View Poll Results: Is an American Airlines/US Airways merger good for the traveling public?
Yes
84
28.19%
No
214
71.81%
Voters: 298. You may not vote on this poll
Nov 12, 2013, 2:24 pm
Last edit by: aztimm
Note:
There is an existing thread in the AA forum that may be useful to US and AA Flyertalkers:
US-AA Merger: Just the Facts thread
As facts become posted, that should be the place to look.
Merger discussion, speculation, and other questions can be directed here, or the similar thread in the AA forum:
MERGER: US and AA 9 Dec 2013 and implications for AA flyers (new)
AA - US Merger Agreement / Announcement / DOJ Action Discussion (consolidated, and now closed to new posts)
There is an existing thread in the AA forum that may be useful to US and AA Flyertalkers:
US-AA Merger: Just the Facts thread
As facts become posted, that should be the place to look.
Merger discussion, speculation, and other questions can be directed here, or the similar thread in the AA forum:
MERGER: US and AA 9 Dec 2013 and implications for AA flyers (new)
AA - US Merger Agreement / Announcement / DOJ Action Discussion (consolidated, and now closed to new posts)
US/AA merger- MASTER DISCUSSION THREAD/incl 'when will US leave STAR'
May 31, 2013, 3:25 pm
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
on a flight from ORF to CLT today, the flight attendant in FC had a lot to say about the merger-he warned that US status will mean very little and that American has only 2 levels that get ug on regular basis, etc, etc.
I have never flown on American Airlines so i couldnt say. He said there is a one world website that explains everything he was saying...
I have never flown on American Airlines so i couldnt say. He said there is a one world website that explains everything he was saying...
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/el...fits-chart.jsp
May 31, 2013, 4:03 pm
#707
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
I assume you fat-fingered the keyboard and meant to type "AA 757s" or perhaps "AA 767s." As a dozen people will point out, AA has no 747s.
If the old HP (now US) 757s flown PHX-HNL are too decrepit and must be retired, then I assume that some AA 757s (domestic configuration) will fly in their place.
AA is refurbishing some of its younger 757s (the oldest 757s will be retired as A321s and 738s are delivered to replace them) so AA will have HNL-capable-757s for LAX or PHX to Hawai'i for years to come.
As the AAdvantage program considers Hawai'i flights to be domestic for "sticker" upgrades (actually electronic 500s), then I assume that PHX-HNL will be treated the same once the frequent flyer programs are integrated. At AA, all flights in and between North America (including Mexico), Caribbean and Central America are "domestic" for upgrades (don't have to use miles or SWUs, although they're permitted). Unlike UA, we even get to upgrade the premium JFK-LAX/SFO transcons without using miles, SWUs or special certs.
If the old HP (now US) 757s flown PHX-HNL are too decrepit and must be retired, then I assume that some AA 757s (domestic configuration) will fly in their place.
AA is refurbishing some of its younger 757s (the oldest 757s will be retired as A321s and 738s are delivered to replace them) so AA will have HNL-capable-757s for LAX or PHX to Hawai'i for years to come.
As the AAdvantage program considers Hawai'i flights to be domestic for "sticker" upgrades (actually electronic 500s), then I assume that PHX-HNL will be treated the same once the frequent flyer programs are integrated. At AA, all flights in and between North America (including Mexico), Caribbean and Central America are "domestic" for upgrades (don't have to use miles or SWUs, although they're permitted). Unlike UA, we even get to upgrade the premium JFK-LAX/SFO transcons without using miles, SWUs or special certs.
May 31, 2013, 5:20 pm
#708
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 5
but they are under 2 cents a mile now--------------1750 dollars for 100k miles.
Are you talking about buying US miles with cash through the website? Even with the 100% bonus, they're still well above 2 cents per mile, which is more than I'd say they're worth. I'd avoid that. My exception to buying miles is to top off an account for an award - meaning, I have 85k but need 5k more to book that award RT. I might do it speculatively, meaning without a particular trip in mind, if I'm close - but I wouldn't outright buy miles just to have them unless they came in under 2 cents each.
May 31, 2013, 9:57 pm
#709
In memoriam
Join Date: Dec 2001
Programs: DL 2MM, AA MM, DL Sky Club Life, AA Admirals Club Life, Hilton Gold Life
Posts: 1,732
Jun 1, 2013, 10:58 am
#710
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 259
anyone have a link to a post (or other source) that does a side by side comparison between current chairman us and AA exec plat?
Jun 1, 2013, 11:19 am
#711
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: DFW or Somewhere Else
Programs: UA Plt /Delta DM/ Marriott Platinum Prem./Hilton Diamond / Hyatt Globalist /Hertz PS / National EE
Posts: 1,107
I was a lifetime TWA Club member in the past and was screwed by the AA buyout (they lost 95% of my subsequent business when they screwed us lifers). Fortunately I manuevered my TWA Lifetime club status to free a lifetime USAIR Club (think Piedmont option and blind luck). If I can count on a lifetime lounge membership in the merged airline then I'm in for the duration and will take what comes.
Meanwhile my simple decision today is how to fly between multiple connecting cities US-Canada (Aug 2013)and add to my mileage bank in ether AA or USAIR and get free lounge access to boot.
My plan, subject to any negative comments by the readers, is to book a cheap ticket on Air Canada and supply my USAIR FF # and to use my USAIR Club card for lounge access in the canadian Maple Leaf lounges.
Does this sound workable?
Meanwhile my ultimate dream is that the post merger airline will see fit to reopen the old closed down USAIR club at MCO
Meanwhile my simple decision today is how to fly between multiple connecting cities US-Canada (Aug 2013)and add to my mileage bank in ether AA or USAIR and get free lounge access to boot.
My plan, subject to any negative comments by the readers, is to book a cheap ticket on Air Canada and supply my USAIR FF # and to use my USAIR Club card for lounge access in the canadian Maple Leaf lounges.
Does this sound workable?
Meanwhile my ultimate dream is that the post merger airline will see fit to reopen the old closed down USAIR club at MCO
Jun 1, 2013, 2:40 pm
#712
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
Each of the corresponding websites will detail the benefits of elite status. But some AA EXP differences are that you have to check-off the flights you want to upgrade, even though they are complimentary. You can upgrade a companion, who will clear at your window, but it must be done using e500s. If you haven't accumulated any in your "bank" they cost $30 each. And you only accumulate them while you are Gold or Platinum status, not while being EXP, and also when you reach MM status for the first time. EXPs also receive 8 SWUs each year that can be used for any domestic or international itinerary, which may be confirmed from the time of booking. They are transferable to another flier, even if not travelling with you. And should an EXP find themselves in coach, they are entitled to a free alcoholic beverage, as well as something off the BOB menu. Also, when travelling internationally, an EXP has access to any applicable OW first class / AA Flagship lounge (not the standard business class lounge). The one downside of the upgrade process is that it is done by date of request (and of course by status). I prefer the US method of doing it by how much you have flowm YTD.
Jun 1, 2013, 11:18 pm
#714
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
The cabin layout for AA's soon-to-be-delivered 319s has just been revealed. 8F/18Y+/102Y = 128 total seats. Oh-Oh!! 
Jun 2, 2013, 12:19 pm
#715
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: IAH
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 211
Those will be some fun upgrades for sure. I try to avoid 319s on US because there are only 12 seats in F. I have to imagine there will be some routes that upgrades just don't happen with 8 F seats.
Jun 3, 2013, 6:58 am
#716
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Charlote NC USA
Posts: 250
I have over 40 e500's in my AA account just sitting there. Wondering what will happen to them after the merge and should I be using them all up now, or
sit and wait and see.
I'm a MM in AA but fly rarely with them now, MM & CP on US. Will I end up
being EXP on AA.....I know, anyone's guess at this point.
sit and wait and see.
I'm a MM in AA but fly rarely with them now, MM & CP on US. Will I end up
being EXP on AA.....I know, anyone's guess at this point.
Jun 3, 2013, 11:45 am
#717
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DCA ZWU
Programs: AGR WOH
Posts: 1,785
Well, this might change the assumption that DCA service will necessarily be pared. From Reuters:
[106] members of Congress have asked U.S. regulators to allow American Airlines (AAMRQ.PK) and US Airways Group (LCC.N) to keep all their airport slots at Reagan National Airport outside Washington D.C. if the companies' planned merger is approved.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:14 pm
#718
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: RBKC
Programs: AA EXP and Eurostar Carte Blanche
Posts: 3,849
If it helps, you may be able to convert them into miles. I've done so in the past, when I accumulated more than I could use.
Jun 3, 2013, 8:15 pm
#719
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
US to Leave *A Within 6 Months of Merger
At least there's a timeframe now...
US Airways to Leave Star Alliance Within Six Months of Merger, AA-US to Announce Management Team Mid Month
US Airways to Leave Star Alliance Within Six Months of Merger, AA-US to Announce Management Team Mid Month
In an interview with Bloomberg News, American’s CEO Tom Horton and US’s CEO Doug Parker said that the merger of the two airlines is proceeding on schedule and that American will emerge from bankruptcy protection as the deal closes in the third quarter.
The combined airline will be based in Fort Worth ....
The combined airline will be based in Fort Worth ....
Jun 3, 2013, 10:12 pm
#720
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,987
To be specific:
Management Team - mid-June 2013
Deal Close - 3Q13
Code Sharing - 3Q13
Leave *A - 3-6 months later - anywhere from 10/1/13 to 3/31/14
Combined reservations systems - - 3Q14 (good luck with that)
Singe Operating Certificate - 1Q15
Management Team - mid-June 2013
Deal Close - 3Q13
Code Sharing - 3Q13
Leave *A - 3-6 months later - anywhere from 10/1/13 to 3/31/14
Combined reservations systems - - 3Q14 (good luck with that)
Singe Operating Certificate - 1Q15