Delta "Compass" vs. Allegiant WWYD

[Lisa0620]

Flying nonstop from GRR to MCO we can do either
Delta Compass/Connection/whatever they're called on an Embraer 175
or
Allegiant on an MD-80

We've always driven to DTW and had bigger planes, but with more competition in GR now we can actually get good deals here. I'm a VERY nervous flier - will probably seek out meds/therapy this time as it seems to get worse for me every time we fly. So given that, I tend to view the above choices as:

small aircraft with inexperienced flight crew busy on their laptops
vs.
really old plane

Anyone have any thoughts/opinions/experience one way or the other? Allegiant hasn't released their price yet, but based on Sept's numbers the cost should be a wash. DH doesn't care, says they're equally safe. All thoughts welcomed, rational or otherwise
Thanks.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

We prefer Allegiant of the two, the seats are more roomy and comfortable as all are 'business class'. We can't afford anything but coach on Delta and always feel cramped. Allegiant is usually the cheapest for us too, but they can extra fee you to death. Fees for picking seats, early boarding, etc. All are optional and can cut the price down $20-30 per segment if you decline them.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We fly down to WDW twice a year on Delta, and Delta uses the "Delta/Compass" connection for our flight from Edmonton, Canada to Minneapolis/St. Paul. While it is a smaller plane (2 x 2), we've always had great service and competent staff.

 

[NJRRK]

Also depends on if you're renting a car or not. Delta flies into MCO and you can get ME from there to DW. Allegiant (sp?) flies into SFA which is about 40 minutes north of MCO and there's no ME available.

Something else to consider. If the flights are the same price, and you're staying on property and you hadn't planned on renting a vehicle, then Delta wins Hands Down! If you had planned on renting a vehicle, then I don't know what I'd do.

 

[DebbieB]

Allegiant is now flying into MCO from GRR.

I like the EMB175. The overheads are large enough to handle most rollaboards. Seats are 2 x 2 rather than 3 x 3. It doesn't feel like a regional jet, it is actually more comfortable than most full size planes.

As far as crew experience, you really can't judge by the airline. Both are these are smaller carriers, probably not as experienced as the major airlines.

Given the choice, I would go with Delta. The infrequent Allegiant flight schedule (4 days a week) would make me nervous. They don't have the fleet size Delta has in case a plane is taken out of service.

 

[Lisa0620]

Thanks, everyone! Sounds like it could go either way... The positive comments make me feel much less nervous!

 

[cockermon]

We live in Grand Rapids & usually fly from Detroit.
But I noticed Airtran is starting daily direct flights to/from MCO.

Allegiant only has flights a couple days a week.
I think there were time flights were cancelled & passengers had to wait several days for the next available flight. This concerns me so much that I am unwilling to book with them.

Cathy

 

[Lisa0620]

Hi Cathy,
I know what you mean about Allegiant, that has me worried too. I'm starting to consider AirTran, but I'm concerned about them changing the flight from nonstop to connecting... I wish we had Southwest as an option!

 

[jsilvers]

I tend to view the above choices as:

small aircraft with inexperienced flight crew busy on their laptops
vs.
really old plane

Not remotely accurate or fair.

The "laptop" incident actually involved a mainline Northwest A320 with a highly experienced crew (although that may not make you feel any better about flying in general...). And an Embraer 175 is the same length as certain mainline aircraft, such as the DC-9-10/20 and A318; it's "small" only by comparison to aircraft that would never be used to serve the route.

As for Allegiant's planes, all of U.S. airlines' aircraft are subject to strict maintenance requirements, and Allegiant's fleet has roughly the same average age as Northwest's overall fleet did when it was merged into Delta. Looking at Delta's website, Delta today flies 117 MD-88 aircraft with an average age of 19.2 years and 69 DC-9 aircraft with an average age of 36.2 years - as old or older than anything Allegiant flies. This may not help your nervousness overall, but there's no reason to pick on Allegiant.

 

[Lisa0620]

Not remotely accurate or fair.

You're right. It was meant partially tongue in cheek and just trying to express that as a nervous flyer I feel like none of the options look that great to me. I know, rationally, that driving to Detroit and then flying is much less safe than any option from GR. But fear isn't always rational . Sorry, I didn't mean to pick on anyone.

 

[maxiesmom]

The lack of replacement planes is the reason I wouldn't fly Allegiant out of GR, unless the price was dirt cheap AND I wasn't married to my flight schedule. There have already been times where Allegiant has had issues and stranded passengers at the Airport for a few days.

I would rather book Air Tran or Delta and be fairly certain I will get where I want to go on the day I want. Even if that means making a connection. Better a couple hour delay instead of a few day delay.