US Air Representative rude to daughter and myself
 

Flight was delayed coming into Philadelphia, still could have made connection as flight attendant had radioed ahead for gateway to be available...it wasnt ...waited for 10 -15 minutes for it to get there, by then we missed our connecting. the agent told us it was not her problem and we had to deal with it ourselves. was going to book us on another flight 22 hours later...i said that was unacceptable and insisted she put us on stand by on the first flight out; which happened to be the next morning. she wasnt concerned at all about accomodations for my daughter and myself; wasnt her problem. she informed us that US Air would not pay as they considered it a weather delay....which I didnt. Anyway, wrote to US Air and got absolutely no where...just an apology. I wanted a refund for my room also. Definitely will spend my money elsewhere as I fly at least three times a year and always on US Air.

Watch the time between connecting flights
 

If the delay really was for weather you are out of luck. Even when an airline lies--fabricates a "weather delay"--it's hard to disprove. A few years ago a US-based airline was caught, by the DOT, lying about the weather and did have to pay a fine. However I suspect most airlines get away with lying more often than not. How much time was shown, between flights, when you originally booked? If you are connecting from one domestic flight, to another domestic flight, allowing anything less than two hours, at a major airport, is asking for trouble. Even if it takes an overnight stay, at the connecting airport, to create that 2-hour gap I think, now, you would agree it's worth it especially if you're travelling on a non-refundable ticket. I used to live near Philadelphia Airport ("PHL"). I would never recommend anyone attempting a connection at that airport if either flight is operated by US Airways or one of its commuter affiliates. The place is difficult enough to arrive in, and depart from. The only redeeming feature is the rail service that stops at the first four terminals. As to overnight accomodations: Unless you can find something in the suburbs, or in New Jersey, anything in "Center City" will cost you an arm and a leg. If there is an Eagle's game, or convention, going on handing-over your first born child won't even get you a room!

There was a weather delay, but if the ground crew had done what it was supposed to do, and remember the flight attendent also called ahead; we would have made our connection. But it wasnt just that...the agent was just incredibly rude; have not received anything but an apology from customer relations; which means nothing. I definitely wont be flying with them again. Their loss; I am sure Nortwest will appreciate my business

If possible, use Southwest
 

I am sure Nortwest will appreciate my business

Don't be so sure. Northwest is, now, a wholly-owned subsidary of Delta Air Lines. There have been others on this board who have had less than favorable things to say about Delta. For domestic travel (within the "lower 48") I would use Southwest Air if at all possible. Renting a car, or using Amtrak (if available,) from your destination airport is preferable, in my view, to putting one's self at the mercy of most of the major US-based airlines. If travel on one of the "majors" is unavoidable I would recommend saving-up so you can afford to buy a fully-refundable ticket.

I would love to be able to use South West; unfortunately, where I am, I only have 3 choices, US Air, Northwest and United...I still cant believe that US Air didnt do anything to try and make up for the way we were treated.

I know it is shocking, but what you have to face is that they are effectively monopolies protected by the government. For this reason, they simply do not care about their customers...Northwest will not be better... Delta and US Airways are cut from the same cloth.