America West FlightFund (Pre-2005 US Airways merger) - America West merging with wrong airline

America West should be merging with Mesa Airlines instead of US Air. The fares that are charged on America West Express flights are huge on a per mile basis compared to what AWA charges. This is because, for the most part, Mesa, operating as America West Express, has no competition. For example, I tried to book a flight from Flagstaff to Phoenix this Sunday and the fare was over $1,000. I regularly fly to Fresno and am prepared for high fares but its getting beyond rediculous. Why doesn't AWA fly these routes with small planes? Mesa is very profitable. Couldn't AWA use some of these profits?

Any of the Mesa flights to PHX are expensive unless you're continueing on with a connection.

America West should be merging with Mesa Airlines instead of US Air. The fares that are charged on America West Express flights are huge on a per mile basis compared to what AWA charges. This is because, for the most part, Mesa, operating as America West Express, has no competition. For example, I tried to book a flight from Flagstaff to Phoenix this Sunday and the fare was over $1,000. I regularly fly to Fresno and am prepared for high fares but its getting beyond rediculous. Why doesn't AWA fly these routes with small planes? Mesa is very profitable. Couldn't AWA use some of these profits?


Yeah, I just love your reasoning. For starters, it's US Airways, not US Air. Hola!

Fly747first,

It is actually ok to call them USAir. It is still their call sign that is used when flying via ATC. And US Airways still has the rights to that name. Yes US Airways is the "true correct name" to use as they did change the name. But USAir is still a registered trademark of US Airways. If you actually type http://www.usair.com it will take you to this US Airways website.

I think it will take a very long time before the USAir name goes away as it was around for many, many years. And many employees still wear the old logos and vests that I have seen ect.

I think it will take a very long time before the USAir name goes away as it was around for many, many years. And many employees still wear the old logos and vests that I have seen ect.

US AIR: Unfortunately Still Allegeney In Reality

Only one problem with the theory of merging with Mesa because of America West Express ticket prices...

America West sets the fares for Mesa's flights and collects all of the ticket revenue. HP pays Mesa for the usage of the aircraft ($X/Hr., $y/departure, $Z/month for aircraft lease cost, etc.)

America West would pay Mesa the same amount for that FLG-PHX flight regardless of whether the flight was full or empty, or the ticket prices were $1,000 or $1.00 (ala US snafus).

Merging with the wrong airline? How about this airline?

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_24/b3937128_mz027.htm?campaign_id=rss_magzn

America West should be merging with Mesa Airlines instead of US Air. The fares that are charged on America West Express flights are huge on a per mile basis compared to what AWA charges. This is because, for the most part, Mesa, operating as America West Express, has no competition. For example, I tried to book a flight from Flagstaff to Phoenix this Sunday and the fare was over $1,000. I regularly fly to Fresno and am prepared for high fares but its getting beyond rediculous. Why doesn't AWA fly these routes with small planes? Mesa is very profitable. Couldn't AWA use some of these profits?

Why not take a cab to Phoenix instead? It's 2 hours and 138 miles, and the flight, together with the pre-and post-flight hassles, would surely take more time. Even if you had to pay double the meter it wouldn't cost $1,000.

Don't they have shuttle vans that run between northern AZ and Phoenix? I know they have one from Prescott.

The shuttle vans are better anyway. Express flights from FLG are always late.....or at least when I'm on them. :mad: