AirTran out of MSP or Southwest out of Omaha?

[Lovemy3babes]

Which would you choose? Why? I have never flown either airline. Trying to save money by driving to one of these bigger airports from our tiny little city. Is either airport easier to get into from the interstate, easier to navigate, etc? Just looking for any experience. I'd really appreciate it. Oh, I may have three children alone if my husband can't make it. If that helps with the decision.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Anyone? Please?

 

[caribn7]

I have never flown Southwest, But we fly Airtran almost every time. They do change their Schedule often which is frustrating. The Planes are newer and in good shape. No complaints!

I have flown into MSP in the past and I think it is very easy to get to. it's not far from I-35.

In short, Airtran and MSP would be my choice.

Hope that helps!

 

[AllesonWonderland]

Omaha, Nebraska--right? I've flown out of there (not southwest) a few times without any problem. The airport is easy to get to and it's not too huge.

Is there a big difference in cost or travel time?

 

[dudspizza]

I have never flown Southwest, But we fly Airtran almost every time. They do change their Schedule often which is frustrating. The Planes are newer and in good shape. No complaints!

I have flown into MSP in the past and I think it is very easy to get to. it's not far from I-35.

In short, Airtran and MSP would be my choice.

Hope that helps!

Can't help you with flying out of Omaha. Keep in mind Southwest does not offer assigned seating, so you would hope to get an A boarding pass so you can all sit together.

Airtran does offer assigned seating (though that never guarantees anything). It also depends on what fare you book. The cheapest fare seats are assigned at check in (up to 24 hours in advance). They use the smaller 10 or so gate HHH terminal at MSP. It is VERY easy to find and navigate. I can suggest 3 different parking lots for a park and fly or a few hotels that offer you a stay and park rate which includes a shuttle to/from the airport.

If you need any info about MSP, just ask or send me a PM. Where are you flying from? Airtran also flies out of a few places in Iowa, maybe you can find someplace closer to home....

Duds

 

[Lovemy3babes]

Thanks all!! We live in the SW corner of MN, very close to SD so we usually fly out of Sioux Falls. But, it just so spendy to fly from there, I thought I'd make the 4 hour trek to either Minneapolis or Omaha. (Yep, Omaha NE) Where in IA do they fly from? I'd really appreciate the information!!

 

[AllesonWonderland]

I figured NE, just wanted to make sure. I'm from South Sioux City, NE--just moved to AR in February, so we used to be almost neighbors!! I totally understand about driving to a bigger airport. We had Sioux City's right in town but always drove to Omaha for the better deals. Now we have another airport nearby but it's high too so I searched all over for flight deals. I got an awesome deal on flights out of Kansas City. Not too thrilled about the 4 hour drive, but I got tickets for my family of 4 for $468 roundtrip over Spring Break. Woohoo!!

Did you ever fly Allegiant Air out of Sioux Falls? I was watching rates on their website for an airport near us...looked like sometimes they have some good deals. Des Moines might be about the same drive too, maybe? Seems you have quite a few options, hope you find a good deal!