FYI - US just sent an e-mail to DM members (or at least some subset) asking for assistance as well. They provided us with talking points to include in any letters to the DOT. Here is the text of the e-mail:
As a Dividend Miles member, we want to keep you informed about US Airways future service enhancements, and also let you know that you can help us secure the rights to provide new flights for you.
US Airways has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemption authority to begin nonstop service from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is the most convenient airport in the metropolitan area, between several more cities to better serve your travel needs. We are pursuing approval for nonstop service between Reagan Washington National and San Francisco, CA, Chattanooga, TN, Asheville, NC and San Juan, PR. Additionally, US Airways has reiterated its request to operate on a permanent basis between Reagan Washington National and Wilmington, N.C., which is currently operated by US Airways on a temporary basis.
We want to make sure that you know that you have a voice in these decisions, and can be heard by contacting the DOT to let them know which carrier, and routes, you would like to see serve Reagan Washington National Airport. You can be heard and lend your hand in support by writing a letter to be sent via e-mail, fax or mail to the DOT. All correspondence needs to be received by next Friday, January 23, 2004. Please provide Reference Docket OST-2000-7181 (San Juan and San Francisco) and OST-2000-7182 (Chattanooga, Asheville, and Wilmington) in your letter along with any other comments or reasons that you wish to provide, and which routes you want approved. For example, let them know that you want US Airways approved to fly Reagan Washington National to San Francisco, San Juan, Chattanooga, or Asheville. We also have additional points that you can use to help you construct your letter at
http://www.usairways.com/dm/dca
E-mail: dot.comments@ost.dot.gov
To make submissions on the web go to,
http://dmses.dot.gov/submit/
Or, fax is 202-366-7202. Just make sure you address your letter to:
The Honorable Norman Mineta
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
400 Seventh Street, NW,
Washington, DC 20590
As Washington, DC's hometown carrier, US Airways has developed and invested its personnel and capital resources at Washington's close-in airport over the years, and was the foremost among carriers in re-establishing service at Reagan Washington National. The company's proposal to serve San Francisco and San Juan from Reagan Washington National would not only provide the most extensive consumer and competitive network benefits, but it would also enhance the overall structure of air transportation offerings in multiple markets to a greater extent than any other applicant. Both the San Juan and San Francisco service would be the first ever nonstop flights from Reagan Washington National to these destinations and would provide customers with added convenience and time savings for travel to and from downtown Washington, D.C., versus connecting service or even nonstop service from Washington Dulles or Baltimore Washington International Airports.
US Airways' proposal to serve Asheville and Chattanooga from Reagan Washington National injects new nonstop service for these markets and will be served by US Airways Express regional jets. It also would optimize the nonstop service choices for travel in these local markets as well as provide maximum connecting opportunities. This service would be the only nonstop service offered from the Washington metropolitan area to these two small community airports.
You are under no obligation to support US Airways for these new routes. We have heard so much feedback from many of you over the years about wanting enhanced service, this is a perfect opportunity for you to help us secure it for you. Thank you for your consideration and for being a customer of US Airways.
Sincerely,
Michael Isom
Managing Director, Marketing Programs
US Airways, Inc.