Category Archives: US Airways
The Pitfalls of Airline Mergers
June 7, 2010 — 3:38 pm PDT
Updated June 7, 2010 — 4:40 pm PDT
AeroChannel correspondent Darren Popik
As Continental and United Airlines executives work to hammer out the details in their merger, there’s growing talk that the next merger will be between American Airlines and US Airways.
Why, you ask? Because the other big players have already merged. There’s nobody left. And apparently merging is the “in” thing to do in the airline industry these days.
Want a Frequent Flyer Award Ticket? Beware of Delta, US Airways
May 13, 2010 — 10:00 am PDT
Updated May 13, 2010 — 10:24 am PDT
Fair warning: If you collect frequent flyer miles in the hopes of exchanging them for free tickets, you better choose your airline carefully.
As airlines have cut flights, and the total number of seats they fly, the number of seats available for award travel has also declined.
But as the Wall Street Journal reports, award availability also varies considerably depending on the airline. Among U.S. carriers, your best chances for success are with Southwest Airlines or Alaska Airlines, says consulting firm IdeaWorks.
DOT Says ‘No’ to Tarmac Delay Exemptions
April 22, 2010 — 12:25 pm PDT
Updated April 22, 2010 — 1:53 pm PDT
Requests by five airlines for exemptions to the three-hour tarmac delay rule have been rejected by the Department of Transportation.
American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, and US Airways had requested exemptions to the new rule, which goes into effect April 29.
AA, Delta and JetBlue asked for the exemption at New York-JFK airport, which is already being hampered by the temporary shutdown of its main runway for resurfacing. Continental asked for relief at Newark and New York-LaGuardia, while US Airways asked for an exemption at its Philadelphia hub.
Southwest, Alaska Turn Profits; Continental Posts Loss
April 22, 2010 — 11:38 am PDT
Updated April 22, 2010 — 2:01 pm PDT
Alaska Jets in Southern California (Credit: Darren Popik)
Passenger revenues are up, but fuel prices are also taking a bigger bite out of the bottom line at the nation’s air carriers.
Today, three more carriers reported their first quarter 2010 financial results.
For Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, the positive news continued with both carriers posting profits.
US Airways Ends Merger Talks with United
April 22, 2010 — 8:45 am PDT
Updated April 22, 2010 — 2:05 pm PDT
US Airways jet at LAX (Credit: Darren Popik)
US Airways has announced Thursday morning that it is breaking off merger negotiations with United Airlines.
The airline’s CEO, Doug Parker, released a statement, but did not specify why his company was ending talks.
He did, however, reaffirm his support for consolidation within the airline industry.
US Airways Offers Double Miles, Elite Qualifying Miles
April 14, 2010 — 12:00 pm PDT
Updated April 14, 2010 — 2:55 pm PDT
US Airways has launched a promotion sure to please frequent flyers.
The airline is offering double the elite qualifying miles on all flights through June 15.
In addition, flyers will accumulate double the miles on all flights.
To be eligible, flights must be operated by US Airways or US Airways Express …
What’s This United-US Airways Merger All About?
April 9, 2010 — 4:30 pm PDT
Updated April 21, 2010 — 3:22 pm PDT
Jack Keady
As the media reported this week, United Airlines and US Airways have begun merger talks.
Although a come-together could happen, as it did with Northwest and Delta, this is far from a sure thing.
First, the Department of Justice (DOJ) will have to determine if this merger is anti- competitive. Inside money says that this passes the sniff test, meaning no monopolization, but there is more to the story as indicated further down.
United, US Airways Talk Merger
April 8, 2010 — 10:37 am PDT
Updated April 8, 2010 — 11:44 am PDT
United Airlines (credit: Darren Popik)
Two financially struggling carriers could be headed towards a merger, according to new reports.
Word broke late Wednesday that United Airlines and US Airways have been engaged in merger talks for the past few weeks.
Tarmac Rule: Continental, US Airways Implement New Policies
April 6, 2010 — 10:28 am PDT
Updated April 7, 2010 — 10:31 am PDT
Continental jet taking off from LAX (Credit: Darren Popik)
In preparation of the new “three-hour tarmac rule” that goes into effect April 29, two airlines have …
Delta, US Airways Modify Slot Swap Plan
March 23, 2010 — 11:10 am PDT
Updated April 2, 2010 — 2:54 pm PDT
Spirit jets at LaGuardia Airport
Delta Air Lines and US Airways are modifying a request to swap slots at New York’s LaGuardia and Washington’s Reagan National airports.
The move comes as the two carriers attempt to gain approval from the Department of Transportation, which denied their original request.
