You might remember that I signed up for the US Airways Trial Preferred program back in September. My purpose was two-fold. One, I would get a hit in the Grand Slam promotion, and two, I was really interested in US Airways elite status since I live so close to DCA. I’ve been dithering with the idea of moving to Dividend Miles for a year or so rather than crediting my US Airways flights to Mileage Plus. In truth, the overwhelming majority of my flights are short hops up and down the east coast and I spent the majority of my time flying US Airways. I was missing out on upgrades (granted, to US First), and the pending US-DL slot swap at DCA just made the idea of going for elite with US too compelling. Here’s an update on how it’s going.
Upgrades
DCA-PHL, First Class
PHL-LAX, Coach
LAX-PHX, First Class
PHX-DCA, Coach
DCA-BOS, First Class
BOS-DCA, First Class
DCA-CLT, Coach
CLT-FLL, First Class (plus companion upgrade)
FLL-DCA, Coach
Success rate to date: 55 percent
Service
Let’s face it, US Airways is basic air transportation between points on a map, but the on-time rate for those 9 segments is 100 percent. I tend to travel light, so I don’t waste a lot of time at the counter checking bags. However, on the 2 segments that I have done so, the personnel assisting me have been polite and helpful. In all cases, the inflight service personnel have been at least pleasant, and some, downright nice. I know 9 segments does not make a trend, but so far I have been pleased. I’ve yet to need to call the 800 number about anything, so I am not able to speak to the performance of their reservations personnel.
Constructive Criticism
The 737s I’ve ridden on have had that long-in-tooth look about them, and the pitch seems tighter than others. The exit row seat on the 737-400 I took from FLL to DCA yesterday was supremely uncomfortable. The seat bottom cushion seemed “off” and I could not find a way to get comfortable. The other 737 coach seats I’ve ridden on have been comfortable enough, but lacking in pitch. The Airbus seats, are slightly wider and more comfortable, even the exit row seat I had in the A319 from PHX to DCA. The First Class seats I’ve tried have all been wide and comfortable, but some did look a little worn around the edges. My shorter flights have not included meals, so I can’t comment on that.
Of course, the lack of in-seat power, wi-fi (only available on A321 aircraft), and inflight entertainment are common complaints that I will agree with, especially on transcon flights. Since most of my flights are shorter, these aren’t big complaints for me, but nonetheless are things that I think the airline needs to reconsider its approach to going forward.
Summary
So far, so good with my switch. Like I said, US Airways is basic transportation. They happen to provide a lot of it to the places I want to go fairly reliably. Their membership in Star Alliance seals the deal. I don’t regret making the move, but will keep you posted over the next few months.
When you do the trial preferred period, did they send you a welcome kit with a membership card, or did you just get the membership card, or nothing.
@EV
You won’t get a card during the trial period. If you successfully complete the trial, they will then send you a membership kit, which includes a card.
I’m enjoying my trial silver although I haven’t been able to upgrade, but they have been on longer flights. Originally, my plan was to get a free hit for Grand Slam as the silver status was saving me about $250 in baggage fees over the next few months.
I noticed a much friendlier attitude by the gate personnel. I even got on the preferred security line in ORD which saved a bunch of time and landed a few exit row seats. So far, I’m pleased with the service.
@Andy–actually, US is the same as the new Mileage Plus program in that silver =25%, gold =50%, platinum=75%, etc. So the jump from silver to gold on US just for bonus miles is not as significant as on DL, for example. If you do any international travel, I think getting to Gold is worth it just because of the *A Gold status, but that’s a different topic.
Andrew,
Agreed! I only fly across the pond every other year, so I’m less inclined to mileage run to ensure I have Gold. But knowing that I am going next year makes me think about doing it.
It may be worth it considering gold earns 100% bonus miles while silver is only 25%
Seems like your upgrades are not clearing for the longer flights.. not that bad of a success rate though!
Jim,
You’re right. I really thought that Saturday afternoon from PHX to DCA I might have a shot…but nope. I didn’t expect much going in as just a Silver. I’ve thought about (and still have time to) pushing forward to Gold by year’s end. I’m sure that would help some, but I don’t know that it’s worth my time since most of my flights are short hops.