US Airways Hours: A Guide to Booking, Checking In, and Contacting Customer Service

Knowing the operating hours for airlines is crucial when you need to contact them to book flights, make travel changes, or get customer support. US Airways used to be one of the largest airlines in the United States until it merged with American Airlines in 2015. While US Airways no longer exists as a separate brand, understanding its past hours and procedures can still provide useful context for American Airlines today.

This guide will cover:

• Background on US Airways and its merger
• Previous US Airways hours for booking, check-in, and customer service
• American Airlines hours that now apply after the merger
• Tips for booking, check-in, and contacting customer service

Whether you’re a former US Airways flyer or are just curious about major airline history, read on for a comprehensive look at US Airways’ operational hours and how they impact air travel today!

Overview of US Airways History and Merger

US Airways was founded in 1979 and throughout its history served destinations across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe. It was considered one of the largest airlines in the country.

In 2015, US Airways completed a merger with American Airlines to form the new American Airlines Group. The last US Airways flight took place in October 2015. The two airlines’ operations, systems, and procedures have been combined under the American Airlines name and brand.

While US Airways no longer exists, understanding its past operations still provides context that frequent flyers find useful today. Especially for navigating the merged airline.

Booking Hours for US Airways Flights

When US Airways was still operating, travelers could book US Airways flights online or by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This enabled customers to make reservations at whatever time was most convenient for them.

Some of the main ways passengers could book US Airways flights included:

• Online booking: US Airways’ website allowed flight searches and ticket purchases 24/7. Their easy online booking system let flyers quickly find fares, flight times, and reserve seats.

• Phone reservations: Customers could call US Airways’ reservations line anytime to speak with an agent and book flights over the phone. Wait times were typically shortest early morning or late night.

• Ticket counters: Tickets could be purchased in person at US Airways ticket counters located in airport terminals. Counter hours varied by airport location.

• Travel agencies: Many travel agencies sold and booked US Airways flights for added customer convenience. Agency hours varied.

This range of around-the-clock booking options gave customers flexibility in making their reservations when it best suited their needs.

Check-In Times for US Airways Flights

US Airways recommended arriving at the airport about 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time to allow sufficient time for check-in and security.

Check-in cutoff times for US Airways flights were typically:

• Domestic flights: 45 minutes before departure
• International flights: 60 minutes before departure

After these check-in cut-off times, passengers were usually unable to check in for their flight and were at risk of the airline canceling their reservation if they did not make it to the gate in time.

US Airways offered several options for check-in:

• Online check-in starting 24 hours pre-flight
• Airport self-service kiosks
• Ticket counter check-in
• Curbside check-in at select airports

Arriving well ahead of the check-in cut-off time ensured a smooth, stress-free boarding process.

Customer Service Hours for US Airways

US Airways provided customer service by phone and online 24 hours a day, allowing passengers to get help whenever needed:

Customer service phone: The airline had reservations and customer service agents available by phone at all times. Though hold times were typically shorter earlier and later in the day.

Online customer service: US Airways’ website offered 24/7 chat support and email submissions for issues like booking changes, seat selections, baggage policies, and general questions.

Social media: The airline’s Twitter and Facebook accounts were responsive to customer inquiries and requests in real-time 24/7.

Having around-the-clock customer service resources enabled US Airways passengers to immediately get issues resolved no matter when they arose.

American Airlines Hours After the Merger

With the completion of the US Airways and American Airlines merger in 2015, all flights now operate under the American Airlines name, brand, and procedures.

The combined airline adopted American’s operating policies. Here are the current hours for booking, check-in, and customer service:

Booking Hours:

• Online: 24 hours
• Phone: 24 hours

Recommended Check-In Times:

• Domestic Flights: 60 minutes before departure
• International Flights: 90 minutes before departure

Check-In Cutoff:

• Domestic Flights: 30 minutes before departure
• International Flights: 60 minutes before departure

Customer Service Hours:

• Phone: 24 hours
• Online: 24 hours
• Social media: 24 hours

The combined airline maintains around-the-clock booking, check-in, and customer service for continued convenience. Knowing American’s current guidelines makes flying smooth and stress-free.

Tips for Booking US Airways or American Airlines Flights

Keep these tips in mind when booking US Airways or American Airlines flights:

• For the lowest fares, book early and compare multiple dates/routes.

• Avoid booking fees by purchasing directly through the airline website versus third-parties.

• Opt for morning flights which tend to have the most on-time departures and best recovery options if delayed later in the day.

• Book connecting flights allowing a minimum of 90 minutes between arrivals and departures.

• Avoid flights during peak holiday travel times if possible for lower fares and less headaches.

• Supply accurate passenger information when booking to avoid issues.

• Review baggage policies carefully to avoid surprise fees.

• Consider travel insurance for valuable trip protection and peace of mind.

Tips for US Airways and American Airlines Check-In

Follow these tips for a smooth check-in process:

• Arrive at the airport within the recommended check-in window (90+ minutes for US Airways, 60+ minutes for American).

• Print boarding passes in advance or pull up on your phone to skip ticket counter lines.

• Check baggage early to avoid baggage cut-off times (usually 40 minutes before departure).

• Allow extra time getting through security on peak travel days.

• Sign up for TSA PreCheck to speed through select screening lines.

• Review airport maps to find your gate quickly after security.

• Confirm gate number before heading to board in case of changes.

• Listen for last boarding calls to avoid missing your flight.

• Notify the airline immediately if faced with an emergency delay en route to the airport.

Contacting US Airways or American Airlines Customer Service

• Call during off-peak hours like early morning or late night for shortest wait times.

• Have your flight details and confirmation number ready when calling.

• Double check online for answers before calling to avoid simple issues taking up agent time.

• Use online customer service chat for quick assistance any time of day.

• Message the airline on social media for a fast response.

• If contacting about a cancellation or delay, be patient and remain polite when speaking with agents.

• Don’t hesitate to request a supervisor if an agent is unable to resolve your issue sufficiently.

• Take names/notes of who you spoke with during calls for future reference.

Following these tips will help you get timely assistance when you need it from US Airways or American Airlines customer service.

History of US Airways’ Merger with American Airlines

Here is a brief timeline of the major events in the US Airways-American Airlines merger:

• April 2005: America West Airlines acquires and merges with US Airways, keeping US Airways branding.

• November 2011: American Airlines files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

• February 2013: The two airlines announce plans to merge into the new American Airlines Group.

• December 2013: The U.S. Department of Justice settles an anti-trust lawsuit allowing the merger.

• December 2013: The merger deal is approved by a U.S. Bankruptcy judge.

• December 2013: American Airlines emerges from bankruptcy protection.

• March 2014: The two airlines receive a Single Operating Certificate from the FAA.

• October 2015: The last US Airways flight takes place, fully uniting operations under American Airlines.

• October 2015: The reservation systems fully combine into one network for American Airlines.

This strategic merger created the largest airline in the world and set the new path forward for American Airlines.

Final Thoughts on US Airways Hours and Merger History

Knowing the historical hours and operational information for US Airways provides helpful context even today for navigating the merged American Airlines.

As one of the largest airlines in American history, its impact and evolution