US airways...Im scared!?

Question

I am flying to Germany on Friday with US Airways. I have read horror story after horror story about the airline and now Im terrified. I am trying to remember that those with good experiences aren't going to blog about it, but the amount of websites I found about cancelled flights/stranding passengers/lost baggage, etc is overwhelming. Wikipedia also said they have the worse customer service rating out of all the airlines. Has anyone flown and had a good experience?

Answer 1

I flew US Airways few months ago (SF to NYC) and I echo the sentiment. The service is an absolute pits. My departing flight got delayed by 2.5 hours (with customer service representative announcing the plane will be ready to fly in 30 minutes every 30 minutes or so), in-flight service is minimal, and the planes were old and dirty.

That said, US airlines tend to reserve superior service and better cabins for international flights, so your experience should be better. US Airways flights to Germany may be operated by Lufthansa, a German airline (which would be a good thing). I recommend calling US Airways and inquire who the flight operator is.

Answer 2

No need to be scared. If its your time to die, you'll die, if not, you'll live.

Answer 3

I had a dream that a plane flying to Germany would crash........and it was a US airways plane!

Answer 4

US Airways isn't alone - ALL the airlines have had flights with terrible service. US Air might have had a few horrible experiences (like you read about), but I've also read about terrible experiences (and have had terrible experiences) with other airlines.

Just keep in mind that there are people who love to exaggerate and complain - and they're the ones that jump on the bandwagon and comment on those blogs and such. They may fudge the truth to out-do someone else's misfortunes. It's pretty weird, but true.

I have some tips for lost baggage:

1. Write both your home address and the address of your destination (whether that be a relative's house or a hotel) on an index card and place it inside your suitcase. Label the home address with "home address" and the other with "destination address", fold the card in half, and put it in a Ziplock (that way, if something spills in your suitcase, your document will be safe). On that Ziplock bag, use a Sharpie to write "IF LOST, PLEASE OPEN". Put this bag on top of everything in your suitcase - it should be the last thing you pack.

2. Make another copy of this card and put it in your carry-on (you can skip the Ziplock this time) - if your bags *are* lost, the agent will ask for the address of the place you're staying so the airline can deliver your bags to you. That way, if it's an unfamiliar address, you won't have to go searching for it on the Internet or in the phone book.

3. Your bag has a number and barcode assigned to it, and it's entered into the airline's system when you check in. Once it reaches the proper destination, it's cleared from the system. When you check in, the agent will give you a ticket holder type thing that has the same barcode and number that your bag does. HOLD ON TO THIS and don't throw it away until you've got your bag in your hands at your destination, because if your bag is delayed or lost, the airline can report it as such and scan the barcode to find out where it is (or the last place it was scanned) and help get it to you.

One last thing - since US Airways was ranked with the worst customer service, they're sure to be working extra hard to bring that rating back up, I'd think. They wouldn't just allow it to keep getting worse, you know?

I wish you the best of luck, and have fun in Germany!

Answer 5

You can find all sorts of "horror" stories from just about every US carrier these days.  The only way to find out what you like best, is to fly the airline yourself, and see what kind of experience you have.  It's not typically the International flights that get canceled.  More often than not, it's the domestic flights.  This is because International flights have priority over the domestic ones.  The only reason I can see that your flight would get canceled would be if the aircraft has maintenance issues, and they can't find another airplane to use instead.  In this case, I'd rather my flight cancel, and go on a plane that's safe to fly on over the ocean!!!  As far as "stranding" passengers...this usually happens when you misconnect.  Do you have a connection?  If so, then just hope your flight arrives to your connecting city on time.  If for some reason it doesn't, and you miss your flight, then you may have to wait until the next day to fly out.  It's best to at least be aware of the possibility when you have a connection.  This is something that can happen on any airline (and if the delay was due to weather, then they don't cover hotel....your first flight being delayed because of maintenance would be another story.)  And last but not least...losing baggage.  Once again, can happen on any airline.  Best way to be sure it doesn't happen is to pack light, and carry your bag on the airplane with you.  I'd rather wash my clothes during travel than check a bag....but that's just me.  Good luck, relax, and enjoy yourself!!!

Answer 6

dont be scared just be relaxed when your on the plane a plane is much safer then a car

Answer 7

Forget the horror stories, all they'll do is scare you to death, I've flown twice in the last year and had no problems with the airline.  The only issues I had were with people that were too loud and that had kids they couldn't/wouldn't control but I just closed my eyes and thought about the places I was going to.  The only thing I did have an issue with the the return flight baggage check (I didn't realize you are only allowed to bring trial sizes of things so they threw out full size bottles I had just bought), no biggie! Anyway, you'll be okay, remember they double and triple check everything before they take off.  Have fun and forget your worries.

Answer 8

My girlfriend flew US Airways to Frankfurt Germany twice and had no problems.  She had a direct flight both times limiting the probability of bags being lost.

Answer 9

you have nothing to be scared about. the worst thing that could happen is that you could lose your bag and get it back at maximum a month later. however, if it is a direct flight u have a very very slight chance of losing your bags.

Answer 10

I've flown on US Airways and have found it no different than United, Delta, American or any other US based airline.