Well this blog has been slightly well timed, as I’m off to Philly next week (my timing is improving), but a post on Flyertalk (see: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/us-airways-dividend-miles/953330-shouldve-booked-british-airways-london.html) has got me thinking why I didn’t go direct and why I’ve routed myself around the wrekin.
And suddenly it came into sharp focus. That wonderful customer orientated airline. Those smiling employees that make a scowl look friendly. Those wonderful gate agents. THAT airport with its unorgainsied queuing system. The aircraft that quiet frankly need to spend a few weeks in Mojave sunning their wings or getting its wings wet in Kemble.
Of course, I’m talking about US Airways and the joy of PHL airport.
Now I could had chosen a simple LHR-PHL with US and be done with it. But then there are core facts:
- It’s US Airways
- 767-200 aircraft deployed. For those who aren’t airgeeks, these aircraft, whilst refurbed at the front of the plane, are quite frankly decrepit at the back with the broken seats, no individual IFE (and yes, Ghetto IFE would be a fix here)
- Pay for headphones (I’m struggling to think of one carrier who charges for headphones long haul)
- Seat pitch that is tighter that a pair of shrunken pants (oops. I’m sorry I put that image in your head. Sorries!)
Alternatively I could choose BA and skip the miles … (stop laughing down the back please), or I could take advantage of the extra miles with a connection each way and fly UA.
What do you think I chose?
I want to fly an airline that should look after me. I want to fly in some sort of comfort.
Yes. I want.
But I think US needs to remember a business lesson – THE CUSTOMER IS ALWAYS RIGHT – WITHOUT THEM THERE IS NO PAY DAY.
