Official Word on the USAIR/American Merger

Dear Valued Travel Professional,

Today is an exciting day as American Airlines and US Airways legally close our merger and take the next step toward becoming the new American. This marks a significant milestone in the journey to integrate our two airlines, and our future as the new American is very bright. Customers will soon have access to more benefits and service across the combined company’s larger worldwide network and through a stronger oneworld® alliance, which US Airways will join on March 31, 2014.

Although we look forward to many positive changes in the coming months, each airline’s current focus is on delivering a safe and reliable travel experience over the busy holiday travel season. We will therefore continue to operate as separate carriers and not have any operational or other changes until early January. We will be in touch then to share exciting news and provide regularly scheduled communications about key milestones and future integration efforts as they apply to you and your colleagues.

American and US Airways' focus for a successful integration is guided by this simple principle: to put our customers at the center of everything we do. I assure you, both carriers are taking time to make thoughtful decisions.

At this time, corporate and agency contracts you have with either American or US Airways remain the same. We will share more details in the coming weeks and months as we work toward providing you with an enhanced combined network and contracts. Also, as I’ve mentioned before, we will provide you with a single point of contact in the U.S. market, representing both of our great airlines and removing the burden of coordination from you. We expect to share more details with you within a few weeks.

Although you have countless benefits to look forward to, which include a comprehensive network, modern and fuel-efficient aircraft and new product improvements, nothing can drive the success of a company like a dedicated team of professionals. I believe we have the best in the business to serve your travel needs. We strive every day to not only be your preferred carrier, but also the team with whom you truly enjoy conducting business. I want to thank you for your loyalty and support as we look forward to serving you as the new American.

Warm regards,

Derek DeCross Vice President, Global Sales American Airlines

Airlines Change Electronics Rule on Board

We have some exciting news about using portable electronic devices when flying under 10,000 feet. Smaller, handheld approved devices may now be used in 'airplane mode' during all phases of flight within the 50 United States, unless otherwise instructed by a crew member. Larger electronic devices such as full-size laptops or video players must be turned off and properly stowed during taxi, takeoff and landing. Phone calls can be made prior to departure, while the aircraft is parked at the gate, after landing while taxiing to the gate or as advised by the flight crew. As a courtesy to fellow passengers, we kindly ask that headsets be used for any audible portable electronic devices. This notice was from USAIR but the rules are pretty much the same for all domestic carriers.

New changes at UsAir Operations at LaGuardia

Here is the latest news from USAIR on changes in New York.

Changes at New York LaGuardia beginning March 25, 2012

We’re beginning a series of updates at New York LaGuardia airport to streamline our operation and improve the airport experience for our customers. If your clients are flying through LGA in the coming months, we want you to know what they can expect.

US Airways Shuttle:

• New US Airways Shuttle gates will be 7, 8, 9 and 10.
• The Elite Limo sedan service desk will move to the baggage claim level as you exit security.
• The US Airways Shuttle schedule will stay the same.

Airport:

• US Airways ticket counters will move to the far left side of the building as you enter.
• All US Airways flights will depart from gates 1 – 12 in Terminal C.

US Airways Club:

• The US Airways Club will become a Delta Sky Club. Club members will be able to visit the Delta Sky Club until it closes for remodeling on April 8.
• Between April 8 and July 10, the Delta Sky Club will be closed and there will be no club access.

When the Delta Sky Club reopens, you’ll be able to visit it until our new US Airways Club is finished in late 2012.