US Airways A321 First Class Review

I wanted to use my United miles for a trip to Europe before United changed their prices.  I also wanted to try the US Airways business class product before they switched from Star Alliance to oneworld.  Luckily US Airways had great availability to Europe.  I was able to book a flight from Denver to Madrid with a 90 minute connection in Philadelphia.  The trip was booked about four months in advance and included a free stopover in Brussels and an easy trip back to Denver with a direct on Lufthansa from FRA.

US Airways A321 First Class Seat

The flight from DEN to PHL was in a newer US Airways A321.  US Airways, soon to be American Airlines, has a basic first class offering on domestic flights.  There is no in flight entertainment, but WiFi is available to purchase.  The seat is acceptable, but feels a little cheap, under padded, and I was not able to take a nap.  

US Airways Airbus First Class Seat - Full Recline

The meal service on the three hour flight was much better than expected.  The first class cabin flight attendant provided attentive and friendly service.  He was so good, I filled out a US Airways online complement form for him before the aircraft parked at to gate so I wouldn't forget.  US Airways offers Dos Equis, a great option to break up the Budweiser / Miller Lite routine.  The steak was tasty and tender and everything was flavorful.  The red velvet cake was moist and springy too, a great end to a great meal (and what turns out to be the only in flight entertainment).  My dinning review is helped by never having an empty beer glass.  

Beer and Mixed Nuts Starter

Steak and Sides

Red Velvet Cake

I had a great experience with US Airways on my flight to PHL and was excited to hop onto the A330-200 to MAD and settle into the Envoy flat bed seat and experience US Airways' international business class offering.

Whatever, USA is Back

Bud Light's Whatever, USA promotion is back.  I wasn't invited last year, but I did see their large charter operation in action at Denver.

Up For Whatever?

Airbus Group Photography Contest

Airbus is running a contest for photographers to win a tour of an Airbus facility and have their picture included in the Airbus Group annual report.  I'll be entering a few snaps, find out more here.

Maybe a winner?

Not a winner.

Repainting a Virgin Australia Boeing 737

I love these time lapse films of aircraft maintenance.  Enjoy watching a colorful aircraft become bland (JAL is still the worst).

Paperwork Makes Aircraft Fly

I'm still surprised at how much paperwork is required for each aircraft movement.  Airlines are trying to move to iPads for flight planning and charts, but fuel information, passenger manifests, maintenance receipts, and other items are still generated on paper and flown every trip.

Pre-flight Paperwork Preperations

Delta's Silly Award Pricing

Anytime awards let customers use miles when standard award space is not available.  It's reasonable to expect a mark up, but Delta charges almost three times the basic award rate to Australia.  Luckily Virgin Australia has decent award space, so cheap award tickets can be found.  Though as shown below, Delta is happy to take many more miles from you to fly in their inferior business class.

Silly Delta, I'd Rather Not Pay 135,000 More Miles

Get the US Airways Credit Card While You Can

I am NOT paid for this post

Sign up for the US Airways credit card this month because it will soon be gone.  50,000 miles after your first purchase and paying the $89 annual fee.  That's a great deal and the miles will transfer into your American Airlines account.  50,000 miles is enough for a one way trip to Europe in business class.  AA lets you book one way mileage awards, so you can use a different program's miles on the way home.

You Don't Have to Fly American with the Miles You Earn