US Airways
February 1st, 2010 by leafworksUS Airways
www.usairways.com * 1-800-428-4322 * Flying Denver to Phoenix to Portland
US Airways started as a mail carrier called “All American Airways” in 1939. In 2005 when US Airways and America West merged, the Airline majorly changed and formed the vast enterprise it is now. I’ve come to know this year of US Airways to be a friendly, fast, efficient, and affordable airlines that I seem to be using a lot towards the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. One of their major hubs is the Phoenix International Airport. For the flight from Denver, it seems the last few times I’ve flown this airline, there is always a transfer from Colorado to the Phoenix Airport. (In December I flew from Denver to Phoenix to Orlando - This time from Denver to Phoenix to Portland). As I write this review, I’m aboard one of their planes from Phoenix to Denver, after hopping the initial flight from Portland to Phoenix. A week and a half ago I decided to attend the Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, Oregon and cruised Kayak.com to find the most cost-effective flight available. The first page of displays were all “US Airways”. A flight leaving Thursday the 28th of January 2010 from Denver at 6 pm to Phoenix, with less than a hour layover, and onwards to Portland, Oregon. I was able to pay for the ticket online (routed to Cheaptickets from Kayak), get travel insurance for $15, pre-check in and print my tickets at home before heading to the airport. The only thing that bothered me from US Airways in the process was the fact they appeared to have raised their rates for checked luggage which I’m strongly opposed of any airline charging extra for checked luggage. This put a dampener on my trip as I couldn’t afford checked luggage and would have to pack on carryons. This meant I could not bring my bodypaints, my faerie wings, or my costumery. I’d have to pick up some paints once I got there and my unique costume would have to be sans wings. :: Sigh :: They allow one carryon and a personal item like a laptop bag or purse. (45 linear inches with max. weight of 40 lbs) I got to the Denver Airport in an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs, went through security which seemed pretty packed, and on to the US Airways gate. I found a place to plug in my laptop with no issues, and was aboard the plane in no time. They got off on time and arrived in Phoenix a little early. The transfer to the Phoenix flight to Portland was on time and arrived in Portland early. Since I last minute booked the flight, I only had middle seats available to me, but that was ok as it wasn’t too tight a ride. The US Airways planes appear more spacious than the recent experiences/flights I had with United and Frontier. Of course very little food selections offered on the plane, not that I’d pay those outrageously high prices for chips or snacks. Free complimentary beverages as is the standard for US flights regardless of the airlines you go on. I’m not drinking sodas these days so I can’t state whether they give you the can or not (which when I was a soda drinker that was an important thing) - but the juices and water is poured in a cup, so I assume so. The stewardesses were friendly and hospitable. I quite enjoyed the flights. On the return trip during January 31st … much more comfortable and positive experience home - streamlined loading and unloading, no delays, early arrivals, and friendly / hospitable staff. This time I had window seats both flights home, with leg room to stretch since the middle seats were unoccupied. US Airways puts out a nice little magazine called the same as their name, with nice glossy color photo pages and good articles. They recently implemented a rule that you cannot store laptops in the seat-back pockets. I checked my bag in for the flight home, it cost me $20 online baggage checkin (I think $25 if I didn’t do it online). Baggage drop-off at the Portland airport was quick with no waiting, and streamlined. My travels this time around with US Airways has been a positive and enjoyable experience. Thank you US Airways! Rating: 4 stars out of 5.
