America West Airlines (NYSE: AWA) and Choice Hotels International (NYSE: CHH) announced today a new partnership that allows FlightFund members to earn miles when staying at any of eight Choice Hotel brands, representing more than 3,500 locations throughout the U.S. and Caribbean. This new partnership begins Sept. 18, 2003.

FlightFund members will earn 250 miles per eligible stay at Comfort Inn(R), Comfort Suites(R), Quality(R), Sleep Inn(R), Clarion(R) and MainStay Suites(R) or 150 miles per eligible stay at Econo Lodge(R) and Rodeway Inn(R). To receive miles, members simply provide their FlightFund number at check-in. Customers may visit choicehotels.com for more details.

“The addition of Choice Hotels International to the FlightFund portfolio provides our members a wider range of hotel properties where they can earn miles,” said Kenneth I. Feldman, vice president, marketing, for America West. “We are happy to offer our customers even more mileage-earning hotel choices.”

“We are pleased to add America West to our roster of airline partners,” said Wayne Wielgus, senior vice president, marketing, for Choice Hotels. “Just like our hotels, the airline appeals to value-conscious travelers.”

FlightFund is one of the most generous frequent flyer programs in the industry with domestic award travel beginning at just 20,000 miles year-round. FlightFund has more than 40 partners allowing members to earn miles in a variety of ways including car rentals, hotel stays, telecommunication services and FlightFund Visa credit card purchases. Plus, members may redeem miles for award travel to more than 300 destinations on five continents.

FlightFund recently won a prestigious Freddie Award from Inside Flyer magazine for the best elite-level frequent flyer program. America West is the first low-fare carrier to win this award, offering FlightFund Elite members benefits such as complimentary first class upgrades, generous mileage bonuses and early boarding privileges. For more information or to become a FlightFund member visit www.FlightFund.com , the frequent flyer section of www.americawest.com , or contact the FlightFund Service Center at 1-800-247-5691.

Choice Hotels International is one of the world`s largest hotel franchisors, marketing more than 5,000 hotels open or under development in 48 countries and territories under the Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion, Sleep Inn, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands names. For more information on Choice, visit the company`s Web site at www.choicehotels.com .

Choice Hotels, Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, MainStay Suites, Econo Lodge, Rodeway Inn, Choice Privileges and 1-800-4CHOICE are proprietary trademarks and service marks of Choice Hotels International, Inc.

Founded in 1983 and proudly celebrating its 20-year anniversary in 2003, America West Airlines is the nation`s second largest low-fare airline and the only carrier formed since deregulation to achieve major airline status. Today, America West serves 92 destinations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

——-