Just back - my thoughts on USA3000

[TwoOldPoohs]

We usually fly Delta/Song out of Newark, and when they stopped flying to Orlando, our choices were either USA3000 or Continental. (If I had known Jet Blue was going to start service out of Newark, I might have waited. But I didn't know at the time I booked our flights.) The difference in price was way too much to justify flying Continental. We just returned yesterday and we were generally pleased with USA3000.

When we first arrived at the terminal in Newark, we entered the line to check in, and waited while the agents stood around and chatted. Finally, an agent called us over and then told us we needed to go to the next line for the Orlando flight. We didn't see any signs -- how were we to know? My first thought was "uh-oh, what have we gotten ourselves into?" We checked in and proceeded through the screening area toward the gate. We had gotten there too early -- we were the only passengers sitting there for nearly an hour.

The flights themselves were both fine. The crew seemed to be helpful and professional. Going to Orlando, we watched an episode of "Two and a Half Men" and a Simpsons cartoon, in addition to music videos and USA3000 ads. The crew first served juice, then a bag of potato chips and the usual soft drinks. On the way back home, we watched an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond" and a Casper the Friendly Ghost cartoon.

The seats were not very comfortable (they were sort of hard), but both landings were two of the smoothest I can remember.

I had read on this board about the possibility of flights being cancelled, so I was worried about that. But all in all, it was a good experience, and for the price it can't be beat.

 

[ntburns22]

I am glad you enjoyed them. The airline is going through some restructuring right now. I am just keeping my fingers crossed that my sister will be able to stay in Cleveland and not get moved to another hub.

 

[johnnyr]

I am so glad to hear a positive post on USA3000. We are flying them for the first time from Philly to Orlando in December. Our flight is sold out. I did call to our seats pre assigned. They seemed to be very helpful over the phone. I usually don't believe everything I read here, but couldn't help getting concerned with all the recent negative posts. We are going during holiday season, and tickets are $200 more on other airlines. I almost purchased refundable tickets with another airline as a backup, but again the prices are way too high. Couldn't justify paying over $400 per person. Glad to hear everything worked out for you. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for our trip.

 

[sue1013]

Glad to hear you had a good experience. We will be flying them in December out of Newark also. Same as you I would have flown Jet Blue had I known they would start flying out of Newark. I've spoken to customer service twice once to get my seats assigned then called to check on my flight after reading about cancellations both times they were very helpful. We always use curbside checkin is that available for USA3000 at Newark?

 

[TwoOldPoohs]

We always use curbside checkin is that available for USA3000 at Newark?

Sorry, I don't know if it is available; we usually just wheel our bags inside. The counter agent will weigh your bags and put the stickers on, but then you have to bring them over to the scanning area. When you arrive extra early and there's nobody else on line, it really is no problem at all.

 

[tessqt]

I'm glad you had a good flight, we too are flying out of Philly in Nov. I have been alittle worried, but our flight down price more than doubled since we booked and the return flight went up only $20 and that was before the oil situation. That's the one I'm concerned about. Here's hoping!!!