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On 3/30/2003 3:51:10 PM motnot wrote:
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On 3/30/2003 11

51 AM trvlr64 wrote:
We are entrenced in USAirways and I have no plans on changing my flying and spending habits. I did fly America West recently to see how they compared. Guess what? USAirways is far superior to them. I was not impressed what so ever. The only perk is that now USAirways matches America West airfares to the west.
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Would you care to elaborate on your experience on AWA, how it was far inferior to that on U?
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The AWA staff, both gate agents and flight crew were not that friendly. U frontline employees have always been very friendly to me. I've heard PAX complaining about the lack of cleanliness of U planes, but they should look at other airlines too. There was still garbage in the seatbacks and on the floor. The AWA airbii that I was on had broken first class seats. On both segments!? I thought I was on the same plane for a minute. First impressions mean a lot to a paying customer.
Generally I didn't get any sense that AWA was any better than USAirways. I just was not impressed with this airline. I just don't see any reason for me to spend $$ on another airline when USAirways will match them. Yes I will admit I love the (limited) perks I get as a US1. AWA matched that status for me with the hope that I will spend my $$ on them. But I want "my" airline to thrive so I will give U my time and $$.
I think the only time I would use AWA would be to go to those destinations where U doesn't fly (cabo san lucas). But for all my trips to SAN, I can fly U direct instead of a connection through PHX on AWA, even for the same price.
Although I will say that AWA did help occupy my time by using their monitors to show trivia contests. UA does this too, TV shows are played on the monitors during the flights, plus the use of headphones for music or listening to the cockpit. Why won't US do this? It can't cost that much more?
Someone might find my reasons limited or short sighted. But let's face it, domestic airtravel is nothing more than a bus in the sky. Pre-9/11, flying was still enjoyable. Now it is more of a hassle. I'm not asking to be fed peeled grapes while inflight, but all I ask for is a friendly staff/crew and a comfortable experience. If the airline can give me that I'm happy. Again, these were my impressions/opinions.