US Airways To Publish New Fare Classes
US Airways today announced it will publish new fare classes on Sept. 1 as its first step toward consolidating reservation systems with America West Airlines. The new fare classes—which replace separate ones used by each carrier with an "identical fare hierarchy"—impact all travel beginning Sept. 20, even on flights booked before Sept. 1.
The carriers said global distribution systems will 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.
US Airways said the new fare classes also further align the carrier's system with its partners in the Star Alliance.
US Airways and America West merged last year and since have been in the midst of integration efforts. The combined carrier plans to have a fully merged reservation system next year.