asked for his name at the end of the flight (because he was highly abusive to me and other passengers); the special services woman who lied about first class being sold out, and then accused me of stealing her pencil (!) when I picked it up to jot down a note; etc.

To qualify this somewhat: the Charlotte crews seem much better, but I usually have PIT and PHL crews.

2. No FF redemption (coach) available for Europe. I called starting in November for this past summer, continuing into February. I was rudely told, "Nothing to Europe until October!" It's been the same in previous years. CO and DL were incredibly cooperative in contrast. Domestic has generally been OK, although last winter they changed my itinerary a few weeks ahead of time, adding a 3 hour + layover. They did allow me to cancel and reimbursed my miles.

Of course, there are certainly exceptions, and I have found a number of friendly, warm, helpful employees. But on the balance they have the worst attitude I've seen. I flew AA and CO a lot at various times, and I never had these problems (although AA makes a habit of losing my luggage).

It's even more of a pity because PIT is the best airport around. It's so unpleasant to be treated like an annoyance, no matter how hard I try to be nice. I really think customer service is their number one problem.

I do know other people who feel as you do, though (flying from Miami, however), and I respect your opinion. I'm glad you've had such a nice experience; I wish I had your secret! Maybe it's because you're a higher level flyer. I don't fly enough for higher tier status, and generally fly coach. Maybe they're better with higher-status customers?

I've generally had good experiences flying USAirways. I actually have some great stories about the very GOOD service I've received, like the time I was flying from EWR to PIT on a Monday morning. Flight was cancelled, I quickly went over to the gate. The attendant there smiled and said "Good news and bad news -- I can get you on the next flight, but I'll have to put you in first to do it!" This was before I was even a meager Silver.

Or my recent LGW-PIT flight where I had one of the most personable FA's I've ever encountered in Envoy. I believe her name was Ilona, and she made an already good experience downright pleasant (from suggesting I get an Americano from the espresso bar instead of regular coffee, to describing in great detail why she liked the dessert we were getting. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )

Wow, you would never see a thread like this on the Delta board!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by GregLeg:
Or my recent LGW-PIT flight where I had one of the most personable FA's I've ever encountered in Envoy. I believe her name was Ilona, and she made an already good experience downright pleasant (from suggesting I get an Americano from the espresso bar instead of regular coffee, to describing in great detail why she liked the dessert we were getting. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif )</font>

Do you suppose Ilona also flies PIT-CDG? We had one by this name, too...felt like we had an angel hovering over us the whole flight.

Well, it's certainly an unusual name. Tall woman, dark hair?

"Angel hovering over you" certainly sounds about right. I should probably send a letter to US complimenting her on her service.

Actually I think ours was named Yolanda. Older, shorter blond woman. US must have two angels.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spiff:
Wow, you would never see a thread like this on the Delta board!</font>


Spiff, US Air has one of the highest complaint rates of any airline in the country, and DL one of the lowest, What this thread represents are the understandable hopes of a group of FFs who have dedicated a lot of their fiber to US Air.

From the sounds of the business plan going forward, I would be a net redeemer of Dividend Miles, not an earner!

DOT Complaint Rates (Air Travel Consumer Report, Issued August 2002) are a pretty silly unit of measure, but then you brought it up. The rankings are lowest number of complaints per enplanement to highest.

Year to Date:
1 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
2 AMERICAN EAGLE AIRLINES
3 ALASKA AIRLINES
4 US AIRWAYS
5 AMERICAN AIRLINES
6 CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
7 DELTA AIR LINES
8 NORTHWEST AIRLINES
9 AMERICA WEST AIRLINES
10 UNITED AIRLINES

June 2002 (latest available)
1 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
2 AMERICAN EAGLE AIRLINES
3 US AIRWAYS
4 CONTINENTAL AIRLINES
5 ALASKA AIRLINES
6 AMERICAN AIRLINES
7 DELTA AIR LINES
8 NORTHWEST AIRLINES
9 UNITED AIRLINES
10 AMERICA WEST AIRLINES

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:

Spiff, US Air has one of the highest complaint rates of any airline in the country, and DL one of the lowest, What this thread represents are the understandable hopes of a group of FFs who have dedicated a lot of their fiber to US Air.

From the sounds of the business plan going forward, I would be a net redeemer of Dividend Miles, not an earner!</font>

Spoken like a DL flyer. USAir has one of the largest fan clubs on this board, if not the highest, If you fly U (and I do every week) you will find,...alas, not only a loyal contingency, but also one which does not suffer fools from another airline.

I do not wish to demean US Air or its FFs. I hope that everything works out for both the airline, its employees and its customers. The ones I really feel for are the ones who bought U north of $45/share just about two years ago.

However, all else that I said I feel is still true... I would be redeeming miles at this point rather than worrying about how to earn more!

This afternoon I flew PVD-CLT on a 734. The flight attendant handling pre-departure was really into his job. He was literally skipping around the cabin, hanging coats, getting drinks, offering a really, really cheerful welcome aboard to everyone as they passed through the FC cabin, helping stow carry on bags, putting the bags of the people in row 4 who didn't know that their bags have to go overhead in the bins for them, rather than just telling them to do it themselves. Man, I thought, this is going to be a great flight. Alas, this great FA was serving behind the open curtain this afternoon, but the girl up front was quite good also.

CLT-TPA on the 757 had a very jovial FA handling the cabin.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
I do not wish to demean US Air or its FFs. I hope that everything works out for both the airline, its employees and its customers. The ones I really feel for are the ones who bought U north of $45/share just about two years ago.

However, all else that I said I feel is still true... I would be redeeming miles at this point rather than worrying about how to earn more!</font>

I think what you said originally was that U had highest rating for complaints. Now since we all know that statistic came straight from the southend of a northbound mule, you choose to talk about stock price. Look at stock price for any airline. Go preach redeeming miles at some other airline board. You don't offend U's FFers, you offend the intelligence of this U FFer.

Oh...and by the way, Delta tied for 4th highest complaints for the month of June.....U? well U was nowhere on the list.

[This message has been edited by Skip Middleton (edited 08-19-2002).]

What's up, Skip? I see you are a very high level US Air elite. Having amde such an investment in US Air as a customer, do you mean to say that you're happy with the management of the company to which you give so much business? You really shouldn't be angry at me... perhaps you should direct the anger towards the management of your favorite airline. I acknowledge the 2002 compalint statistics and stand corrected. Historically, this has not been the case, however.

Attacks aside, I do hope that in the end, all this works out somehow.

[This message has been edited by RobertS975 (edited 08-19-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
... Having made such an investment in US Air as a customer, do you mean to say that you're happy with the management of the company to which you give so much business?
</font>

1) We have new management. And yes, I at least, am very happy with Mr Siegel. He's doing a great job so far. The BK move has been called "brilliant" in the business press.

2) The former management had more bright spots than they're generally credited with. We have an very young fleet of very nice aircraft. Our Airbuses have laptop power in every seat. We have at least 12 F seats on all of our non-express planes. We have an excellent route system to Europe. We have some very nice Hubs and Clubs.

3) Yes, they got distracted trying to sell the company. But if they had succeeded at $60/share or even repriced it to $25 or $30 they'd be hailed as genius' today...

4) The problems with the cost structure have been hugely magnifed by the uneven impact of 9/11 on U. Yes -- U's costs are out of control and they would have come home to roost sooner or later. But it's not clear that that would have happened sooner than it will with UA or even DL had not 9/11 resulted in DCA being shut down for so long and still being a shadow of what it was.

5) We've got the best paint job in the industry. And Mr. Wolf knows his wines. Plus we can redeem miles for spaceflight.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">You really shouldn't be angry at me...</font>

So why is it that all of a sudden, out of nowhere, someone from outside is telling U fliers that they should be liquidating their miles instead of earning more? These are miles not stock certificates... I can't speak for Skip but I know that I'm not angry with you -- I am however deeply suspicious that your motives are somewhat less than perfectly aligned with those of the US Airways frequent traveler.

I could buy an argument that an outsider's POV brings fresh air to a too cozy forum -- but none of the "reasons" you've offered to justify your position are new nor are they especially persuasive. They're just a tired rehash of old news and scare tactics that have the feel of a Delta press release.

At least stop to learn some of the basics about our program before ladling out generic advice to us poor third tier fliers. (Your advice to burn miles on partners is almost laughable were it not so such a sad state of affairs -- at least until the UA code share comes through.)

On the other hand you might want to stick around and research the older threads on the topic of miles and bankruptcy (and mergers) so that when Delta's time comes you'll know why you should (or should not) worry about your miles there.

BTW, I've got backup miles and status on CO, UA & NW but my main earning focus remains on US where the bang for the buck is currently unparalleled -- if US flies where you want to go there is no better way to get there!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
[B]What's up, Skip? I see you are a very high level US Air elite. Having amde such an investment in US Air as a customer, do you mean to say that you're happy with the management of the company to which you give so much business? You really shouldn't be angry at me... perhaps you should direct the anger towards the management of your favorite airline. I acknowledge the 2002 compalint statistics and stand corrected. Historically, this has not been the case, however.
B]</font>

I have no anger, but disgust at naysayers with nothing to back up an argument. Does U have an exemplary history? Are you kidding?? I would be proud to be part of a company with U's history of growth and service. Is it perfect? Staring at a 401k with double digit growth and double digit shrinkage there are many companies with poor performance. Does that excuse U's stock performance? Did you lose your last dollars instead of having a stop loss on your stock? Is U's stock down for the count? Do good companies come back? My crystal ball works great for yestaerday, but it's still a little fuzzy for tomorrow. Harley Davidson, Honda, Chrysler, Continental, the Rams, Patriots, Diamondbacks, 80 US Hockey team, jesus pick an example...think up one of your own. Clearly everyone on this message board, or most everyone, thinks or hopes U is poised to bounce back rather nicely. And any one of us could present a convincing argument as to why it may not survive. The key is CONVINCING argument, not just some BS that Oracle is on the way out because Microsoft is a better company. Back it up with some real thoughts. You threw out a first sentence of a controversial term paper that basically said US FF'ers should burn their miles and Delta is a better company because Delta has better customer satisfaction and U's stock is in the sh**ter. After being challenged, you came back with, "well, Delta used to have a better CS rating, U has a crappy mgmt team, and why is everyone so angry with me?" Is that an argument with any thought? I don't think you're an awful person, I think you present a very ill-prepared line of thought with many holes. And you present it in an area, where, on U's worst day, you are sure to hear many, many dissenting opinions. That's all.



[This message has been edited by Skip Middleton (edited 08-19-2002).]

Skip, I really didn't want to bring DL into this... lord knows we all have our own problems over there. First, I am a Dividend Miles member, but I am not a very frequent customer aboard US Air. I have no motives in my suggestions to redeem mileage other than to remind folks that it is conceivable that the mileage may not survive. The UA board is full of anxious posts speculating on the future of their program as well.

If DL was in a dire financial situation, I believe that I would use my current status to get comped on another carrier, probably AA at this point, and set about to be a net redeemer, not earner of SkyMiles. I do not know where you fly and whether any other relatively secure carrier would fit your needs, but if AA, DL, NW or CO would satisfy your needs, then getting comped elite status is something you should think about. The possibilty of a UA codeshare is something going forward, but who knows where UA is headed!

US Air has been on again, off again financially for years, long before 9/11. Obviously, the aborted UA merger and the effects of 9/11 that were particular tyo US Air (DCA closure etc.) have acccelerated their difficulties.

As far as sinister motives for my posts, nothing could be further from my mind. As elites of different airlines, we have much in common. Sure, it could be DL in this Chap 11 instead of US, but the fact is that it is not. The DeltaManiacs (myself included) on the DL board have our own many issues with our chosen carrier, but at least for the here and now, the survival of the company and its FF program is not one of the issues thus far. I am sorry if it appeared that I was rubbing salt into fresh wounds, but the reality is that there is only one carrier that has survived Chap 11, CO, and there are many that have not (EA, TW, PA and BN come to mind).

One problem that is unique to this current time is that there are no super strong carriers right now from a financial POV. That makes me worry about other carriers assuming the potential liability of the Dividend Miles program going forward the way the PA and TW mileage programs were adopted in the past.

Good luck, and I mean that most sincerely!

I seem to remember that this thread's title is "Why I love US Airways." While dissent is always welcome, please start a new thread if you'd like to throw out criticisms of the airline. Okay? Otherwise folks if you want to rumble, please take it outside.

Now I think I'll enjoy my next flight to the West Coast in a fairly new A321 - and have a Finlandia and Tonic before dinner.

[This message has been edited by CLTFlyer (edited 08-19-2002).]

Good for you Robert for coming up with better line of thought. To make everything tie in here...I love USAirways, because even though it has it's dissenters it's easier to continue to back them up in what they do right and continue flying them, then to believe detractors (right word?) on burning miles, comping elite status and fly someone else. My only choice, by the way, is....gasp...Delta. No way! By the way, U was in USA Today (8/20/02) 2x. Once was for lowest complaints for the month of June (3rd place) and the other was an article in which Randy was interviewed, saying FF miles are most assuredly sage, referencing successful phoenixes of CO and America West, and bringing up 5 airlines that have burned their FF'ers, none of which was anyone of consequence outside of maybe Ansett.
To put my final thought here for this thread, ever, I promise, I love USAirways for price, service, and convenience (regardless of elite status)! Keep up the good work!

Geez, look what I seem to have started... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif

From SDF, it looks like I can choose from:

3 daily flights to CLT,
3 daily flights (more or less) to DCA ( http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsdown.gif)
2 daily flights to LGA
3 daily flights to PHL
4 daily flights to PIT

Other than some weekend flights not operating, 15 flights looks like they give me plenty of options! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
...I do not know where you fly and whether any other relatively secure carrier would fit your needs, but if AA, DL, NW or CO would satisfy your needs, then getting comped elite status is something you should think about. The possibilty of a UA codeshare is something going forward, but who knows where UA is headed!...</font>In fact DL has comped me to their Gold Medalion level, but since practically all of my flying is over weekends on low fares, elite status on Delta is almost worthless to me. I haven't even flown them since I got comped earlier this year and have no prospect a being able to earn status renewal. No one else has the route structure that fits my flying habits (well MAYBE CO/NW would work), so IF I'm concerned about my Dividend Miles (and I have been recently), I think my best option is to pay for AwardGuard (and I did) and keep flying USAirways as long as they keep flying. If they eventually go Chapter 7, then (and only then) it will be time for me to look for a replacement. In the mean time, I can't beat the combinaton of upgrades, price, service, and route structure that USAirways has today, and with the UA alliance, it appears that it will get even better.

Now I just hate US Airways. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BizJet:
Now I just hate US Airways. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

</font>


From love to hate in 3 1/2 weeks...

ouch.

BizJet I am deeply sympathetic. I was getting ready to book about 4 trips when this happened. Now I cant figure out what to do. Or rather who to fly since I need to make the trips anyways. What could they be thinking.

for me from love to hate in 13 years !

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by syzygy8:
Excellent Post!!! While I've had my bumps and concerns, US is my airline of choice, not convenience. Thank you for succinctly reminding all of us why we're here.</font>

Just to let you know...I know the syzygy guy who made the post above. He's clearly on drugs and should not be taken seriously.

I can't say I hate USAirways... I hate their management, and think they're intensely stupid. And I feel quite bad for their employees, who once again have to deal with the repercussions of these ludicrous decisions.

I also feel very betrayed. I'm thinking of how often in the last few months I've told family and friends that USAirways is the best airline -- best reservations staff, best ground staff (EVEN in PHL!), best FAs, and best treatment of elite flyers -- far superior to United, or Delta, or American.

That we should ALL keep flying them in spite of Ch.11 as they will emerge stronger and better. Boy do I feel stupid.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by syzygy8:
Just to let you know...I know the syzygy guy who made the post above. He's clearly on drugs and should not be taken seriously.</font>


At least the new syzygy8 knows not to drink the Kool Aid that US is doling out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

Why do I love US Airways? The people.

I'm the type of flier that was the cause of the recent changes. I sign up for all of the promos. I make silver every year on 30-40 segments, almost all of them on low fares. Last year I made gold for the first time, on a challenge.

I called consumer affairs to complain last week. I had to call the Dividend Mile Service Center on an unrelated matter this morning and while speaking to the rep, I complained again.

90 minutes later, the same rep called me back and left me a message on my voice mail to tell me the good news. She had just been informed and wanted to share the news with me.

I can't think of too many small mom & pop operations that would do that, let alone a major corporation.

I called back and left her and her supervisor a message thanking her for her call and how much I appreciated it....I'm back with U! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I'm still with them, and didn't really want to leave. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

...and after Black Tuesday's mortal plunge to the depths, the "Why I Love US Airways" thead once again finds itself bobbing to the top.

Well, with them backing off the change on elite mileage earning, the program is again one of the best of all major US carriers (the best in my opinion, but I'm just being conservative in making a more general statement).

I never hated them, just hated watching one of the biggest mgmt gaffs in history, though with the yoyo ride we've been on, they will only lose probably 10% vs 85% of us. (Although I was told today to research Bizjet and Netjets for my company). (And you know, given the coice and somebody else picking up the tab, I'll sit by myself in my own jet,thank you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)Otherwise US still has my cash. Seattle, here I come!

I'm happy again.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BizJet:
I'm happy again. </font>


but where's the LOVE?

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oops


[This message has been edited by mileshound (edited 09-07-2002).]

I'll be counted with the loyalists.

I think more to come in this play,
but for the moment I'm in.

However, the change fees are likely to cause a lot of damaging PR for all the airlines with FF and leisures. TV news food.

Today a phone representative mentioned the changes to me. He brought it up, of course, since I've seen its pointless to mention to employees myself. He said he was glad to see that I was still booking travel with US Airways and hadn't switched to Delta after last week's announcement.

Then he said (and I quote), "I was embarrassed and ashamed to work for US Airways last week. I was embarrassed and ashamed to work for a company who, rather than thanking its most loyal customers, asks them to eat dirt."

This gentleman is the reason I am still flying US Airways. This gentleman is the reason that I love US Airways.

This gentleman reminded me what I used to be told with great frequency a few years ago: US Airways begins with me.

[This message has been edited by BizJet (edited 09-07-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by iflybos:
Why do I love US Airways? The people.
</font>

Well said. I've forgiven them and moved on. It's still the best little airline in the U.S.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Skip Middleton:
Otherwise US still has my cash. Seattle, here I come!</font>

We'll have some smoked salmon and a latte waiting for you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

It's fine to love them, but trusting them is quite another thing. They'll do it smarter the next time.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cockroach:
It's fine to love them, but trusting them is quite another thing. They'll do it smarter the next time.</font>

Remember: Trust, but verify.

The folks on the plane are the main reason I have remained loyal to this airline. I flew BWI-CLT on Saturday-there were only 2 of us in F. The FA closed the curtain and sat and talked with me nearly the entire flight. She went to great length to tell me how much she enjoyed her biz travelers as opposed to the awful leisure pax she has seen lately. I tried to explain to her that she was misguided by her loyalty to FF as U senior management view us as thieving bottom feeders.
Thanks to all the U cabin staff because most of you understand that "I do have choices in air travel."

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by foodguy:
... She went to great length to tell me how much she enjoyed her biz travelers as opposed to the awful leisure pax she has seen lately. ...</font>

As I am both a business and leisure traveler, I wouldn't have found her comments too endearing.

I think that's somewhat unprofessional for a FA to say that -- the leisure traveler pays for a ticket, too: there's nothing awful about him...

I just flew in FC in a TWA/AA MD-80 on a short trip. I enjoyed the Bailey's and got my upgrade notification at 71 hours from departure.

But, the FC seats on the Airbuses are so much better. I felt like I was in a too short and hard seat. The US big leather seats feel so much better.

But my alternative now is a RJ connection in CLT. I guess I will continue to suffer on AA.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RobertS975:
Skip, I really didn't want to bring DL into this... lord knows we all have our own problems over there. </font>

I would like to weigh in here with my observations on DL that I have witnessed first hand vs US! Perhaps this will shed some light on why i personally would like to urinate on Leo Mullins grave (Metaphorically of course).
At the US counter in GRR yesterday and the 1:55 US flight is cancelled, G/A reroutes to Delta. Frustrated PAX comes back stating "they won't accept my bag! it's less than a half hour before flight time" I can not count the number of times I have seen this rigid enforcement of rules by Delta, BTW she had 25 minutes before departure in a 12 gate airport. But rules are rules. I also can't count the number of times I have seen DL send PAX over to a US counter with luggage to be checked with under 15 minutes prior to take off in GRR and the staff jump through their azz to get the PAX and bag on the flight, to the point of holding the flight a minute or two to accomodate the PAX. I have attempted to use Delta on several occassions and each time have been confronted by front line people who just do not listen and spout the rules like a televangelist quotes the bible.

So in keeping with the thread. Personal service is why I stay. And I don't mean the CP desk either. I mean the folks who don't even know my status are far more personable. and knowledgable. I think that the people who have issues with some of the front line people at US are taken aback by their bluntness in many cases. I never feel like I am getting a "Story" from a US g/a like I do on some carriers. Some people may take the directness as rudeness. I find it frankly very refreshing

Previously, I have mentioned that I will probably be flying more from ALB than BTV. The main reason is that with BTV going to all express service, any extra time driving to ALB is offset by knowing that it will be easier and quicker to make connections in PHL (especially if they start using the A terminal for domestic/Caribbean flights).

I had also previously mentioned that the change to express service at BTV is occuring on the same day I leave on an international routing to New Zealand.

Last week, I got a call from a US supervisor at BTV who reads FT. He had called me to ask if I would like for him to change my tickets so that I could leave from ALB on my trip to AKL. With the first day of the changeover, he was concerned about any potential problems. What a truly nice gesture! Although I demurred, we had a nice chat about the future of US in general and BTV operations in paticular. It thoughtfulness and caring like this that will keep me coming back for a long time.

Last week, I got a call from a US supervisor at BTV who reads FT....
............

I know who this supervisor is &lt;Chris&gt;. He is being furloughed soon with the hopes of coming back once the business at BVT increases for US. As much as I hate to have to go to BVT for work (always in winter too!!?? UUGGHH) I have to say that the US staff at this station are always very helpful.

Good luck Chris and come back soon.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif