Southwest Airlines

[Disneynscc]

Hi,

We are considering flying Southwest Airlines. We have never flown with them before. What do dis'ers think about southwest?

 

[kotto1234]

I flew SW twice last two years. Liked it. Cheap and no checked bag fee up to two bags!
Will book with them for the trip this June. Should have done it earlier.
They just raised the fare $10 more round trip Friday night (blaming on the fuel price, of course). However, with the no checked bag fee policy, still cheap compared to other airlines.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

We don't fly any other airline. With the no change fee/cancel fee or bag fee, it's the only way to go for our family of 5. Be warned though, they do not have reserved seating. You can pay $10 extra to be in the "A" boarding group, but even that is first come first serve. You *must* check in online 24 hours before your flight if sitting next to one another is important to you...even if you are traveling with children. They will make you split your family, even if it is just the parent and a 9yo. There are lots of nice people who will move for you, but it's never a guarantee. Just make sure to check in as soon as check in for your flight opens.

 

[Plum Pirate]

I love Southwest! I've flown on SW for both business and pleasure many times. I find them to be reliable, reasonably priced (if you watch the internet and book online), and love the fact that you can cancel your flight and not lose money. Granted, you will not receive a refund, but a credit which must be used within one year of the date the initial reservation was made (or pay a fee to continue the credit past that date), but I don't think any other airline will do this. I have also rebooked if the flight costs went down and received a credit for the difference. Plus two free bags per customer - it can't be beat.

I don't mind not having a reserved seat. We've always checked in early and received "A" or "B" seating and have had no problem getting four seats close to each other. The only time we ever had to split up was once when we were at the airline early but left the gate and messed around in the stores until the airline was seating "C" passengers on a fully booked flight. At that time my daughters sat together and my husband and I sat alone. It wasn't ideal, but my kids were old enough that they didn't freak out (I think I was probably 3-4 rows ahead of them), and it was our own fault for not staying at the gate.

I have a free flight on another airline left over from the days when I traveled a lot for work, and I have hung onto it for years because I just don't want to fly unless it is on SW.

 

[kritter]

Love SW!!

 

[npcougar]

love them

 

[melmar136]

Have never had any issue with SW, and even though I don't like not being able to pick seats beforehand, I have never had to sit apart from DD.
We got a great rate ($67) out of Boston, on our way down to WDW this Aug so SW it is!

 

[navyblue8]

Love SW and have never had a bad experience. To me, that ugly plane out on the runway is the start of the trip!

 

[NYDisneyKid]

since moving here (10 minutes from Disney) i've flown out of FL a few times and its hands down for SW. free baggage, but most of all the crew is the best. they are so laid back and comical. its like being on Seinfeld. love it.

 

[Mixie]

SW all the way!

They are inexpensive, but not a 'cheap' airline. I hate flying any other airline.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

If it all possible, it is the only airline we fly. We will fly to the nearest SWA airport and drive to our final destination if need be. We love SWA and have never had an issue with them. I don't mind the boarding procedure and I love the fact that once their schedule is set, they don't change it, except for weather or mechanical issues.

 

[Singledad]

I cannot sing the praises for SW enough.

I am a single dad to a young daughter (at the time of this posting she is 4), traveling alone with her is a scarey thought, but to deal with airplanes as well? too much! However, the two round trips i've taken with her have both been SW and both could not have been better. The ticket prices are reasonable, esp because I only fly nonstop. I can't seem to find many airlines that even offer Nonstop anymore (plenty of 'direct' but not many nonstop). Add in the two bags per traveler is already included.. that means I can pack up for 4 bags for my daughter and I and not have to worry about not having what we need, or paying luggage fees at an airport, esp since I like to do the magical express @ WDW.

I actually LIKE not having an assigned seat. I tend to get to the airport early and never had less than a B seating. not being assigned ahead of time means I can make a 'snap' judgement about who we sit near... in other words, I can try to sit near another parent and child, so my kid has a buddy to talk with nearby.

I also have a ton of carryons due to medical supplies for myself... SW empolyees have always helped us get everything down the aisle and packed up right in a jiffy so I don't feel like I am in the way, and my daughter can be safely tucked into her seat... no having to feel like I need a million arms as a single parent. SW seems to step in and help so I can focus more on getting my girl settled than worrying about making sure the backpack with snacks doesn't end up on the other end of the plane...

sorry if I seem like I am repeating myself, I am getting tired (3rd shifter) and not sure I am making sense...

in the end, I say GO SW!