TEMPE, Ariz., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- US Airways (NYSE: LCC)
is augmenting staff, checking equipment and reaching out to airports and
federal officials to ensure that US Airways customers have smooth flying
this holiday season and throughout the winter. The airline is also offering
travel trips to help customers who will be taking to the skies during a
very busy holiday travel season.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050223/LAW097LOGO)
US Airways Vice President Customer Service Planning Kerry Hester said,
"Our airline is taking a thorough approach to supporting our employees and
our operation so that our customers receive the level of service they
expect and deserve this winter. Specifically, we're ensuring that we have
staff to cover busy periods, double-checking our equipment and putting
procedures in place to minimize the impact of bad weather or other delays
during the holidays."
Highlighted below are just some of the actions US Airways is taking
this winter in regards to staffing, equipment, facilities and irregular
operations response:
-- Increasing staffing to reinforce customer assistance, specifically:
-- Adding staff in airport lobbies to help customers quickly navigate
through the airport process.
-- Increasing the number of agents available to help customers who are
checking in using our self-service kiosks.
-- Placing additional staff at baggage belt induction points to help
move bags to airplanes quickly and accurately.
-- Adding personnel at airport towers to facilitate smooth customer
connections by managing incoming traffic efficiently, especially at
hubs.
-- Curbing controllable delays by readying equipment and facilities,
including:
-- Carrying out preventive maintenance checks and full inspections on
all ground equipment and bag belt systems.
-- Completing system de-icing equipment testing allowing for reliable
winter operations.
-- Establishing contingency rental equipment from other ground handling
service providers including additional de-icing support if needed.
"Most delays in the winter are attributable to some kind of bad weather
-- ice storms in particular -- so we are planning now for smoother
operations during bad weather," Hester said. Steps the airline is taking
include:
-- Holding additional spare aircraft for placement into scheduled service
if need be.
-- Scheduling additional reserve crews at crew bases to operate flights if
necessary.
-- Expanding Passenger Operations Control staff dedicated to
reaccomodating passengers during irregular operations.
-- Placing ample staff at Reservations to quickly and courteously handle
customer inquiries.
-- Proactively identifying reaccomodation options and available hotels
when winter weather is forecast.
While US Airways works hard to provide a smooth travel experience,
below are some "tried and true" travel tips to help customers get over the
river and through the snow this holiday season:
-- Check in Early: Visit usairways.com to save time at the airport. US
Airways' web site provides automated check-in options up to 24 hours
prior to your departure time. Or visit an airport kiosk up to 8 hours
before departure.
-- Check flight status: US Airways provides three automated ways to make
sure your flight is on time before you leave for the airport.
1. New this year, customers can receive instant flight status
information through their text-enabled mobile devices. Customers
simply text their flight number to TEXTUS (839887) and US Airways
will text back with real-time flight information, including
arrival, departure times and gate information.
2. Up to date flight information is always available at usairways.com.
3. Receive recorded flight arrival and departure information by
calling the airline at 800-428-4322.
-- Allow plenty of time -- for lines, parking, and security. US Airways
recommends arriving at the airport 2 hours prior to your flight time -
longer for international flights. Have your government-issued photo
identification card and your boarding pass ready to zip through lines
and get to your gate.
-- A reminder: Passengers with bags to check who are departing from the
following airports must check-in at least 45 minutes prior to
departure: Atlanta, Buffalo, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu,
Las Vegas, Maui, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Washington
(Dulles), Seattle and Orlando.
-- Pack carefully: Understand fees and restrictions when packing checked
and carry on bags.
-- Make sure to abide by the FAA mandated carry on policy of one piece
of luggage and one personal item such as a purse or briefcase per
person. All carry on luggage must fit under the seat in front of
you or in the overhead bin.
-- Don't put medicines, keys or important documents in your checked
bags. Keep them with you in your carry-on bag.
-- Be aware of TSA restrictions regarding items that can be included in
your carry on luggage. Liquids, creams and gels are restricted to
one quart size clear plastic bag per passenger, containing bottles
of three ounces or less. For more details on TSA restrictions,
please visit http://www.tsa.gov.
-- If you're starting your holiday vacation or packing for a long trip,
be aware of excess, oversize and overweight baggage rules. US
Airways customers can check up to two pieces of luggage without
charge. Each bag in excess of two will incur an $80 fee, with a
maximum of nine checked bags. Any checked bags weighing in excess of
50 pounds will incur a $50 fee, and bags between 71 and 100 pounds
will be subject to an $80 fee. US Airways will not accept checked
luggage weighing more than 100 pounds. For all baggage policies,
visit usairways.com
-- Travel in comfort:
-- Dress comfortably. Wear clothing that is soft and breathable, and
wear shoes that can slip on and off easily at security check points
(don't forget socks so you aren't barefoot in the airport!)
-- Wear a zip up sweater or jacket to expedite the screening process.
These layers will also come in handy as a makeshift blanket or
pillow in flight.
-- When traveling with children, pack healthy snacks, games and explain
to them what is happening every step of the way. The airport can be
a fascinating distraction when waiting to board your flight.
-- Provide accurate contact information: Be sure that US Airways has all
of your contact information for the duration of your travel, so that we
can contact you if there is a flight irregularity.
For more travel tips, go to usairways.com and click on 'Travel Tools',
or visit http://www.faa.gov/passengers/. US Airways wishes all our
customers a safe and happy holiday travel season!
US Airways is the fifth largest domestic airline employing more than
36,000 aviation professionals worldwide. US Airways, US Airways Shuttle and
US Airways Express operate approximately 3,500 flights per day and serve
more than 230 communities in the U.S., Canada, Europe, the Caribbean and
Latin America. US Airways is a member of the Star Alliance network, which
offers our customers 16,000 daily flights to 855 destinations in 155
countries worldwide. This press release and additional information on US
Airways can be found at http://www.usairways.com. (LCCG)
-Fly with US-
SOURCE US Airways
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Related links:
http://www.usairways.com
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CONTACT:
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