GSO-PHL-AMS
 

Of course this flight and return was on US. Eventhough it was a very rainy Friday the notoriously late GSO-PHL flight left right on time, a 737-3 or 4. We arrived in PHL early, yet waited aout 10 minutes for our gate to open up. Envoy lounge in the A terminal is always pretty nice, but we only had about an hour of gratis drinks and snacks. Companion insisted on some lackluster PHL duty free shopping while I exchanged dollars to Euros.

The flight to Amsterdam was on a 767-200 ER which from all appearences was an old bird, worn carpet, scratches etc., but still comfortable. The flight boarded from gate A-7 into one of those "people mover" buses which took us to the plane. Apparently there are not enough gates until the new international terminal at PHL is completed.

We were in 2 E/F and greeted with an offer of a glass of either champagne, OJ or a mimosa. There was a flurry of activity while the plane loaded up, Envoy was full and about 1/2 to 3/4 of coach was occupied. Offers of newspapers, menus, post take off drink orders etc., was all going on while folks were boarding. the crew was entirely female with one Dutch speaking woman who looked like she could have whipped my a**. The crew returning was much more attentive. Anyway, we departed about 40 minutes late.

My Food Selections -

Post take off drink selection with bagged cashews

Salmon appetizer (interesting)

Prepared salad with asst.greens/tomatoes/asst. sliced veggies & various dressings. I picked balsamic vinegrette.

Tarragon Chicken w/asst. veggies. I wanted the "light side" selection which was cold shrimp & chicken, but by the time they got to row 2 they were all gone.

Wine selections - a Califronia red (Parducci) & a French red (better) & a California chard (I don't recall whose because I was drinking the red) and starting to feel pretty good. After dinner I fell asleep, but heard there was assorted cheese & fruit, coffee, dessert and after dinner drinks. Woke up to the hot towels - I just really like them, coffee, warm bagels w/cream cheese and fruit. We were offered showers upon arrival at the Hotel Mercure @ Schipol which was great.

We landed at Schipol Airport a little ahead of schedule.

We were able to use the JAL lounge at Schipol before departure. JAL lounge was nice, USAir had all kinds of info there on their transatlantic Envoy service. maybe once the flight leaves the hostess removes it, I don't know. Gratis drinks & snacks offered. shopping at Schipol is great.

The return service was better, the Envoy class steward (Dutch) was much more attentive and talked with just about everyone who wanted to listen. The food seemed abit better plus I got one of the elusive "lighter side" lunches. Wine selections were the same.

In all US Airways Envoy class service is about the same as the other transatlantic carriers business class. The service is good, yet there isn't the selection there was about a year ago. Wine selection was limited, but other than that the trip was fine.

Amsterdam is a GREAT city. I feel like I'm back at SUCPotsdam again for a couple of days.

I agree. Amsterdam is a fabulous city. I cannot wait until I go back again. Your report made me want to take the next LAX-AMS flight this afternoon on KLM!

Happy to hear that you found your Envoy experience acceptable and consistent with the other carriers.

As a Transatlantic flight attendant for US, there has been a significant modification in the services and amenities provided since late last year; particularly to that of the wine selections and arrival meals. It appears that the company has singled out a few wines that are above average and thus reduced the range of vintages offered. I must say that they have made several good choices, with only the rare exceptions. Noteworthy is the inflight Champagne, which is not the one offered during the pre-departure service. Customs regulations require that all alcoholic beverages be sealed and inventoried before boarding and may not be opened until the aircraft is inflight and bound for destination. The champagne that is offered on the ground is not the same as the one offered in the air (duty taxes, etc.).

Arrival meals have also been altered, reflecting the arrival meals of competitors.

However, US used to be almost annoying in there use of Envoy surveys prior to 9/01. Best to forward any suggestions and observations to Consumer Affairs. Please contact them with all comments, as that is the fastest line of communication with the company.

Best, USSky