American Airlines?

[mommyto3]

Never flown with them before, but they have a really good rate right now for next summer out of Houston for $178. With 1 connect in Dallas. Should I grab this? Is this an okay airline?

 

[gw_lit]

If you're comfortable with the fare I'd grab it. Dallas is pretty easy to make connections now with the new Skytrain that runs between concourses if you have to switch.

As far as American, yes, they're an okay airline. They're one of the "major" or "legacy" carriers and have been around forever. Like most airlines, you'll run into some great flight attendants and customer service people, and some not-so-great that just go through the motions.

Be aware that if you're booking for next summer, your flight schedule will probably change multiple times. When we flew American in May we probably had 6 or 7 schedule changes in the 9 months between booking our tickets and our trip, but we arrived in Orlando within 15 minutes of the original time. Just keep an eye on your reservations, because with schedule changes (which can include a change in plane type) you could lose your reserved seats. You can just go back in online and re-request seats or call customer service to get seats re-assigned.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Never flown with them before, but they have a really good rate right now for next summer out of Houston for $178. With 1 connect in Dallas. Should I grab this? Is this an okay airline?

I fly primarily on American Airlines.

American Airlines provides reliable transportation, assigned seating, complimemtary beverage service, no meals in domestic economy, no inflight entertainment on the majority of their fleet -- and an overall experience that's no better and no worse than the other major airlines.

Financially, they're stable, although they've had huge losses over the past few years. Unlike several other airlines that are currenty flying, American is not in Chapter 11, nor is there a current threat of Chapter 11. American even posted a second-quarter profit of $58 million.

If the price and schedule work for you, American Airlines should me fine.

 

[Nebsky]

I work for AA and we would love to have your business, but cant you get better deals with Southwest out of Hobby and Contiental out of Bush Airport. Sure, you will have to wait for a while to book the flights on Southwest, but I would have to think Continental has a rate very close or better that is a direct flight.

If you fly though Dallas, be sure to bring your own headphones. We mostly use 757's for DFW-MCO flights which have entertainment available. AA charges 2.00 for the headsets if you dont have your own. You get to keep them though.

 

[mommyto3]

Thank you for the replies. I still don't know if I should by the tickets.

Nebsky, Contenintal is $307, and in the past SW has never been lower than $200. (a little over that when you add taxes)

The AA price is $163.80 (with taxes) if we come home a day later. I'm just worried about the "connect" part of it. On expedia it tells you the % of arriving on time, and it's not that great. Only 40% or 50% on time, not good.

 

[Nebsky]

Wow, I thought the prices would be lower than that.
I'd jump on that price.

DFW has gotten alot easier to make connections on ALL carriers not just AA. The Skylink train system is very nice and fast. Each terminal has two stops. Whats even better, you won't have to clear security. The train system is on the secured sided. You also get great views of the DFW Airport and surrounding landscape.

What time frame are you looking for again...
Im not making excuses just stating some common things. Summertime in Florida, especially late afternoon/early evening means Thunderstorms. Delayed departure usually equals delayed arrivals. You also have to remember DFW has storms as well. This could be some of the reason why the on time % is not that wonderful. If all the inbound flights to DFW are delayed due to weather in the area, all the outbound flights will also be delayed.