Mass. residents. How do you fly?

[KimWDW]

We took Delta Song last year and loved it (the tv screens helped pass the time). But I'm concerned about them because of the bankruptcy filing, all the complaints of flight times being changed, and because I heard they were getting rid of Song.

Who do you prefer to use out of Logan? Delta? JetBlue? Or do you use Providence (SouthWest)?

Who would you recommend or NOT recommend?

Thanks!

 

[debster812]

Errrm--all of the above?

Seriously, whatever best fits our needs for that particular trip?

That being said, most of the major, legacy carriers have been flirting with various stages of bankruptcy. We just flew with Song for February school vacation, and I have had those flights booked since last March. I can't tell you how often they changed. But, I knew that going in, and I was very happy with the price I paid, so it was worth it to me to check my flights every few days.

We're flying JetBlue to Ft Myers in April, and will probably fly SWA in August.

I wasn't much help, was I? Basically I think Delta will continue to fly, and although we might not have the TVs like we did on Song, they are still a pretty viable alternative.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

My reccomendation would be to take JetBlue if looking to go out Boston or Southwest if looking to go out Providence.

Song is reverting back to mainstream Delta. Those nice 757's with the TV screens are only going to be used on transcon flights of 1700 miles or more. They will be reducing the amount of East Coast to Florida routes and using non-tv equipped 737's and MD-88's.

If it's the TV that you want (I do too! ) then I would do JetBlue.

I'm not a fan of Southwest. I'm not knocking it by any means as they are the most successful airline flying these days. It's just my personal preference. They offer consistency to FL at a reasonable price and TF Green is a great airport to fly out of.

 

[susancl]

We usually fly Southwest out of Manchester, NH. We are North of Boston, which you probably figured out.

Recently, I read that JetBlue will be operating from Portland, ME soon. That will be a little further to drive, but doable.

We do not like to fly from Logan. Parking's more difficult, there are more delays, etc.

 

[salmoneous]

Just want to point out to our friends in the Boston area that there's a whole nother half of a state over here and us Western MA folks tend to fly out of BDL or ALB. I'll use Bradley about 95% of the time, with Albany as a backup. Albany is about as long a drive as Logan, but I know I'm never going to get stuck in traffic or in a tunnel. Also, it is just soooo much easier geting in and around the smaller regional airports. Besides, Southwest flies to both, and I'm a huge SW fan.

As you might guess given my preference for Southwest and smaller airports, I'd probably drive up to Manchester or down to TF Green before heading into Logan if I lived back East.

 

[threeboysmom]

When is this change to Song occurring? I am looking today to book through Song for a Boston to MCO flight in April. They had the best prices that I could find as of today.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

Here's the standard company line taken from Song's website:


a letter to you from Joanne Smith

Dear Friends of Song,

We're always looking for ways to make your travel experience with us the best ever. The response we've received to Song from our customers has been so positive that it only makes sense to infuse the entire Delta network with many of the same ideas, options and innovations that our customers have come to love. Our answer is to combine the best of both Song and Delta into one brand and one experience unlike any other - designed specifically for, and around, you. I'd like to take a moment to personally fill you in on the details.

Song's schedule, destinations and award-winning service will remain just as you know them today through spring 2006. At that time, Song and Delta will join together to create a new Delta service. We'll fly both Song and Delta routes, bringing a fresh customer experience to even more destinations than ever before.

Here's what we plan to do next year:

We'll add 26 First Class seats to Song's current fleet of Boeing 757 aircraft - a big plus for business travelers who have asked for a first-class offering on Song.
We'll upgrade more than 50 additional Delta aircraft to two-class Song-style service, complete with all-leather seating, more comfortable interiors, and our state-of-the-art digital in-flight entertainment.
We'll dedicate this exclusive fleet of airplanes to cross-country flying from cities such as New York, Atlanta, Boston, and Cincinnati beginning summer 2006. And, we plan to expand the service to even more destinations to ultimately include all flights over 1,750 miles within the next two years.
We are excited about setting a new standard of air travel for our valued customers. As our plans continue to take shape, we promise to keep you updated on our latest developments.
Thanks for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you on board and treating you to the best service in the sky.




Joanne Smith
Song President & Delta Vice President of Consumer Marketing


When they say Spring 2006, I think I heard it was going to be in the beginning of May but don't quote me on that. I read it in an article on a newstand and did not purchase the magazine!

 

[goofy4tink]

Just want to point out to our friends in the Boston area that there's a whole nother half of a state over here and us Western MA folks tend to fly out of BDL or ALB. I'll use Bradley about 95% of the time, with Albany as a backup. Albany is about as long a drive as Logan, but I know I'm never going to get stuck in traffic or in a tunnel. Also, it is just soooo much easier geting in and around the smaller regional airports. Besides, Southwest flies to both, and I'm a huge SW fan.

As you might guess given my preference for Southwest and smaller airports, I'd probably drive up to Manchester or down to TF Green before heading into Logan if I lived back East.

I wish I lived a bit further west....I would love some of those fares out of Bradley!!! I have to say though....with the Big Dig just about done, it only takes us about 40 minutes to get to Logan. (live just east of Worcester) and it takes exactly an hour to get to TF Green. So, I do have a bunch of options.

Now, I have to agree with CAP Aircrew....I love those little tv's. I'm really going to miss them a lot. I think that Delta is missing the boat on this one. After flying SW last summer, and listening to the noise in the cabin, well, it just didn't compare with the quiet of the Song flights. Those kids are entranced with the tv's in front of them...so they aren't acting up. Makes for a much more pleasant flight.
But, now JB is starting to change flights. And here I thought I was going to be safe. Not so. Ah well, all good things must come to an end I guess.

 

[Iluvpooh&mickey]

I live north of Boston (right on the NH border) and I like to fly out of Manchester if possible. I looked at both Logan and Manchester but Southwest had the lowest fares so Manchester it is. We are going the first week of June and got $110 round trip. Besides that fare the cheapest I found was Song out of Logan for $175. I prefer Manchester b/c it's a smaller airport and parking is easier and cheaper but if I had a better rate/times I would consider Boston/Logan.

 

[HolliePoppins]

I see that some posters have recommended Jet Blue. Just a warning I priced delta and jet blue. Jet blue was almost $450 more for 4 people. Good luck.

 

[JoeCathyAngelina]

Airport ? Airline ?
The 1st $500 or less total fare for the 3 of us and we fly, otherwise we drive.
Then, if all goes well,
The creek don't rise,
and there ain't no melt down,
we do it all agian next year.

 

[crazywig]

we exclusively fly out of PVD. we're just south of worcester and it only takes about 40 mins to get there (but then you need to add in the stop at Krispy Kreme )

 

[goofy4tink]

I see that some posters have recommended Jet Blue. Just a warning I priced delta and jet blue. Jet blue was almost $450 more for 4 people. Good luck.

Absolutely right. I booked JetBlue for $79 pp, one way back in early Feb. Then, the flight disappeared and when it reappeared, the time had changed and the rate was at $294. It is now 'down' to $199!!! Glad I booked when I did. Basically, whoever gets me there for the least amount of money, at around the time I want to go, gets my money!!!

 

[DVC-Don]

We have family in northern Worcester County and they fly SW out of Manchester, NH.

 

[swillis]

Jet Blue. Love them, love them! I haven't had to pack a single thing for entertaining my kids on an airplane since Jet Blue came along. My daughter watches Animal Planet and my son watches Nick. You can't go wrong.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Last August 2005,we flew out of Manchester NH on SW Airlines... we got a great deal $49 each way ...non-stop ...can't beat that !!! P.S. we live in Worcester Co ,so we have about an hour drive in any direction to the closest airport.

 

[goofy4tink]

Last August 2005,we flew out of Manchester NH on SW Airlines... we got a great deal $49 each way ...non-stop ...can't beat that !!! P.S. we live in Worcester Co ,so we have about an hour drive in any direction to the closest airport.

Really! We're just east of Worcester and have never considered Manchester. I may have to amend this thinking. How is the parking there? My cousin actually had her wedding reception there many,many years ago but I don't remember how to get there or anything about the airport itself. Might be time to rethink my options.

 

[dgaston]

We fly SWA out of either PVD or BDL, and on our last trip Allegiant out of Worcester. The seats assigned at check in were nice, but the return flight leaving at 7:40 am was too early for me. Allegiant flies into Sanford rather than MCO.

 

[goofy4tink]

We flew PanAM out of Worcester just after 9/11, in Nov. It was very nice. And we liked Sanford. A very friendly, easy airport. I wish Allegient would have better return times though. I hate that early morning flight out of Sanford. Means getting up at 3 am at the latest!!!

 

[beattyfamily]

We usually fly Song or Jetblue and flew AA once when they had a GREAT, short sale and I got our tickets for $100 RT!!

I prefer Jetblue but sometimes it's hard for me to have the patience to wait for their dates to be released. This year, I am waiting due to what's going on with Song. My girls LOVE and now expect the TVs and Song/Delta can no longer guarantee the TVs. Also, Jetblue offers a snack and Song doesn't. Also, my flight times have never changed with Jetblue but they ALWAYS do with Song. Also, Jetblue has always come out cheaper then SOng/Delta.

Having said that, I'd go with the cheapest tickets I can find between Jetblue, Song and AA as long as it's great times and non-stop.