It is war, but US Airways has to bite the bullet and admit that there needs
to be VALUE in choosing a full-service carrier over a discount carrier.
Whether it is legroom, meals, the US Airways club, or something else
(entertainment doesn't count, since JetBlue, Frontier, and AirTran all now
offer it), that's the only way they can compete. Southwest will match their
schedules, and their 737-300's are no different than US Airways' version of
the same plane. Their Airbusses are no different than JetBlue's or
Frontier's, and their staff's morale is arguably inferior to those carriers'
staffs (for reasons that should be pretty obvious).

There are a lot of people out there who would fly the full service carriers
if there was a reason to do so. A slight premium may be chargeable and
justifiable if appropriate.

My thoughts:
1. Decent legroom. If JetBlue can offer 34" pitch, so should US
and the other majors;
2. Food. I think the majors need to reinstate some sort of meal
service (other than food for sale) because, although it doesn't show up high
on surveys, it is a factor that would differentiate the discounters from the
full service carriers;
3. Simplify the fare structure. Copy America West's revisions of
last year, by offering a full walk up fare, a one week advance purchase, and
a two week advance purchase fare. And keep them refundable, or with nominal
change fees (if Frontier, AirTran, or JetBlue can charge $50, why should the
biggies charge $100?)
4. Respect their own staffs. Treat the employees with respect,
and it is amazing how that carries through to customer service.. If there
are any doubters out there, look what Continental did over the past few
years, as well as the genuine smiles on some of the discounters.

As I said, just my thoughts. I certainly hope US makes it; they are a great
company. But if they keep up the way they've been going, I don't give them
much chance of recovery.

Jeff in Dallas.


"GeneJYao" wrote in message
...
WN plans to announce more flights ex PHL (Fort Lauderdale; West Palm
Beach,
Fla.; Houston; New Orleans; Manchester, N.H.; Raleigh/Durham; and Los
Angeles).
US Airways says it will declare war. The story is in today's Phildelphia
Inquirer. Sorry, no link, because the page is registration only.