It's no wonder Southwest does so well...

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

So, my grandfather is being named the oldest resident of his town (He's 94), and the town is throwing him this big celebration ceremony of some sort, complete with police escort, and giving him this special cane. It's a big deal to him and my grandmother, so I thought about flying up to Manchester NH the morning of the ceremony (it's not till 7pm) and then flying back to Orlando the next day.

Went online to look at fares for the end of the month. I was hoping Southwest would have one of thier $49 deals. But, the lowest they had was $79 for the trip up, and $149 for the return trip. So I decided to look at some of the legacy carriers.

HOLY GUACAMOLE! US Air and Delta wanted $650 for a round trip economy class flight! United was even worse, at $714. It's no wonder Southwest is such a popular alternative out of Manchester. The lowest price I could find was around $350, and involved 2 connections on the first trip, and I think it was 3 connections on the return trip.

 

[maps]

SHHHH! Stop telling people about the Manchester Airport!

We just started using this airport a couple of years ago and absolutlely love it. Expecially with SWA because it is one of the few airlines that offers nonstop flights at great rates.

 

[annabelle]

I hear ya about the big dog airlines charging an arm and a leg.
From Knoxville, TN to Orlando, Independance Air runs that route anywhere from $120-$150(w/taxes) (same with Southwest but out of Nashville).

I called American Airlines for the same route... and they were wanting $1075 PER PERSON to get to ORL from here. And it wasn't even a DIRECT flight! I just laughed at them then booked with Independance.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Wow, those are big differences. Luckily I love SWA's so I don't even bother comparing fares anymore.

So are you flying up for your grandfather's ceremony? If so have a wonderful flight. Hope you grandfather has the best birthday yet!

 

[Kristi1357]

You gotta love SWA, esp. non-stop out of Manchester to The Mouse!

(just stop telling everyone, so the rates will stay down, ok? )

HAPPY 94TH BIRTHDAY!

 

[TomD]

Some day I would like to see them fly into Lebanon NH (I know...wishful thinking) till then Manchester is the easiest for me to go see the Mouse

 

[E&BMom]

The legacy airlines will match Southwest on advance fares in most cases, but as you noticed there's a HUGE difference in those last minute fares (unless you happen to catch someone's last minute sale). I think Southwest might even still have a maximum fare for a one-way trip of $199 (please correct me if my info is out of date) and, if so, the most you'd ever pay for a RT is around $400. For a lot of the legacy carriers, you'd be hard-pressed to find a one-way fare that low on many popular routes with less than seven days advance purchase.

 

[Pinnie]

I love SWA for the same reason out of DTW!!! I have yet to find NWA coming close to what SWA charges. Only kink is that SWA doesn't fly to all the cities I need, so I use SPIRIT and NWA as a last resort and then pay through the nose for fares. I guess NWA has to recoup $$$ for that new terminal they built here in Detroit!

Give your grandfather my best!!!
pinnie

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Thanks everyone for the kind wishes. My grandfather's birthday was actually in December. He's still active at 94... shoveling and snowblowing the driveway after a blizzard, and painting the house in the summer. (Not that my parents or grandmother want him to be doing such things, they just can't stop him!)

I ended up going Southwest. Total R/T price was $250 including taxes and fees. Not horrible, but when you're so used to paying $49/$59 each way, it's not easy! LOL

At least both flights are non-stop!

 

[DVCBob2]

I had read somewhere that SW had negotiated a long term fuel deal that has helped them through this period of escalating fuel prices. The comment made in the article was "let's see how profitable Southwest is once they have to start paying the same for fuel that the others are currently paying". Don't know if this is true but found it to be very interesting.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

That is an interesting article. It certainly goes to show that Southwest likes to plan for the future though. I'd imagine if they negotiated one contract, they could negotiate another after the first expired. But only time will tell.

 

[goofy4tink]

Have a great time Tyler!!! Good for your grandfather. Be sure to bring some warm clothes...it's 60 today but I'm not so sure how long that's gonna last. At least some of the snow should be gone when you get here!!!

 

[gigi1313]

Some day I would like to see them fly into Lebanon NH (I know...wishful thinking) till then Manchester is the easiest for me to go see the Mouse

tomd, i just have to ask (since i've flown into lebanon, and know where it is!) where in NH do you live? i summered on little lake sunapee for 30+ years and my grandparents lived in newport... next to twin lake village, we *loved* to stay at the drum inn!

 

[westjones]

So, my grandfather is being named the oldest resident of his town (He's 94), and the town is throwing him this big celebration ceremony of some sort, complete with police escort, and giving him this special cane. It's a big deal to him and my grandmother

How many years have your grandparents been married? That is so great for them to still have each other. Enjoy your family, these moments are very special. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

BTW, I am glad to hear so many like SW. I am waiting for the rest of June to come out to check prices to see if we can fly or if we will be driving to WDW this summer. We haven't used them yet.
DJ

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

How many years have your grandparents been married? That is so great for them to still have each other. Enjoy your family, these moments are very special. Hope you have a wonderful trip!

BTW, I am glad to hear so many like SW. I am waiting for the rest of June to come out to check prices to see if we can fly or if we will be driving to WDW this summer. We haven't used them yet.
DJ

They've been married over 50 years now. I'm thinking around 55 at least.

I love Southwest. I usually only fly MCO/MHT and I can always get a non-stop flight, and with enough advanced notice, I can usually snag the $49/59 sale priced fare. I've never had a problem with the seating policy, my flights have never changed schedule, and they've always arrived early. Customer service has always been helpful to me when I keep forgetting to put my rapid rewards number into the booking screen.

 

[Kristi1357]

tomd, i just have to ask (since i've flown into lebanon, and know where it is!) where in NH do you live? i summered on little lake sunapee for 30+ years and my grandparents lived in newport... next to twin lake village, we *loved* to stay at the drum inn!

Gigi1313,

Is Little Lake Sunapee different than regular Lake Sunapee? (never heard of it) My family has a house on Sunapee - moved there about three years ago from our house on Lake Massasecum in Bradford. Maybe we are summer neighbors? I spend most weekends there in the warmer months, and even some in the winter ones there too.

Sorry, Chip 'n Dale, didn't mean to hijack your thread!

Kristi

 

[4DisneyfansinNC]

So, my grandfather is being named the oldest resident of his town (He's 94), and the town is throwing him this big celebration ceremony of some sort, complete with police escort, and giving him this special cane. It's a big deal to him and my grandmother, so I thought about flying up to Manchester NH the morning of the ceremony (it's not till 7pm) and then flying back to Orlando the next day.

.

That is cool Tyler! What town is this happening in, I'm originally from that area and tend to still call it home.
And yes, Southwest is great! If they'd just fly out of Charlotte too, so we don't have to drive to RDU.

 

[gigi1313]

Gigi1313,

Is Little Lake Sunapee different than regular Lake Sunapee? (never heard of it) My family has a house on Sunapee - moved there about three years ago from our house on Lake Massasecum in Bradford. Maybe we are summer neighbors? I spend most weekends there in the warmer months, and even some in the winter ones there too.

Sorry, Chip 'n Dale, didn't mean to hijack your thread!

Kristi

yep, there are two lakes (twin lakes) w/regular Sunapee bigger than Little Lake Sunapee but i believe they are attached (maybe figure 8-ish)... although i've not been back in ten years, i have some of my fondest childhood +++ memories from my summers there... great place! and one of these years i will take my kids back!

 

[Kimberle]

Very cool, Tyler! Enjoy your visit!