US Airways to Upgrade First Class Service
US Airways is known for bare-bones service - whether that's in coach or business/first class. In fact, growing up outside of Philadelphia and going to college in Pittsburgh, I've had my fair share of US Airways experiences - most of which had to do with brusque employees and paltry offerings, but also included the period when they started charging for just about everything, including coffee and water (though that blew up in their face and they've since walked back from that decision).
However, US Airways announced plans to improve their in-flight experience for first class passengers. Per their flight attendant newsletter, enhancements include:
-Newly designed modern tray liner
-New salt & pepper sachets
-Wine/rock glasses/mugs on meal flights (except on E190, B737-300/400)
-The light-fare concept is discontinued and replaced with full meals
-An appetizer will be added to meal trays for lunch and dinner services
-Entrees will be boarded pre-plated in casserole dishes (a lifter will be provided)
-Pass-around bread basket for lunch and dinner
-Upgraded wines
-New Stirrings cocktails: Cosmopolitan and Mojitos
-Upgraded desserts
Sounds a lot like Delta's domestic first class service (minus the mojitos and cosmos which they did away with last year).
Overall, I like that airlines are enhancing their product instead of devaluing it. As we saw with Southwest's frequent flyer changes, it seems like the airlines are clamoring to tailor their offerings and programs towards the premium/ business passenger. It will be interesting to see how the other airlines, like Delta, react in order to stay ahead of the pack. Free wifi, like what Southwest is offering to their top elites, would be a huge benefit for me. I would love to see Delta roll that out to Diamond and Platinums, though I'm sure it would cannibalize their current Gogo business.
It will be interesting to see if these enhancements stop when airlines start to realize losses due to fuel increases. Let's enjoy the enhancements while we have them!
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