First of all: Thanks to all posters on this thread for your valuable insight! I really appreciate this!
Now to one of the issues raised:
Originally Posted by
BoeingBoy
Not saying the policy is the correct way to treat customers, but page 11 of the Terms of Transport says:
"US Airways will provide a food voucher to customers whose flights have been canceled or delayed for four hours or more during normal meal times, when the delay is not due to Air Traffic Control, weather, or other circumstances beyond US Airways’ control.."
The operating words here are "other circumstances beyond US Airways’ control".
For your understanding, here is the timeline of events after we had boarded the plane:
18:05
The captain informs the passengers that the hydraulic pressure is too low.
18:35
The captain announces that contract maintenance is on it's way over. He also explains that US had contracted out maintenance service in order to save money. (My impression: The captain wasn't too happy either)
19:07
The captain apologizes and explains:
I don't know what to say. They keep telling me maintenance is on it's way. (Not literally, from my recollection)
19:10
A van with the logo "PRIOR AVIATION SERVICES" appears beside the plane.
After about 10 minutes they have appearently finished their maintenance. They are closing their van, and we hear the announcement ordering us off the plane.
Now the question:
Does the fact the outsourced, third party maintenance crew caused the delay constitute "other circumstances beyond US Airways’ control" ? If so then US has removed itself from any mechanical responsibilty on all location where it outsourced maintenance!
I am still looking into the Terms of Transport to see what other legal "goodies" may be hidden there.