US Airways

[mom23guys2]

Is anyone booking with USAir for the Spring of 2004? There rates seem to be good at that time but I'm a little leary with the banjruptcy and all. How do others feel?

 

[pumpkinboy]

The law that protects ticket holder like yourself from an Airline ceasing operations expires in November. Given the difficulty USAir is having staying out of bankruptcy, I would think twice about entrusting them with my money 6 months out. I might wait until I see whether the Congress renews or strengthens the law before I would put any money down. Notably, United also seems to be having trouble emerging from bankruptcy, but I think I would worry less about buying a United ticket. Delta is also still above bankruptcy, and even if they were to dip into it, I expect they would still be flying in a year's time - at least that's how I am betting, since I have three paid itineraries with Delta and affiliates.

 

[safetymom]

If people start staying away because of the bankruptcy issues US will fold.

If you pay by credit card you will be covered. For more information on US Airways I suggest visiting www.flyertalk.com
Go to forums, airline programs, then USAirways.

 

[my3kids]

I just purchased tockets on USAirwayss for 2005. I'm not worried about the paid tickets. We also booked a Dividend Miles ticket for the same trip. That is the one I worry about if anything does happen.

 

[mom23guys2]

I too have Dividend miles tickets for nest July, keeping my fingers crossed on those. At least I didn't have to lay out "real" money. If I charge on my credit card and they go under, will I be able to get the money back from Am EX?

 

[johnnyr]

I too have tickets for March 2005 and July 2005. I'm not too worried. You can't believe everything you hear in the press and read on the Internet about US Airways. Just a few weeks ago, many predicted they would immediately liquidate as soon as they filed Chapter 11, but they are still in business. They are making progress with the unions, but they still have a way to go. I've flown with them during their last filing of Chapter 11. It was business as usual. I will continue to book with them for as long as they are flying.

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by johnnyr
I too have tickets for March 2005 and July 2005. I'm not too worried. You can't believe everything you hear in the press and read on the Internet about US Airways. Just a few weeks ago, many predicted they would immediately liquidate as soon as they filed Chapter 11, but they are still in business. They are making progress with the unions, but they still have a way to go. I've flown with them during their last filing of Chapter 11. It was business as usual. I will continue to book with them for as long as they are flying.

Thanks for that post, I think you have made up my mind...even though they are $100.00 more, I think I will stick with them...me and DH are terrified of flying, and have always flown US Airways..was a little leary about flying with them b/c of the rumors....I'll be flying my US Airways.....

 

[Cindie-rella]

I too have booked my trip flight with U.S. Airways for next April. I feel so stupid that I did not know a thing about the Bankrupt threat. I had paid with cash. (non-refundable I might add!) I found a non-stop flight out of Philadelphia to MCO for $176.00 round trip p/p. I figured I would not find much of a better deal than that for non-stop at the times I wanted. This flight was just what I was looking for....Now I will worry about the safety issues because of the financial struggle this company is having. Will the safety standards remain the same or will there be cut-backs(?) if there will be a flight at all !
What do I do? Just sit and wait I suppose.
Anyone else with these same concerns? In the case of chapter11 do we just lose it all?

 

[CarolA]

I would not worry about Safety. As soon as the FAA hears an airline is in trouble they start keeping a sharp eye on things just to make SURE that they don't cut costs there. My Grandfather worked for an airneline for eyars and he always said the safest airlines were the ones in trouble. Between the FAA and the fact that the LAST thing they need is bad publicity they will stay on top of the maintnenace.

As for a cash ticket as of right now should they go Chapter 11 you would be at the mercy of the other airlines. I have not heard if the consumer protection law on this issue is going to be extended. You might want to call your congress person!

 

[safetymom]

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/today/sky.htm#help

There is an article today on the USA Today website about this issue.

 

[Cindie-rella]

Thanks Carol. I at least feel much better about the safety issue. As for a refund, well I guess I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds. I really hate to think I might lose $350 and also what was the perfect flight scedule along with being a "non-stop" flight to boot. Keeping my fingers crossed that US Air keeps afloat and does not change schedules!!!!

 

[mom23guys2]

Thanks for the link Safety Mom. I'm still not sure if the credit card statement applies to within a 60 day window or if I book 5.5 months in advance will that still cover the refund. If I was just booking for my son's flight I wouldn't worry so much but his college roommate is also coming and I'd hate to lose money for some other family.