independence vs SWA from MHT

[kpk89]

Anyone who has flown both, who would recommend one over the other? Particularly out of MHT? Normally I'd just let cost be the guide, but where Independence is so new I thought I'd see what you all think. I just read vasoccermom's positive review of Independence, so that's good.

 

[nhrenee]

If you're flying sooner rather than later either should be fine. But I would recommend SW if the flight is very far in the future.

 

[disneyjunkie]

I've only flown Independence. They allow you to pick your seats when you book. That's the one thing that has kept me from trying SWA.

 

[kpk89]

does SWA let you book sooner or something? I'm still waiting for their April fares to come out.

 

[cranbiz]

I just used Independance a week or so ago from BOS. There were no problems with the flight to IAD. There was a delay in IAD waiting for the plane to arrive that was being used for the IAD-MCO leg. ( This was the day before Veterans day and was very busy). The return from MCO was fine, making the connecting flight with minimum delay.

I would think that the connecting flight problem will not happen to you as I air now has the A319's on line and they are only being used on a few routes. (The A319's were not on line when I flew and they were using the CRJ's for both legs-hence the delay in getting a plane)

Gate checking your carryon worked great, no need to try to stuff your bag into the small overhead bin of the CRJ and your bags were first off and readily available at planeside.

The FA's were great and attentive, even with a full plane and you gotta luv the hot towels.

I would use them again, but as stated in earlier threads, I would be wary of them in the future as they had been having low load factors on most of their routes. I did not see this except for the return IDA-BOS leg (15 people).

Goto Flyertalk.com to keep up with how I air is doing. I was happy with then, I hope that they make it.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Just be aware that Independence Air is in very deep financial difficulty. They need to go to their board, and may pull out of direct service at some point soon (perhaps by January), and return to their previous life flying regional flights for folks like United.

SWA on the other hand is possibly the most financially sound airlines flying. If you buy a ticket with SWA, you will definately be flying on your planned dates.

 

[kpk89]

Will Independence be going to their board between now and April, you think? It sounds like SWA would be the least stressful ticket to book!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by kpk89
Will Independence be going to their board between now and April, you think? It sounds like SWA would be the least stressful ticket to book!

Here's a quotation from an Investor's Business Daily article at http://www.investors.com/breakingnews.asp?journalid=24064177&brk=1
<blockquote>Dulles, Va.-based Independence Air is fighting for its life following its launch five months ago: Its playbook has been shredded by soaring fuel costs and the weakest domestic airfares in a decade.

This month, Independence Air (FLYI) acknowledged publicly it may have to consider bankruptcy if it cannot make an $83 million aircraft lease payment due in January. It is talking with its lenders to reduce or defer the payment.</blockquote>
Keep in mind that "bankruptcy" isn't the same as shutting down. Even mighty United Airlines is currently oprerating under bankruptcy (Chapter 11).

Independence Air will do whatever they can to avoid bankruptcy. They've already started cutting some cities from their schedule. And if they can successfully renegotiate their aircraft lease payments, they may avoid bankruptcy. However, by April, Independence Air's schedule may look very different than today in any case.

Regarding kpk89's question about flying in April, I'd wait for Southwest to announce their flights for April. Then, I'd pick the most convenient flights at good fare from Southwest, Independence Air, or any other airline that serves the market -- as long as Independence Air looks like it's still a viable airline.

 

[kpk89]

Thank you Horace ... that's very helpful. I fly soooo infrequently that the last time I flew, none of these discount airlines were even in the picture! (Nor was MHT, for that matter!)

 

[simba2]

I haven't flown IAir, but I can tell you that we drive the 2 hrs. to MHT to fly SWA when we go to Disney because we can get a non-stop flight. We have an airport 20 mins. from our house, but it's worth the 2 hrs. drive for a non-stop flight. This way once the plane takes off you are guaranteed you will get there on time. No delays of changing planes anywhere.