Can anyone compare SW to Airtran?

[dsnymomof4]

We have flown Airtran several times for our Disney trips and have had very positive experiences. So, I've been eagerly waiting for their end-of-August fares to go on sale. Today, I get notice that SW has $59 fares from Philly. So, I'm just wondering if the 2 airlines are similar. There are 6 of us - houw are the rows set up? Can you go online and pick your seats ahead of time? Any information would be appreciated.

 

[airline2]

southwest has no assigned seats while airtran you can pick your seats at the 24 hour mark. airtran also has the xm radio while southwest has no inflight entertainment. southwest you most likely wont be sitting tigether. go with what you feel is best i would go with airtran personaly.

 

[princesspumpkin]

We have flown Airtran several times for our Disney trips and have had very positive experiences. So, I've been eagerly waiting for their end-of-August fares to go on sale. Today, I get notice that SW has $59 fares from Philly. So, I'm just wondering if the 2 airlines are similar. There are 6 of us - houw are the rows set up? Can you go online and pick your seats ahead of time? Any information would be appreciated.

I have flown both out of Philly. You will hear that the main difference is in seat assignments. Presently, SWA doesn't assign seats. You purchase your tickets, print our your boarding pass (this can be done at home - 24 hours in advance of your flight). You are assigned a boarding "class". "A" class boards first, "B" next and "C" last. You choose your seats once you board. The planes from Philly to MCO have had two rows of seats with three seats on each side If you have an "A" boarding pass, you shouldn't have a problem getting your traveling party seated together.

SWA's seats are leather now. Also, there is no "business class" like Airtran, which I liked being able to upgrade to at the gate for a cheap price.

The best thing that I like about SWA is that you can change your flight without paying a change fee (Airtran's is $50). I have changed many flights on SWA (because my fare went down) and was actually able to receive the monetary difference back onto my credit card.

 

[Chuck-PA]

This past May was the first time we flew Southwest. We have always flown Airtran and US Air in the past.

SW - seats are 3 and 3.
They do not have assigned seats. When you print out boarding passes (24 hrs prior to departure) you will be given a letter A - B - C. You line up according to your letter and when you board the plane you can sit wherever.
There is preboarding for those who need assistance and those traveling with children under age 5.

Airtran - seats are 3 and 3.
You can pick your assigned seat (24 hrs prior to departure) when you print out your boarding passes. There also is preboarding for assistance and small children.

We have enjoyed both flights and we would use both again if the price is right.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

All of Southwest's planes are 737s with 3-3 seating. AirTran flies two different planes -- the 737s have 3-3 with 2-2 in business, the 717s have 2-3 with 2-2 in business.