Kinglobjaw's Blog

Archive for May, 2008

April 30, 2008 was the the last day US Airways offered a minimum of 500 miles per flight segment. I grew accustomed to this generous offer racking up 500 miles (+ Preferred bonus) on short hops such as the US Airways Shuttle, LAS-PHX (and vice versa) as well popular short hops on the East Coast.

I wanted to enjoy the ‘500′ once more and I thought to myself, what better way than to fly to Pittsburgh on US Airways for a few hours? I opted for a routing via Philadelphia. I would fly a same day round trip: ORD-PHL-PIT-PHL-ORD. ORD-PHL-ORD earns 678 in each direction, while PHL-PIT-PHL is about 263 actual miles each way, but when I started the trip I knew I would getting 500 miles two final times.

The fares were very reasonable, and 3 segments would be mainline while PHL-PIT would be a US Airways Express flight operated by a Republic Airways Embraer 170. The trip was ticketed as two separate one-way fares.
Many people, including myself, consider this a mileage run- and it was! I checked no bags (a first for me, and what a pleasure!) and no errands to run in PIT. So what did I do in Pittsburgh? I toured the entire airport, took lots of photos, had lunch, and relaxed in the US Airways Club. I have a whole gallery about my day and what I saw in PIT. I recommend you visit the gallery, even if you have traveled via Pittsburgh International Airport before. It will bring back some nice memories. Visit here: Mileage run to Pittsburgh

I normally don’t write trip reviews, but here are some facts regarding my flights on April 30, 2008.

US Airways flight US817
Scheduled departure time: 7:15 AM from gate F10
Aircraft type: 737-300 in old US Airways colors
Crews: PHL based, previously in PIT

The 737-300 that will be taking me to PHL.

 

A neighboring US Airways Airbus A320 departing to Phoenix and continuing on to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

 

While taking a break between flights at the PHL B/C US Airways Club, I discovered something new- electronic gate displays!

 

US Airways flight US3433 operated by Republic Airways
Scheduled departure time: 11:37AM from Gate B1
Aircraft type: Embraer 170 in Star Alliance colors. What a treat!
Crews: PIT based for Republic Airways

 

A special Star Alliance livery just for enthusiast Kinglobjaw?

 
US Airways flight US1607
Scheduled departure time: 5:45PM from Gate B30
Aircraft type: 737-400 in new US Airways ’swoosh’ livery. Looks great!
Crews: DCA based

 

 

This 737-400 just came in from FLL, and it’s not overnighting here. Next stop: ‘Crown Jewel Hub’ – Philadelphia.

 

My 2 return flights back to Chicago. Gotta’ love upgrades!

 

Philly wants a fair share of navy, or so it seems.

 

US Airways flight US958
Scheduled departure time: 8:25PM from Gate C21
Aircraft type: Airbus A319 in navy US Airways colors
Crews: A truly fantastic crew. CLT based. Perfect ending to a great trip!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Big heritage “pin” by door 1L. Matches my sports jacket!

 

A crew that likes their photos taken. How nice!

 

… even with me!

Another successful and fulfilling trip on US Airways. Miles posted by the morning of May 2nd- relatively fast. I should do one of these mileage runs again. =]

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark