The good and bad of America West
Written: Sep 03 '00 (Updated Sep 03 '00)
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Good fares and reasonable service
Cons: Delays and reputation
|
|
|
| eph89's Full Review: America West |
I have flown America West many times in the past three years for both business and pleasure. It's not my favorite airline, but I do have to stand up for it. I've encountered the same horror stories that many other have, but I also recognize that they provide many full-fare amenities at good discounts. And while they've got a lot to improve on, they are not alone in the industry.
On the plus side, if you live in Nevada, Arizona or California and need to get to points East, they have great fares and schedules. They are one of the few airlines that fly to airports like Long Beach and Carlsbad, both airports that are convenient and allow you to avoid congestion and steep fares. In the winter, I'd rather make a connection in Phoenix than in Denver, Chicago or Minneapolis.
I don't belong to America West's Flight Fund, but I am a Continental OnePass member. I get the same mileage and mileage premiums, and almost all of the elite benefits. First class upgrades go to America West frequent flyers first, as I think they should, but I am often able to get an upgrade two hours prior. To me, that's a nice alliance.
When I've needed to get a last-minute ticket coast-to-coast on other airlines, it usually runs $1800 or more. On America West, I've frequently been able to get the same for around $550. I think we all need to remember this when we comment on the packed flights. And I have heard them offer a $500 voucher if you are voluntarily bumped from these.
On the down side, I have spent 4 unplanned nights in Phoenix this summer. The airline did do what they could and accommodated me. I found the customer service agents to be as friendly as possible when the line has 50 people all ready to scream at them. They really do need more information to at least explain the problems to passengers. And the airline needs to be more proactive in fixing them.
Part of my problems were caused by weather. It seems like Fridays on the East Coast have been exceptionally stormy this year. The first thing I want an airline to do is look out for my safety. My work schedule also made me engage in risky travel behavior, taking the last flight of the day and then connecting to an airport with an 11PM curfew.
But America West also needs to seriously look at their scheduling and contingencies. On one such occasion, I was not on the late flight. I arrived in Phoenix at 6PM, and my 7:10 outbound flight was delayed, then cancelled. Had I known it would be cancelled, I could have caught a 7:05PM flight. The next flight at 9:30 was also delayed and then cancelled, and that's what kept me overnight. Even the 7:45AM flight the next day was delayed over an hour. I am pleased to see that the airline is reducing some flights to keep more spare planes on hand, but to me this is the key area they need to clean up.
When making travel arrangements, I'll avoid America West if my schedule is tight. But on all other factors, I've found the airline to be as decent as the rest.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
eph89
|
|
Location: Laguna Niguel, CA
Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 2 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.