Yesterday’s post on my positive experiences with US Airways really generated a lot of interest. Every word I said is what I feel, and it’s obvious that the topic has some traction with a lot of people based on my analytics data. That said, there are a few things that I would change about US if I could. Given the amount of readership my blurb about US Airways got, I thought that a little constructive criticism and ideas for improvement of the US Airways product might be fun to talk about. I’m going to keep it simple and speak to the 3 things I wish US Airways would change that I think would make for a better airline product.
Item # 1: One-way awards from Dividend Miles
I am unapologetically in love (ok, that’s a bit much, but you get the drift) with one-way awards. For me, the flexibility offered by one-ways is just too much to pass up. You’ve already seen me blog about a good example. The possibility of flying into one city and out of another using my award miles is worth a lot. Yes, I realize American took away stopovers when they rolled out one-way AAdvantage awards, and yes, I think its lame…. but it’s a price that I am willing to pay. I really wish US Airways would implement one-way awards.
Item # 2: Inflight Wi-Fi
Reading the paper, I am led to think that I must be the only person in the world who routinely uses inflight wi-fi. Talking to people I know that fly, I can’t help but conclude that I’m not an outlier. I really wish US Airways would offer inflight wi-fi on aircraft other than the A321s. Inflight power would be nice, even if only offered in premium cabins, but wi-fi, I would really appreciate.
Item # 3: Take slightly better care of some aircraft interiors
My flights aboard US Airways have been pleasant, and on time. The crews have been good, and the people on the ground have been nice too. Heck, I don’t even mind the plastic cups in First Class on short flights. The planes have been mostly clean too. So what do I mean by take better care of the interiors? Take a flight in First Class on a US aircraft that’s a little older than 2 or 3 years, especially some of the old US east Airbii products with old style seats. It’s not all that unusual to see chunks of plastic missing in certain spots. The seats aren’t necessarily uncomfortable, but sometimes the pitch is tight. The recently delivered A321 First Class seats are a model for what the rest of the fleet should look like…. ALL THE TIME.
So, those are my three. What improvements would you like to see from US Airways and Dividend Miles?
I think it was announced in their most recent quarterly filing that a plan has been put into place to equip the entire (mainline, I think) fleet with Wifi, although a completion date wasn’t given.
Mobile. Apps.
Please-One-way awards from Dividend Miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree with your list completely. Those 3 things would go a long way in my book. I am really hoping Wifi happens asap.
My rank order would be Wi-Fi, aircraft interiors and then one-way awards. Inflight power would be a close fourth, way ahead on IFE.
Even though I am a “so-so liking Aeroplan” Elite member, I LOVE USAirways and have purchased well over a million miles over the past few years. Thanks to their purchase mileage program, I have enjoyed first class many times and shared many great trips with family. No other airline has allowed that magic to happen — confirmed F or C class ticket at a great price. Thank you, USAirways!
Best improvement for me would be a merger with Delta or AA. And I’m not even being flip. Their product sucks as far as I am concerned (and this post alone highlights much of Delta’s superiority – wifi now even on RJs, modern and clean interiors).
Online upgrade redemption and upgrade queues, overall the us airways website is a joke.