A couple of years ago, Jeff Smisek (then CEO of Continental Airlines, current CEO of United Arilines) called US Airways the "Ugly Girl" when he called United to propose the merger. He apologized soon after, but I think he was right on his comments. Basically, if you come right down to it. US Airways is pretty darn horrible. So, recently I had a trip to jolly old England, and my employer got me a flight on US Airways. Ouch.
First thing I did was try to change my seats about two weeks ahead of time. The US Airways person who answered the phone told me that even though I was a Star Alliance Gold member, I couldn't get any of the front row seats like other "elite" flyers. When I pushed, and she tried it, and it turns out I could get the seats I wanted, she claimed it was an internal glitch that I shouldn't be taking advantage of this glitch. After vigorously complaining, she let me make the changes. Great customer service guys, way to make other people want to fly with your stupid airline. You know, here is a hint, if you screw up, don't tell your customers not to try to get better seats, simply shut up and make the best of it, and try to make your customer feel better instead of like a cheat.
Well, that was the first part, the flight out of SFO was delayed significantly. This wasn't good, it was damned annoying considering the rather tight (30 minute in between) connection at Philly. But what made it worse is the fact that there was nothing in the way of inflight entertainment unless you count the lousy service that everyone got. I mean basically, the A320 these bozos had didn't even have any type of movies across country. WEAK. These planes are supposed to be fairly new, they didn't even bother with having movie capability, how pathetic.
I did make the flight, but the international flight to the UK was just sad. First, the in flight entertainment costs $5 for the earphones. Give me a frigging break, they didn't even turn on the AVOD until more than 45 minutes into the flight, there is already no more free alcohol, and now no free earphones? Can we soon expect US Airways to charge for baggage and the shitty food they serve? Honestly, it is just pathetic. I have never experienced such lack of service all around, it's like I was flying Ryan Air. I personally will never fly US Airways again if I can help it. I feel sorry for anyone who is a frequent flyer on that airline.
Ok, having thoroughly disendorsed (think misunderestimate) US Airways in the last post, it occurs to me that I should pass on some useful information. So, here we go, US Airways A330 has for some electronic boxes powering the AVOD under seats A, C, F, H. Yes, that reads as no leg room practically. Now, it actually is for a good cause since they also enable passenger power supply on international flights. But it is worth keeping in mind that these are actually Empower type power receptacles. So, you have to get an adapter, something I completely forgot about on the way over.
