I have heard some bad stories on this forum about America West airlines. We are using them to fly return between LA and New York while we visit America from Australia and I'm now really worried about this (ie. that they may cancel our flight or be really behind time). Should I be that concerned?

Kylie: <BR>While America West is certainly no Qantas or ANZ, it's a basic, serviceable carrier. No strike rumblings or anything like that at present. On time rates are in the bottom third of US carriers, but I've flown them many dozens of times over the past 12 years without a cancellation (except one due to a freak weather incident). If the price is right, you've made a reasonable choice.

Yikes......I was wondering about America West too. We're booked with them in Nov. from Vancouver to Puerto Vallarta (they DID have the best fare). Anyone had any experience on this particular route with this airline? I sure hope we haven't made a mistake. <BR>

Sandy: <BR>I flew the Phoenix to PV segment of the route you're asking about a couple years ago. Again, no problems. My comments above weren't meant to run AWA down...it's just not anything special as US carriers go.

I've only flown America West once, Boston-Phoenix, but I thought it was fine. No luggage problems, all flights on time, attendants were really very nice. I have to say I got what was probably the worst ham sandwich I've ever seen for lunch. (Well, I THINK it was ham, I'm really not too sure!). You might want to consider bringing your own food on board.

hi

America West is one of the worst carriers I have dealt with. <BR> <BR>I had trouble boarding a plane change in Phoenix a few months ago, even though I had a ticket in hand. Their gate people were misleading, never once coming out & saying they were overbooked, yet giving me BS reasons why I couldn't walk aboard. Thank goodness I had only carryon baggage. <BR> <BR>Recently a family friend from Phoenix took America West (before we could warn her). Her LAX to Phoenix return flight was cancelled , America West kept telling us they had "already booked" her on a Southwest Air flight home ... yet Southwest had absolutely no record of it ... I think it was complete BS & fabrication from America West. <BR> <BR>We ended up buying (on our own) a Southwest ticket, but had to fool with America West for nearly an hour at the LAX airport to get a refund for the cancelled flight. <BR> <BR>America West also gets some of the worst rating for cancellations & generally bad service. They simply do not have their act together, and probably never will. <BR> <BR>I will NEVER, EVER, use America West again. There are many other acceptable airlines on the same routes. <BR> <BR>

<BR> <BR>Kylie: <BR> <BR>There currently is a very long thread about America West on the U.S. section. The results are mixed--about what you'd expect from a cut-rate airline. They are often late, but "late" usually means a metter of half an hour or so. Cancellations are rare--that would be simply bad luck.

My wife & I only flew America West from Las Vegas to Reno & back again to Vegas. It was 1 hour & 10min. up to Reno but the pilot on the way back took only 30 min. & displayed a reckless hurried pace. Must have had a hot date waiting for him back in Vegas. He tore out of the terminal, flew like a bat out of hell, & then touched down in Vegas, stopping on a dime & almost throwing us all into the cockpit, & then I thought we were going to crash right into the terminal on the way to disembark. A first time flyer sitting to my right was about to have a heart attack. I assured her that was an isolated incident.

glkremmer...since air traffic control (FAA) manages flight routings, I find your statement about a 30 minute flight from RNO - LAS a little hard to believe. Additionally, I don't believe any commercial jet (possibly other than the Concorde) could make that trip in :30 minutes. Pleeese!

I have done a lot of travel over the last 25 years but never had as bad an experience as when I traveled to Vegas late October 2000 on American West. Every leg of the trip was either hours late or completely canceled. I spent 8 to 12 hours on BOTH ends rearranging flights while trying to keep my 83 year old mother comfortable. I have run into delays/problems with other carriers and I do understand they are the inevitable result of overbooking and mechanical whimsy. This was my first trip with America West and will be my last with them. I will never again try to save a few dollars flying with (my opinion)a totally undependable airlines. (sorry the free drink you offered up didn't console me much!!) Apologies to the counter personnel who really did try their best...but my advice......if you're thinking of flying America West...reconsider.

My boss has had bad experiences flying on America West due to mechanical problems and once coming in for an emergency landing. He swore he will never fly them again!

I took an AW flight from Phila. to San Diego a year ago - the only time I ever used them. There was some sort or problem in Philly with my ticket not entering into their computer. I wasn't in a hurry and put up no fuss. The agent was great, put me into first class. Anyway, I experienced no problems at all with AW, will fly with them again, and, needless to say, was quite delighted with a first class seat to the west coast.

Have us AW for multiple trips from DC, Baltimore and Philly to Vegas (think I have a gambling problem?) Only had 1 problem in 6 times flying with them and they remedied the cancellation of the flight by putting me in first class on the next flight. Works for me