Dec 4, 2013, 10:33 am
Last edit by: JDiver
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THREAD LINKS FOR DOCUMENTED OR ANNOUNCED CHANGES:
USA AMEX Platinum Members Lose Access to Admirals Club/US Airways Lounges March 22, 2014 (4 Dec 2013; not genuinely merger related, but a significant change).
THREAD LINKS FOR DOCUMENTED OR ANNOUNCED CHANGES:
USA AMEX Platinum Members Lose Access to Admirals Club/US Airways Lounges March 22, 2014 (4 Dec 2013; not genuinely merger related, but a significant change).
MERGER: US and AA Dec 9 2013 implications for AA flyers (new)
Dec 9, 2013, 4:59 am
#241
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: New York
Programs: AA EXP 1.0mm, not sure where I am with hotels these days
Posts: 2,795
I couldn't tell what to expect today, but for sure I was expecting at least "something" on usairways.com and aa.com... It's midday here in Europe and 6:30am in Nyc and there's just no news on both sides 
Can't wait to see AA back (AA codeshare number on Piedmont flights
) in my small town airport in North Carolina
And I'm waiting and I'll watch any move about RDU flights (affraid that RDU-LHR won't survive).
Can't wait to see AA back (AA codeshare number on Piedmont flights
) in my small town airport in North Carolina And I'm waiting and I'll watch any move about RDU flights (affraid that RDU-LHR won't survive).
Dec 9, 2013, 6:32 am
#242
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6
When will I be able to use AA miles to purchase USAirways Flights
I am sure this has been answered in this thread but I don't really want to read all 17 pages so please forgive me.
We are planning to travel to FCO and back from VCE from BOS in June 2014. It just doesn't work (without high fees) to go on AA where we have plenty of miles. USAirways have good flights for this routing but we only have enough Dividend miles for one ticket.
Do you think I will be able to use my AA miles to fly the USAirways route sometime soon? Saw somewhere that this arrangement might be available as soon as January 6, 2014. If that's the case, I will hold off paying for the tickets and use my AA miles to 'buy' them.
We are planning to travel to FCO and back from VCE from BOS in June 2014. It just doesn't work (without high fees) to go on AA where we have plenty of miles. USAirways have good flights for this routing but we only have enough Dividend miles for one ticket.
Do you think I will be able to use my AA miles to fly the USAirways route sometime soon? Saw somewhere that this arrangement might be available as soon as January 6, 2014. If that's the case, I will hold off paying for the tickets and use my AA miles to 'buy' them.
Dec 9, 2013, 7:26 am
#243
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
And the "no way AA would have done this, even though every other airline has, and every program has historically devalued over time. We know "old" AA never would have followed along, so everything is DP's fault" argument, I assume.
It's starting to sounds as bad as US political discussions.
It's starting to sounds as bad as US political discussions.
Add to the fact AA's cost basis is once again going to increase dramatically, I don't see how this ends well.
"Five weeks from now, after an 8 percent pay raise, our hourly pay rates will be 12.3 percent higher than when AMR filed bankruptcy. In January 2015, we will receive another 3 percent raise followed by a January 2016 move to the average of pay rates at Delta and United, which we estimate to be another 15–16 percent improvement. With 3.5 percent raises in 2017 and 2018, our pay rates will be higher than those at Southwest, Delta and United, and our 777 captain rates will be 10–12 percent higher than the highest pay rates currently at FedEx and UPS."
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...nkruptcy.html/
"Five weeks from now, after an 8 percent pay raise, our hourly pay rates will be 12.3 percent higher than when AMR filed bankruptcy. In January 2015, we will receive another 3 percent raise followed by a January 2016 move to the average of pay rates at Delta and United, which we estimate to be another 15–16 percent improvement. With 3.5 percent raises in 2017 and 2018, our pay rates will be higher than those at Southwest, Delta and United, and our 777 captain rates will be 10–12 percent higher than the highest pay rates currently at FedEx and UPS."
http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2...nkruptcy.html/
The only region in the world where AA is substantially underperforming is in Asia. AA and JAL are getting very low yields and unit revenue compared to DL and UA. And there aren't any serious analysts or even Flyertalkers claiming that new AA needs to gut its Japan and China flights that are seriously underperforming. Except for DFW-NRT, AA is losing money on just about every other Asian route, with the biggest underperformer being Haneda, which AA cut this past weekend.
In re: AA vs. other carriers flying between the US and Asia, they have not provided a solid, consistent product, and have not marketed their wares in China, Japan or Korea. People tend to vote with their feet, and what the Asian consumer is saying is that: "American is the Greyhound bus of the skies." They would rather take Air China, China Southern, or even OW partners CX/JL, which have dozens of flights, than an airline that is running a couple of busted 772s.
One would hope, but no one will know that answer for sure. Not right now at least.
Dec 9, 2013, 8:00 am
#244
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
I suspect there will be no announcements until after the US Supreme Court ruling on the merger. An individual filed suit against the merger and the case goes to the Supreme Court today (Dec 9th). I am guessing that after the ruling an annoucement will be made (as it is unlikely that the Surpreme Court will deny the merger).
Dec 9, 2013, 8:04 am
#245
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,581
Dec 9, 2013, 8:06 am
#246
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New York and Vienna
Programs: PA WorldPass Platinum, AA, DL, LH. GHA Black, SPG and HHonors Gold
Posts: 3,870
Here's an update (from our newsroom) one frequent flyer account integration:
above from
US Airways to Leave Star Alliance March 30, Join Oneworld March 31, Begins Integration of Frequent Flyer Accounts
It also announced the following:
In a letter to employees, Parker said that customers will soon be able to earn and redeem rewards miles on both program. The US Airways program, Dividend Miles, will eventually be merged into American’s AAdvantage program. In addition, in early January, the AA code will be placed on all US Airways flights and vice versa, as the combined airline aligns its schedule.
Another significant change for customers will be the co-location of American and US Airways in airports, starting with its hubs.
Another significant change for customers will be the co-location of American and US Airways in airports, starting with its hubs.
US Airways to Leave Star Alliance March 30, Join Oneworld March 31, Begins Integration of Frequent Flyer Accounts
It also announced the following:
In addition, US Airways said that it will continue numerous relationships with airlines in Star Alliance after it leaves at the end of March. Flyers will be able to continue earn miles on the following airlines: Aegean, Air China, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAM, TAP, and Turkish Airways.
Last edited by jspira; Dec 9, 2013 at 8:36 am
Dec 9, 2013, 8:23 am
#247
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 462
I guess we're all one group now...for better or worse, 
AZCentral is reporting AA in PHX to move from T3 to T4 in mid-February: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arti...g-airline.html.
AZCentral is reporting AA in PHX to move from T3 to T4 in mid-February: http://www.azcentral.com/travel/arti...g-airline.html.
Dec 9, 2013, 8:35 am
#248
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
I suspect there will be no announcements until after the US Supreme Court ruling on the merger. An individual filed suit against the merger and the case goes to the Supreme Court today (Dec 9th). I am guessing that after the ruling an annoucement will be made (as it is unlikely that the Surpreme Court will deny the merger).
It also announced the following:
In addition, US Airways said that it will continue numerous relationships with airlines in Star Alliance after it leaves at the end of March. Flyers will be able to continue earn miles on the following airlines: Aegean, Air China, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAM, TAP, and Turkish Airways.
In addition, US Airways said that it will continue numerous relationships with airlines in Star Alliance after it leaves at the end of March. Flyers will be able to continue earn miles on the following airlines: Aegean, Air China, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAM, TAP, and Turkish Airways.
Dec 9, 2013, 8:36 am
#249
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: New York and Vienna
Programs: PA WorldPass Platinum, AA, DL, LH. GHA Black, SPG and HHonors Gold
Posts: 3,870
Dec 9, 2013, 8:39 am
#250
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: Alaska FF
Posts: 302
Another thing that won't be happening is a big new AA terminal at LAX ala JFK or MIA. T-4 plus the four gates at the TBIT and the remote Eagle outpost are the reality.
[...] One clarification: I don't believe that LAWA has been opposed to additional gates - it's the neighboring communities of El Segundo, Culver City and others (including some residents in Los Angeles neighborhoods like Westchester) that sued LAWA to block additional gate construction.
The settlement does require that up to 10 gates be eliminated if traffic levels exceed 75 million passengers a year.
Unless that stupid settlement is overturned, LAX is going to get smaller, not larger.
[...] One clarification: I don't believe that LAWA has been opposed to additional gates - it's the neighboring communities of El Segundo, Culver City and others (including some residents in Los Angeles neighborhoods like Westchester) that sued LAWA to block additional gate construction.
The settlement does require that up to 10 gates be eliminated if traffic levels exceed 75 million passengers a year.
Unless that stupid settlement is overturned, LAX is going to get smaller, not larger.
Planning has not stopped on building more gates (e.g., the Midfield Satellite Concourse). It is just that the new gates/new terminal will replace existing gates at the West Remote Gate Facility and even the American Eagle Commuter Facility.
The Satellite Concourse (MSC) will have 29 gates, 11 gates in the first phase. To make it work under the existing gate cap, LAWA could trade X-number of gates at the MSC for AA's right to 12 gates at the Commuter Facility (AA operates only 10 of the 12 now) and replace X-number of Remote gates. (There are 18 Remote gates.)
You could even be looking at a scenario where LAWA transfers all of AA's gates rights (outside of T4) to the MSC. The 12 for the Commuter Facility plus the 4 preferential at TBIT West would result in 16 gates at the MSC. That is three more more gates than AA has at T4 today. Effectively, AA would end up with a brand new terminal.
Not saying this is what is going to happen because LAWA could also close T3 to get the 12-13 additional gates it needs to make the numbers work. But, if the MSC construction begins with no set schedule for runway realignment, the more practical math involves a trade with AA. There are even contractual issues between LAWA and AA that would incentivize the trade.
Dec 9, 2013, 8:40 am
#251
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
Dec 9, 2013, 8:42 am
#252
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: san antonio, texas
Programs: 3.2MM AA, 1.4MM UA,StwdLftPlt
Posts: 1,586
It also announced the following:
Quote:
In addition, US Airways said that it will continue numerous relationships with airlines in Star Alliance after it leaves at the end of March. Flyers will be able to continue earn miles on the following airlines: Aegean, Air China, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAM, TAP, and Turkish Airways.
That's an interesting aside..if it holds true, then presumably US Airways aka American Airlines will have mileage earning avenues across much of Star Alliance.
Quote:
In addition, US Airways said that it will continue numerous relationships with airlines in Star Alliance after it leaves at the end of March. Flyers will be able to continue earn miles on the following airlines: Aegean, Air China, Air New Zealand, Avianca, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, TAM, TAP, and Turkish Airways.
That's an interesting aside..if it holds true, then presumably US Airways aka American Airlines will have mileage earning avenues across much of Star Alliance.
Dec 9, 2013, 9:00 am
#253
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/SFO & ORD
Programs: LT Gold/BA Executive Club/AS MP/Marriott
Posts: 1,646
Probably for worse I say.
I wonder what unions will think of that.
Only if the routes are "feasible". I put feasible in quotes because according to the settlement, if the route is having "financial problems" it can be cut. "Financial problems" is vague at best and can be applied for practically any reason.
Idiot DOJ + STATES. They let us down on this one.
To me, there is a reason why UA, DL, CO and NW didn't want to merge with US Airways post 2005.
Every single one of those carriers had an opportunity to merge with US Airways yet didn't.
IMHO, US low-yielding route structure really doesn't bring anything to the table.
Add the fact there will be a massive rise in cost structure and I simply don't see how this merger isn't anything short of a failure.
"D-" grade from me.
As I have incessantly stated, "hope I'm wrong" but if I were a betting man, I wouldn't be betting too much on this merger as a "positive".
Idiot DOJ + STATES. They let us down on this one.
To me, there is a reason why UA, DL, CO and NW didn't want to merge with US Airways post 2005.
Every single one of those carriers had an opportunity to merge with US Airways yet didn't.
IMHO, US low-yielding route structure really doesn't bring anything to the table.
Add the fact there will be a massive rise in cost structure and I simply don't see how this merger isn't anything short of a failure.
"D-" grade from me.
As I have incessantly stated, "hope I'm wrong" but if I were a betting man, I wouldn't be betting too much on this merger as a "positive".
Last edited by Jacobin777; Dec 9, 2013 at 1:02 pm Reason: Spelling
Dec 9, 2013, 9:03 am
#254
Formerly known as scootr29
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 976
I request a direct flight from from GSP to MIA
Dec 9, 2013, 9:07 am
#255
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207