Buffalo: JetBlue or Southwest?

[Bokehman]

Would appreciate comments from those who have flown on both.

I haven't flown on either airline. Am leaning toward JB as I can preselect my seat.

Would prefer to spend my money here, but Pearson is just too expensive.

 

[michelle1]

I have flown both and there are advantages for each of them. SW allows 2 free checked bags and they don't charge a fee if you should need to change your flight. They also seem to have more non stop flights. JB allows you to prebook your seats, have unlimited snacks (and better if that matters!), seats seem to be a little roomier but the biggest advantage for me is the satellite tv. If the price was the same I would choose JB but SW seems to always be a bit cheaper.

 

[Camilo]

I have flown both and there are advantages for each of them. SW allows 2 free checked bags and they don't charge a fee if you should need to change your flight. They also seem to have more non stop flights. JB allows you to prebook your seats, have unlimited snacks (and better if that matters!), seats seem to be a little roomier but the biggest advantage for me is the satellite tv. If the price was the same I would choose JB but SW seems to always be a bit cheaper.

I flew SW last year from Buffalo. Have never used JetBlue.
My experience with SW was great, no complaints at all for the price. Nice staff, ok airplane, snack provided, flights on time.

Last year I paid less than 700.00 for the 4 os us return. This year, the cheapest I am getting (for very similar dates) with either company is over 1200.00. I am waiting for specials to buy our tickets for November.

Camilo

 

[sean-1966]

Either or. Both have positive points. Southwest has 2 bags free but JB has TV's in the seats. For a price you can get bigger seats on JB but not on SW. Personally I prefer JB but will fly either.

 

[disneydreamgirl]

Have flown SW at least twice a year for the past four years and I have no complaints. The fares have been very reasonable and our October flights this year ended up being $680 return for three of us. I like that I don't have baggage fees and the RAC has been a bonus. My friend regularly flies JB and also has no complaints...fares recently have been comparable with SW (for what she and I have been looking at). She likes being able to select seats and with a small child that is important. DS was always 9+, so we weren't as concerned about having guaranteed seats. Sure beats flying out of Toronto or Hamilton for us...we are so close to the border and Buffalo is so easy for us to get in and out of and the savings are significant. Also, parking is so easy at the Buffalo airport and also another area of savings when comparing to Toronto. Oh and make sure you visit the airport website for a discount parking coupon...every little bit helps!

 

[Bokehman]

My GF and I only do carry-on so fees/no-fees for checked bags aren't an issue for us.

I'm leaning towards JB. It was a little bit cheaper than SW last I checked.

Compared to flying out of Pearson on WJ the package (1 week at Port Orleans) is about $1,000 cheaper from Buffalo for the two of us.

 

[photofreak]

just bought dd a one way from orlando to buffalo on JB. Air Canada was quoting me $475 with taxes to Toronto whereas JB was $90 with taxes... It was an easy decision.... lol

 

[lizzyb]

We have flown with both and much prefer JB. Pre-selecting your seat which are roomier and having the individual T.V's for our family is a lifesaver.

 

[Bokehman]

Booked our trip with JB this morning. I'm sure SW would have been as good, but I like the security of pre-selecting the seat - and I ALWAYS want the window. I find looking out the window better entertainment than the TV. My GF can watch the TV.

 

[maryliz]

Beware of the whole "security of preselecting a seat" on JB ... I know of a guy who is going with his family in Sept ... booked flights a couple of months ago, preselected, etc. It's the family's first trip anywhere, so first flight for his two young children as well. He got notification a couple of weeks ago that JB CHANGED his seat assignments ... the 4 of them are now spread throughout the entire plane. When JB was called to advise of the family situation, they were told that they could "try and see if something can be done when they check in their luggage", and "we have 4 seats reserved for handicapped, so if they're not in use, the family can sit there", and "oh Im' sure that someone on board will change seats so that at least one parent can sit with a child."

This poor guy has saved for this trip for a very long time ... and will stress about this until Sept.

I flew with them from Boston last fall and loved them ... but after hearing this story, I'll continue to go SWA if at all possible when I fly from Buffalo.

 

[dvc deernut]

We have flown both out of Buffalo. Our first choice is JB. We fly the direct flight in the morning going down and the direct flight coming home in the early evening. I prefer selecting our seats. Both my wife and I take maximum size carry on and suitcase each so extra bag cost not a problem. Lots more legroom, Tv at every seat, Dunkin donut coffee We were inconveinenced once, they gave each of us a $25 credit. If the prices drop on your flight you get lower price. Onetime we were booked for Dec our flight went from $119 each to $99 each. We got the difference. We are also TRUE BLUE flyers so we are getting close to free flight. Even when you confirm on SW 24 hours ahead you never seem to get better than a B seat.

 

[minnie56]

Jetblue...just dropped DD off at Buffalo Int'l for her 8:15 JB flight in fact. Like being able to select the seat..seats are comfortable....great tv! Also, as another poster mentioned..they are excellent when it comes to compensation for inconvenience. My other DD lives in NYC and her last flight from JFK was delayed an hour..they automatically deposited $25 into her True Blue acct to say 'sorry'.

They aren't as flexible with changing as SW but that doesn't really matter to me..we have never cancelled yet and if we did, insurance will pick up the fee incurred.

 

[Familytradition]

Have flown on both. SW, always appears to be on time so I definitely like that. They do have the option where you can pay an extra $10.00 per person each way to get "priority boarding" but by the time you add on the extra cost it's not cheaper than JB and in some circumstances it's actually more than JB. The TV's are a nice touch