I have tickets for US Air 1/30/05, what would you do?

[cindy21494]

I booked our trip back in August and didn't realize how bad US Airways was. I am worried that we are A. Not going to have a way to Orlando (from Philadelphia) on 1/30/05 or B. Are going to be stuck in Orlando for our return flight (not that I would mind, but DH has to be back for work on 2/7/05 ). At this point, I was thinking of booking with another airline while there are flights still available, and just getting a refund if US Airways works out. I found airfare with Continental going out of Newark, but I can't find their refund policy. If anyone knows what their policy is please let me know.

What would you do? We are meeting family down there for a long awaited reunion and would hate to have something go wrong. I would love to hear your opinions.

Thanks

Cindy

 

[jel0511]

Unless you buy a FULLY refundable ticket, you're going to be just as stuck on another airline with your money. Continental does sell non-refundable tickets,but they are usually in the $500 or up range for a FL flight. Your best bet is to book tickets on Southwest out of PHL. Their fully refundable tickets are more reasonable on the wallet and they are MUCH better to deal with. It is an option, and if you need it, you'll be happy you have the tickets. If I were in your shoes and really need to go, I'd definately look into purchasing the additional tickets. The fully refundable fare on Southwest is $195 (plus tax) per person, each way.

 

[CarolA]

I don't think anyone knows what is going to happen yet. I really thougth USAir would hang in there until at least spring, but the Christmas fiasco may be a killer

I agree that SW is your best bet. As has been pointed out you have to buy FULL fare to get anything back on CO and that can be expensive. (My full fare tickets from Nashville to Atlanta run over $600 and that is with a company negoitated discount!)

Even if you buy a discount ticket on SW you can always use the credit for future trips.

 

[cindy21494]

OK, I'm about to purchase tickets from SW. The only question I have is if I buy the refundable tickets, when would I have to cancel to get a full refund? Do I cancel the day before we leave, or can I cancel when we get back. I really hope that US doesn't go under, but at least I won't be up all night worrying about it.

Thanks for the reply's, I feel better already.

Cindy

 

[CarolA]

With SW you can cancel whenever! (I have credits for flights I just didn't show up for LOL!)

 

[cindy21494]

CarolA, Will I get a credit, or will my credit card be refunded? I don't think we will be flying in the next year, and don't want to loose the money.

I have always flown with US because of the non-stop flights to Orlando, so I don't have any other experience to compare them to.

Also, how is SW with boarding? Since they don't assign seats, is it hard to get seats for a family of four? How do they determine the order of boarding? We will be flying with our two children 10 and 4 and would hate to be separated.

Sorry for all the questions, but I am a natural worrier.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Its been several years since I Worked with the airlines so take this with that in mind. SW employess were some of the friendliest most efficient at the airport. That's a big statement considering they are a discount carrier. They have a spotless safety record and run very clean planes. Then some were even painted like shamu etc and the kids loved them. SW only flew 737's then and I assume thats still the same. This usually means a row of 3 seats and a row of two seats but there are a LOT of variations on a 737. You might want to consider pairing each adult with one child and planning on being at least in different rows, one adult in front or one on the other side of the isle. Hopefully you could get the children and mom one one side and dad across the isle or behind. I really wouldn't spend a moment worrying about this as SW has a lot of familys that fly and its all very pleasant.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Cindy,
If you're purchasing fully-refundable tickets from SWA, you can get the money credited back to your credit card. Check the SWA Refund Request Info on their website to see how to get your refund.

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm not so worried about getting to Orlando but I don't want to be stuck there. I purchased full-fare return tickets on SWA for a flight that leaves after my USAir flight. That way, I can wait right up until the time of departure to see if I need the SWA tickets.

SWA's boarding system is very different from other airlines. It's first-come, first-served. The earlier that you check in, the better chance you have of getting seats together. If you arrive too late to get seats together, you could ask another passenger to switch with you. Your chances of getting them to switch are greater if they realize that the alternative is sitting next to an unattended 4 yo for 2½ hours!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

SW only flew 737's then and I assume thats still the same. This usually means a row of 3 seats and a row of two seats but there are a LOT of variations on a 737.

Southwest's Boeing 737 aircraft have 3+3 seating -- 3 seats on either side of a single aisle. That's also the case with Boeing 737 economy/coach on all carriers that I'm aware of (such as United, American, US Airways). The only major varaition is that most airlines have some number of first class seats in a 2+2 configuration, but Southwest doesn't offer any first class.

 

[cindy21494]

Thanks for the reply's! We are staying overnight in a hotel at the airport, so we will be there as early as possible. I think I can relax now that I have it covered.

BTW, Have A Happy New Year Everyone!!!!

Cindy

 

[BonnieA]

cindy21494, I have your same problem. The only difference is that I booked my USAir flight with freq flyer miles. So it's not a big money loss if they are not flying but I do want to get to my destination without a hassle. So to relieve my worrying I booked on Delta also (no SW in my area, or any other discount airlines). I figure I can just put my freq flyer miles back into my account and use them another time when/if USAir is stable again.

 

[Madhatter266]

We just returned from a quick vacation - flying from Philadelphia to Denver - on US Airways. We were "caught up" in the luggage crisis and our dealings with US Air were not very pleasant. In fact, they were downright horrible! They were unresponsive and did not communicate at all. We found out more about our "luggage travels" through the newspaper rather than any US Air Rep in person or on the phone. We have always used Southwest for WDW and right now they seem just great!

 

[dcandmc]

Cindy21494-
Southwest generally allows preboarding for families (immediate family members) travelling with kids under the age of 5. You shouldn't have any problem getting four seats together if you preboard based on flying with your 4 year old.

 

[cindy21494]

dcandmc, thank you for the information, that's good to know. My four year old can be a handful, so usually me and DH switch seats half way to give the other a break. She is getting better at traveling, but she doesn't like to sit for long periods, so usually we go armed with books, crayons, games.... to keep her occupied.

Cindy

 

[DebbieB]

cindy21494, I have your same problem. The only difference is that I booked my USAir flight with freq flyer miles. So it's not a big money loss if they are not flying but I do want to get to my destination without a hassle. So to relieve my worrying I booked on Delta also (no SW in my area, or any other discount airlines). I figure I can just put my freq flyer miles back into my account and use them another time when/if USAir is stable again.

Be aware that USAir charges to reinstate miles to your account. I think it's either $50 or $100. I had FF tickets to Las Vegas in September 2001. We cancelled after 9/11 and were lucky that they suspended their service charges for 2 weeks after and our trip was 9/25.

 

[BonnieA]

Be aware that USAir charges to reinstate miles to your account. I think it's either $50 or $100. I had FF tickets to Las Vegas in September 2001. We cancelled after 9/11 and were lucky that they suspended their service charges for 2 weeks after and our trip was 9/25.

DebbieB: Thanks for the heads up. Might not be worth redepositing them.