Question for those that know Southwest?

[momof2OH]

Right now I can get a flight from CAK to MCO for $196.70 a person (Oct 22 - Nov1 flying AirTran) I need 4 tickets. I've been waiting to see what Southwest was, but since they aren't sure when their extending dates, I'm not sure if I should grab these or wait a little longer. Does anyone know if Southwest might be cheaper? I think the price I have through AirTran ends July 15th. Picking airfare shouldn't be this stressing

TIA for any help/advice.

 

[4formickey]

SWA like to over book their flights. Air tran is the old Value Jet . Check some of the other airlines, they may be having a sale right now. Make sure you look at the major airlines,Unted was just as low for us as SWA.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks. I will check a couple more, but the other airlines I've checked have been a lot more.

 

[travelin' tigger]

I'm flying the same dates as you are but out of PVD. SW is the cheapest and most convenient for me so I'm sticking it out.

Anyway, I booked my trip down @ $79. Last week it dropped to $69 with more flight times opening up. Now just waiting for my return flight which should come out either this week or next. Even if it comes out @ $79, it'll still only be about $160 RT!!!

Good luck with your decision!!!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by 4formickey
SWA like to over book their flights. Air tran is the old Value Jet . Check some of the other airlines, they may be having a sale right now. Make sure you look at the major airlines,Unted was just as low for us as SWA.

All airlines like to overbook and oversell, SWA is NOT unique in this.
SWA is a major airline, btw.

 

[momof2OH]

I was thinking of doing the one way on SW now but they were (last I checked) $107/person. I guess since tomorrow is the 15th, I'd better decide soon.

Just checked...flight is $148

 

[Pembo]

We flew Air Tran from CAK last year. It was a great flight and the Akron airport is great, cheap parking and not very big. Remember Southwest doesnt have a nonstop out of CLE. Air Tran is non-stop. With kids the NS is the way to go. Good luck!

 

[DMRick]

SWA like to over book their flights

I just read an article in one of the major mags on airlines(we get several of them), that complimented SW on their speed of in and out (of an airport) and the that unlike other airlines, they didn't overbook. So they really do? The article was rating the different airlines for being on time, overbooking, cost, etc.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by DMRick
I just read an article in one of the major mags on airlines(we get several of them), that complimented SW on their speed of in and out (of an airport) and the that unlike other airlines, they didn't overbook. So they really do? The article was rating the different airlines for being on time, overbooking, cost, etc.

yes, they do overbook, but, it is rare that they have a problem with it. Of course, if you are one of the rare ones, it does not matter that it is a rare problem.

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks for all the replys. I just decided to go ahead and book with AirTran. The price along with the flight times were good. We especially like the non-stop flights.

 

[julybride]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
yes, they do overbook, but, it is rare that they have a problem with it. Of course, if you are one of the rare ones, it does not matter that it is a rare problem.

gail

Just out of curiosity, do you know what the story is with airlines and overbooking? Why is this a common practice? Why is this allowed?

DH and I were actually discussing this the other night after seeing several episodes of "Airline" where SW was having huge problems because of overbooking.

PS
I understand that this was edited to make "good" television and it's not like SW has huge problems like this everyday.

 

[aesalsa]

SWA just released scedules through Dec. 11! Check it out!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by julybride
gail

Just out of curiosity, do you know what the story is with airlines and overbooking? Why is this a common practice? Why is this allowed?

DH and I were actually discussing this the other night after seeing several episodes of "Airline" where SW was having huge problems because of overbooking.

PS
I understand that this was edited to make "good" television and it's not like SW has huge problems like this everyday.

Bascially, they have calculated how many people are no shows and airlines don't like to fly with empty seats. Usually they only overbook by the percentage of no shows. These are just stats. and as you saw on the show, this can backfire big time.

 

[4formickey]

After watching their show[SWA},I was and am to scared to fly them. I guess they feel that this show put them in a positive light, but it didn't with me.

 

[Pembo]

I agree with you 4formickey! I didn't think the show made them look good either.

You'll like Airtran Mom!

 

[momof2OH]

Thanks Pembo...I hope we like it too.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by 4formickey
After watching their show[SWA},I was and am to scared to fly them. I guess they feel that this show put them in a positive light, but it didn't with me.

At least they were honest enough to air their faults. Trust me, they all do it, they just are not honest enough to air it.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Pembo
I agree with you 4formickey! I didn't think the show made them look good either.

You'll like Airtran Mom!

I agree, honesty and being open about your faults is definitely a turn off. Better to have cancelled flights, overbooking, changed times, changed seats without any notification.

 

[4formickey]

Some of the bigger airlines will give you a confirm seat.This way you will know that you have a seat on that flight.With out that comfirmation,they may sell as many seats as they can because it will not matter.No seat confirmation is like flying standby to me. :space: :

 

[Dan Murfman]

Some of the bigger airlines will give you a confirm seat

Actually most of them will give you a confirmed seat. And I had one with a "major" airline. Well guess what? they overbooked and I was one of the 'lucky" ones to be bumped. Put me on a flight 6 hours later. Did ruin my trip but certainly put a damper on it to start. So I'll take my chances with that "minor" league SWA. And I love how the majors make it so "easy" to change flights after booking.