Service and procedure changes

[LCC_#1]

Hello everyone,

I am starting this thread because I am seeing an unfortunate trend between East and West. This trend is one that happened during the Piedmont/USAir merger. Since I am a part of Inflight, this is ABOUT Inflight but not necessarily for Inflight ONLY.

During the PI/US merger, each side thought they were changing to the other side's way when infact there were many new changes. It took a few years to see the truth..after many unfortunate scenerios. Although most changes procedurally went the US way, there were changes that both sides encountered that were infact brand new.

I say all of this because this kind of management decicions can cause unfortunate divisions at a time when we need to show the industry that we are united for a strong, prosperous US Airways.

First I want to say that someone has to change and I could care less if East changes everything or not. I guess my question is why do so many care? I am inclined to think that many West people dislike loosing their identity and boy do I understand that. I had only worked for Piedmont two years when EVERYTHING changed. There were good and bad changes but I STILL hated to see the name go. I would get all upset and act stupid. It was after all our string of crashes in the 90's that FINALLY I had to realize this was NOT a club. I was NOT the owner, and that IF I was going to stay in this industry, I could NOT take all things personally. (still working on that, btw). My support goes to whoever is paying me.

Today, while there may be some problems, we have a ceo that wants to RUN the company as opposed to running it in the ground. It was no secret back East that all anyone seem to do for the last few years of the old US was try to find a buyer. Do you guys out West know how degrading that is? You could feel the "what the hell are we going to do with this mess" attitude. This doesn't make you feel very good. And then when we went to bare bones with regards to EVERYTHING!!!

The Tempe management tean is FAR from perfect but I DO believe that desire to build a healthy US Airways. If we loose customers or employees to stay healthy, I no longer care. I mean no disrepect but this IS a tough industry and one that on average has seen very small profit margins. Great service and amenities do NOT equate profits or US Airways would had been making tons of cash. Until 9/11 we offered all the things other legacies offered and after 9/11, we fell fast. WE COULDN'T MAKE $$ BEFORE 9/11 AND WE SURELY didn't after.

Isn't it odd that now that there is a team that wants to run the airline..and yes alot of sacrifice..we are now MAKING money?? I want a fair contract that does not put us at the bottom, however I want a HEALTHY company that isn't in the news every other day with "ailing" in front of it.

If changing everything the West way is going to make $$$ or adopting a few East ways AND the name is going to MAKE $$$, PLEASE, what EMPLOYEE should care? There have been MANY opportunities to leave. If you don't like it, maybe a career assessment needs to be made. But the childish finger pointing must stop. Communication IS key to keep the employees united. A strong US Airways will grow and prosper. Growth will take care of senority issues.

I can promise ALL groups that inhouse fighting is DANGEROUS from a customer service AND safey perspective.

I would like to start listing changes East way to West and visa versa..procedure and service so that we are on the same page.

OK, besides the biggies of name change to US Airways and Dividend Miles, would everyone please list changes each side has seen that have come from the other or that you THINK is coming from the other. I think we will all be surprised.

And please, this is not to start a piissing match but to change the neg course to one of both healty dialogue and providing facts.

East to West

Seat configuration and a/c layout
Bell chime/interphone
Braille book gone
Boarding video on
Trivia video on
2 movies a month on
galley pack out
shares in
um's on nonstops only
no dogs in cargo
arming/disarming procedure to be as West
recurrent to be as West
glassware to return in fc....who knows when
coach party cup (love them)
ff program benes
insurance to UHC


These are all I remember. Some are great..other ok.


West to East

snack basket
name change of co. and ff name

The rest is for you guys West to educate us

 

[N903AW]

I am inclined to think that many West people dislike losing their identity and boy do I understand that. I had only worked for Piedmont two years when EVERYTHING changed. There were good and bad changes but I STILL hated to see the name go. I would get all upset and act stupid. It was after all our string of crashes in the 90's that FINALLY I had to realize this was NOT a club. I was NOT the owner, and that IF I was going to stay in this industry, I could NOT take all things personally. (still working on that, btw). My support goes to whoever is paying me.

LCC, thanks for that last post. When reading the post, I just said "That is me in a nutshell." I have been with HP a long time and have grown very attached - more to my coworkers, who are like family - than anything. I have taken things way too personal since the merger was announced. Especially when someone criticizes "my AWA family" I felt the need to retaliate. Where did that get me? Absolutely nowhere. Did it make me feel any better? No, not really - usually quite the opposite.

Thank you for putting things into perspective for me through such a fair and decent post. Your insight and honesty from your own merger experience helped. Hopefully I will be quicker to think before I post when I keep this in mind.

Now, back to topic....

West to East

A321 qualification
Plastic cutlery in First Class (roll ups)
Routes relinquished (ie. PHX-CUN, MIA, etc.)

New to Both Sides

A new paint scheme and corporate identity
New uniforms (coming soon)

 

[LCC_#1]

LCC, thanks for that last post. When reading the post, I just said "That is me in a nutshell." I have been with HP a long time and have grown very attached - more to my coworkers, who are like family - than anything. I have taken things way too personal since the merger was announced. Especially when someone criticizes "my AWA family" I felt the need to retaliate. Where did that get me? Absolutely nowhere. Did it make me feel any better? No, not really - usually quite the opposite.

Thank you for putting things into perspective for me through such a fair and decent post. Your insight and honesty from your own merger experience helped. Hopefully I will be quicker to think before I post when I keep this in mind.

Now, back to topic....

West to East

A321 qualification
Plastic cutlery in First Class (roll ups)

Thanks! I can also promise you we will all laugh at certain things. I can remember an original USAir f/a laughing and saying.."Geez, what's with that damn speedbird? With all the fuss, you'd think that thing cured cancer."

Also, PI f/a's were very anal and would leave any drawer stocked with sugars, tea, cremers. One day a coworker said "you wanna know how to piss off a PI f/a?" I said what? And he said "Dump the drawer!" I howled cause I saw the insanity in my own peeps and thought it was hilarious. The only choice we have is to accept thing and laugh it off or find someone to blame.

Hey, the A321 is a nice a/c. It will be nicer when we go to 16 f/c seats. As for plastic cutlery, is that a permanent desision? That gets a big :down: . We HATE it and are still looking for glassware.

We may want to remind Doug that he said the best of both. Plastic cutlery and plastic glasses are NOT the best of both.

Always know we too get emotional but most of us only want the best for the new US Airways. You are always welcome here in Charlotte.

 

[Travelpro72]

LCC, What an incredible post. It really does make you sit back and think about it. Don't be surprised if this thread moves rather slowly. When MANY posters are asked to share their "facts" you will find that all goes quiet. I know we are truly a group that can be united due to the fact that we DO THE SAME THING. Regardless of the color scheme or name. We are safety professionals that want to provide a safe and friendly service to our customers. We want to have a contract that is good for ALL of us. In numbers we shall be strong. As far as changes, LCC covered the pretty obvious ones. When I hear some complain about the cheapness of some of the changes I simply say, "If it worked for them, let them try and implement it here". At least we have someone trying to RUN the company and not tear it apart. Management as a whole though I'm sorry to say, is NOT your friend at this time. Get a good contract for me to tote in my bag and we'll talk. Until the Cost Neutral idea is gone I stand! ! ! !

 

[N903AW]

By the way, this thread may really take flight after October 1st when our next revision is issued over here. One revision, and 3 CBTs (Computer Based Training and/or Tests) that require a 100% before October 31st. Anyone that has not completed or passed the training by October 31st is removed from service.

 

[whodoiworkfor]

Well lets see most have covered the big ones:

West announcements now match east (thank you!)

West FA labeling system going to east (the second, B will now work in the back instead of the third, C)

West 737's now getting crew lifevests like east (thank you!)

All west planes getting ELT's like the east planes (thank you again)

West will no longer be required to brief the exit row paxs (thank you)

West will now allow strollers and musical instruments on board if they fit (not sure if I like this yet)

West now has plastic forks and spoons like east (was this mentioned?)

West FA's must now kick the jumpseat when they are doing door sims like every other airline has always done.

West aft FA's on the 'bus will soon be sitting in the swivel jumpseat (yuck).

That is it for now, lots of other rumors but these are facts. It truely is a merging of ways of doing things. Change is hard for everyone though.....but frankly I like that some of our rules are changing .... makes my job easier. And, since we are the lowest paid in the industry, easy is good.

And, AMEN, management is NOT your friend they are vipers getting rich off our backs. COST NEUTRAL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!

 

[Travelpro72]

Oh I hear funny rumors on the line as well. Ya know, the rumor from Sally who's best friends brothers sister's 16 year old son has a computer and told her. It's all rumor.... Again, GREAT post LCC. This should help things along LOTS.

 

[LCC_#1]

Well lets see most have covered the big ones:

West aft FA's on the 'bus will soon be sitting in the swivel jumpseat (yuck).


COST NEUTRAL IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!

The swivel seat ain't so bad...Hard to catch a nap, though.

 

[TheNewLowFare]

coach party cup (love them)


The rest is for you guys West to educate us

Well it's good that you guys like the party cups. We love them too and the pax love them also.

 

[Travelpro72]

The ONLY thing I don't like about the "party cups" is on pretty short flights when you only offer an express beverage it's more than someone needs and takes a lot of soda's. I don't wanna hand it out half full. Maybe if they put our name on them would it make them look a bit better. They remind me of cups ya get from the dollar store for a picnic. Awesome on longer flights though. As long as you have enough ice on the airbus to fill everyones. LOL

 

[FutureUScapt]

I'm surprised no one mentioned this:

East to West

Budweiser products

West to East

Pepsi to Coke

 

[aredeeyou22]

LCC, thanks for that last post. When reading the post, I just said "That is me in a nutshell." I have been with HP a long time and have grown very attached - more to my coworkers, who are like family - than anything. I have taken things way too personal since the merger was announced. Especially when someone criticizes "my AWA family" I felt the need to retaliate. Where did that get me? Absolutely nowhere. Did it make me feel any better? No, not really - usually quite the opposite.

Thank you for putting things into perspective for me through such a fair and decent post. Your insight and honesty from your own merger experience helped. Hopefully I will be quicker to think before I post when I keep this in mind.

Now, back to topic....

West to East

A321 qualification
Plastic cutlery in First Class (roll ups)
Routes relinquished (ie. PHX-CUN, MIA, etc.)

New to Both Sides

A new paint scheme and corporate identity
New uniforms (coming soon)

Routes were not relinquished. Still flown solely by US. Merger has allowed financial synergies that necessitates the flying of these handful of routes by the East. Kind of like PHL-PDX and previously PHL-SEA flown by West. It's tit for tat. Pretty soon, it will not matter!

Thank you.

 

[LCC_#1]

ONE US Airways!!
ONE Contract!!
Cost Neutral Equals CHAOS!!

Tshirts may be purchased at www.zazzles.com

click tshirts and you will see or look for One US Airways.

 

[iheartairbus]

We have seen alot of changes(both sides),as dougie said, for every change out west there's one going on out east and vise-virsa I know from flying out east before I came out here last spring... It's wierd to know which is going which way, because when they new annoucements came out alot of f/a's on the west thought that's what they brainstormed up and they hated it! Well coming from over there I was estatic, because I could put the dorky yellow book away(except for the safety demo, damn 737!) Routes are not being handed over to east, do we forget we have a fairly large fleet of HP planes that are cycling through the paint shop and now that the carribean routes are slowing and dropping off for down season and they've consolidated stuff down to rj's our east they are able to fly some of our routes while the 757 & 737 are now in the paint line up for us. I think this merger is GREAT, two comparible airlines in size and route structure who can learn alot from one another coming together, no doubt in mind it will be a NEW airline when it's all said and done, you won't recognize US Airways(east) or HP(west) hardly at all, except for the few policies you were accustomed to pre-merger.

PS: I went out last night, and ran into a guy who works in the marketing/advertising dept. in Tempe. and he got a peek @ the new uniform ideas and he looked like a boi that would know fashion, and he said they are stunning!! He gave us some hints and now I'm really really excited, he sayed word for word "there absolutley amazing and soooo sharp". YAY

 

[N311AW]

This must be the most balanced and emotion free thread regarding the merger.

I've said all along, the majority of my west flying parners are great, as are the majority of those I've met from east. There are always a few uptight and unprofessional crews you run into, but that is at any airline.

I'll miss America West, but we're all US now. The changes to policy and procedure don't intimidate me.

The important thing is we've got to be all about the UNITY to get one (1) fair contract.