Disappointed with Southwest

[keishashadow]

OP - just wondering if u called to verify whether ur flight was on time before u left for airport?

We've come to expect delays in the rainy season late afternoon/evening flights out of MCO on any airline (pm thunderstorms)

i make sure to call for status before we leave for airport...more fun to kill time in the parks/resort than @ the terminal

another option pre-booking is to check out flightstats site; can help u track a specific airport, flight, etc. for track record

 

[Tara]

OP - just wondering if u called to verify whether ur flight was on time before u left for airport?

We've come to expect delays in the rainy season late afternoon/evening flights out of MCO on any airline (pm thunderstorms)

i make sure to call for status before we leave for airport...more fun to kill time in the parks/resort than @ the terminal

another option pre-booking is to check out flightstats site; can help u track a specific airport, flight, etc. for track record

Just be aware that if a flight is delayed, that delay can change - I've had flights delayed for hours that suddenly went much earlier than expected because a crew was located or a "window" in a weather system opened up. You (and I mean the overall "you" not this poster specifically) still need to show up on time and be ready to depart.

ITA on paying attention to on-time percentages, though - for work travel I often am faced with very similar choices and sometimes on-time % will help make up my mind in the absence of other more critical deciding factors.

 

[a1tinkfans]

We have been flying with SW for years, and have been happy, their fares and customer service have always been great. Last Friday our flight to Orlando was delayed 3 hours. They kept changing the departure time. We were not the only flight affected. In fairness, I do believe it was weather related. However, this past Friday, we were scheduled to depart MCO @ 6:05. We arrived at the airport around 4:15 and saw on the board that the flight was delayed FOUR HOURS. The person at check in did not mention this to us, and when I asked at the gate what the issue was, I was told it was weather related. Then, another agent told my husband it was air traffic control issues in New York. Well, every other airline flying to or through New York had no delays. We have a friend who is a flight attendant for another airline and she told us about this~which I am certain is the real reason for the delays.http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/082609dnbussouthwest.3f36534.html

I flew SW on Fri as well from MCO. The weather in NY was awful with thunder and lighteneing (my flight was suppossed to be 3:10) We used ME and got to airport earlier than usual but just hung out. Meanwhile SW made an announcement in teh airport that all flights to NE, including Maryland and Isp were running behind. So, no I think it was weather related.

I would much rather be on the ground than in an airplane either sitting on a runway OR in the air during bad weather. Been that and hope to NEVER do that again. BOTH those scenarios are AWFUL, if you've done either you'd know you would not want to repeat it......
So, for me, SW is the way to go. BY the way, we left about 10 minutes late and then arrived 10-15 minutes BEFORE scheduled arrival time and the flight did get a bit bumpy right over NY area, but we landed safely!

My family had the next flight out, 4:30 and I am not sure if that was also delayed.
Anyhoo, glad you arrived safe and sound, to ME, thats what it is all about....delays happen!

 

[Corinne]

OP - just wondering if u called to verify whether ur flight was on time before u left for airport?

Yes, we sure did! The delay was not posted yet.

 

[keishashadow]

Yes, we sure did! The delay was not posted yet.

maybe a last min thing, regardless; no fun to wait

Just be aware that if a flight is delayed, that delay can change - I've had flights delayed for hours that suddenly went much earlier than expected because a crew was located or a "window" in a weather system opened up. You (and I mean the overall "you" not this poster specifically) still need to show up on time and be ready to depart.

ITA on paying attention to on-time percentages, though - for work travel I often am faced with very similar choices and sometimes on-time % will help make up my mind in the absence of other more critical deciding factors.

hmmm, can't say i've ever had a flight get moved back up by much once it's been confirmed as delayed (wish i could say i did lol). I have received phone calls re last minute flight time changes day of travel to SW's credit.