America West FlightFund (Discontinued Program) - 'Everything' about the merger!

Haven't yet read the details, but here is the link:

http://www.usairwaysinfo.com/usair/default.aspx

See also, this press release (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050926/lam080.html?.v=24) for a good summary.

ARRGHHH!!! 75% bonus for Plat?

For those of us PHX based HP flyers who earn elite status on segments this is a major bummer. Since I hardly flew at all this summer I have a bit of work ahead of me just to hit platinum... Chairman is going to be a stretch in any year. I was at least looking forward to the 100% mileage bonus with platinum. Also, although not explicitly mentioned, it looks like the silver sponsorship for top tier members has gone away.

Overall this won't have a major impact on me in the short term. In the long term as the networks are combined and there are more CP members on my short haul flights I'm guessing that upgrade opportunities will suffer. Looks like I'll continue flying US for work, but will still direct the bulk of my spend to UA.

ARRGHHH!!! 75% bonus for Plat?

For those of us PHX based HP flyers who earn elite status on segments this is a major bummer. Since I hardly flew at all this summer I have a bit of work ahead of me just to hit platinum... Chairman is going to be a stretch in any year. I was at least looking forward to the 100% mileage bonus with platinum. Also, although not explicitly mentioned, it looks like the silver sponsorship for top tier members has gone away.

Overall this won't have a major impact on me in the short term. In the long term as the networks are combined and there are more CP members on my short haul flights I'm guessing that upgrade opportunities will suffer. Looks like I'll continue flying US for work, but will still direct the bulk of my spend to UA.


Here's what I got out of it:

For HP Plats like us, who do <100 K EQM's a year there is a plus and a minus to this. The plus is 4 days out for upgrades, the minus (and big) is 75% bonus...that really sucks and is waaay below other airline's programs :mad: :td:

Of course we plats will be teased for the remainder of the calendar year at Chairman's level, 7 day upgrade window, 100% bonus for miles but then come January 1st will we revert back to the "new" Plat? I guess that is to be known. It would be nice to give us Chairmans for CY '06 (where I would definitely requality with my UK trips) but I guess we'll wait and see. :(

Well, at least we know what the deal is, or we are beginning to get the details. I am very interested in knowing what this trial CP is all about. Based on my usual travel patterns, I will be a little short of CP status. I guess I will need to do some unusual travel so I make it for 2006.

Here's what I got out of it:

For HP Plats like us, who do <100 K EQM's a year there is a plus and a minus to this. The plus is 4 days out for upgrades, the minus (and big) is 75% bonus...that really sucks and is waaay below other airline's programs :mad: :td:


Except in my case I won't hit the requisite number of segments until the end of November so I won't qualify for the "trial" CP level. :mad:

We are also losing free WiFi at the PHX clubs (although I already have a TMobile account so this isn't a big deal).

On the bright side base on what I've read I should be able to skip the renewal of my club membership since my RCC card should give me access to the PHX clubs.

If UA would bring F back to PHX I would gladly float a large chunk of my current HP spend over to UA. I'd rather take a connection in LAX or SFO, get a 100% mileage bonus, and earn even more SWUs than support the carrier that just shafted me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that HP/US just alienated the very group of pax that kept HP out of bankruptcy.


I it weren't for the horrible inflight experience I would jump over to WN. Although I would never fly them on my own dime those Rapid Rewards award tickets are surprisingly valuable on the Coupon Connection.

I don't understand why you would not qualify for trial CP status? It looks to me like all plats get that.

:mad:

No more free drinks at PHX,LAS clubs. Big time bummer!

Some initial observations (recognizing all this takes effect 10/5):

Mileage Award changes
-- No more 15K short-haul tickets
-- DM economy tickets to Europe increase from 40K to 50K

Elite Mileage Bonus
Platinum dropping to 75%, must reach Chairman's to hit 100%

Star Alliance
-- Current HP members must join US Dividend Miles to earn miles on Star Alliance levels. (Presumably, you'll join at base level, without any status benefits.)
-- Current HP members cannot redeem miles for Star Alliance awards until the combination of the new program in mid-06.

Club issues
-- Current HP members can now use US clubs
-- All clubs (except Vegas) will now charge for drinks.
-- All clubs will now charge for high speed internet service (Phoenix clubs will take a while to convert.)
-- Can upgrade US membership to United Red Carpet Club access for $120.

2005 Elite Qualifying Miles
-- Edited to add this Correction: This press release (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050926/lam080.html?.v=24)clearly states:

"Miles and segments flown on flights operated by both America West and US Airways for all of 2005 will count toward Preferred or Elite status."

Upgrading a coach ticket
-- I don't see this addressed anywhere, in terms of mileage requirements. Presumably it isn't changing.

I don't understand why you would not qualify for trial CP status? It looks to me like all plats get that.

I agree. The way I read it, all current HP Plats will be upgraded to CP. It doesn't say what the "trial period" is, but I would guess year-end. They say in the charts that the "new" Plat status (which is new for US members) doesn't take effect until '06. So as of 10/5 I don't think anyone will be Plat.

Since they've decided to make these changes, this approach to the transition is probably pretty smart. It gives people a 3-month taste of CP and current Plats don't immediately lose their 100% bonus on flights. Obviously they hope that people will fly some more (25K more, to be exact ;) ) between now and the end of the year to stay at CP.

I don't understand why you would not qualify for trial CP status? It looks to me like all plats get that.

Ahh.... I needed to be more clear. I'm currently a Gold with 56 segments to date. Had I flown this summer I would be over 90 at this point and had I known about this change I would have done that. I have a plan to hit 90 by the first week of December, but 120 is way out of reach. In any case I won't have 90 on the Oct 5 cutover date.

My normal travel won't qualify me for CP unless I throw in a significant number of segment runs. Routing through LAS doesn't work as the schedules just don't line up for me.

If your interpretation is correct, I will be close enough to fly those extra miles. See you upstairs.

Just to play armchair quarterback for a moment....

Why not extend some "over and above" benefits to CP while keeping the Plat benefits the same?

For instance:
1) Institute a systemwide upgrade and regional upgrade program similar to what UA offers.
2) Offer increased award availability to CP members
3) Offer increased level of service for irregular ops
4) Keep the Platinum bonus level at 100%

As it stands right now the only apparent benefit of CP is the additional 25% bonus and 7 day upgrade window. Both are important to me, but not enough to pay for (out of pocket) and fly an additional 30 segments. I'd rather take some weekend trips to Asia or Europe to rack up more SWUs and miles on UA.

As it stands right now the only apparent benefit of CP is the additional 25% bonus and 7 day upgrade window. Both are important to me, but not enough to pay for (out of pocket) and fly an additional 30 segments. I'd rather take some weekend trips to Asia or Europe to rack up more SWUs and miles on UA.

I'd have to agree with you there. I am really dissapointed about only getting 75% bonus miles next calendar year though.

Question: Say I want to fly to Gatwick, say next March for a long weekend. Of course I know I can fly US and get 100% EQM's via PHL or CLT, but what if I want to fly UA via SFO, or AC via YYZ? Can I get 100% EQM's this way, but no elite benefits correct?

I think Az posted a question about upgrading a coach ticket. I'd like to know how do do that to incase I fly US over the pond.

Ian

Question: Say I want to fly to Gatwick, say next March for a long weekend. Of course I know I can fly US and get 100% EQM's via PHL or CLT, but what if I want to fly UA via SFO, or AC via YYZ? Can I get 100% EQM's this way, but no elite benefits correct?


Based on the current state of things with the *A partners this is correct. There may be fare class limitations for earning EQMs but so fare that ugly practice hasn't popped up with the US-based carriers. You will get *Gold benefits as a US Plat.


I think Az posted a question about upgrading a coach ticket. I'd like to know how do do that to incase I fly US over the pond.


It's up to US to decide the numbers, but if history carries over then it's probably going to be 30K each way. I don't remember if US ever offered a mileage discount for buying a full fare ticket. UA does (15K each way for Y/B fares) and it's one of the best bargains out there.

Just got my new US Airways Club membership card in the mail today. The letter that came along with it was pretty much a mirror of what's on the website posted above.

The fact that miles from the carriers won't be merged for next year's elite status is absolutely awful.

I chose US Airways flights even though it inconvenienced me because I believed it would put me over the top for full-time Silver Elite next year after I spent most of this year racking up AA miles before deciding AA wasn't worth my while. I might not make SE in '06 if my 7,000 US Airways miles don't get counted for next year :mad:

This is a joke :td: :td: :td:

*Gold benefits as a US Plat

Thanks for that good info. Do you have any idea on where I can find out Star Alliance gold benefits?

Ian

Thanks for that good info. Do you have any idea on where I can find out Star Alliance gold benefits?

Ian

http://www.staralliance.com

I can't post a direct link without breaking the frames so click on "Loyalty Benefits" in the upper left, then click on "Earn Status Faster" in the main frame.

*G is mostly useful while flying internationally (lounge access) but you'll get some priority during irregular ops as well.

http://www.staralliance.com

I can't post a direct link without breaking the frames so click on "Loyalty Benefits" in the upper left, then click on "Earn Status Faster" in the main frame.

*G is mostly useful while flying internationally (lounge access) but you'll get some priority during irregular ops as well.

Yes, your right. That appears to be primarily the biggest benefit.

Moving forward I really don't see any reason to fly US over to LGW. I can get a more direct ORD routing from PHX on United, get E+ seating, and free drinks in Y. Or am I missing something obvious (dubios? :confused: )

Yes, your right. That appears to be primarily the biggest benefit.

Moving forward I really don't see any reason to fly US over to LGW. I can get a more direct ORD routing from PHX on United, get E+ seating, and free drinks in Y. Or am I missing something obvious (dubios? :confused: )

No free drinks in Y on transatlantic flights... sorry.

My personal favorite is PHX-SFO-LHR if I want to arrive LHR in the AM or PHX-LAX-LHR for the PM. The overall flight times are a little longer, but you don't have to do 4+ hours on Ted to ORD.

Get 1K on UA burn some SWUs and the trip becomes downright pleasant.

but you don't have to do 4+ hours on Ted to ORD


:eek:

You just answered my question. Thanks

Here's a scenario I'm not sure will play out so I'm looking for some opinion please.

I have a meeting in late November in PHL. Whose metal should I fly? Who's website should I book on? I am currently just a DM member so come Oct 5th will my profile change to reflect CP? Will this new 4 day upgrade window for plats ("new" plat) and 7 for CP take effect Oct 5th? Will I get upgraded (assuming I'm comp'd to CP for trial) next week on my regular PHX-IAH flight 7 days out?

Of course we plats will be teased for the remainder of the calendar year at Chairman's level, 7 day upgrade window, 100% bonus for miles but then come January 1st will we revert back to the "new" Plat? I guess that is to be known. It would be nice to give us Chairmans for CY '06 (where I would definitely requality with my UK trips) but I guess we'll wait and see. :(


"America West Platinum Elite members will be elevated to Chairman's
Elite status through February 28, 2006."

Nothing like answering my own question :D

Just got my new US Airways Club membership card in the mail today. The letter that came along with it was pretty much a mirror of what's on the website posted above.

I received a new US Airways Club membership card in today's mail as well. Letter was dated Friday, 9/23.

Here's what I got out of it:

For HP Plats like us, who do <100 K EQM's a year there is a plus and a minus to this. The plus is 4 days out for upgrades, the minus (and big) is 75% bonus...that really sucks and is waaay below other airline's programs :mad: :td:

Of course we plats will be teased for the remainder of the calendar year at Chairman's level, 7 day upgrade window, 100% bonus for miles but then come January 1st will we revert back to the "new" Plat? I guess that is to be known. It would be nice to give us Chairmans for CY '06 (where I would definitely requality with my UK trips) but I guess we'll wait and see. :(

If you go to the usairways.com site, under Preferred for next year, they state that they will take your full 2005 elite qualification miles and segments for 2005 in both programs to give you credit for 2006 new Preferred Program.

Got an email from US Airways with a many of these details and a link to the new transition site.

There was also this interesting little bonus opportunity:

Earn up to 15,000 Bonus Miles on US Airways

Earn 500 bonus miles each time you fly America West or America West Express to any of the over 50 new destinations not currently served by US Airways for travel through December 31, 2005. Plus, each time you fly to five additional destinations, you will earn 5,000 more bonus miles. Click here (http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/8946.htm)to view details and register now.

So this is for US Dividend Miles members flying to what are currently HP-only destinations. I wonder if an HP e-mail to Flight Fund members will make a similar offer for FF members flying to currently US-only destinations. Let's hope.

If you go to the usairways.com site, under Preferred for next year, they state that they will take your full 2005 elite qualification miles and segments for 2005 in both programs to give you credit for 2006 new Preferred Program.

Good info--thank you. Unfortunately I haven't flown US since 2001 :(

My personal favorite is PHX-SFO-LHR if I want to arrive LHR in the AM or PHX-LAX-LHR for the PM. The overall flight times are a little longer, but you don't have to do 4+ hours on Ted to ORD.

Get 1K on UA burn some SWUs and the trip becomes downright pleasant.

I currently do the same on AA. PHX-ORD-LHR. Sometimes I'll even do PHX-LAX on HP then LAX-LHR on AA.

Now, I have to reevaluate my loyalty to HP. The most I'll be next year is Silver just so I can remain elite. I can't see flying 150k on AA then trying to do 100K on US. 75k was my limit with HP.

I'll fly 25k with HP, then the remaining 50k will go to UA. This way the majority of my California flights will earn 100% bonus miles.

One of the biggest advantages of America West Club has been access to the Northwest Airlines Clubs at ORD and MSP. We are losing this and I do not see any USA clubs that will provide an alternative.

Gaining access to UAL and Star clubs is of little benefit because you have to be flying the airline that has the club in order to gain access. It seems strange that this arrangement would encourage people to fly airlines other than the new USA.

It will be interesting to see how much the renewal fee will be for USA Club, having in mind that it seems to be of benefit mainly to people who used to fly USA.

The fact that miles from the carriers won't be merged for next year's elite status is absolutely awful.

I chose US Airways flights even though it inconvenienced me because I believed it would put me over the top for full-time Silver Elite next year after I spent most of this year racking up AA miles before deciding AA wasn't worth my while. I might not make SE in '06 if my 7,000 US Airways miles don't get counted for next year :mad:

This is a joke :td: :td: :td:

That's not what I was told, I was told that the miles from both account will be merged together in February and that the combined total will dictate the new status. This was told to me by a FF rep.

OK, let me get this straight:
(these conclusions are based upon the OP's link)

For former FF'ers, one must now fly 120 segements between now and the end of the year to make 2006 CP.

However, if you're a DM'er, the old 100-segment benchmark applies until 1/1/2006?

:confused: and :mad:

From the USAirways Club website:

>All locations feature the following:
>Personalized assistance with reservations, flight changes, and upgrades >from dedicated US Airwasy Club representatives

Looks like US hired the HP web designers.
:D


And when did Sky Harbor become Phoenix International?

OK, let me get this straight:
(these conclusions are based upon the OP's link)

For former FF'ers, one must now fly 120 segements between now and the end of the year to make 2006 CP.

However, if you're a DM'er, the old 100-segment benchmark applies until 1/1/2006?

:confused: and :mad:


I would love to know what the Trial Elite is... I guess it is this

Fly 90 segments this year on America West.. get trial elite through Feb 28. 2006

Fly 100 segments as Dividend Miles member get Chairman's Prefered through Feb 28, 2007

Fly 120 segments as America West FF and get Chairman's Preferred through Feb 28, 2007

Yes.. unfair it is.

So this is for US Dividend Miles members flying to what are currently HP-only destinations. I wonder if an HP e-mail to Flight Fund members will make a similar offer for FF members flying to currently US-only destinations. Let's hope.

I just received an email from HP that offers the same thing, just in reverse. You have to sign up for the promo.

So, any good cities US flies to that HP didn't that will also help me to get a whole bunch of EQM so that I can be a CP next year? :)

Jennifer

I am based in PHX and travel only to HP's current cities. Other than being able to redeem miles on US (and eventually *A), I don't see much benefit for peopple in my shoes with this merger. In fact, I am very unhappy about losing the 15,000 award. I understand they can't keep this for east coast higher fare markets. I would have thought they would have given a longer grace period or grand-fathered the miles in FF for these awards.

Is it me? I don't think the merger has brought in as many good things for people as they advertised.

For me, the HP 15,000 award was one of the benefits... back to AA for me.. they still have a "short hop" 15,000 mile award (for a limited time)..

So this is for US Dividend Miles members flying to what are currently HP-only destinations. I wonder if an HP e-mail to Flight Fund members will make a similar offer for FF members flying to currently US-only destinations. Let's hope.
I got the one from HP with the same deal when flying US Airways to destinations that are not served by HP

Lance

It's up to US to decide the numbers, but if history carries over then it's probably going to be 30K each way. I don't remember if US ever offered a mileage discount for buying a full fare ticket. UA does (15K each way for Y/B fares) and it's one of the best bargains out there.

Currently it's 10k each way on Y/B fares, otherwise 30k.

It's up to US to decide the numbers, but if history carries over then it's probably going to be 30K each way. I don't remember if US ever offered a mileage discount for buying a full fare ticket. UA does (15K each way for Y/B fares) and it's one of the best bargains out there.


US requires 10,000 miles each way for Y/B fares to Europe.

Hey, why didn't I get the e-mail with the US Air promo? I am a Plat and have been for many years! So far I do not see it on the website. If somebody could send me the link or e-mail, I would appreciate it. Thanks!

It also seems that you now have to cancel your reservation in advance unlike before. One of the things that I really liked about America West is that you didn't have to worry about canceling your tickets before the flight. This is very disappointing to me. Now, I will be clear and say that I haven't used this policy in several months so it could have already changed a while ago so I would have just been frustrated anyway the next time I noticed it.

Am I correct or had this already changed?

Are there any plats that have flights scheduled 7 days from now? I'd like to see if they've "tweaked" their auto upgrade software to start at 7 days out vs. 3 days for Plats/CP's.

Got an email from US Airways with a many of these details and a link to the new transition site.

There was also this interesting little bonus opportunity:

Earn up to 15,000 Bonus Miles on US Airways

Earn 500 bonus miles each time you fly America West or America West Express to any of the over 50 new destinations not currently served by US Airways for travel through December 31, 2005. Plus, each time you fly to five additional destinations, you will earn 5,000 more bonus miles. Click here (http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/8946.htm)to view details and register now.

So this is for US Dividend Miles members flying to what are currently HP-only destinations. I wonder if an HP e-mail to Flight Fund members will make a similar offer for FF members flying to currently US-only destinations. Let's hope.


Here is what makes sense to me.. I had them match my status already, so I am Gold Preferred and Gold (FF).. so I will make my platinum qualification 90 segments and then switch to US Airways Dividend Miles number... that will allow me to get bonuses on my normal routes... Hmmmm Just wish the 100% bonus kept through the end of the year.

This is exactly what I was afraid of. They took the worst of everything. I will be in the market for a new airline. I have been flying US Airways a lot this year and really enjoyed flying them. Since America West is taking the worst features of both frequent flyer programs for the new Dividend Miles, I must switch. Also, I don't like the change to a cash bar from hosted bar in the Phoenix America West Clubs.

Are there any plats that have flights scheduled 7 days from now? I'd like to see if they've "tweaked" their auto upgrade software to start at 7 days out vs. 3 days for Plats/CP's.


I have a flight scheduled for October 1 and called last night to try to upgrade. He looked up on the website and said that he would try to put it through. When it didn't go through he said try again tomorrow.

The one question I have is that it says on the Q&A site that the 7 day upgrade starts on October 5. So does that mean that any flights October 5th on should be 7 days or Oct. 5 is the first time we can get that (so we can call on the 5th for a flight on 12th)?

Is there any good way to get all of the many questions answered??

Jennifer

The one question I have is that it says on the Q&A site that the 7 day upgrade starts on October 5. So does that mean that any flights October 5th on should be 7 days or Oct. 5 is the first time we can get that (so we can call on the 5th for a flight on 12th)?

I didn't know that little tidbit of info. I would say we will get our normal 3 day upgrade until the 5th. So what I get it out of that wording is let's say you have a flight on the 12th--your upgrade should get processed on the 5th.

I'll guess we'll see. Actually I just checked--I am flying out on the 12th to DFW--guess I'll know then.

This is exactly what I was afraid of. They took the worst of everything. I will be in the market for a new airline. I have been flying US Airways a lot this year and really enjoyed flying them. Since America West is taking the worst features of both frequent flyer programs for the new Dividend Miles, I must switch. Also, I don't like the change to a cash bar from hosted bar in the Phoenix America West Clubs.


So whats left :D . We said goodbye to HP when they cut all their bonuses. I went to UA for the miles, but you hate TED ---RAR!!!!!!!!!. WN is great for the short hops, but overseas they are not going to take us :( Personally I choose UA and E+ over this new merged airline.

I called the Plat line last night, sat on hold forever, and it ends up no one has a clue. The update isn't done on their system and the two programs won't merge until sometime next year was the answer I was given.

So one good thing about CP was the CP desk. Is that something that is staying? I have not seen that discussed anywhere yet.

Jennifer

So whats left :D . We said goodbye to HP when they cut all their bonuses. I went to UA for the miles, but you hate TED ---RAR!!!!!!!!!. WN is great for the short hops, but overseas they are not going to take us :( Personally I choose UA and E+ over this new merged airline.

Great question.

Alaska Airlines still has a fantastic frequent flyer program-- they're partners with just about everyone in the US along with BA, LAN, Cathay, etc. Earning miles is easier and the award charts require fewer miles than America West. Delta has a strong route network as well as a far more generous frequent flyer program than America West. American and Northwest are also viable options. United has a solid frequent flyer program, but TED renders Premier membership less useful as there is nothing to upgrade to.

Really, since the new Dividend Miles is THE WORST frequent flyer program among major US carriers, you can't do much worse!

...So one good thing about CP was the CP desk. Is that something that is staying? I have not seen that discussed anywhere yet.

Jennifer

Yes, it is staying. This point is made very clear by the 2006 Preferred website.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/preferredlevels/2006_preview.htm

Really, since the new Dividend Miles is THE WORST frequent flyer program among major US carriers, you can't do much worse!

Well said.... unless US has the only reasonable flights to your destination.

I had a flight to SAN yesterday and spent the flight pouring through the electronic timetables of AA, AK, DL, CO, etc looking to see if any of them offer an alternative to HP. Unfortunately, since 95% of my flights are to SAN, BUR, SNA, and PDX (in that order) I didn't end up with many options. I fly to SAN at least once a week and the best option is a Ted flight to LAX connecting to a bugsmasher to SAN with a total trip time of 3 hours. On the way back I would get the pleasure of flying a CRJ back and getting in really late. BUR and SNA are much worse (to the point where I would be better off renting a car at LAX and driving).

If I get truly fed up with HP then my ONLY other option is WN (and AK to PDX) which means no FC, no clubs, no relaxation pre-flight. The schedules are actually more convenient, but I'm giving up some sanity and making travel truly unpleasant.

I think that HP/US knows that the segment-based elites have little choice and that they don't make a lot of money off of us (my annual spend for 100 segments $7000 - $10,000). Rather than put a program in place that encourages us to fly more we get a very clear picture of how much our business is valued. Even at the CP level there's nothing in the program to make me say, "Wow, I'm going to move my business to US."

I think that HP/US knows that the segment-based elites have little choice and that they don't make a lot of money off of us (my annual spend for 100 segments $7000 - $10,000).

don't shortchange your value to them. if your average segment is 400 miles, their yield from you is 20-25 cents a mile, comfortably above cost, and surely a big component of their profits on those short hops.

don't shortchange your value to them. if your average segment is 400 miles, their yield from you is 20-25 cents a mile, comfortably above cost, and surely a big component of their profits on those short hops.

And exactly which PROFITS are those? :rolleyes:

don't shortchange your value to them. if your average segment is 400 miles, their yield from you is 20-25 cents a mile, comfortably above cost, and surely a big component of their profits on those short hops.

They have a great way of showing me that I'm valuable to them... I was very gung-ho about the merger when it was announced, but now I'm just pissed off and bitter.

And exactly which PROFITS are those? :rolleyes:

Do keep up, dear. HP has been posting profits for quite a while. Of course, that's now history since they're merging with a financial blackhole.

They have a great way of showing me that I'm valuable to them... I was very gung-ho about the merger when it was announced, but now I'm just pissed off and bitter.


I am feeling the same way. For the first time I am seriously looking at what my other options are. It is really unfortunate, I was quite content with how HP was before.

Jennifer

Yes, it is staying. This point is made very clear by the 2006 Preferred website.

http://www.usairways.com/dividendmiles/preferredlevels/2006_preview.htm


Thanks for the answer and the link. I see this says from March 1,2006-Feb 298, 2007. Will current HP Plats (who will have "temp" CP) have this available between now and March 1?

Jennifer

Ok, where is the link to the HP bonus for flying US routes? I have two US intineraries coming up and might as well maximize miles. I am both DM and FF silver, perhaps I will make new DM gold?

Ok, where is the link to the HP bonus for flying US routes? I have two US intineraries coming up and might as well maximize miles. I am both DM and FF silver, perhaps I will make new DM gold?

Yes, can someone please provide the link for this? (As usual, I did not receive an e-mail from HP about the new developments; only from US. :( )

Quick question on the merger, is the DM Gold going to 50% effective Oct 5 or Feb 28, when the next year program roles out?

I have both DM Gold and FF Gold.. and if DM Gold is still 100%. through end of year or next year.... I am switching my number on my reservations.

I am assuming the changes are drastic and Oct 5. But willing to ask...

Quick question on the merger, is the DM Gold going to 50% effective Oct 5 or Feb 28, when the next year program roles out?

I have both DM Gold and FF Gold.. and if DM Gold is still 100%. through end of year or next year.... I am switching my number on my reservations.

I am assuming the changes are drastic and Oct 5. But willing to ask...

This is a very interesting point. I think you are on to something.

On the Flight Fund portion of the transition web site it states:

Effective October 5, 2005, the FlightFund Elite program will have four tiers. . .

On October 5, 2005, FlightFund members who have earned 100,000 elite-qualifying flight miles or flown 120 elite- qualifying segments within the 2005 calendar year will become an America West Chairman’s Elite member. Current FlightFund Platinum members who have fewer than 100,000 miles or 120 segments will be automatically elevated to Chairman’s Elite status for a trial membership on October 5, 2005.


On the Dividend Miles portion of the same site it states:

In 2006, the new Dividend Miles program will have four Preferred tiers; Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s. Below is an overview of the Preferred program.

Effective October 5, members can earn and redeem miles on the combined US Airways and America West route system and the Star Alliance network. . . In 2006, the frequent flyer programs of both US Airways and America West will be combined to create the new US Airways Dividend Miles frequent flyer program.

Nowhere does it say on the Dividend Miles section that the changes in elite bonuses are effective 10/5/05.

When you think about it, the changes in elite bonuses don't impact current HP FF elites. On Oct. 5, Platinums are automatically elevated to CP, which comes with the same 100% bonus they now receive as a Plat. Golds receive a 50% bonus now, so there's no change there. The change in this regard is on the US side, which is, effectively being brought in line with HP's current structure, with a 75% Plat level added in for next year. So, this means that elite members, whether US or HP, who will ultimately receive a lower bonus than they would at the same level this year, don't feel that impact until the '06 program year.

So, you're game plan should work. The problem, of course, is that very few people are Gold in both programs so it's a pretty small number of people who can take advantage of this.

Why is everyone being so negative, including with the threats about walking to other airlines? Does everyone realize that the new US Airways has the best elite program and upgrade policy of any airline, especially compared to United, AA, etc...?

CHP can clear anytime in advance on US/HP on full Coach fares, or w/in 7 days before departure on other Coach fareswhich is better than any other airline.

Platinum get the same on full-fare, and on other Coach can clear 4 days before departure.

Gold get the same on full-fare, but on other Coach can clear 3 days before departure.

Silver -- also the best of breed -- full fare the same, and on other Coach
can clear 2 days before departure. This is better than all other airlines.

This is most the important aspect of the new US Airways to me. I am a lowly Silver Preferred and UA Premier, and I am switching all my business over to US Airways!

Silver -- also the best of breed -- full fare the same, and on other Coach
can clear 2 days before departure. This is better than all other airlines.

This is most the important aspect of the new US Airways to me. I am a lowly Silver Preferred and UA Premier, and I am switching all my business over to US Airways!

tee hee. Once HP fare policies are in place, do let us know how well a fourth-tier Silver does in actually getting those "better" upgrades.

Charging for WiFi in their clubs is a complete joke. The cost of running this wireless network is next to nil. (Yes, I do know what the cost is.....)
Setting up an account for each member can be self service with full encryption. However, I don't believe the low cost IT group from America West knows how to set it up.

So save a buck on your IT, but look like a joke when compared to your competitors.

Doug, you keep going backwards. Of course, this is exactly what I expect from an airline with the name of US Airways. :rolleyes: