Usairways Disaster?

[chrisd596]

USAIR has cancelled over 100 flights today. We're leaving on Sun. How many DVC'ers are in the same boat. I have a feeling they wont be flying out of PHL or cancelling and rescheduling lots of their flighs.

Any info would be appreciataed.
Thanks
chris

 

[DebbieB]

It was related to the bad weather in the midwest:

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/10495074.htm?1c

Everything should be running OK by Sunday. I haven't heard of more bad weather.

 

[safetymom]

It's that time of the year you can see lots of cancellations by all the airlines for weather. PHL is a major hub for US so they will be doing what they can to get everyone out.

 

[Kruuzin]

If you are reserved on a flight already you aren't in danger of losing your seat. It's the people that got cancelled that they fit into any available seats. Just make sure you arrive early enough to get your seat assignment.

 

[ducklite]

I agree, by Sunday it should be all worked out. Get there early (at least two hours early!), be flexible, understand that the equipment might be changed and thus your seats could change, and relax.

Anne

 

[TZMOM]

I hate to be a naysayer, but my son was on a flight to Cleveland on Thursday, which was cancelled due to weather (after we were there for ohhh about 8 hours.) We were some of the lucky ones that got our luggage back.

His flight was scheduled to leave today at 3:25 p.m. We arrived at the airport at noon and his flight didn't take off until about 5:45 p.m. - after they sat on the plane for almost 2 hours!!! I heard on KYW radio on the way home that several (over 200 was the amount they used) bagagge handlers, pilots and flight attendants called in sick. I haven't heard anything else yet - not sure what's going on - but it was brutal!!!

Hopefully if you're leaving Sunday (is that tomorrow??) things will have gotten a little more straightened out. Just keep a good humor about the whole thing since the USAir employees that ARE working are hearing nothing BUT complaints ALL DAY - and some rather rude ones at that.

Good luck - Merry Christmas!!

Jane

 

[melanie18]

I just saw something on the news last night that said 240 baggage handlers called out of work yesterday at PHL. There were thousands of suitcases with no one to move them (and also no security to make sure people were walking off with the right suitcases). It looked like an absolute nightmare.

I'd check with US Airways ASAP....

 

[TZMOM]

Hey Melanie - you're absolutely right - it was not a pretty sight. Any reason why they just weren't showing up? I overheard a few employees also saying that the pilots weren't coming in either - is it a union thing?

 

[DebbieB]

Saw this article regarding Delta/Comair and also USAirways:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/12/25/flights.canceled/index.html

 

[DebbieB]

Update on USAir's website:

http://www.usairways.com/about/press/nw_04_1225.htm

 

[jel0511]

Sounds like the first CHAOS incident that was talked about about two weeks ago. Expect more of this until US Airways hears from the Bankruptcy courts.

 

[treehugger]

Sounds like the first CHAOS incident that was talked about about two weeks ago. Expect more of this until US Airways hears from the Bankruptcy courts.

I thought the same thing. It was rumored that flight attendants would also resort to this action. I saw a story on our NYC station last night where they interviewed a family who was dealing with this situation. Let me tell you how sad it was. The 6 year old son and his dad crying about all they were enduring on their way to Christmas in WDW. Shame on these employees if this was some sort of intimidation action! It's always the innocent consumer who gets hurt.

 

[safetymom]

There were problems with United also.

 

[BeachBaby310]

I'm here in Philadelphia. They are reporting on the news that first the baggage handlers called out sick. About 240 in all. And then there were flight where the plane the pilot and the copilot were all there but the flight attendants had called out. So the planes actually left for their destination with the pilot and luggage but no passengers. I think the employees are shooting themselves in the foot. I always used USAir but am looking to book SWA for my next trip.

 

[ducklite]

I've got several flights on US over the next month. I'll be flying back and forth between our houses in FL and NJ. Luckily I have the luxury of only needing to bring the laptop and cosmetics back and forth--so a small tote bag and my pocketbook, no need for anything checked.

I'm hoping that they see the error of their ways, costing the company already in horrible financial shape millions of dollars is only going to end up helping them along in losing their jobs. Stupid, stupid fools. They'll be the ones whining the loudest when the unemployment runs out. I'll have no sympathy.

Anne

 

[Bill From PA]

I'm with you on that one, Anne. We usually check all bags so that there's not much for security to rummage through. On New Year's Day we'll carry on one piece with our toilettries and two days worth of clothes. I'm thinking that 1/1 is not a huge travel day, our first choice flight was cancelled months ago due to empty seats, and if the bright lights among USAir employees want to cause disruption, they'll do it on Sun., 1/2. I'm sounding just a tad selfish, aren't I?

Bill From PA

 

[DMRick]

After flying out on Christmas from Albany (via Chicago) to KY, our Pastor and his family have nothing but a $50 stipend as of today (and they were several hours late gettting in). No luggage, no gifts to pass out. The airlines just don't seem to know where their luggage went. So after a fast trip to Walmarts for a few essentials, they are hoping the luggage shows up sometime today..or at least before they leave to come hom.

 

[DebbieB]

The way they are going, the USAir workers will not have to worry about working on the holidays next year.

I hope Chris (the original poster) made it to Florida yesterday.

 

[phillybeth]

The way they are going, the USAir workers will not have to worry about working on the holidays next year.

I agree. Even a 20% pay cut is better than no paycheck at all.
I am so glad we booked Airtran for our flight in a few weeks!

 

[kathylovesdisneyworl]

The way they are going, the USAir workers will not have to worry about working on the holidays next year.

I hope Chris (the original poster) made it to Florida yesterday.

Can't agree more. I fly out of Philly and I know even with the good prices with US air right now to Orlando, I will not risk using them. What a shame for all those travelers.