A B C D E F G H I J K L M N
O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
UNITED
AIR LINES
United is one of the world's oldest and largest
airlines, United grew from a partnership between four
early U.S. mail carriers to a worldwide airline
serving nearly 119 destinations in 26 countries and 2
territories.
United's First Class
is available on all international three-cabin 747 and
777 aircraft, and United First Suite is the first word
in onboard luxury with a fully equipped reclining
electronic seat that features a Backcycler Motion
System for lumbar support and back stimulation,
adjustable leg and head rests. First Suite reclines to
180 degrees, transforming into a bed. An individual
audio/video system features up to 20 films, nine
channels of movies and TV programming, and up to 21
channels of CD-quality music and news through a
noise-reducing headset. A well-appointed private
workspace features a personal phone for worldwide
calls and fax/email access, ample shelf and storage
space, a handy flex lamp and a laptop power source
with modem connection.
United Business class
seating has luxurious reclining electronic seats
featuring a Backcycler Motion System for lumbar
support and back stimulation. The seats also provide
the same entertainment system found in First Class,
and there is a well-appointed workspace featuring a
personal phone for worldwide calls and fax/email
access, a laptop power source with modem connection.
United's new Economy Plus is a premium seating area in
Economy Class cabins consisting of the first rows that
offers up to 5 inches more legroom per
seat.
Economy Class seating
features a fully adjustable head rest and plenty of
entertainment options. On international 777's and
767's an individual audio/video system in the forward
seat back provides nine channels of movie and TV
programming, and up to 21 channels of CD-quality music
and news through an adjustable headset (not on 747-400
or US domestic aircraft). Passengers can plug in
laptops, make calls, and send email from most United
planes. From quick snacks and soft drinks to three and
six-course meals, expect only the best from United's
onboard food service. The menu features the finest
name-brand products such as Starbucks coffee, Eli's
Cheesecake and premium champagnes on international
flights.
United is again
serving breakfast on North American United Economy
flights. Electronic tickets are available and make
travel easy because there is no paper ticket to keep
track of. Since reservations are stored in a computer
system, passengers only need to show photo
identification.
United is the first
major airline to install electronic stun guns in the
cockpits of its fleet, subject to FAA approval, to
allow pilots to defend the flight deck in the event of
a hijacking. United will keep the guns in
electronically coded lock boxes. United has also begun
the first phase of a specialized training program for
all flight attendants to impart "skills and knowledge
that can be used to protect themselves, enhance cabin
security and assist customers."
United is an old
standby that does its job and pleases many, but leaves
others saying that something is missing. Its assets
include an extensive route network and an excellent
frequent-flier program and occasional bargain fares to
keep fans loyal, but even they wish that the employees
would be better as owners or would at least change the
menu.
US AIRWAYS
US Airways is one of the largest US passenger
airlines, operating more than 2,300 flights daily,
with a fleet of over 410 jet aircraft. The airline
provides scheduled passenger flights to more than 200
destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Mexico and
North America.
US Airways
International First Class service is available on the
spacious, double-aisle, Airbus A330, equipped with
seats that convert to a flat bed for a rejuvenating
night's sleep. Satellite telephones and laptop power
ports are installed at every seat, and passengers also
enjoy state-of-the-art, on-demand personal
entertainment systems, extensive library of movies,
television shows and music compilations. First Class
has a choice of any combination of a la carte items or
a five-course meal anytime during the flight, Premium
vintage wines, French champagnes, espresso, cappuccino
and specialty coffees. Optional Express meal service
and snacking stations are available between
meals.
US Airways domestic
First Class service offers ambiance and amenities
designed with the business traveler in mind, including
wider, more cushioned seats, generous legroom,
complimentary audio and video entertainment on select
flights, appetizing menu choices and premium wine,
beer and liquor on select flights.
Envoy Class, US
Airways' transatlantic Business Class service, is
available on the wide body Boeing 767 (some features
and service amenities are not available on 767s to
Europe) and the spacious, double-aisle, Airbus A330.
Envoy passengers enjoy a host of exclusive offerings,
including wider seats that adjust to an exceptional
recline, satellite telephones and laptop power ports
at every seat, a state-of-the-art, on-demand personal
entertainment system, extensive library of movies,
television shows and music compilations, amenity kit
with Crabtree & Evelyn personal care products,
eyeshades and socks. Business Class provides a
four-course meal service including choice of four
entrees. Optional Express meal service and snacking
stations are available between meals just like in
First Class.
US Airways Express is
a network of ten regional airlines operating under a
code share and service agreement with US Airways. This
service offers travelers frequent, well-timed flights
to US Airways' hub airports and cities throughout the
U.S., Canada and the Bahamas. The airline also
operates the US Airways Shuttle, and hourly service
between New York La Guardia, Boston Logan and Reagan
Washington National.
US Airways has
Check-In Kiosks, and customers with electronic tickets
for domestic travel, including San Juan, St. Thomas
and St. Croix can use the E-Ticket Check-In Kiosk to
check in within four hours of a flight.
Also when purchasing a
full-fare US Airways Coach ticket to select cities,
customers will automatically be given a seat in First
Class, based on availability, thanks to the GoFirst
online program. US Airways offers GoFirst on many
routes throughout the United States and
Canada.
US Airways is a
workhorse carrier and has been buffeted by financial
woes and a string of crashes, but its supporters say
that it does not deserve its bad reputation and that
it is getting better. It is tough to beat (or too big
to avoid) in the US Northeast, where it offers good
connections and flies to many cities others don't.
Canceled flights, tight seats and dreadful food cause
many critics to say they only fly with them if they
have to.