Airline help please

[theparsons]

Ok....time to really buckle down and get the airlines chosen so I can know the exact dates and get the house chosen....so I can stop saying "sometime mid January" and know when I'm going! The ideal dates will be leaving on Jan 14 and returning on Feb 13, but it's semi flexible a day or two either way.

What airlines do you like and why? My ideal airline would be as cheap as Southwest, allow 3 bags like Southwest, but have assigned seating like the majors, offer free Radio and snacks like Jet Blue, give refunds when I find a better rate instead of credits, and have a non-stop from Phoenix to either Tampa or Orlando.

Any suggestions? I downloaded Southwest's Ding and will install it once DH (IT guru) says it's ok.....do other airlines have something similiar?

Any hints or tips on what to look for and do while booking flights?

Thanks!
Jan

 

[PlutosFriend]

SWA is my farvorite as far as prices and customer service goes. The non-assined seating has never been a problem for me. I have always got A when checking in 24 hours in advance. I check their website daily to see if fares have decreased. I also have DING and try not to miss any of them. Since you have flexible dates, that is even better. Sometimes flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays provide cheaper fares. Good luck!

 

[Devil_Dog99]

Contrary to what many others on these boards say, I like Delta. I don't know the airline you describe exists - if they did all the others would go out of business !!!

 

[tiki23]

If you can switch your travel dates to Tuesdays/Wednesdays, you'll likely get a better rate - from one of the airlines, anyway!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Trust me. If you're flying out of Phoenix you want to fly Southwest. Besides US Scare (did I say that out loud) SW is the only non stop flight to Orlando. You have go through Atlanta with Delta and Dallas with American. JetBlue will fly you through JFK and then to FLorida.

Not having seat assignments is not a problem and no other airline lets you change flights or get lower fares with no additional fees.

 

[MrMarv]

SWA is a dream flying into or out of Phoenix; their terminal is gorgeous, and there's plenty to do if you have time to spare between flights.

Most of their best fares and promotions can be yours if you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Saturdays, so plan accordingly, and you'll usually save TONS of $$$.