JetBlue vs Southwest

[bocaj1431]

We have flown Southwest the past three trips but was thinking about possibly flying JetBlue from CT to Orlando. How do the two compare? Usually, the flights with JetBlue are a little more expensive. Is that because the planes are nicer, more options, better service, more comfortable??

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We have flown Southwest the past three trips but was thinking about possibly flying JetBlue from CT to Orlando. How do the two compare? Usually, the flights with JetBlue are a little more expensive. Is that because the planes are nicer, more options, better service, more comfortable??

We have always chosen Jetblue for the TV's on every seat, and the ability to pre-select your seats. DH *must* have an aisle, so Southwest's open seating policy just doesn't work for us.

We love Jetblue, and fly them every time we possibly can. We've always had clean, modern planes and excellent service. We also love the "Even More Space/Even More Speed" for more legroom and priority security at the airport.

 

[MIChessGuy]

I'd also note that some reviews of Southwest, e.g., at seatguru.com, complain about some of their reconfigured 737s being uncomfortable in terms of seat size and legroom. (I'll find out firsthand next week!) Also, if memory serves, Southwest allows 2 fee-free checked baggage items while JetBlue gives you only 1.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Also, if memory serves, Southwest allows 2 fee-free checked baggage items while JetBlue gives you only 1.

And that is changing sometime in the first half of 2015. Jetblue will discontinue the one free bag, and instead be offering tiered fares which may or may not include checked baggage, depending on the tier you book at:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/today...soon-on-jetblue-bag-fees-more-seats/19266701/

 

[BigTigger]

It's really a wash on JB versus SWA from BDL to MCO.

SWA has the two free bags, but if you really want to choose better seat locations then you need to add Early Bird Check In (EBCI) to your flight at a $25 roundtrip cost. SWA seat pitch is a bit tighter than JB, but generally comfortable for the the 3 hour flight.

JB Has free TV and Sirius/XM music at every seat. Bring your own headphones or pay $2 to buy some. SWA has no free entertainment unless you have your own tablet or smartphone. In that case you get 13 live TV channels and about 75 recent TV episodes to watch on the flight for free via the onboard wi-fi (the wi-fi is not free except for the TV part).

When JB and SWA Have sales, SWA has more cheaper seats available on days other than Tuesday or Wednesday than JB. Both have fare sales going on right now and nothing on JB is under $125 each way unless you fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday. SWA has some fares at $97 each way on all days but Friday and Sunday for travel through mid-March excluding President's week school vacation.

In summary, both SWA and JB should be considered with schedule and cost being the drivers to decide which fits you best. Don't only look at roundtrips, neither airline gives a roundtrip discount so consider splitting the trip between both if one is cheaper going and the other returning. One other item to consider is airport - if you're not taking Magical Express and will be renting a car, look at Tampa as a destination too. It is often much cheaper than Orlando and the rental cars are a wash between the two airports from my experience. You can also fly in to MCO and out of TPA or vice versa to get the best fares per leg. TPA to WDW is about one hour and twenty minutes in normal traffic and has no tolls (versus 25 minutes from MCO to WDW and ~$3 in tolls each way).

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[bocaj1431]

Thanks everyone for your advice and tips. I think we might try JetBlue if we can get decent ticket prices.

 

[turkey1031]

I've been looking at those two airlines as well since they are the only ones out of BDL that have nonstop flights. I've been on flights from both airlines. I like that jet blue has tvs in all of the seat backs so I can watch the history channel or Cartoon Network for free. I think they still have that trivia game you can play with other people on your flight. That is so much fun. I like that I have assigned seating. I can relax before getting on the plane knowing that I will get a window seat next to my boyfriend. I didn't have a problem getting a good enough seat on my SW flight but you don't know how what you're gunna get until you get on the plane. I liked jet blue's snack options better than SW. The baggage fees coming later this year have really turned me off from jet blue. I wish they would hurry up and give more specifics of how the pricing structure is gunna go with that.
It's also kinda hard to compare apples to apples with fares since the flights are not necessarily around the same time.

 

[Judyat]

I would pick whichever offered nonstop for the best price. We fly Southwest for a cheap rate and it's nonstop. Of course it helps to plan way ahead to get a good price. Also easier to re-book with no penalty if the price goes down so you don't have to worry when you book that you might find it cheaper later on. You get a credit and have a year to use it. We like the flexibility Southwest offers. And you can watch tv on your cell phone.

 

[goofy4tink]

I fly both....usually out of either PVD or BOS. I prefer JB...but it's pretty even. I like having the seat back tv's, I like being able to choose my seats (knowing they can, and have, changed due to equipment changes).
Bit....SW is fine as well. I have never had an issue getting a seat that I'm happy with. Bit I always pay for EBCI. I actually like the boarding process...so much better than trying to plow through the gate gnats with other airlines!

As far as that trivia game goes? I've never seen to on JB. I do remember it being on Song though. It was a lot of fun playing it.....I wish JB would do so etching like it.

 

[anonymousegirl]

Every time I have attempted to fly JetBlue they change my flight schedule so much that I end up canceling and rebooking elsewhere. Changing my flight so I arrive 17 hours later than original arrival time doesn't cut it with me when I take short 3-5 day vacations to WDW.

 

[bocaj1431]

Thanks to everyone for all the info.

After reading the posts I was thinking about flying JB based on what they offer; but, after checking prices and finding a flight that was $100 less and included 2 checked bags, I had to chose SW. At least that is money that I can put toward DW.

 

[networktek]

My wife and I have flown both Jetblue and Sw out of buffalo and find both planes to be very similar only difference is that with jet blue you already know your seats.