Rochester Airport Service Not Severely Affected by Airline Merger
By: Ali Touhey
Updated: February 15, 2013
Both American and US Airways operate out of the Greater Rochester International Airport. However, according to officials, the merger won't have much of an impact on local service.
"We don't anticipate any change in service in Rochester," said Airport Director of Aviation, Mike Giardino. "For the larger hubs? It's a possibility because a consolidation of service is possible but in Rochester, we expect the same amount of service."
The two over lap on just 12 routes nationwide. Giardino said none fly in or out of Rochester.
"The markets that are serviced by American and US Airways are not in competition from Rochester. So, if you're an American customer, the door opens to more destinations that US Airways currently services and it opens for you in the former American market."
Traveler Terry Wright doesn't have a preferred airline.
"We just go online and find out who is going where in the time frame we want to travel in."
The Mumford resident doesn't travel often. So, he doesn't anticipate being affected by the change.
"It doesn't matter to me as long as we get there safely. Every pilot wants to get there safely, I assume."
Giardino says frequent fliers and preferred customers are the travelers who stand to benefit from the news.
Both air carriers are in the process of integrating their reward systems. Eventually both frequent flyer miles will be accepted under the new American Airlines. It will likely take several months before the frequent flyer mile programs are combined and years before the merger is complete.
"We don't anticipate any change in service in Rochester," said Airport Director of Aviation, Mike Giardino. "For the larger hubs? It's a possibility because a consolidation of service is possible but in Rochester, we expect the same amount of service."
The two over lap on just 12 routes nationwide. Giardino said none fly in or out of Rochester.
"The markets that are serviced by American and US Airways are not in competition from Rochester. So, if you're an American customer, the door opens to more destinations that US Airways currently services and it opens for you in the former American market."
Traveler Terry Wright doesn't have a preferred airline.
"We just go online and find out who is going where in the time frame we want to travel in."
The Mumford resident doesn't travel often. So, he doesn't anticipate being affected by the change.
"It doesn't matter to me as long as we get there safely. Every pilot wants to get there safely, I assume."
Giardino says frequent fliers and preferred customers are the travelers who stand to benefit from the news.
Both air carriers are in the process of integrating their reward systems. Eventually both frequent flyer miles will be accepted under the new American Airlines. It will likely take several months before the frequent flyer mile programs are combined and years before the merger is complete.
