US Airways seen as most stingy by weekly magazine

Time Magazine recently published a report in which it rated US Airways as the “stingiest” airline in the United States. The prominent news magazine based its less than enviable rating of US Airways on the fact that the American legacy carrier was the first to start charging passengers $2 for all soft drinks, including bottles of water. Hot beverages (coffee and tea) will cost $1. Previously, non-alcoholic drinks were provided free of charge to all passengers, but the carrier’s decision to charge for these is just one more example of how airlines are trying to raise funds by adding new fees to previously complementary services. For its part, US Airways claims that it has little choice but to start charging passengers for juices, pop and water, if it is to navigate the challenging skies brought on by high oil prices.

But to make matters even worse, Time pointed out that US Airways has also decided to charge for checked luggage, with the first item set to cost $15 and the second $25. Additionally, the carrier announced earlier this summer that making a simple flight change will now set passengers back by $150.

In stark contrast to US Airways, Time Magazine rated Southwest as the “friendliest” of all airlines operating in America. This pick is somewhat ironic, considering that Southwest brands itself as a discount carrier, yet it is still able to offer a superior level of service to supposedly “legacy” companies, such as US Airways.

Thank you to Dawn Gilbertson of the Arizona Republic for the initial report.

www.usairways.com