US Air or United

[gomomgo]

I'm looking at booking Jun '08 from PHL to MCO. I just assumed that I would wait for the SWA dates to come out, book then and hope for a Ding. Well, the new fares out today and news about the economy don't have me hopeful for a great deal. In fact, I am getting a little nervous and want to book now. Sooo....

What's your opinion about US Air vs. United? I can book them now at ok rates. Do their flights change often? I am nervous that I will book it and the flight will be changed or cancelled.

Any other policies good or bad that I should know about?

TIA for any info you have!

 

[Tara]

I'm looking at booking Jun '08 from PHL to MCO. I just assumed that I would wait for the SWA dates to come out, book then and hope for a Ding. Well, the new fares out today and news about the economy don't have me hopeful for a great deal. In fact, I am getting a little nervous and want to book now. Sooo....

What's your opinion about US Air vs. United? I can book them now at ok rates. Do their flights change often? I am nervous that I will book it and the flight will be changed or cancelled.

Any other policies good or bad that I should know about?

TIA for any info you have!

I think they're probably about the same in terms of changing flights -- most carriers adjust schedules quarterly. I see you are flying from PHL, home of (IMO) the worst baggage handling in the country. I know that USAir baggage in PHL has a bad track record, but I don't know if United's is that much better. Other than that, I suppose it would depend on which one can offer the best flight schedule...

 

[DebbieB]

Be aware that United codeshares with US Air. If you book through United, you may very well be on the same US Air plane. I don't think United flies non-stop PHL-MCO. If you look on the United website, the non-stops say "operated by USAirways".

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

If you're going to be using Disney's Magical Express, keep in mind that U.S. Airways does not participate in the resort check-in for your return trip. United does.

Since you're used to flying SWA, you know this just means you have to take your bags on the bus with you and check in at the airport.

 

[momtoBrandon&Jacob]

We flew USAIR in April from PHL to MCO and had absolutely no problems. The whole thing was very seamless with no delays. No problems with baggage coming home either. I would definetely do USAIR again if they had good fares.

 

[DebbieB]

We flew USAIR in April from PHL to MCO and had absolutely no problems. The whole thing was very seamless with no delays. No problems with baggage coming home either. I would definetely do USAIR again if they had good fares.

You were very lucky. I am a frequent flyer with US, flew over 50,000 miles this year. Anytime I have connected in PHL, it was a problem. All it takes is a few raindrops and the place goes into chaos. They are way overextended, too many flights for the facilities they have. They have alot of problems with their workers. One time last year I connected from MSP to PHL to PIT, we were delayed almost 4 hours in PHL and when I finally got to PIT my luggage was not there. Since they have cut most of their Pittsburgh flights (and left the beautiful hub airport that was built for them), I am switching to Delta.

 

[sbakersub]

I've flown both at various times, and they were ok, although I know some frequent flyers have reported on these boards about generally poor US Airways service.

You might check to see what each airline's policy is if fares go down -- if one has a less costly change fee than the other or a more favorable credit policy, that might make a difference to you -- assuming fares might actually go down between now and when you go

 

[linskypens]

I've flown maybe 30 times in my life...and lost my baggage four times.The 4 times I did...all were USAir flights.The planes are uncomfortable, the service stinks and the luggage record is pathetic.If you can avoid it...fly United.
One good thing, last year when I had to change my Disney vaction dates due to a work scheduling conflict, after listening to my sorry tale of woe, they waived the $125 fee they usually charge to change a flight after you book it.
May not happen again so be sure you want the flight you pick.
My advice in your situation is to fly united