US Airways Files Chapter 11 As Threatened

**Joubert**[$] · #1 08-11-2002, 08:02 PM

We knew this was coming, but they are the 7th largest carrier in the US and a major East Coast player.

They've got $500 million in debtor-in-possession financing and another billion in government backed money. Since DC was a hub, September 11 did hammer them more than many.

So they'll keep flying for now, but meanwhile, I would use up my miles if I were you.

quasar · #2 08-11-2002, 08:15 PM

That's a shame. I've found they have better service and are generally more pleasant to deal with than most other airlines. They also have some cheap east coast->east coast flights.

Janice

kurt_messick · #3 08-11-2002, 08:17 PM

When I flew, I flew US Airways more often than anyone internally in the US; I hope they survive.

realtraveller · #4 08-11-2002, 10:40 PM

Anyone want to place bets on who's next?

Probably United Airlines.

brian_igo · #5 08-11-2002, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by realtraveller
Anyone want to place bets on who's next?

Probably United Airlines.

Nah. Gotta be America West.

Brian

realtraveller · #6 08-12-2002, 12:41 PM

United's stock is sinking fast this morning.

quasar · #7 08-13-2002, 12:55 PM

The Boston Globe has an interesting article about the airline situation today:

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/22...l_peril+.shtml

They also note (in a different location) that American announced layoffs and schedule decreases today.

Janice

quasar · #8 08-15-2002, 07:05 PM

American and United are both cutting service. American dropped Albany and Syracuse today and are seriously thinking about dropping Rochester United dropped Stewart Airport in Newburgh, NY. I only know about NY because my source - my parents - saw it on local news but I'd bet there are other airports that have been dropped.

Janice

frazzledspice · #9 08-17-2002, 10:41 AM

I read that one reason US Air was in trouble is because a greater percentage of their flights are short hops.

Because of increased airport security and waiting times, more travellers are apt to drive for trips of 300 miles or less than fly.

Businessmen say they can rent Cadillacs for $38 a day and drive to their destinations in luxury and comfort in less time than it would take them to fly, and then they don't have to rent a car at their destination.

In some busy business corridors, luxury buses have started service as well.

As someone who travels primarily with family, I could not imagine choosing flying over driving for trips of less than 300 miles.

(And of course, since our local airport only carries flights to Memphis and Dallas, with connecting flights anywhere else, driving is the most sensible choice even for trips of up to 400 miles.)

Stats said that trips of 300 miles or less have declined 15% while longer air trips have declined only 8%. This puts US Air in an untenable situation.

realtraveller · #10 08-17-2002, 12:28 PM

Why is Southwest prospering when the others are failing?

A United pilot flies just 50 hours per month. On Southwest it's 70.

United's other personnel have higher wages than Southwest.

frazzledspice · #11 08-17-2002, 03:29 PM

Must be those extra seats they're selling to the larger passengers

A younger workforce with less seniority probably helps, too.

I think it's been years since I've seen flight attendants under the age of 50 on American or Northwest.

Southwest flight attendants appear to be in their twenties, with (probably) half the salary and perks.

I am sure that's true of the other staff, too, simply because Southwest wasn't around thirty years ago.

Finally, when you "fly" Southwest (and I use the term loosely) you are puddle-jumping from airport to airport, with long waits in between. For me to get to NY from Tulsa I'd have at least two, probably three plane changes. How many people can put up with that kind of aggravation?