Having followed the discussion on this board for a while, I had a chance to experience US again with my family over Christmas, doing CLE-PHL-MUC on the 22nd and returning on 1/1. (I''m a dividend miles member, but not a US FF, being based in CLE.) The staff at all points were superb - no-one would have guessed that Ch7 had been threatened just days before. In particular, the CSR at gate 12 in Cleveland who not only made my 4 yr old welcome and happy despite a 90 minute delay outbound, but recognized her and chatted with her when we returned, a bit be-draggled, after 18hrs travelling back, 10 days later. Also, the FAs, especially on the US 15 return, were a class apart - friendly, helpful -- truly seemed to be enjoying what they do, unlike so many.
The downside, PHL was truly horrible on the return connecting from Term A to F -- from customs to baggage recheck to security, the place was totally swamped by a few simultaneous European arrivals. Separate security for connecting int''l pax would be a big improvement. As would extending the Term F Shuttle to run to A, not just C.
Can''t say I''d recommend to anyone connecting internationally at PHL after that, but a great experience on US overall anyway.
BTW - the pax on US14 o/b were entertained (!) for 2-3 hrs watching the mechanics troubleshoot a leaky #2 engine on the 767.
The downside, PHL was truly horrible on the return connecting from Term A to F -- from customs to baggage recheck to security, the place was totally swamped by a few simultaneous European arrivals. Separate security for connecting int''l pax would be a big improvement. As would extending the Term F Shuttle to run to A, not just C.
Can''t say I''d recommend to anyone connecting internationally at PHL after that, but a great experience on US overall anyway.
BTW - the pax on US14 o/b were entertained (!) for 2-3 hrs watching the mechanics troubleshoot a leaky #2 engine on the 767.
