chrisswr flew US Airways Envoy, on a A330-200 (13/01/2012 02:46)

History: Semi-frequent traveller(s), our respective families are located on different continents, we have an elementary school aged child, so all of us have traveled sighnificantly on US-Brazil, US-Germany and Germany-Brazil roundtrips over the last several years.

I have thus begun to appreciate US Airway's Dividend Miles program, a much better value than, say, SQ or LH/Swiss/Austrian/LOT Mile&More, all still linked to Star Alliance carriers. The outstanding feature of DM is their twice yearly or so sale "buy 1, get 2 miles".

We are US loyal regulars because of their Express carrier serving our community in Connecticut, a twenty minute drive home vs. the rigors and tolls of driving into New York City's Kennedy (1.5h plus), or worse, NJ's Newark (some 2h drive if you leave early enough to beat the afternoon traffic!).

US Airways is at the bottom of Star Alliance standards from a passenger appeal point of view. Their US-domestic mainline narrow-body fleet (excluding the new Embraer 170/190 aircraft) tends to look pretty tired and worn in their cabins, particularly the West Operation's (formerly America West) specimens can be downright ratty from an unsuspecting traveller's perspective.

By comparison, US's intercontinental operations on the new (phased in over the last three years) A330-200s (tail numbers 280 and above) is quite a breath of fresh air and innovation on the US airline industry, suffering from sub-optimal revenue yields and beleagued with industry-wide debt. Less lucky is US Airways' latest iteration on employee wear - less than a uniform, quite comical!

The Flight
US Airways serves the major Star hub and our final destination city, Munich, since the opening of the new MUC in 1992. Having been a B767 destination exclusively from PHL for years, it has been served by the new-generation of A330s (-200) early since these were procured by US, probably in anticipation of the European carbon offset charges, and, more obviously, to boost their image

USA 706/707 operates the Airbuses on daily PHL-MUC/MUC-PHL nonstop rotations, The A330-200 is exclusive to this route except during the busy Octoberfest season, when they re-deploy the older -300s from the Frankfurt service for their slightly greater capacity.

US Airways offers a business and an economy class product on their intercontinental routes. Their version of business is called Envoy class and the premium cabin has been reconfigured to "Envoy Suite" , fully reclineable bed seats in a 1-2-1 arrangement over the last year or so.
http://www.usairways.com/en-IL/products_services/onboard_transatlantic/default.html

Having one overweight bag to check in for the flight, the new overweight surcharges had gone into effect, 50-70lb (24-32 Kg) now being USD 150 on Europe/Israel-to-/from US services, a major gouge compared to Lufthansa's EUR 50.
http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/specialneeds/ticketingpolicies/taxesfees.html?c=hp_txt_01120
and a great offer on a standby upgrade (USD 600 o/w, when capacity is available) where I could make use of the premium class' baggage allowance saw me at the front of the airplane together with some five more revenue passengers in this class of service on this flight.

Check-in for the 12.00 noontime departure after paying the MCO for the upgrade was swift and efficient, if not downright relaxing, handled by contract Lufthansa staff not completely familiar with US's differing policies, ahead of the large numbers that roll in after 9 a.m.

As a premium customer I was allowed access to the contract Lufthansa Frequent Traveller (FTL) lounge. FTL is NOT to be confused with the "real deal" - the LH Senator (SEN) lounge - which really merits the term "lounge" but is reserved exclusively for Lufthansa's First Class passengers.

The FTL has deteriorated over the years to the point that it might be called a "free cafeteria" - I was able to grab a basic cold breakfast of German rolls (Lufthansa offers free tea/coffee to all passengers throughout Terminal 2 gates)- but these had obviously been baked on or about midnight of the previous day, a meagre attempt to pacify premium business clients, and quite unimpressive.

Munich security Part 2 has been expedited for US travellers recently. The flight was not fully booked in economy class either, so boarding was swift from gate H08 and the boarding bridges were withdrawn before schedule by 11:53.

Our N278AY was one of the first aircraft to be upgraded with Envoy Suites and the seats were clean, the cabin look friendly and new. I was seated in 3A, by the window. Seat 1A remains contractually reserved for the flight crew on this type, common to the industry in the USA on intercontinental flights.

Compared to Lufthansa's benchmark business class product, the Envoy Suite product relatively exceeds the standard set, although to fully live up, there would not have been two dried (uncleaned) spills on the fold out table cover on both mine and the neighboring seat, nor would the carpet under my seat have become loose.

The seat reclines to 3 fixed settings by buttons between fully folded (takeoff/landing), relaxed recline and fully flat positions but extension stops any position in between when you remove button pressure. Unlike Lufthansa, no printed seat feature card is provided. This being the day flight, I did not profit from the flat bed capabilities, but I had no pressure points either from sitting for long periods either.

After the welcome drink service (choice of sparkling water, orange juice and sparkling wine Champenoise), ear-covering headsets and amenity kits were handed out.

In comparing headsets, the attenuation achieved by these fully ear-covering units pales in comparison to true active noise technology sets (I use Sony MDR-NC6s, apprx. USD 50) and the most comfortable and quietest condition in cruise flight is achieved by a combination of earplugs and some ANR headset. I found the pressure of the supplied headsets a little overwhelming, prone to become uncomfortable over the 8+ hour flight.

The amenity kit has been revamped again recently - it is now a transparent bag with the usual eye blind, pair of socks, airline toothbrush,
Gilchrist-and-Soames moisturizer and lip balm and a USAirways branded pen (a nice gesture first found on DELTA in 2010). The Lufthansa kit of October 2011 was a little more exciting, a stuffed tin A-380 case.

Menus were then passed out while still at the gate, nicely re-edited new format and font compared to the bland mass-produced glossy print from the years prior, but still a far cry from Lufthansa's menues (or the now defunct VARIG of Brazil's specimens). Orders were taken on the spot for the choice of 3 main dishes - beef, chicken or shrimp/prawn, the advertised "restaurant quality" had to be assumed, the "luck of the draw" since quantity was severely limited (no seconds here!).

Within the first hour after airborne, hot towels (lukewarm!) were distributed and collected, followed by the standardized starter dishes - green salad and, separately, a smoked salmon dish, plus a discrete offering of fresh bread Lufthansa-style from a basket (finally!). The (empty) salmon plate was quickly replaced by the main dish, albeit less than hot (Germans love their food piping hot or hotter still!). As to the choice of desserts, only the cheesecake and ice cream options were visible on the tray (a supposed cheese option was not pursued further). Not being a habitual drinker, I nonetheless did not fail to notice the lack of after-meal sherry or Baileys.

The inflight entertainment is offered throughout the aircraft (premium and economy cabin) but the Envoy suite station sports a relatively larger fold-out screen. Flight data and route were shown throughout the flight on the central main cabin screen with actual mileage quoted until block-in and powering down, the system calculates elapsed mileage since take off plus remaining straight-line distance to destination, so mileage is continually updated between becoming airborne and the flight's progress, the most accurate reading being the final value at touchdown.

There was a very large amount of movies available for selection, I was able to view almost three full movies over the 8:45 flight time (headsets are collected 15 minutes before landing and the IFE is de-energized just before landing). A nice touch (maybe boring to really frequent travellers) is the music selections: it's like "coming home" - many titles have been loaded since aircraft entry into service, but quality has suffered from the uncounted playbacks. IFE selection rotation does not appear a top priority, although, were it not for the deterioration, quite acceptable to me.

Airbus aircraft have a reputation of being quieter than the competition - I have difficulty discerning between Seattle, USA and Toulouse, France manufactured products when using my earplug/ANR headset combo, but the front cabin is noticeably quieter than the rear third of the economy cabin.

The taxi to the gate after touchdown was expedited nicely by allocating us gate A15 in PHL (A14,15,16 have the shortest distance to US Immigration service booths), which may have been a welcome result of a 25-minute earlier than scheduled arrival.

A bit frustrating, and I have written countless recommendations to the Philadelphia Airport authority - after clearing customs connecting passengers are forced to stand in long lines for another "security screening", shoes off et al, were we really less safe while traveling hours across the Atlantic?

Would I recommend the Envoy arrangement? Absolutely - any day of the week! The improvement over the severely uninspiring economy product (particularly the abysmal victuals offered ex USA), in extreme cases (beware of the A330-300 old type) severely tight economy seat pitch (I'm 6'1 - 1.83m) and sometimes surly, though experienced high-seniority cabin crewmembers, the Envoy experience was in a completely different league! Well done, US Airways, Lufthansa in Munich, LSG Catering and all involved! Thank you, flight and cabin crew on this USA707!

P.S. a final word to baggage: service into PHL satisfactory, although the priority label was not worth any time savings, a lot of transfer baggage hit the conveyor before mine (to be transferred too!) did. The bags, while making it on both my flights did not take the transfer so easily. The heavier bag had been newly purchased prior to the trip and arrived at my final destination zipper open. TSA had done their job again documented by their flyer and, in the event, no articles went lost, contrary to my fears.

jtbutche flew US Airways Coach, on a A330-300 (07/01/2012 17:51)

If I were to describe US Airways in one word I would use "Tired". The boarding announcements lacked clarity, professionalism, and an obvious process. The seats are covered in a low quality leather, which is rather uncomfortable for transatlantic flights. The entrainment computer system is mounted on the bottom of each economy set and takes up ALOT of room. It's almost impossible to stretch your legs out underkneith the seat in front of you. The in-seat entertainment system is slow and had to be reset three times during the flight.
The flight attendands were alright, but their uniform was well.... lacking. Most of them were wearing oversized golf shirts.
Over all, US Airways got me and my luggage to my destination on time. But in terms of quality, professionalism, and appearance it was probably one of the worst transatlantic crossings I have ever done. It was the first time I have flown with US Airways and probably my last.

mateencarey flew US Airways Coach, on a A330-200 (26/11/2011 02:15)

expertflyer1 flew US Airways Coach, on a A320 (13/07/2011 00:58)

I flew US from MCO to PHI it was about a two hour flight and I have to tell you i was not very pleased. It was not really the seats but the service and cabin of the aircraft. The crew was rude and not helpful, service slow and not sincere. The cabin was dirty and gloomy and the seat covers were also dirty. Though they did get us there.

cunardqueen flew US Airways (27/05/2011 20:34)

Flight LAX to Las Vegas dep 0730 9th Jan 2011

My first ever flight within the US l had no idea what to expect being a UK passenger. The flight was booked as part of a package for a stay in Vegas.

A very early Karmel shuttle bus collected me at 5am and took me speedily to LAX, droped me of right at the US airways section, procedded inside and checked in. the agents were very helpful and guided me through the process, with the bag checked in boarding card in hand went through security, which was very quick.

The US Airways terminal is well appointed with shops and eating places and l enjoyed looking around, the free coffee top ups were a delight (but then lm easily pleased) and l took my seat to wait for the call for boarding. when the cal did come onkly a handful of people moved, l waited just to make sure l was in the right place and asked the agent is this the right flight for Vegas, l was much surprised when he responded Yes Mr ***** it is and we are waiting for you !!.

Not knowing what to expect l boarded and was absolutely stunned to see only 6 other passengers on this flight (bearing in mind lm from the UK, only flown BA and even then every flight is full) took my seat not that it mattered where l sat, to have the bext seat free is usually a bonus, to have a row free is unheard of, But to have all around you empty l couldnt get over this.

Take off was amazing, a long run down the runway and pull back and we climbed like l hve never climbed before on any aircraft, we were very much up up and away and as LAX vanished into the clouds we went and the sun was shining.

Drinks service was great, they came to you No trolly!!! and came back with your order, just ordered a coke, and normally you have one of those tiny cans, But not here! a full can of coke, with a plastic glass and ice and a slice of lime, and they offered more during the flight, l ended up with 3 cans and a cup of tea.

The glorious weather provided a relatively smooth flight (some turbulance, but this was over the mountains) and before long we were flying over Las Vegas, hurtling down the runway all the famous hotels were on view from the window. landed early the passengers disembarked and went our own ways, l went to baggage reclaim awaited the flight number and sure enough up it came, the conveyor belt started, l waited, and waited and up appeared my suitcase, the only suitcase on the flight ! collected the case folowed the instructions for the transfer bus and already l was hooked on Sin City, it was home for the next 6 nights..

My introduction to internal flights in the USA was here, and no matter what BA will never be the same again !!!!!

cunardqueen flew US Airways (27/05/2011 20:16)

US Airways flight from Las Vegas to Los Angeles 15 Jan 2011 dep 1745
Checking in at Las Vegas l was over the allowance for economy and the agent suggested l upgrade to First Class for $50 to avoid the excess baggage fees, which l did!

The airport on Vegas on a Sunday night late afternon was l thought quite quiet, but very well laid out, all checked in l explored and enjoyed McCarran airport.

Procedded to the gate along one of those moving walkways and couldnt believe how quiet the gate was. Boarded first class passngers, there were only 2 of us, l had seat 2A a lovely wide seat with large arm rests. had barely got settled in and l was asked if l wanted a pre departure drink, G&T was asked for and this arrived very quickly in a plastic glass straw and knapkin. the stewardess was of the older generationand as someone who only flew BA the service was much more relaxed, friendly and FUN ! very customer orientated. The flightn was ony about a1/6 full which l found strange as most flights in the UK lv been on tend to leave full.

Take off was stunning, as we left the bright lights of the strip the fun of Vegas behind. A lovely smooth flight with more drinks (and generous measures of Gin!!) were provided during this short 1 hour flight.

Before l knew it we were on final approach and landing at LAX. luggage reclaim was very quick and so easy and 15 steps later l was on the sidewalk waiting for the Karmel shuttle bus and off l headed with a certain glow not only of the Gin & Ts but the fact that for the first time in my life l had flown First Class

Thankyou US Airways !!! The pleasure was all MINE !!!!

TominScotland flew US Airways Coach, on a B757 (24/05/2011 16:04)

This review relates to US Airways direct seasonal Glasgow - Philadelphia service. It is operated by a single aisle B757 which is a bit of a challenge in terms of comfort. I was booked in Economy on both legs and, although I am Star Alliance Gold, received no on-board recognition or preferential treatment. However, I was able to use lounges at both Glasgow (Skylounge) and Philadelphia (Envoy Lounge). The Glasgow lounge is used by a range of airlines and is somewhat dated in its facilities. The International Envoy Lounge in Philadelphia is one of the best of its type i have experienced in the USA with good cold food options and a wide range of drinks, free wi-fi etc.

Both flights were relatively full, especially the return. Seating is tight with limited legroom. "Better" seats can be pre-booked for $35 but the best, just behind Envoy class, did not seem to be available unless you are a member of the US Airways FF programme. Food is basic for long-haul - one hot meal with a choice of a either vegetarian pasta or a meat dish plus a snack before landing. My pasta meal on the way out was palatable but the chicken and rice on the return was unpleasant. Beer, wine and soft drinks are complementary but refills are limited. "Entertainment" was big screen and headphones (unless you had your own) is charged at £3 or $5 but did not appear to be worth the investment, given the size of the monitors in the aisle.

Cabin staff were really disappointing. they were all of a mature disposition and appeared very bored by their responsibilities. They did not engage with customers beyond the absolute minimum required to deliver the service. On the return flight, i was next to a mother and a (perfectly behaved) 7 month baby. The cabin staff only acknowledged their existence to check on seat belts etc.

The route suited me perfectly as it was point-to-point for my meeting in Philadelphia but there is little to commend the service beyond this. US immigration at Philly was fantastic - no queues and luggage through really fast. Glasgow on the return was also good in that most of the passengers were non-EU so, again, no queues. Prices are not cheap - mine was over £1,000.

VT-flyer flew US Airways Coach, on a A330-300 (22/06/2010 20:18)

For some reason this was the least comfortable I've ever been on an overseas flight. Truly small space accentuated by the placement of the entertainment hardware under the seat in front of me... one cannot even fully extend your legs thanks to the stupid hardware taking up foot space. I'd rather have no entertainment than no room... bad decision on US Airways part. No free wine, and the food was not even close to being good at all. I guess paying a bit more for another airline on the same route will be our decision go forward. (2 to 4 transatlantic flights per year for the past ten years, hadn't used US Airways since 2003 and I certainly don't remember it being so cramped on board.) Also, they boarded us with no A/C on the aircraft... got really, really stifling hot in there waiting to push off so the could fire up the engines and cool the aircraft down!

gakski175 flew US Airways Coach, on a A330-300 (31/01/2010 15:45)

It shows you the state of this airline that I'm the only poster so far. The flight was horrible! The seats should have been shipped to Guantanamo to replace water boarding. The food was just as bad. The service just a tick better, but in reality, the staff has to put up with these conditions. Thank God I went home by boat! I have to face a round trip to Manchester on this airline. Looked at every possible alternative, but was stuck with US Air. I'll grin & bear it!!! Flight came in early.