Delta and Southwest? What are the differences?

[pooch]

I have been flying SWA for at least a decade. I don't find their boarding procedure to be a "cattle call" and much prefer being able to choose my seat when I get on. This gives me the flexibility to choose who I sit near (or not!!) From Hartford CT, I can usually nab $89- $99 (actually only pay the taxes as I book with points) non-stops at times I like. For my trip next week, SWA had bad fares and times for my return flight (rarely come back on a Saturday night) but Jet Blue had a perfect flight I was able to get for $89 (I bought one ticket separately to add one bag fee).

 

[kaytieeldr]

Those aren't normal mechanical reasons though. From what's being reported it stems from issues regarding how much load and weight their planes took off with over time due to incorrect guidance from ground employees which led to issues there with wear and tear on the planes at a higher rate than normal.

Per tye article linked in this thread https://www.disboards.com/threads/n...ssues-cause-cancellations-and-delays.3735681/ it's more widespread than just yesterday "The Dallas-based airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights since late last week because of mechanical problems with its fleet."

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Per tye article linked in this thread https://www.disboards.com/threads/n...ssues-cause-cancellations-and-delays.3735681/ it's more widespread than just yesterday "The Dallas-based airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights since late last week because of mechanical problems with its fleet."

You're not understanding what I was saying. Please go re-read my comment. I know it's not just yesterday. I explained why they are having issues with their fleet at the moment. I said it wasn't normal mechanical reasons I didn't say that it was not mechanical.

 

[Darcy03231]

Just be careful with Delta and their lower priced fares. These don't come with bags or assigned seats and I have found that these 'extras' end up costing the same as other carriers.

You can't pick your seat ahead of time on Southwest either. There is a notice on the Delta website if you're booking Basic Economy you don't get to choose your seat. If you click on that fare and go further there's a pop-up that asks if you're sure you want that fare, it doesn't include a seat assignment or checked bags (I know because this is the fare I use when I'm paying for DD's flights).

I think most people know by now that airlines, with the exception of Southwest, charge for checked bags. I can check a lot of bags for the difference in fare between the JetBlue flight I booked (total of $392 for 2 people roundtrip) vs. Southwest's fare ($876 for 2 people roundtrip).

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You can't pick your seat ahead of time on Southwest either. There is a notice on the Delta website if you're booking Basic Economy you don't get to choose your seat. If you click on that fare and go further there's a pop-up that asks if you're sure you want that fare, it doesn't include a seat assignment or checked bags (I know because this is the fare I use when I'm paying for DD's flights).

I think most people know by now that airlines, with the exception of Southwest, charge for checked bags. I can check a lot of bags for the difference in fare between the JetBlue flight I booked (total of $392 for 2 people roundtrip) vs. Southwest's fare ($876 for 2 people roundtrip).

For the purposes of the OP though it won't matter the price difference between SWA and Jet Blue. Again Jet Blue doesn't fly out of MCI/KCI.

As far as Delta it's $30 per bag per way up to 50lbs for the first bag and $40 per bag per way up to 50lbs for the second+ bag (*stipulations/exceptions apply)

For sure though fees like that should be taken into consideration.

 

[reisdawg]

Agreed about seat selection. It is best for people to understand what they are getting into with the different airlines and if you don't fly often, you may not know about how all of the airlines are now competing on price by removing extras. I fly a lot for work and I get to avoid Frontier, Spirit and other airlines by justifying the extra costs for simple things like a drink. In reality, all of the airlines are safe and will get you there. It is best to understand what is included and then make a choice based upon how your family travels.

 

[Darcy03231]

For the purposes of the OP though it won't matter the price difference between SWA and Jet Blue. Again Jet Blue doesn't fly out of MCI/KCI.

As far as Delta it's $30 per bag per way up to 50lbs for the first bag and $40 per bag per way up to 50lbs for the second+ bag (*stipulations/exceptions apply)

For sure though fees like that should be taken into consideration.

I realize that JetBlue doesn't fly out of the OP's airport, it was more of advice to check fares on other lines including baggage fees when comparing to Southwest. We've had the same experience on Delta. Delta Comfort (which includes alcoholic beverages) plus checked bags was less than Southwest.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I realize that JetBlue doesn't fly out of the OP's airport, it was more of advice to check fares on other lines including baggage fees when comparing to Southwest. We've had the same experience on Delta. Delta Comfort (which includes alcoholic beverages) plus checked bags was less than Southwest.

For sure it happens and it's good to check around.

Def keep in mind comparing the two (or other airlines if the OP wants to check them out) because there are times absolutely that pricing is lower elsewhere. I'm not negating that part of your advice at all I'd like to think though on average our market isn't quite as competitive as others though that's just my personal thoughts.

ETA: If the OP is flying to Orlando it's running presently $458+ for Main Cabin PP RT on Delta and that's the absolute lowest you'll get at the moment; the most being $638 PP RT for dates in December--both exclude baggage fees. Unfortunately not much to compare with yet because SWA hasn't released the schedules yet for the OP's travel dates.

 

[Darcy03231]

Also, unless it's Christmas week, it's really early to be looking at December flights. When we went in November 2018 (not Thanksgiving week) prices were high until about four months out. We booked going down in June, but prices coming back were still higher than previous years. We didn't end up booking our flight back until September.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Also, unless it's Christmas week, it's really early to be looking at December flights. When we went in November 2018 (not Thanksgiving week) prices were high until about four months out. We booked going down in June, but prices coming back were still higher than previous years. We didn't end up booking our flight back until September.

I posted the pricing so you would get an idea of Delta's pricing at the moment because you were talking about cost comparison. Of course they aren't set in stone that goes without saying.

In terms of waiting and waiting the trade off is seat selection, sold out flights and fares increases. Sure fares can go down they can also go up and up. Booking with SWA is different since they release they schedules later than other airlines. For the OP that's what makes it the hardest right now is because there's nothing to truly compare off of since SWA hasn't released their schedule for the dates.

It's a gamble either way you slice it. Sometimes you win sometimes you don't. Airline pricing is a fickle thing to work with lol.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

MCI/KCI is a breeze to fly out of (well that is until the new airport is built sometime in my lifetime lol).If you're being dropped off at the terminal by someone you just enter the doors and security is grouped by gates--so gate 41-45 for example has its own security to go through.

Southwest is the main airline for our airport but that doesn't mean they are always the cheapest. In terms of non-stop Southwest and Spirit are the only two airlines that go to Orlando non-stop. Allegiant goes to Sanford (Orlando). Take that into consideration with your plans. Stops aren't the end of the world but it is something that you'll want to consider with flying even if you do end up with Southwest and need to take a flight with stops.

When booking with Southwest they go by Boarding positions in terms of when you 'checked in' for your flight. If you purchase EBCI (Early Bird Check In) which costs $15-$25 Per Person Per Way you will be automatically assigned a Boarding position at 36 hours prior to your flight. You would still need to check in but your Boarding position is already assigned. If you did not purchase EBCI you would need to manually check in for your flight at 24hours (and I would recommend exactly 24 hours) prior to your flight time and your Boarding position will be assigned then.

If you're flying Southwest they Board based by group and in sequential order. For example if you have A30 you will see at the airport poles that have numbers listed. Using my example once A Boarding group has been called to line up you'll find the side of the pole that has A30 listed. The person with A29 will go in front of you and the person with A31 will go behind you. Southwest employs an open seating policy meaning aside from exit row restrictions you are free to sit whereever you want as soon as you board the plane.

Delta you would select your seats and I would caution against getting Basic Economy for the same reason the other poster mentioned as it comes with restrictions one of which is no seat selections. Delta boards based on Zones which are listed on your ticket. There is no specific order in which you line up when your Zone is called as at that point all that matters is you are boarding in the correct Zone.

Others have given good comparisons between the two as well. In terms of Terminals both Southwest and Delta are located in Terminal B.

Thank you! I really appreciate the MCI specific info We are leaning Southwest but I think will wait to decide until they release fares. I’m guessing sometime in April/May they’ll have our dates.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Thank you! I really appreciate the MCI specific info We are leaning Southwest but I think will wait to decide until they release fares. I’m guessing sometime in April/May they’ll have our dates.

No problem!

I feel like there are multiple ways of checking what dates Southwest has released and when the next release is but here's a way I know of

1) Click Low Fare Calendar


2) New window pops up


3) Click the "i" icon to see when their next release is and what dates it's for:


Best of luck for good pricing and a great trip

 

[EACarlson]

I flew SW out of MKE to Disney in 2017. Paid $258 RT with non-stop flights. I was traveling by myself so didn't get EBCI on the way down. Forgot to check-in at T-24 for the flight back so I paid the $40 to move up at the gate. Ended up A1 with my choice of any seat on the plane. Going down with the wife and kids just after Thanksgiving this year. And we booked Delta out of MSP. Now we got our flights for free using AMEX points, cash price was approx. $400 per seat. But with that we get a nicer plane, assigned seats and using the airline credit on my AMEX Gold it's only costing us $20 to check two bags each way. Now if my AMEX points transferred to SW or we were paying cash, we probably would have waited and gone that route.

 

[snappy]

I have had small and dated planes on Delta flights, with limited room for carryon baggage so you may be forced to check your bag before boarding. Maybe it depends on both your departure and destination? I now avoid all of Delta’s “partner” flights.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I have had small and dated planes in Delta flights, with limited room for carryon baggage so you may be forced to check your bag before boarding. Maybe it depends on both your departure and destination? I now avoid all of Delta’s “partner” flights.

Def. true in terms of size.

Take it for what you will but according to wiki for Delta:

"one of the oldest fleets of any American airline, with an average fleet age of 16.2 years as of September 30, 2018. Its oldest aircraft types are the MD-88, MD-90, Boeing 757-200, Boeing 767-300, Boeing 767-300ER, and Airbus A320-200, which have an average age of 28, 21.6, 21.1, 25.3, 22.3, and 23.1 years, respectively. Its youngest aircraft types are the A321-200, A350-900 and Boeing 737-900ER, which have an average age of 1.0, 0.7 and 2.7 years, respectively."

Also from wiki: "As of February 16, 2019, Delta's fleet consists of 887 Airbus, Boeing, and McDonnell Douglas aircraft. Delta's 520 Boeing aircraft make up about 58% of its fleet, while its 248 Airbus aircraft make about 27% and 119 McDonnell Douglas aircraft make up about 15%. Delta's 734 narrow-body aircraft comprise about 83% of its fleet, while its 153 wide-body aircraft comprise the remaining 17%."

It's just like with SWA--it's a toss up for when you get the older planes and the newer planes. I do believe with Delta you can check the type of aircraft you'll be on but of course that can change if there is a need to change the aircraft.

I will admit I did like the Delta planes with charging ports for each seat and the tvs so I'll give props to Delta for that.

 

[sam_gordon]

I have had small and dated planes on Delta flights, with limited room for carryon baggage so you may be forced to check your bag before boarding. Maybe it depends on both your departure and destination? I now avoid all of Delta’s “partner” flights.

This will depend on more on the airports you use/how busy the flights typically are.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You're not understanding what I was saying. Please go re-read my comment. I know it's not just yesterday. I explained why they are having issues with their fleet at the moment. I said it wasn't normal mechanical reasons I didn't say that it was not mechanical.

this isn't the first time. Southwest seems to have more frequent/widespread equipment -related cancellations than the legacies, and even jetBlue.

 

[AllesonWonderland]

We've flown Southwest out of MCI for all but one of our Disney trips. (The other was AirTran out of another airport, so basically Southwest.) Prices were always good, most often we flew direct. It was worth the 3.5 hour drive. This trip I wasn't as impressed with the price or flight times, but it's also been awhile since we've gone, so perhaps it's the new norm. Started watching fares out of a different airport, considered American, but prices were similar so I stuck with Southwest. I like being about to watch for price drops and get credits, have the flexibility to change a flight time without penalty, and I've never had a problem with their boarding process.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

this isn't the first time. Southwest seems to have more frequent/widespread equipment -related cancellations than the legacies, and even jetBlue.

Again I don't think you understand what I'm talking about

ETA: Let's agree to disagree on this

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

We've flown Southwest out of MCI for all but one of our Disney trips. (The other was AirTran out of another airport, so basically Southwest.) Prices were always good, most often we flew direct. It was worth the 3.5 hour drive. This trip I wasn't as impressed with the price or flight times, but it's also been awhile since we've gone, so perhaps it's the new norm. Started watching fares out of a different airport, considered American, but prices were similar so I stuck with Southwest. I like being about to watch for price drops and get credits, have the flexibility to change a flight time without penalty, and I've never had a problem with their boarding process.

Good luck with your search!

3 1/2 hour drive? Hope it's not too too bad of a drive! It's about 45mins from my house depending on traffic or nearly 42-46miles. It's still within the KC metro area but it is out in the middle of nowhere lol.