[Butch Cassidy Slept Here]

This reward flight will be my last on any UsAirways plane

Don’t do it!! At this point ANY airline—even a backwoods third world airline—would be better for you to travel on than US Airways. Any advantage you get from those Dividend Miles tickets is more than wiped-out by what US Airways may have in store for you. For you and your family US Airways is now a predatory animal, and you and your vacation are its dinner! As an example, there has probably been a negative comment made on your reservation record: “Watch-out for this guy. He’s a troublemaker!” You, and maybe the rest of your family, may see “SSSS” on your boarding pass. This will cause you to be subjected to extra searches at airport security—all courtesy of US Airways’ vindictiveness. Expect the gate agent to switch your assigned seats to a place near the toilets or the galley. If a gate agent decides to verbally spit in your face, and you object, a call to the airport police, and denied boarding, could follow. “Officer, look at this notation in his reservation. Our reservations people said he was a troublemaker too!”

My advice is to walk-away from your Dividend Miles tickets and arrange your vacation travel with another airline. Be careful about travel with United because a number of their flights are code shares operated by US Airways. If you’re still determined to use those Dividend Miles tickets:
* Familiarize yourself with the flight times of other airlines along the route you will be traveling and look at what they charge for “walk-up” fares.
* Look at the cost and availability of motel (overnight) accommodations at connecting points and the airport you will be returning from.
* Depending on the city you’re originating at, and where you’re going to, Amtrak might be another “back-up” option.