Airtran or Southwest?

[la79al]

If I find comparable rates for our December trip, should I go with Airtran or Southwest? It will be 3 adults and 1 lap sitting 19 month old.

 

[Christine]

I'd take Southwest in a heartbeat. My mom flies often and says Airtran is always running late. For Airtran, you are going to have to pay a checked baggage fee. Right now, Airtran is running cheaper than Southwest for my area, however, when you add in the fees, they are about equal. With everything equal, I will always choose Southwest.

 

[DVC-Don]

Southwest. They will not change your flight times and if the price goes down you can get a credit without any fees. Then of course you can check more baggage before any extra charges.

 

[ebowen]

I have flown both to and from MCO. I would say that they are comparable. Both airlines have been timely for me and I have been pleasantly surprised with the customer service for both of these "no-frills" airlines. I guess this is not helpful in making a decision, but my way of saying you really can't go wrong. Good luck!

 

[MICOL]

I am waiting to Southwest for December, Airtran opened today for late December. Southwest 6-23-09

 

[jobie61]

I prefer Airtran over Southwest anyday.

I can't stand having to wait in front of a computer trying to get an A pass, so I know my family will be able to sit together. Its not so bad on the way down, but trying to get an A pass for the trip home from WDW is painfull.

With Airtran, I pay 6.00 and I can pick my seats for the trip down and the trip home. I know the charge for bagagge, but I'd still rather fly Airtran. We just bring less lugagge.

In order for my to choose SW over Airtran, there would have to be significant price savings.

 

[Christine]

I prefer Airtran over Southwest anyday.

I can't stand having to wait in front of a computer trying to get an A pass, so I know my family will be able to sit together. Its not so bad on the way down, but trying to get an A pass for the trip home from WDW is painfull.

With Airtran, I pay 6.00 and I can pick my seats for the trip down and the trip home. I know the charge for bagagge, but I'd still rather fly Airtran. We just bring less lugagge.

In order for my to choose SW over Airtran, there would have to be significant price savings.

Just a question...is the $6.00 fee per party or per ticket?

 

[RMAMom]

Just a question...is the $6.00 fee per party or per ticket?

That is per ticket and it is charged for each trip so $12 per ticket round trip. They do not usually ask if you want seat assignment so you'll have to call and ask for it yourself.

 

[cbrfan]

That is per ticket and it is charged for each trip so $12 per ticket round trip. They do not usually ask if you want seat assignment so you'll have to call and ask for it yourself.

You can book your advance seat assignments online. You don't have to call them. That option is also offered when you purchase your flight.

 

[Christine]

That is per ticket and it is charged for each trip so $12 per ticket round trip. They do not usually ask if you want seat assignment so you'll have to call and ask for it yourself.

Wow, so for my party of 6 it is going to cost $72 just to get a seat assignment?

 

[justloveit]

We fly ONLY Southwest! They have the most nonstop flights, and they never change flights. Airtran will change your flight time, or change your nonstop into a layover if it isn't booked. We have never had a problem with late flights.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Wow, so for my party of 6 it is going to cost $72 just to get a seat assignment?

Yes!!!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We prefer SWA for so many reasons:

1. No fees to make changes/cancel.
2. No baggage fees. Up to 2 bags pp checked free.
3. No seating fees.
4. Airtran is notorious for multiple schedule changes; esp changing nonstops to connecting.
5. SWA rarely changes their schedule except for weather or mechanical issues.

The only pros of Airtran are:

1. No need to check in at 24 hr point.
2. Airtran is a participating airline for DCL's Onboard Checkin.

This is so convenient; we fly Airtran just for the return leg of Disney cruise trips. We don't want to have to worry about leaving Castaway Cay and run back to the ship to check in or worry about reliable cell phone svc in the Bahamas to check in via internet capable cell phone.

For any other trips, such as WDW, we don't mind checking in while in the parks using our cell phone.

 

[poohbear8]

I would fly SW. I have no experience with SW, my first flight will be in Oct.

I do have Air Tran experience. I used them last Oct. when DD and I flew to WDW. We booked our flights and managed to get tickets to see the Space Shuttle launch. I got an email from AT and they had moved my flight to a layover flight, even though I had booked a non-stop. The only non-stop flight wasn't an option, since I was going to be at the launch.

I ended up calling them and speaking with a supervisor and asked them to move my flight to another day. They refused at first, but I kept at them since they had ruined my plans. In the end, they moved me to another day with a non-stop flight. This was a chain reaction though...I had to move the car rental and the hotel stay also. Thankfully, all of them had openings and I was able to get free dining still.

So, if you don't mind layovers or being moved to another flight or don't have any plans that would be ruined, then go for AT. I'm scared to try them again. I considered them for my next trip, but didn't want to risk them moving the 6:30pm flight to a 1:30pm flight. That would have taken some of my Disney time away.

 

[jobie61]

Just a question...is the $6.00 fee per party or per ticket?

Its $6.00 per ticket. So for a party of 4, its $ 24.00 down and $ 24.00 back total $ 48.00 to book my seats.

But I got 59.00 down and 59.00 back from PHL to MCO during Jersey Week. Can't beat it.

 

[mousey]

Definately SWA. No charge for baggage will save you at least $45 for 3 adults (they actually allow you 2 bags per person/checked luggage). Airtran is constantly changing their flight schedule and they rarely notify you. Also, if you have a last minute change of plans or the price goes down--SWA will give a credit, Airtran wont!!!

 

[Coconuts]

I have traveled both. Airtran has designated seating, lots of flight options with great times, and resort check-in for pros. Their cons is delayed or cancelled flights, which can be troublesome with kids.

SW has comparable rates, decent flight times/options, but you don't have guaranteed seating so it's chancy that you will be able to find seats together for your whole family.

 

[anabelle]

I used to love Airtran, but the fees have gotten rediculous. They constantly change the schedule, and overbook. We are back to Southwest after a 2 year hiatus. I'll take non-assigned seats over Airtran's bologna anyday.

 

[a1tinkfans]

If I find comparable rates for our December trip, should I go with Airtran or Southwest? It will be 3 adults and 1 lap sitting 19 month old.

there is NO COMPARISON in my mind, SW ALL THE WAY!

They are ON time, NO FEES, and most of all they do not cancel flights, change times and then NOT tell you ....LIKE AT does. I would avoid them like the PLAGUE unless absolutely necessary, IMHO!

 

[susancl]

With Southwest, I've always had a comfortable seat. With Airtran, it's been about 50/50. Some of the Airtran planes are pretty bad with slanted seats.