[dmcstowe]

I was booked on a round trip US Air flight from Boston to Buffalo, leaving on a Sunday, and returning on a Monday. The Sunday flight was delayed 3 hours because they could not get the right side engine to start. The deplaned us and got another plane to fly us to Buffalo 3 hours late.

When I got on my return flight on Monday, we were informed that we would not be continuing on to Boston at that time because the steering mechanism was not working. Really? two mechanical problems on consecutive days? This airline has ALWAYS had on time issues, however, it now appears they are unsafe as well. Never flying them again.

[Matt_FLL]

DMCStowe,
I am so sorry to hear about your experience on your US Airways flight to Buffalo this week. It is extremely rare to incur two mechanical issues in the same trip. You must have felt very helpless and frustrated!

Fortunately, the Customer Relations department at many airlines tend to provide the most generous compensation to a passenger when he or she writes in about problems that were clearly within the airline control. Your situation is very clear. Mechanical delays are well-documented on the airline’s side. And it happened twice!

I suggest writing in a brief and concise message to their Customer Relations department. Be sure to include your record locator, ticket number (if available), flight number(s) and date(s). They can validate your concern. I can almost guarantee that they will provide you some form of compensation—most likely in the form of a voucher for future travel.

Let me know how it works out for you. You deserve a lot more than a voucher, but at least it's a start.

Best Regards,
Matt

PS- If you do receive a voucher, always be sure to check the terms and conditions. For example, most vouchers are only valid for one year after it is issued.

[jimworcs]

I am no fan of US Airways.. they ruined my favourite 80s airline, Piedmont. But to suggest on your narrow experience of two flights that they are unsafe is simply not justifiable.

US based airlines are amongst the safest in the world, closely followed by European based airlines. You are far more likely to die on the way to the airport than you are on the flight.

One of the reasons you are safe, is that in the US, there is a strong safety culture. If the aircraft is not right, it doesn't fly. As a result, you encounter a delay, but you are kept absolutely safe. Try flying on some of the more cavalier African airlines and you will be very grateful for your delay in the US... it keeps you safe.