AirTran or Southwest

[lllGurulll]

Been pricing out my May vacation and after figuring for all fees including bag fees these two are pretty much the same price for 2 adults and 2 children.

I have flown Southwest and did the EBCI but I have never flow AirTran. How is AirTran when it comes to flight schedule reliability? With SW I feel 90% confident that my flight will not be changed. How is AirTran with that? I know some airlines change flights multiple times and sometimes even take away nonstop flights.

 

[klm7926]

Not sur about the flight changes but remember that you have to pay to check your baggage with Airtran but not with SW.

 

[Lewisc]

You can be close to 100% certain SW won't change your flight due to a schedule change. Weather and mechanical issues are always possible.

SW has no change fee (if your plans change) and will give you a credit if your fare goes down. SW lets you check 2 bags for free. Bring that empty duffel bag for souvenir purchases.

I'd go with SW if everything else was equal. Flight time and number of stops.

I'd go with Air Tran if the schedule was better.

 

[lllGurulll]

I already took the baggage fees into consideration with Airtran. That is what made both flights about the same. SW will be $1265 after adding in the EBCI fees. AT will be $1157 after adding in the baggage fees.

I am kind of torn because I don't know anything about AirTrans schedule reliability.

Neither of the airlines have arrival and departure times that I really like though. SW can get me there earlier but the idea of getting up at 3:30 in the morning doesn't sit very well. I am also still debating if I want to spend any time in the parks on the day we leave.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

The only changes we've experienced on normal flights were very minor like in the matter of minutes. They emailed us when the updates occured and it didn't affect our travel day at all.

 

[lllGurulll]

The only changes we've experienced on normal flights were very minor like in the matter of minutes. They emailed us when the updates occured and it didn't affect our travel day at all.

So we aren't talking about changes hours apart then or changing a nonstop to a one stop flight?

I know the time I flew Midwest they tried to change me from nonstop to one stop and I had to fight them to get me back to a nonstop considering that was what I paid for.


I keep telling myself that SW will give me the fewest headaches but $100 is $100.

 

[lllGurulll]

OK, my travel agent just managed to get me AirTran for $200 less than what I could get it for so decision made.

Now, about the baggage. I have standard travel luggage that is right at 61" total dimensions. Does AirTran really pay that close of attention to dimensions or do they let everything through that looks standard sized. I only ask because I pack everything in one suitcase so it has a tendency to bulk out which might add that dreaded extra inch.

It passed easily when I flew SW last year but they allow 62".