Ok, this is a rare topic start for me. US is offering some really great fares for a 3 day weekend to Europe this weekend. I want to book one, but not if they are not going to fly me home. So, without getting into another long, involved debate about how people don't have faith in US or how everyone knows it will happen in 5 minutes, is there truth to this? I called US reservations, and the agent said that was the first he had heard of it and heard the minimum was the end of them month.

The short answer is no, I truly don't believe they will collapse and close up shop this weekend. Those fares you heard about were probably a rumour, at best.

I saw somewhere else that the ATSB will most likely extend the period and conditions in which US can use their loan, but for how long? Who knows. US has some issues pertaining to their GE financing as well, and have not resolved the IAM contract, either.

I would give US until the end of Q1. Beyond that, I'd be very hesitant to book on them, unless something really goes in their favor betwen now and then.

I think its just wait and see what happens at this point. People are speculating all over the place. I talked to my friend the other night who works at PIT (his mom works for US) and their not even sure whats going to happen. Don't know what to tell ya, hopefully somebody has some definet info to give out.

>Those fares you heard about were probably a rumour, at best.<

Orbitz

>I saw somewhere else that the ATSB will most likely extend the period and conditions in which US can use their loan, but for how long? Who knows. US has some issues pertaining to their GE financing as well, and have not resolved the IAM contract, either.<

The agent said the sam thing about the ATSB. Is anyone sure?

Well, the bottom line seems to be that if the ATSB or GE cut the cash, US Airways will go under, and probably sooner rather than later. But if we can hold on to our cash reserves and continue to access them through the winter, we should be pretty stable for awhile. This Saturday isn't a coin flip, it's a milestone.

The news media is being strangely optimistic (strange because mostly in the past they've been very negative), saying that deals are likely with both GE and the ATSB. In fact, the ATSB says that they're very likely to come to favorable terms:

http://www.usatoday.com/money/biztravel/2005-01-10-usarways-usat_x.htm

I wouldn't worry about flying. Everything seems to be in place for US Airways to enjoy several more months of relative financial security. From the employee end, it's totally business as usual.

Have a look at airwise.com and their news section. They give the same facts Steven mentioned.

ATSB will most likely extend the period.

Folks,

I work for Piedmont and nothing has been said at all about a shut down. I don't think I'm gonna have a rude awakening when I go back to work on Thursday morning.

You are right about the fares. They are insanely low in the coming days. Fares between $300 and $400 roundtrip to Rome, Paris, Manchester, Madrid and other places as well for example on their website from PHL. This last minute fare sale is likely to get them some revenue, which is a good thing for their cash situation.

employees are the 2nd to the last to know... look at what Braniff 1 did...
and Eastern... then their customers found out when it was all over and they were stuck...
I remember when both went out and watching their employees walking around in a daze... they could'nt believe it even though they were all aware that they were close to shut down... they were still caught at the airport with no A/C.. and pissed customers... sad... very sad..

Just reading info from the news websites and the Charlotte Observer website, US will be around at least thru Mar. That is what it is saying on the Charlotte newspaper website. But with limited a/c. I think they will be very limited on the routes and schedules for mainline, but USX will pick up the rest of the runs as best they can.


Sean from MCO and MKE

This is the slow season for Europe travel. Book the tickets and enjoy your weekend.