US Air Adds Fare Classes For Alignment

US Airways this month began publishing new fare classes as its first step toward consolidating reservation systems with America West Airlines, which will further align the carrier's system with its partners in the Star Alliance.

The new fare classes impact all travel beginning Sept. 20, even on flights booked before Sept. 1.

The carrier said global distribution systems would notify subscribers of the change. If not accepted, US Airways said, corporate travel managers and their travelers would face problems with checking in, upgrading and receiving seat assignments. "Since the change will only affect the fare class, there is no need for you to reaccommodate your client or reissue the ticket," US Airways said.

"Most importantly, travel agents will need to take action and accept the schedule change and cancel the old segments to ensure that clients have a smooth experience with Web checkin, kiosk checkin, automated first class upgrades and seat assignments," US Airways said in a statement.

Since their September 2005 merger, US Airways and America West have worked to integrate the carriers' systems. US Airways earlier this year discontinued America West's AWACorplink booking tool. The carrier plans to launch a merged Web site and fully merged reservations systems next year.