JohnnyUMF
Jul 4, 04, 9:15 pm
US Airways 2127-Jun 27-12PM
US Airways 2126-Jul 3-12PM
I thought that as the fireworks were over I would type a few quick observations on my latest shuttle experience with US.
My companion and I were both confirmed in "First" class 72 hours prior to departure for both the outbound and return flight as I have GP status on US. I used the GP line on both occasions because the website doesn't seem to process upgrades well. I noted that my wait was about 5 minutes on the GP line each time I called. This may be an area where US has cutback because I always seem to wait longer on hold with them compared to AA or UA, but that could just be an odd occurrence.
Arrived at the airport about an hour before departure. One of the nice things about the US Shuttle is that it has its "own" terminal areas in Boston and New York, separate from other US flights. I walked right up to the US Airways rep for check-in. It seems that when you are upgrading a companion OLCI does not work either. The agent was very efficient and did not engage in any conversation at all, rather like a computer, just processing us through. One new and interesting fact that I learned was that you cannot credit US miles to UA miles when you are using your US status to upgrade. I never used this before because I don’t often get upgraded, nonetheless I find that policy foolish, especially now that US is part of *A, which should make things even more seamless!
In Boston there is no access to the US Airways Club if you are flying shuttle as once again it’s in a separate terminal/security area. Security was very quick as usual and the gate area in both BOS and LGA is very new, clean and pleasant, good job US! They even offer work areas w/phones at LGA and computers for market watch, etc. At LGA one can also access the US Airways club but there really isn’t any need to because the regular departure lounge is much closer and quite nice! I think it has to be one of the nicer departure areas in any airport I've been in especially when flying only on the shuttle. It would seem that US definitely had the business people in mind in their design, which makes sense of course!
Boarding began for both flights about 30 minutes prior to departure. The boarding calls were very quick, offering general boarding by row groups and a very quick announcement for "First class at your leisure". There were no calls for DM elite. The first class cabin is standard A319 or 737 (which are old and worn) The Airbus is by far preferable as it appears much newer. I would say row 2 is preferable over 1 due to lack of foot cutouts. Row 3 just gets more noise from coach and might have reduced recline. Overall I would say it’s great to sit in those seats for what is usually a 40 minute flight. We did have pre-departure beverages of choice on both flights, a very nice touch. Basically a few minutes after takeoff drink orders were taken and a limited snack basket passed around. Then the FA's vanished. The shuttle service has to be quick, but boy oh boy I felt like I was dealing with the robot check-in agent again. No effort was made to refill drinks after they were passed out on either flight; there was one pass through prior to landing to collect trash. I think another walkthrough to refill drinks would be a nice touch, is that too much to ask?
Overall the US Airways shuttle "First" class is quite nice way to jet between BOS-LGA. They were on time or early as usual. I can’t see how having the FC cabin makes US any more money on these flights as DM elite could pack the seats easily and for such a short flight who would pay? I am sure there are some that do though. Another nice feature I forgot to mention is the laptop power and of course Jet Connect which I believe is offered.
I think if US is going to keep the "First" class section on the shuttle than a few slight changes could really enhance the product. Number one; if you’re just going to offer the beverage service, which is appropriate for such a flight, use real glassware, it’s so much classier IMHO. Also refill the drinks once prior to landing, it’s a nice touch and maybe I just haven't seen that on my flights.
That being said, I think its one of the better ways to jet between these two cities!
US Airways 2126-Jul 3-12PM
I thought that as the fireworks were over I would type a few quick observations on my latest shuttle experience with US.
My companion and I were both confirmed in "First" class 72 hours prior to departure for both the outbound and return flight as I have GP status on US. I used the GP line on both occasions because the website doesn't seem to process upgrades well. I noted that my wait was about 5 minutes on the GP line each time I called. This may be an area where US has cutback because I always seem to wait longer on hold with them compared to AA or UA, but that could just be an odd occurrence.
Arrived at the airport about an hour before departure. One of the nice things about the US Shuttle is that it has its "own" terminal areas in Boston and New York, separate from other US flights. I walked right up to the US Airways rep for check-in. It seems that when you are upgrading a companion OLCI does not work either. The agent was very efficient and did not engage in any conversation at all, rather like a computer, just processing us through. One new and interesting fact that I learned was that you cannot credit US miles to UA miles when you are using your US status to upgrade. I never used this before because I don’t often get upgraded, nonetheless I find that policy foolish, especially now that US is part of *A, which should make things even more seamless!
In Boston there is no access to the US Airways Club if you are flying shuttle as once again it’s in a separate terminal/security area. Security was very quick as usual and the gate area in both BOS and LGA is very new, clean and pleasant, good job US! They even offer work areas w/phones at LGA and computers for market watch, etc. At LGA one can also access the US Airways club but there really isn’t any need to because the regular departure lounge is much closer and quite nice! I think it has to be one of the nicer departure areas in any airport I've been in especially when flying only on the shuttle. It would seem that US definitely had the business people in mind in their design, which makes sense of course!
Boarding began for both flights about 30 minutes prior to departure. The boarding calls were very quick, offering general boarding by row groups and a very quick announcement for "First class at your leisure". There were no calls for DM elite. The first class cabin is standard A319 or 737 (which are old and worn) The Airbus is by far preferable as it appears much newer. I would say row 2 is preferable over 1 due to lack of foot cutouts. Row 3 just gets more noise from coach and might have reduced recline. Overall I would say it’s great to sit in those seats for what is usually a 40 minute flight. We did have pre-departure beverages of choice on both flights, a very nice touch. Basically a few minutes after takeoff drink orders were taken and a limited snack basket passed around. Then the FA's vanished. The shuttle service has to be quick, but boy oh boy I felt like I was dealing with the robot check-in agent again. No effort was made to refill drinks after they were passed out on either flight; there was one pass through prior to landing to collect trash. I think another walkthrough to refill drinks would be a nice touch, is that too much to ask?
Overall the US Airways shuttle "First" class is quite nice way to jet between BOS-LGA. They were on time or early as usual. I can’t see how having the FC cabin makes US any more money on these flights as DM elite could pack the seats easily and for such a short flight who would pay? I am sure there are some that do though. Another nice feature I forgot to mention is the laptop power and of course Jet Connect which I believe is offered.
I think if US is going to keep the "First" class section on the shuttle than a few slight changes could really enhance the product. Number one; if you’re just going to offer the beverage service, which is appropriate for such a flight, use real glassware, it’s so much classier IMHO. Also refill the drinks once prior to landing, it’s a nice touch and maybe I just haven't seen that on my flights.
That being said, I think its one of the better ways to jet between these two cities!