In a move that it says "accelerates" its "business model transformation," US Airways just announced a sweeping series of changes that include charging customers for beverages and a $15 fee for a first checked bag.
US Airways says it will begin charging customers for all, non-alcoholic beverages, "including sodas, juices, bottled water and coffee" in its domestic coach cabins. The cost of alcoholic beverages will rise to $7 from $5. US Airways says more details are forthcoming, and "will include new premium beverage and hearty snack choices."
The carrier announced a number of other changes, but one significant change involves its frequent-flier program. The airline will assess a new "award redemption processing fee" for all award tickets issued on or after Aug. 6. "Free" mileage tickets for domestic flights and to Canada will now be assessed a $25 fee. Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean will now come with a $35 fee while flights to Hawaii or to international destinations outside of North America will cost $50. The change appears to mean that the airline is no longer offering completely free tickets in exchange for airline miles. Additionally, US Airways will no longer award bonus miles on paid flights flown by its elite frequent-flier members.
Despite the change, US Airways says its "frequent flyer program continues to be one of the best programs in the industry and presents the most generous upgrade opportunities. Dividend Miles Preferred members are eligible for unlimited complimentary upgrades up to seven days prior to departure versus five days, often accompanied by a fee, in other airlines' frequent flyer programs."
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US Airways says it will begin charging customers for all, non-alcoholic beverages, "including sodas, juices, bottled water and coffee" in its domestic coach cabins. The cost of alcoholic beverages will rise to $7 from $5. US Airways says more details are forthcoming, and "will include new premium beverage and hearty snack choices."
The carrier announced a number of other changes, but one significant change involves its frequent-flier program. The airline will assess a new "award redemption processing fee" for all award tickets issued on or after Aug. 6. "Free" mileage tickets for domestic flights and to Canada will now be assessed a $25 fee. Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean will now come with a $35 fee while flights to Hawaii or to international destinations outside of North America will cost $50. The change appears to mean that the airline is no longer offering completely free tickets in exchange for airline miles. Additionally, US Airways will no longer award bonus miles on paid flights flown by its elite frequent-flier members.
Despite the change, US Airways says its "frequent flyer program continues to be one of the best programs in the industry and presents the most generous upgrade opportunities. Dividend Miles Preferred members are eligible for unlimited complimentary upgrades up to seven days prior to departure versus five days, often accompanied by a fee, in other airlines' frequent flyer programs."
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/ite...nterstitialskip
