Daughter has some points on US Airways that
would like to use to give me (Mom) tix to ORD from LAX for my brother's 50'th bd celebration. Nonstops on AA and UA for same week-end (Oct. 19-21/22) are over $600 non-stop. There is a FF award available (tix deadline tomorrow 9/19, so please respond to post quickly!) through Phoenix (would live with connecion for free flight) but need to know Fodorites recent experiences with US Airways/America West (part of tix). Reliable, horrible? Will only have carry on, but need honest info/evaluations. Thank you!

The last time I flew USAir was back in 2001 so I can't give you an opinion, but, I don't know where you are finding the fares for AA and DL but both offer $240 all in R/T LAX-ORD for the dates you want. AA is a non-stop but the outbound is a red-eye. Leave LAX at 11:20pm and arrive at 6am ORD time. DL has a 1 stop both ways through Salt Lake City but both are afternoon flights which might work better for you.

Delta Air Lines Flight DL228 on a Boeing 757 (jet) in coach class
Departs Los Angeles, CA (LAX) Fri, Oct 19 1:00p 1 hr 54 min
Arrives Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) 3:54p
Layover in Salt Lake City 56 min
Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Flight DL791 on a MD-90 (jet) in coach class
Departs Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) Fri, Oct 19 4:50p 3 hrs 8 min
Arrives Chicago, IL (ORD) 8:58p

Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA: 1834 miles 6 hrs 29 min
Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Flight DL867 on a MD-90 (jet) in coach class
Departs Chicago, IL (ORD) Mon, Oct 22 4:00p 3 hrs 26 min
Arrives Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) 6:26p
Layover in Salt Lake City 1 hr 4 min
Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Flight DL1705 on a MD-90 (jet) in coach class
Departs Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) Mon, Oct 22 7:30p 1 hr 59 min
Arrives Los Angeles, CA (LAX) 8:29p

Are you using USAirways Dividend Miles? Did you ask them to check for non-stops on UA, which you can use?

Flew USAirways twice in last month - both times one leg was America West/Mesa Airlines/USAirways - seemed just like every other airline.

To rkkwan, I did ask for nonstops on UA
but told they were not available. My recent
experience with other ff programs is that
often the connection, but non nonstop is
available at lower award level. I appreciate
your suggestion, however.