US Airways Dividend Miles - Cancelled flight due to maintenance of aircraft

I was supposed to fly on US711 today from ZRH to PHL but soon after we tried to take off, it was announced there was a problem and the plane was stopped at the aiport with mechanics checking it out. After 2 hours on the plane, they got buses for us to get off since the part they needed was not available locally. Gave us meal vouchers for lunch and told us they will have more info in an hour. While looking for a place to eat, I noticed the crew leaving the airport, so I figured the flight must have been cancelled without officially being told so. It seems like we've been rebooked on the flight for tomorrow, i. e. resulting in a 24-hour delay. While US has treated us decently so far, I don't know if it's a good idea to call US reservations and have them rebook on another carrier (since US has only 1 daily flight as far as I know). I have another flight tomorrow I need to make and if I wait until then, I'm definitely going to miss it. What should I do? I do have *G not with US though, so hoping that will count for something. But is that the best option as opposed to asking for reimbursement of the missed flight? If it's weather-related, I'd understand but since it's mechanical, what's the best course of action here? Thank you all for the responses!

Well, there are plenty of one-stop options to PHL from ZRH on LX/LH/AC/UA, the question is will they put you on it, and is it already too late to get across this afternoon?

While citing EU 261 for compensation has been shot down in the past for mechanical problems (called extraordinary event), you might try giving US a call and try toget a rerouting after citing that and your willingness to pursue legal action. For that route though, another thing working against you is the call centers are likely inundated with callers rebooking thanks to Hurricane Isaac.

1. Do proactive research first. You will have much better results if you propose specific air carriers & flights. Do not expect first line CSR's to have any familiarity with alternatives. Prioritize what you want so that you ask for your preference first. Also, remember that if today's xZRH flight still shows as delayed and not cancelled, that's a problem for a CSR sitting somewhere else in the world.

2. You sound OK, but really calm yourself down for the call. US is not required to rebook on other carriers so you are asking for assistance, not making a demand. Also, make sure you stick to the issue which is rebooking, not other stuff such as acomodation at ZRH (that will be handled by US on the ground as it has been so far).

3. US is unlikely to rebook on a non *A carrier, so start there. Think also about connections and a destination different than your current destination. If you are bound for PHL, would you be OK with BWI or EWR?

4. If you really are going to miss your new itinerary tomorrow, call now and don't wait. While you may be on a restricted fare, you are more likely to get assistance without paying change fees if you call before it's a crisis. But, you really do need to wait until US posts the cancellation. The other carrier will look that up and if they still see your xZRH flight as delayed and not cancelled, you won't get much help.

Often1's advice is very good. I would modify 3 slightly, since during last EU-US IRROPS I was immediately offered seat on DL (non-*A carrier), so don't rule that out.

I would move. Get to FRA, for example, where there are numerous US/LH options back.

Often1's advice is very good. I would modify 3 slightly, since during last EU-US IRROPS I was immediately offered seat on DL (non-*A carrier), so don't rule that out.

I don't think he's suggesting ruling it out entirely, but merely that you should start with that as your request. That way, you can offer to "settle" for non-optimal timing on a *A flight.

I was supposed to fly on US711 today from ZRH to PHL but soon after we tried to take off, it was announced there was a problem and the plane was stopped at the aiport with mechanics checking it out. After 2 hours on the plane, they got buses for us to get off since the part they needed was not available locally. Gave us meal vouchers for lunch and told us they will have more info in an hour. While looking for a place to eat, I noticed the crew leaving the airport, so I figured the flight must have been cancelled without officially being told so. It seems like we've been rebooked on the flight for tomorrow, i. e. resulting in a 24-hour delay. While US has treated us decently so far, I don't know if it's a good idea to call US reservations and have them rebook on another carrier (since US has only 1 daily flight as far as I know). I have another flight tomorrow I need to make and if I wait until then, I'm definitely going to miss it. What should I do? I do have *G not with US though, so hoping that will count for something. But is that the best option as opposed to asking for reimbursement of the missed flight? If it's weather-related, I'd understand but since it's mechanical, what's the best course of action here? Thank you all for the responses!

Us will book you a) on next avail us flight

B) on avail *a flight

C) on avail oa carrier

For any delay or cancelled flight. If you ask, they will try...unless it is weather and all carriers are affected, then oa will not want to book us passengers...they want their seats for their own pax. Mechanical is more flexible. Call reservations, they will help you.

This is one of those circumstances where having the Star Alliance timetable on your laptop is very helpful, as it does not require an internet connection other than to update the program.

http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/tools-and-downloads/timetables/#module1

This is one of those circumstances where having the Star Alliance timetable on your laptop is very helpful, as it does not require an internet connection other than to update the program.

http://www.staralliance.com/en/services/tools-and-downloads/timetables/#module1

Fully agree. Although I had to beg and plead my IS department to installed it as it was "non-firm approved" software and they questioned whether it had a business use....... Mmkay.

Sounds like it might be a bad week for Philly->Europe flights. It seems PHL-DUB also had mechanical issues this past Thursday as well - http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/20120831_Fans_hoping_to_make_N_D_-Navy_game_in_Dublin.html

Interesting how US dealt with this IRROP, in this case they ADDED a flight (albeit on a 757) to get passengers to Dublin. (Anyone know do they just fly back empty?)

Any guesses is it just bad luck, or is there a chance that the 767s (used on PHL-ZRH and PHL-DUB) are getting finicky, or something else?

Any guesses is it just bad luck, or is there a chance that the 767s (used on PHL-ZRH and PHL-DUB) are getting finicky, or something else?

American seems to be having a lot of problems with their 762's as well, which in their case are three class AC's used for AA's equivalent of United p.s. between JFK and LAX/SFO. It seems like at least once a week there's a thread over at the AA forum about a 762 going MX, and the ensuing rage resulting from a downguage to a domestically configured 752.

I'm fairly sure they're next in line to leave the fleet when the three class A321 "Transcon" birds come online later this year and early next: Envoy Suites/ AA Intl. Business style flat beds in a 1-1 configuration in F and 2-2 "straight" flat beds in C, AVOD and satellite TV for pax in all cabins. It looks like a fantastic transcon product and if the merger does end up happening, something I hope Dougie will keep.