US Airways sells same-day standby coupons for nonrefundable fares

Brief
October 17, 2002

US Airways has altered its nonrefundable fare policy again, this time regarding same-day standby.

Starting Oct. 10, travelers on nonrefundable fares have been able to pay $100 to standby for same-day flights. To do so, travelers need to use new standby coupons ($100 apiece), valid for one-way travel on originally scheduled travel date. This marks the third change in US Airways standby policy in less than six weeks.

Travelers with nonrefundable fares had been able to fly same-day standby free. But when US Airways unveiled its new restrictions on nonrefundable fares Aug. 27, it eliminated standby for people traveling on nonrefundable fares. (The lone exception: travelers who arrive at the airport within two hours of their flight's departure can standby for a later flight free.)

The major U.S. carriers have decided to continue to allow free same-day standby on nonrefundable fares until Jan. 1, at which time they will start charging travelers $100 to standby. US Airways is the first and, so far, only carrier to charge the fee using coupons, which it said will help travelers avoid airport lines and offer flexibility.

The coupons can be purchased in unlimited quantities and are transferable to other individuals but are nonrefundable, lose their value after one year and cannot be replaced if lost. They can be purchased in advance at US Airways' airport ticket counters or any of its ticket offices. By year's end, travelers also will be able to purchase them from US Airways reservations and via the airline's Web site.

Ticketed travelers with standby coupons who are not checking bags can proceed directly to the departure gate. The coupon must be presented upon check-in at the gate and will be collected upon boarding. Travelers checking bags should present coupons at the check-in counter.

The airline also now lets travelers retain the value of a ticket if they rebook before midnight on the day of departure. Previously, travelers had to rebook before the flight departed. For more info, contact Michelle Alexander, 206-667-4899, malexand@fhcrc.org .

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