America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - BA Codeshare to End 29OCT05

FYI: The HP/BA codeshare will be ending on 29OCT05. However, I don't know whether FF benefits will cease on that date as well.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Totally sucks.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Totally sucks.

Tell us how you REALLY feel! ;)

:(


Damn. Oh I can't wait to redeem my miles on United's beautiful J class seats over the Atlantic now :rolleyes:

I'm sure AZ will be so happy about this as well :td:

FYI: The HP/BA codeshare will be ending on 29OCT05. However, I don't know whether FF benefits will cease on that date as well.
Hopefully they will keep the alliance with Virgin Atlantic. I want to try one of their UC suites on the JFK LHR run.

I'm sure AZ will be so happy about this as well.

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Boy you've got that right! In fact, I'm leaving for the airport for the PHX-LHR flight tonight. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can. :(

Hopefully they will keep the alliance with Virgin Atlantic. I want to try one of their UC suites on the JFK LHR run.

Well you might want to book it now for a year from now b/c the HP agent told me a week ago that generally it's almost impossible to get these seats as such a small seat inventory is allocated

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Boy you've got that right! In fact, I'm leaving for the airport for the PHX-LHR flight tonight. I guess I'll enjoy it while I can. :(

Flying J or F? I look forward to your report about their catering, or lack thereof.

I'm traveling CW Saturday, via Houston ,but going into Gatwick.

Well you might want to book it now for a year from now b/c the HP agent told me a week ago that generally it's almost impossible to get these seats as such a small seat inventory is allocated

I usually book 330 days out even with US. So far I have I am batting 1000 when booking a year out. However, I tried using my DM for a UA booking to Hawaii and I struck out. I tried every airport in Hawaii that UA serves from various gateways and still struck out. It appears UA does not release too many Hawaii seats to US. Hopefully the new US will not be too stingy on F reward seats to Hawaii.

P.S. Does Virgin allow you to upgrade with miles?

FYI: The HP/BA codeshare will be ending on 29OCT05. However, I don't know whether FF benefits will cease on that date as well.

Just a question and try not to take this the worng way. However as an HP employee don't you have an obligation to keep information that is not yet public, confidential until that time that it is determined okay to discuss. Probably would not be the best thing if BA had not yet been notified and found out from here. :rolleyes:

I am just asking, for all I know you could have been told it was okay to leak this information before HP was able to issue a press release on it.

Again don't take this the wrong way as I realize everyone wants to know the inside scoop and you are just trying to help. I am sure everyone including myself appreciates your participation in here, just wondering if there is a balance.

Oh and yes it's a shame to see BA go, the PHX to LHR is the best, but its a balancing act with * and the world it opens up both domestically and internationally. ;)

:mad: :mad: :mad:

Totally sucks.


As much as I love BA, Star Alliance will soon include Swiss and South African Airways, so I don't see how you guys are going to be missing much. South African has an award-winning First Class, just like BA does.

Just a question and try not to take this the worng way. However as an HP employee don't you have an obligation to keep information that is not yet public, confidential until that time that it is determined okay to discuss. Probably would not be the best thing if BA had not yet been notified and found out from here. :rolleyes:


I for one am glad he posted it here, confidential or not. ^

Especially when we don't know when is HP going to officially let us know the codeshare is ending? How much longer are they going to sit on this info? Until Oct. 28th?

It can't take long to draft one of their lame PR's spinning this lose as some kind of gain for FF members.

I'm sure someone at HP knew this info before Extra posted it. Why hasn't it been released yet? :mad:

As much as I love BA, Star Alliance will soon include Swiss and South African Airways, so I don't see how you guys are going to be missing much. South African has an award-winning First Class, just like BA does.


Well for me at least taking advantage of South African's J class on a trip to Cape Town is about as meaningful as using RJ to Amman :rolleyes:

Just a question and try not to take this the worng way. However as an HP employee don't you have an obligation to keep information that is not yet public, confidential until that time that it is determined okay to discuss. Probably would not be the best thing if BA had not yet been notified and found out from here. :rolleyes:

I am just asking, for all I know you could have been told it was okay to leak this information before HP was able to issue a press release on it.

Again don't take this the wrong way as I realize everyone wants to know the inside scoop and you are just trying to help. I am sure everyone including myself appreciates your participation in here, just wondering if there is a balance.

Oh and yes it's a shame to see BA go, the PHX to LHR is the best, but its a balancing act with * and the world it opens up both domestically and internationally. ;)

Believe me, I share your concern. I am very cautious before posting on FT. I would never share confidential information, nor would I ever disclose information that I felt in any way would or could harm, jeopardize, or compromise the competitive position of HP/US -- be it confidential or not.

As you said, it is a bit of a balancing act deciding what, in the FT spirit of community, I am able to share, and what is best kept to myself. Whenever I am in doubt, I err on the side of caution. That said, I do sincerely appreciate your comments, and am always receptive to feedback!

WOW....we haven't heard anything yet about this. I wonder if it has to do with the merger....if the codeshare ends, that leaves us upon to fly to LGW from PHX...lol.

Believe me, I share your concern. I am very cautious before posting on FT. I would never share confidential information, nor would I ever disclose information that I felt in any way would or could harm, jeopardize, or compromise the competitive position of HP/US -- be it confidential or not.

As you said, it is a bit of a balancing act deciding what, in the FT spirit of community, I am able to share, and what is best kept to myself. Whenever I am in doubt, I err on the side of caution. That said, I do sincerely appreciate your comments, and am always receptive to feedback!

I appreciate that you did not take my question/comments the wrong way. ^

As much as I love BA, Star Alliance will soon include Swiss and South African Airways, so I don't see how you guys are going to be missing much. South African has an award-winning First Class, just like BA does.

I seriously hope that you are JOKING about South African Airways "award-winning First Class". Nothing about SAA's service deserves any kind of award unless it's an award for BAD service. :td:

More details courtesy of BA:

America West Airlines and British Airways have confirmed that their codeshare and frequent-flyer agreements will end later this year. The mutual decision to end the partnership was seen as a necessary step as America West plans to merge with US Airways. The carriers will work together to ensure a smooth transition for their customers.

The codeshare agreement will expire October 29, and the frequent-flyer program relationship will expire December 31. British Airways and America West will work with customers and travel agents to reaccommodate passengers currently booked and ticketed on codeshare flights beyond October 29.

“The relationship with British Airways has been tremendously beneficial to America West and our customers, and we are truly grateful to British Airways,” said Travis Christ, vice president of marketing at America West Airlines.

British Airways’ general manager for alliances, Adrian Tighe said, “We would like to extend our thanks to America West for the help and support afforded to British Airways’ customers throughout our 10-year relationship.”


Important Dates
- September 6 – 20, 2005: Period for agents to rebook under America West flight number for flights operating beyond October 29.
- October 29, 2005: Last day to book and travel on a British Airways codeshare flight operated by America West.
- December 31, 2005: Last day for frequent-flyer members of one carrier to earn miles on the other carrier.
- March 1, 2006: Last day to book award travel on America West using British Airways miles, and vice versa.
- January 31, 2007: Last travel date for award travel booked on America West using British Airways miles, and vice versa.

SOURCE: ba.com

More details courtesy of BA:

America West Airlines and British Airways have confirmed that their codeshare and frequent-flyer agreements will end later this year. The mutual decision to end the partnership was seen as a necessary step as America West plans to merge with US Airways. The carriers will work together to ensure a smooth transition for their customers.

The codeshare agreement will expire October 29, and the frequent-flyer program relationship will expire December 31. British Airways and America West will work with customers and travel agents to reaccommodate passengers currently booked and ticketed on codeshare flights beyond October 29.

“The relationship with British Airways has been tremendously beneficial to America West and our customers, and we are truly grateful to British Airways,” said Travis Christ, vice president of marketing at America West Airlines.

British Airways’ general manager for alliances, Adrian Tighe said, “We would like to extend our thanks to America West for the help and support afforded to British Airways’ customers throughout our 10-year relationship.”


Important Dates
- September 6 – 20, 2005: Period for agents to rebook under America West flight number for flights operating beyond October 29.
- October 29, 2005: Last day to book and travel on a British Airways codeshare flight operated by America West.
- December 31, 2005: Last day for frequent-flyer members of one carrier to earn miles on the other carrier.
- March 1, 2006: Last day to book award travel on America West using British Airways miles, and vice versa.
- January 31, 2007: Last travel date for award travel booked on America West using British Airways miles, and vice versa.

SOURCE: ba.com

It seems both BA & HP have done everything possible to ensure the customers of each other are taken care of and have reasonable notice.

I really expected this, given the new US's *A membership and its own flights to London. Maybe we'll get lucky and the new US will start a non-stop from PHX-LON.

I seriously hope that you are JOKING about South African Airways "award-winning First Class". Nothing about SAA's service deserves any kind of award unless it's an award for BAD service. :td:


No actually, it's true. SAA FIRST features the same Swiss First flat beds, but they actually come with real duvets, blankets, and sleep suits. What is more significant, SAA Business Class is considered to be among the best 3 in the world. It seems that you believe that just because it's an African airline, it has to be bad, but this is not the case of SAA at all. In fact, SAA is a solid 4-star airline. Superior 4-star arlines usually have award-winning premium classes by the way.

No actually, it's true. SAA FIRST features the same Swiss First flat beds, but they actually come with real duvets, blankets, and sleep suits. What is more significant, SAA Business Class is considered to be among the best 3 in the world. It seems that you believe that just because it's an African airline, it has to be bad, but this is not the case of SAA at all. In fact, SAA is a solid 4-star airline. Superior 4-star arlines usually have award-winning premium classes by the way.

Actually, you are making assumptions about me! I have flown SAA business class over the past few years. It is NOT (absolutely NOT) among the 3 best in the world. I put it squarely below US carriers and that's from real, live experience. Also, the J service is HORRIBLE. The FA's disappear for hours and hours, not even offering water every couple of hours. Having been in the airline industry, it was clear that the food served out of ATL was brought in-bound from CPT (well over 24 hours old at that point). The food tasted downright old and stale.

I love South Africa as a country. In many ways, I wish it weren't so far. But SAA's service is disappointing for an international airline.

Actually, you are making assumptions about me! I have flown SAA business class over the past few years. It is NOT (absolutely NOT) among the 3 best in the world. I put it squarely below US carriers and that's from real, live experience. Also, the J service is HORRIBLE. The FA's disappear for hours and hours, not even offering water every couple of hours. Having been in the airline industry, it was clear that the food served out of ATL was brought in-bound from CPT (well over 24 hours old at that point). The food tasted downright old and stale.

I love South Africa as a country. In many ways, I wish it weren't so far. But SAA's service is disappointing for an international airline.


Well Skytrax and many passengers, including me, have a very different opinion of SAA. Skytrax has ranked SAA J Class 5 stars, and granted Skytrax can be subjective at times but they do take 5-star ranks very seriously. I have flown SAA from IAD to JNB in J Class on a 744 and the service was flawless, meals were quite acceptable, and the J Class full flat beds were superb. No US carrier offers a 5-star J Class at the moment. I will take my chances with SAA, thank you.

Flying J or F? I look forward to your report about their catering, or lack thereof. . .

My return to PHX was yesterday. I was in J (Club World). The catering out of LHR was, in a word, pathetic. No washbags. Economy meals with a choice of beef, chicken or pasta, all served in plastic on a tray, foil still atop your entre choice. I had the chicken and it was positively dreadful. (Goodness, I'm still talking like I'm in the UK. ;) Drink choices consisted of: cans of beer and the individual economy wine bottles, soda, water, cofee & tea. No champagne, cocktails or fine wines. Soggy pre-arrival meal came in a pre-packaged box and was worse than the first one.

It was unbelievably bad -- and this has gone on for weeks now. I was so disgusted I can't say I'll miss BA.

enviroian, you are very lucky you're flying IAH to LGW, that service is reportedly unaffected.

Thanks for the update. Wow--that sounds absolutely horrible. You are right,my iah-lgw flight on Saturday was excellent. Full menu,champagne, starters, full bar. My only complaint was that the chicken korma wasn't too tasty, but that's probably the last thing you want to hear coming off of your experience :(

I am flying back out of LHR on Saturday however (through ORD) and from what I read on the BA forum I reckon my experience should be much better than yours (Sept 6th is the day things get back to some degree of normalcy it appears).

This time next year you and I will be comparing J class on UA vs US probably :D

How's the weather? I really don't miss 109 right now let me tell you (sunny and 74 here in Kent)

cheers!

My return to PHX was yesterday. I was in J (Club World). The catering out of LHR was, in a word, pathetic. No washbags. Economy meals with a choice of beef, chicken or pasta, all served in plastic on a tray, foil still atop your entre choice. I had the chicken and it was positively dreadful. (Goodness, I'm still talking like I'm in the UK. ;) Drink choices consisted of: cans of beer and the individual economy wine bottles, soda, water, cofee & tea. No champagne, cocktails or fine wines. Soggy pre-arrival meal came in a pre-packaged box and was worse than the first one.

It was unbelievably bad -- and this has gone on for weeks now. I was so disgusted I can't say I'll miss BA.

enviroian, you are very lucky you're flying IAH to LGW, that service is reportedly unaffected.

Would LH re-start FRA-PHX service now they will have a feeder airline at PHX? I wonder what BA will do without HP. LHR-PHX-SAN again?

Would LH re-start FRA-PHX service now they will have a feeder airline at PHX? I wonder what BA will do without HP. LHR-PHX-SAN again?

If US isn't going to, I hope LH does. Having non-stop service into Europe would sure be nice. I've really grown attached to BA in this regard. Living in PHX, it is so nice getting off an 11-hour long-haul and being at home.

I've read the new US can't do any non-stop European route ex-PHX with any existing aircraft, and the current plan won't allow them to until they take delivery of the yet unbuilt A350 in something like 2012. I suppose they could change this plan at some point, but it isn't part of the current thinking.

Within Star, and considering US's European non-stop flights ex- CLT & PHL, there will be no shortage of one-stop services to just about anywhere one would want to go, given AC, LH, UA, etc.

Given their investment in the new US, I won't be at all surprised if AC beefs up PHX-YYZ (Toronto) flights to connect with their European network, in an attempt to fill the BA void.

I've read the new US can't do any non-stop European route ex-PHX with any existing aircraft, and the current plan won't allow them to until they take delivery of the yet unbuilt A350 in something like 2012. I suppose they could change this plan at some point, but it isn't part of the current thinking.




I had thought that the A333's could make the trip, can anyone verify this? The range on those is pretty far, IIRC.

I had thought that the A333's could make the trip, can anyone verify this? The range on those is pretty far, IIRC.

I found where I read this. (http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/business/articles/0904globalarizona.html) HP reportedly said, "the earliest it will have planes capable of flying non-stop to Europe from Phoenix is 2012, when it receives its first Airbus 350s."

FYI, there's an interesting discussion about the future of BA's PHX-LHR route going on over in the BA forum. (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=471764)

OPTION... Now that America West is part of STAR, you can fly PHX>YYZ>LHR in Executive FIRST on AIR CANADA. I would take the time to look at Air Canada's network at www.aircanada.com it offers many international routes.

Plus Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges are far better than UA. All drinks including premium alcohol are NO charge. Also NO-charge .. soup, salad, cheese & crackers, cashews, pretzels, coffee, tea and ice-cream!!

Air Canada named best North American Airline 2005 :-: :-: :-: :-: :-:

Well Skytrax and many passengers, including me, have a very different opinion of SAA. Skytrax has ranked SAA J Class 5 stars, and granted Skytrax can be subjective at times but they do take 5-star ranks very seriously. I have flown SAA from IAD to JNB in J Class on a 744 and the service was flawless, meals were quite acceptable, and the J Class full flat beds were superb. No US carrier offers a 5-star J Class at the moment. I will take my chances with SAA, thank you.

Go ahead and be my guest! After my experience, I will not be patronizing SAA in J class -- unless they start guaranteeing their service. It's too bad that a US carrier doesn't fly to CPT and JNB.

OPTION... Now that America West is part of STAR, you can fly PHX>YYZ>LHR in Executive FIRST on AIR CANADA. I would take the time to look at Air Canada's network at www.aircanada.com it offers many international routes.


America West is not part of star until UA has said so. Officially, buried in the fine print, is notice that accession talks have not even begun.

America West is not part of star until UA has said so. Officially, buried in the fine print, is notice that accession talks have not even begun.

True, but that's fishy. They're referring to Star membership in so many other venues without couching it that I've got to believe that there's some official reason that "discussions have not yet begun," but that behind-the-scenes, it's a done deal with UA.

I usually book 330 days out even with US. So far I have I am batting 1000 when booking a year out. However, I tried using my DM for a UA booking to Hawaii and I struck out. I tried every airport in Hawaii that UA serves from various gateways and still struck out. It appears UA does not release too many Hawaii seats to US. Hopefully the new US will not be too stingy on F reward seats to Hawaii.

You'll have better luck trying to book a UA award to Hawaii in the 60-90 day range. Hawaii is a big destination for people using miles.

True, but that's fishy. They're referring to Star membership in so many other venues without couching it that I've got to believe that there's some official reason that "discussions have not yet begun," but that behind-the-scenes, it's a done deal with UA.

true, it's possible that UA is just waiting to see if the "new US" actually happens. at the rate things are going south at the old US, that's no longer a 100% certainty--- at the least, the outside equity investors should be demanding a change in terms.

true, it's possible that UA is just waiting to see if the "new US" actually happens. at the rate things are going south at the old US, that's no longer a 100% certainty--- at the least, the outside equity investors should be demanding a change in terms.

What are you talking about? I haven't heard any reported problems so I'm just curious.

America West is not part of star until UA has said so. Officially, buried in the fine print, is notice that accession talks have not even begun.

Ooops... well I am jumping the gun... I do believe that once merged US Airways & America West will "both" be part of Star... The writing's on the wall. ;)