Check-in pointers

America West's Web site provides recommended check-in times for individual airports. In general, the airline suggests arriving for domestic flights an hour before departure and international flights two hours before departure.

Customers checking bags in Denver, Atlanta Hartsfield, Philadelphia and Washington Dulles are encouraged to arrive early, as checked bags won't be accepted less than 45 minutes before departure.

Check-in alternatives

Curbside check-in is available at more than 45 airports.

America West also has QIKCHECK-IN self-service kiosks in Baltimore, Boston, Cleveland, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, Orange/Santa Ana, Phoenix, Raleigh/Durham, San Diego, San Jose, Tucson and Reagan National.

Web Check-In: You can conveniently check-in and print your boarding passes online as early as 24 hours and up to 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. You can also upgrade to first class and change your seat assignment(s).

Hubs

Phoenix, Las Vegas

Carry-on limits

One carry-on is item is allowed, along with one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, laptop or daypack. Total dimensions, adding length, width and height, cannot be more than 45 inches.

Meals

America West offers meal service only to those passengers in first class.

Meal options include kosher, vegetarian, low-calorie, low-cholesterol, low-sodium and diabetic. The In-Flight Café is available to coach passengers on all  flights greater than 3.5 hours in length. Deli-quality cuisine is available for purchase.

Frequent-flier program

As a result of America West's merger with US Airways, beginning October 5, members of America West's FlightFund frequent-flier program can redeem and earn miles on both airlines. The merged airline's new frequent-flier program, called Dividend Miles, will launch in spring 2006. Any unused FlightFund miles will be integrated into the new Dividend Miles program.

Airport club or lounge

America West Clubs are located in Phoenix and Las Vegas. There also are about 20 partner clubs. To gain access to all the clubs, annual membership fees for an individual cost $260 or $435, depending on your frequent flier status.

Children

Children 15 and older can travel unaccompanied; children 5 to 14 can travel unaccompanied only on non-stop flights and for an extra fee of $40 each way. Children under age 5 are not allowed to travel without a parent or guardian.

Guardians should contact America West before departure at 800-235-9292 to provide information about who will meet the unaccompanied minors at the final destination. Picture identification is required from those dropping off and meeting minors.

Pets

One small dog, cat or bird per passenger is allowed in the cabin for $80 each way. Pets must be in approved containers, which count toward the carry-on baggage allowance. A health certificate (and a rabies certificate for dogs) issued within 30 days of the initial travel date must be presented at check-in. There is no charge for trained service animals. No animals are allowed in the cargo compartments.