02 October
US Airways Express 4825 (Chautauqua)
MKE-PHL Embraer-145

Check in at Milwaukee was extremely friendly and efficient at US Airways. The flight to PHL was an ERJ-145 jungle jet. This was my first flight on the ERJ and compared to the Canadair CRJ, I prefer the ERJ. I like the 1 x 2 seating much more than the 2 x 2 on the CRJ. The windows were much larger, and the overhead bins seemed much larger as well. I was quite impressed with the quietness of the aircraft, even in the rear lavatory (which was quite large for a regional jet). The service was EXCELLENT! I was in seat 3A, the single seat. The flight attendant was constantly refilling my cran-apple juice without being asked, and walked up and down the aisle ready to serve coffee. She always had a smile too, and was sincere about it, which is very rare in the airline industry. We arrived ontime into PHL even after a holding pattern for about 20 minutes.

The Philadelphia International Airport Experience.

This was my first time at PHL, and I must say that that airport is BEAUTIFUL! It feels more like a modern art museum. There is glass everywhere. Our flight from MKE arrived into Terminal F and our connecting flight departed Terminal A so we got to experience just about all that PHL has to offer, which is quite alot, even overwhelming compared to other airports. There is a great variety of shopping and restaurants. The new Terminal A is absolutely stunning, with glass walls, high ceilings, stainless steel accents, and a modern art collection throughout the terminal. Our plane departed from gate A21. Next to us was a US Airways A330 heading to SJU and a few flights to the caribbean.

US Airways 359
PHL-MCO Boeing 767-200
N650US

We boarded US359 to MCO about 30 minutes prior to departure. It was a very clean aircraft, but it was certainly showing it's age. I was in seat 12F, which is the overwing emergency exit. The seat width is far superior than just about any other economy class, but the pitch was awful, especially for an exit/bulkhead seat. Nevertheless, for 2 hours, it didnt matter that much. They offered an onboard meal for $10 or a snack box for $5. In the meal there was a French styled sandwhich with bottled water and in the box was a basic sandwich with fruit snacks and a bottle of water. I didn't try the meal so I don't know how it was. The product US Airways delivers is really no different than any other US carrier, but their service is much friendlier and sincere. They didnt hesitate to serve you. About halfway through the flight, I fell asleep and didnt wake up until landing. The flight landed ontime as usual.

06 October
US Airways 694
MCO-CLT Boeing 767-200
N645US

Check in at MCO took about 2 minutes to complete. The agent was one of the most friendly I have ever seen at an airline. Very up-beat and seemed happy to be working. Security at MCO was also a breeze. That took about a minute to complete. Then onto the monorail to the satelite terminal (Gate 58). Our plane departed on time again. early. I was seated in seat 12C, the exit/bulkhead seat in the center section. These are pirme seats on this aircraft. Lots of legroom, and no seat reclining in front of you. Also, the seat width was excellent, as the unmoveable armrests didnt pose a problem. The crew again was super friendly. The plane was very chilly, so the f/a gave me an Envoy Class blanket which is a real not a square of fleece and real pillow. Our plane landed at CLT about 30 minutes early. Our plane arrived D13. It later continued on to FRA.

The Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Experience

This is a very clean and modern facility. There are curved windows everywhere, and a good, but pricey, selection of restaurants (including a Krispie Kreme). One interesting thing is in the main area were wooden rocking chairs. This made the airport feel more like an outdoor plaza. There were trees and more curved windows, which gave a panoramic view of the other terminals.


US Airways Express 2789 (Mesa)
CLT-MKE Embraer-145

We boarded our flight from gate E19. Terminal E is used exclusively for US Airways Express flights. However, ATC closed one of the runways, so all of the traffic prevented us from pushing back from the gate. We were at the gate for 40 minutes before we finally pushed back. We took off about an hour late. The service was quite good, but not as good as the other flights. Our flight was completely booked, but it didnt matter as I was in seat 6A, the single seat. I slept the whole flight. We did, however, manage to make up the time we lost, and only landed about 15 minutes late.

Conclusion

I have to say that US Airways is one of the best American carriers. Their servce is outstanding and sincere. The crews did not hesitate to serve you. The seating is quite superior to other carriers, and their ground facilities are some of the nicest. First impressions are turely lasting ones, and US Airways gave an excellent one. I believe that UA sets the standards, and I rate US just as high as UA. Thanks to all of the US Airways employees who made my flying experience an outstanding one. Thank you US Airways, you have earned a new customer for life.

Kris