Are There Any Good Airlines Left?

[dburg30]

Transporation, from point A to point B, no matter how you are travelling is a PITA. I've been VERY VERY happy the last 3 years or so I've been flying more for vacations, before that it was always driving. I've only flown SW (well, not true, we did 1 flight on skybus, since we are in Columbus, and it was no problem at all). All of my SW flights have been on time, comfortable, friendly workers etc etc. That about 16-20 different flights over the last 3 years.

As far as the date of travel change fee that's being thrown around, that may be a big deal for business folks, but for the majority of us, we arent going to be making changes on the day of travel, that's actually our choice.

If SW ticks me off, or I dont feel comfortable dealing with them, I'll use somewhere else!

I work in a service business, and have to deal with the public everyday. Most people are in my business because they HAVE to be, not they want to be. That makes them already not in the best mood. So I also may be more compassionate and not as demanding as some people. IMO some people are just plain over demanding, or just expect way too much. If you want super personalized service, rent your own plane. If not, an airline is nothing more then a flying bus. You get in your seat, and they take you to your destination. That's all you are buying when you purchase a ticket. Anything else you may get is just a bonus.

 

[disfan07]

As i posted before my favorite airline is Virgin America.
That being said, the only airline that i will never step foot on again is United. I hate that airline with a passion.

Southwest and Jetblue are always my first 2 choices b/c I have a severe peanut allergy and they have policies that help to accomidate that which i really appreciate.

Luckily, southwest is usually teh cheapest

 

[Disneyhappy]

Are you saying Southwest offers greater flexibility for same day changes than the legacy airlines?? Because the way I see it the following airlines let you change for a modest fee while Southwest makes you pay the fare difference. (I guarantee those $49 one-way fares are not available on the day of departure.

Legacy Same Day Change Policies
US Airways: Confirmed on an earlier flight for $50
Delta / Northwest: Confirmed on an earlier or later flight for $50
United: Confirmed on earlier or later flight for $75
Continental: Confirmed on earlier or later flight for $50
American: Confirmed on earlier or later flight for $50

**These are confirmed changes, if you miss a flight or want to try your luck going standby the fee is often waived. The fee is usually waived for elites.

I find this interesting (and I am not doubting you at all). I have changed flights on the day of travel with SW at least three times in the last year that I can recall they did not charge me the difference in fare. I wonder if they just are not being consistent with this and would be interested to hear from others who were charged the fare increase. Even if true, this would not be a deal breaker for me from flying SW. All of their other advantages over legacy carriers far outweigh being charged a fare difference vs a flat fee for changes to flights on the date of the the flight.

I have never flown Jet Blue as they are not a carrier out of PHL but I hae heard very many good things about them as well.

Let's face it, in light of 9/11 and the financial woes of carriers, flyingis not as pleasant experience as it used to be. At this point, we need to choose which is the lessor of the evils. But I can honestly say, I have always had good experiences with SW.

 

[uva185]

I find this interesting (and I am not doubting you at all). I have changed flights on the day of travel with SW at least three times in the last year that I can recall they did not charge me the difference in fare. I wonder if they just are not being consistent with this and would be interested to hear from others who were charged the fare increase. Even if true, this would not be a deal breaker for me from flying SW. All of their other advantages over legacy carriers far outweigh being charged a fare difference vs a flat fee for changes to flights on the date of the the flight.

Honestly it wouldn't surprise me too much. Airline employees have a lot of flexibility in what they can do (and what they can charge). I know of numerous times agents have waived fees, could be it was just easier for them or it could be they were dealing with a pleasant / friendly passenger and decided to cut them a break.

Not to go off on a tangent but this is why it is important to keep your cool and not yell at agents when something goes wrong. Be nice to them and they may cut you some slack.