If it's a nonrefundable ticket, you get a voucher toward another trip for the difference in $$. This just happened to me with a USAirways ticket I purchased for May, '05 to CDG; bought it at ~$595 and now down to $545; I was issued a voucher when I called to inquire.

And of course, both the ticket and voucher may be worth nothing by May!

redhead68, with some carriers, you may have to pay a change fee to receive the difference so be sure to check that out before working that possibility into your strategy. It looks like Grandmere1 escaped it, but it varies.

I agree with those who say that booking something in April with U.S. Airways would be a bigger roll of the dice than I would be willing to take. Keep checking the fares for your preferred itinerary and I'm guessing that before the end of February, you will be able to book on a less speculative carrier for around the same money that you're seeing for U.S. Airways right now. (If you're lucky, it might even be less.)

I wouldn't put off buying a ticket with either US Airways or United, to name only two, if you are looking for an upgradeable seat (frequent mileage program), but if you are not a frequent flyer, then wait until after the 1st of the year. Some seats will be discounted the closer the flight comes to departure time, but this also raises another problem if you already have confirmed dates at you destination and can't find a empty seat when you need to fly. Remember, the airlines have cut back on the number of flights currently scheduled and will only be adding more flights when the traffic demands it.

We just booked our late March flights on US Air to Madrid on Friday, but, as I said, the seats are upgradeable and we’d like to use some of the mileage that we’ve built up. If the airline fails, then we’ll rebook on another carrier, but it’s not something we’re overly concerned with. Getting the cost of the tickets back is not an issue, it just takes a little time. But for some people it is an issue, and if that is the case, then wait until after the beginning of the year before selecting your airline.

Grandmere. Did you book the original ticket with a reservation call directly on US Airways?
I was curious as when one of my tickets dropped in price, I was told that I could not get a voucher because I booked it online and the phone reservation people have no control on prices or something to that effect.
You need a degree in ticket buying.

We have booked with Frequent Flier Miles a trip to Rome Jan. 13-21. Just wondering if we get over there with US and then they are not flying when we are to return what happens then? Is there anything by the airlines that is done in a situation like this? Are you put on another flight or do you have to buy a flight home one way? We are trying to use these miles as soon as possible. These were the dates and destination they were available to fly on the air miles. Looking forward to our first trip to Rome. Sure I will be asking more questions before we take off.

Maryann. I hope you have better luck then I had trying to get some answers from United. I booked with them for April using US Airways miles. I asked them today what the policy is if US Airways goes bankrupt. They told me I would have to contact US Airways for their policy regarding flights.
I would think if US Airways is out of business, they wouldn't have any policy regarding United flights. Wouldn't you think United would say if they honored them or not? Would bankrupt US Airways dictate United policy?
The agent told me to buy flight insurance. Where has he been? I don't think bankrupt airlines are covered.

Sher, I booked it online and had no trouble when I called to ask about getting a refund. From my own experience and what I read here, it seems that it just depends on whom you talk to, etc. I have received conflicting info in past. C'est bizarre!

US Airways is ALREADY bankrupt. They filed for bankruptcy last Sept and this is the second time they've been in bankruptcy in the last few years. That's the problem. They have run out of plans and options and time, and can't continue to operate with no money and running up debts. That's why the article I read said they predicted they would probably have to liquidate next month, although it wasn't a certainty.

I would think someone would know if your United flight using USAir FF miles would be cancelled or not if they cease operations. It sounds like it shouldn't be since the reservation has already been made and "paid for" in the sense that miles pay for it, but I don't really know as I don't use these programs much.

If you book by credit card you won't loose your money because the credit card company backs it.

To be safe I would skip USAirways for now. I don't think they are going to shut down but better safe then sorry.

Sooner or later a good price will come along, check daily!

I just spoke with Travel Gaurd Insurance and they are not insuring tickets on United, or USAirways, as both carriers are in bankruptcy.

I have tickets on them Feb 24 and March 1 and I am going to call my credit card company to see if a refund is possible in case of default.

We have been sweating every single trip with them, but I crazily fell for a great fare (401.10 US) for Pittsburgh <> Rome. Must have been out of my mind. For some reason, I really thought I could get the insurance...

oh well....

Decided to call CSA insurance and they sold me a policy to cover my USAirways
tickets. My first travel insurance.
Wow; I feel so old!

tuscanlifeedit. Thanks. I don't have any cash invested in my reservations since they are ff tickets. But two of the places we are renting do not take credit cards and are requiring a deposit. So I must send bank transfers. I think it will be difficult to get refunds if I am unable to go.
I will call CSA.

I 'm in the same boat. I'm holding FC tix on United and Lufthansa booked with USAir miles for a trip to Naples in May.

I don't think we will get any definitive answers until (and if) a liquidation actually is announced.

I, for one, hope that the union members bite the bullet and accpet the cuts.

I wouldn't book anything through US Airways. I have 50 k ff miles from them to unload this week and I am having a horrid time reaching them. They are threatening liquidation, but there is so much turmoil with other aspects of the industry that the airline would go bellyup if there was flight attendant strike, which might be in the works by the end of the month. That is a lot of money to lose. I think I would make alternative airline plans.

Redhead68,
Yes if you book with USAirways and the fare goes down you get a refund, thats their policy. As Grandmere, says its in the form of a voucher, and that is my recent experience (this year), they will give refunds (no change fees) and the voucher is good up to one year....now that is one year you have to book but not necessarily fly, another good thing to know. Happy travels.

Hopefully the Unions will take the cuts. What worse? Taking the cuts or being unemployed? I think the flight attendants that are planning to strike are just acting irresponsibly because at this point they could cause the airline to go belly up.

Is it a war of words?