US Airways has a good fare from SMF to DCA next April. How does the airline stack up to United and AA?

They'll get you there, but without any frills. They don't have E+ and they removed the IFE systems from many of their planes, which are often kind of dirty. But they don't charge for water and soft drinks any more. So, they're not up to UA or AA, but it used to be worse.

I don't exactly have a high opinion of AA or UA, either. I flew US Air recently (reluctantly - I wanted to fly Southwest but had a cat with me and Southwest did not then take pets) and my flight was just fine. I'd definitely fly US Air again if absolutely necessarily, though Southwest would be my first choice.

Let me clarify. US isn't up to the standards of UA or AA, but they're much better than Southwest. The FAs won't sing any stupid songs or tell any lame jokes, but they don't put you through the "do it yourself" experience. And they fly to DCA, which is worth plenty.

Well, as a tall person, I do prefer the extra leg room in Southwest seats vs. AA, UA, and USAir coach seats. And the lack of change fees, bag fees, fees for snacks, etc. And the ability to sit wherever I want. And their very flexible frequent flyer program (seem to be plenty of seats available even last minute). The fact that the Southwest flight attendants actually seem to enjoy their jobs rather than counting the days til they can retire is a big plus, too.

Back in May, I would have said my biggest complaint with Southwest was that they didn't allow pets onboard - but they recently changed that policy, too.

I would go for the United nonstop SMF-IAD. But I also wouldn't be booking a flight in July for travel in April. Certainly not domestic U.S.

The nonstop to IAD would be good, but considerably out of the way for the friend who will be meeting me. DCA, on the other hand, is a 15-minute drive from her home. Otherwise I'd consider Baltimore, but that too is a long drive.

Of the American airlines, US is probably on the very bottom. You'll get where you are going safely, but you will often be late, your service will be poor, and your bags will go somewhere else a lot of the time.

Other than that, they are just fine.

rick_c~ Have you ever actually flown them yourself?

I used US Air quite a few times routing from Seattle (thru Phoenix) to Puerto Vallarta. They have been great. Lowest price, on time, as good of customer service as anyone else these days, and luggage arrived with me. No food or frills, but for the price, who cares?

I fly US Airways frequently. I don't think UA has anything over them at all. They had a bad reputation for a long time, but I just don't see it. Customer service isn't great on any domestic airline, but I would pick US over UA any time. They are really not bad at all, and the fare prices are good. If the flight suits, I wouldn't worry for a second about booking.

I do not see any significant difference US Airways and United. Traveling on either one has become the equivalent of traveling on a Greyhound bus 20 or 30 years ago.

I've flown them many times. Regrettably, I live in a city where they are the dominant airline. I do not doubt that UA may be just as bad, but my experience with them is much more limited. I do find it surprising that US has some apologists, I must admit. I find nothing to recommend them, and will almost always use an alternative if at all possible. My opinion is that Southwest is by far the better choice if the option exists, and it's not even close.