Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Putting the Scare in US Airways
It's been a difficult couple of days for US Airways. Already burdened with a not-so-good reputation, two unrelated events definitely didn't help matters today, giving the beleaguered carrier another black eye, or two.
First, a piece of a wing fell off a US Airways flight, cracking a passenger's window. The 757 lost about eight square feet of wing in mid-air while en route to Philadelphia. There was some minor damage to the tube, a cracked window, but ultimately nothing terribly serious - although extremely scary. The flight didn't even cut itself short, electing not to divert to BWI. There were no injuries, although at least one passenger did lose her cookies in fright, according to some news reports.
However, the other piece of scary news involves a pilot mistaking his cockpit for a firing range, accidentally shooting a gun while landing in Charlotte this Saturday. Seriously. Nobody injured here and pilots are allowed to carry arms, thanks to some panic legislation in the wake of 9/11. There was no danger to the aircraft as a result of the discharge, according to officials, but the A319 has been taken out of service, at least temporarily.
Does this mean US Airways is unsafe? No, of course not. These are both freak accidents. But having them happen so close together is more than a little unsettling. For the nervous flier, it's not a good sign and just another reason to avoid an airline that doesn't generally have a lot to attract fliers with to start.
First, a piece of a wing fell off a US Airways flight, cracking a passenger's window. The 757 lost about eight square feet of wing in mid-air while en route to Philadelphia. There was some minor damage to the tube, a cracked window, but ultimately nothing terribly serious - although extremely scary. The flight didn't even cut itself short, electing not to divert to BWI. There were no injuries, although at least one passenger did lose her cookies in fright, according to some news reports.
However, the other piece of scary news involves a pilot mistaking his cockpit for a firing range, accidentally shooting a gun while landing in Charlotte this Saturday. Seriously. Nobody injured here and pilots are allowed to carry arms, thanks to some panic legislation in the wake of 9/11. There was no danger to the aircraft as a result of the discharge, according to officials, but the A319 has been taken out of service, at least temporarily.
Does this mean US Airways is unsafe? No, of course not. These are both freak accidents. But having them happen so close together is more than a little unsettling. For the nervous flier, it's not a good sign and just another reason to avoid an airline that doesn't generally have a lot to attract fliers with to start.
Labels: fear of flying, planes, travel, us airways
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
US Airways: Devaluing Miles, Adding Fees
US Airways has given you another couple reasons to fly with someone else. Like United Airlines did earlier this month, the Phoenix based carrier is adding a fee of $25 to check a second bag on their flights. Unlike United, however, no consideration to the consumer was ever provided. Also, they've recently announced a big downgrade to their frequent flier program, by cutting the miles earned on shorthaul flights.
With United, if you paid the highest class of ticket, you can check a second bag for free. Elite frequent fliers also are exempt from the baggage fee and the new baggage policy only applies to domestic flights. Although this is a clear case of wanting to maximize revenue based on higher fuel costs, the conditions of the fee seems reasonable compared to how US Airways is applying it.
With US, you will pay the same fee - regardless of the ticket price. International flights? You pay the fee. Elite and first class passengers are exempt, but given the recent frequent flier enhancement on earning miles, it is getting a lot harder for road warriors to acheive that elite status by eliminating the 500 mile minimum award for flying with them. Cranky Flier has good insight on both this change and the new baggage fee.
Will other airlines follow suit? It's possible, but probably with some more customer friendly provisions attached. Given its recent enhancements, and poor baggage handling history, US Airways is quickly becoming an airline to avoid, providing Ultra Low Cost airline service at legacy prices.
With United, if you paid the highest class of ticket, you can check a second bag for free. Elite frequent fliers also are exempt from the baggage fee and the new baggage policy only applies to domestic flights. Although this is a clear case of wanting to maximize revenue based on higher fuel costs, the conditions of the fee seems reasonable compared to how US Airways is applying it.
With US, you will pay the same fee - regardless of the ticket price. International flights? You pay the fee. Elite and first class passengers are exempt, but given the recent frequent flier enhancement on earning miles, it is getting a lot harder for road warriors to acheive that elite status by eliminating the 500 mile minimum award for flying with them. Cranky Flier has good insight on both this change and the new baggage fee.
Will other airlines follow suit? It's possible, but probably with some more customer friendly provisions attached. Given its recent enhancements, and poor baggage handling history, US Airways is quickly becoming an airline to avoid, providing Ultra Low Cost airline service at legacy prices.
Labels: baggage, fees, frequent flier miles, travel, united, us airways
