Southwest or American Airlines?

[jec6613]

AA has not tied up the lose ends with the merger yet, but neither has UA/CO ... or DL/NW. It takes over a decade to merge fully.

I fly AA almost exclusively, not just because I have elite FF status (which I do), but because they have the best on time performance to the airports I fly to. WN is just abysmal out of LGA/JFK, and B6 forces me entirely to JFK, while AA has basically a shuttle that goes LGA-ORD and JFK-LAX, which are two of the major routes I fly. Plus, WN and B6 don't fly internationally to speak of, and I have at least one mid-haul international sector per year as well. By sticking with OneWorld, I get big bonuses.

That said, if it's your once per year flight, I wouldn't worry too much. I fly A LOT, and honestly they're all about the same for OTP and lost luggage, but the not insubstantial perks of free first class upgrades and such really do add up.

Also, for Laura Kelly, flying out of SHV, I'd take DL or AA as they have the most frequencies to the hub and avoid WN which currently does not service SHV at all. Out of DFW vs DAL, it's hands down you should go out of DFW. WN has almost zero presence on that route, and AA is very heavy, so even if you have a cancellation or delay, you still get out close to on time - with WN, you'll be pushed 1-2 days until the next available flight with seats on it. Schedules are posted 330 days in advance across all airlines nationwide.

 

[jdb in AZ]

AA has not tied up the lose ends with the merger yet, but neither has UA/CO ... or DL/NW. It takes over a decade to merge fully.

I fly AA almost exclusively, not just because I have elite FF status (which I do), but because they have the best on time performance to the airports I fly to. WN is just abysmal out of LGA/JFK, and B6 forces me entirely to JFK, while AA has basically a shuttle that goes LGA-ORD and JFK-LAX, which are two of the major routes I fly. Plus, WN and B6 don't fly internationally to speak of, and I have at least one mid-haul international sector per year as well. By sticking with OneWorld, I get big bonuses.

That said, if it's your once per year flight, I wouldn't worry too much. I fly A LOT, and honestly they're all about the same for OTP and lost luggage, but the not insubstantial perks of free first class upgrades and such really do add up.

Also, for Laura Kelly, flying out of SHV, I'd take DL or AA as they have the most frequencies to the hub and avoid WN which currently does not service SHV at all. Out of DFW vs DAL, it's hands down you should go out of DFW. WN has almost zero presence on that route, and AA is very heavy, so even if you have a cancellation or delay, you still get out close to on time - with WN, you'll be pushed 1-2 days until the next available flight with seats on it. Schedules are posted 330 days in advance across all airlines nationwide.

I understood most of those abbreviations (including WN = SWA), but what is B6?

 

[jec6613]

B6 is JetBlue's airline code - they're the other airline that has MCO as a, "Focus City," and includes checked baggage fees in the base fare.

 

[jec6613]

To me, the advantage is no change fee. American will slap you with $200 per ticket.

If you go up two fare buckets in ticket, for $100 or so more, there's no change fee on AA, either. Since for me WN is more than double (and is often triple) AA's fares as a base fare, it's really no competition.

 

[NancyIL]

My preference is American, as they are the only airline that has consistently served my local airport (CMI). Our FF miles are mostly on American, and I have their premium credit card to get a free checked bag, etc. However, I used to take AirTran from BMI (an hour away with free parking) to Orlando. Since that is no longer an option and my closest Southwest options are Indianapolis or Chicago - Delta from BMI is usually my second choice.

 

[DebbieB]

If you go up two fare buckets in ticket, for $100 or so more, there's no change fee on AA, either. Since for me WN is more than double (and is often triple) AA's fares as a base fare, it's really no competition.

You're right, the difference in fares is a big consideration. It depends on where you are flying from, I've found SW to be close or less in price from Pittsburgh. Plus the only non-stop, which is another consideration.

 

[Laura Kelly]

If you go up two fare buckets in ticket, for $100 or so more, there's no change fee on AA, either. Since for me WN is more than double (and is often triple) AA's fares as a base fare, it's really no competition.

What are fare buckets???

 

[jec6613]

What are fare buckets???

Groups of fare prices. There are about two dozen booking codes, usually denoted by a single letter, indicating what you paid and in combination with the fare basis indicate what you paid for. They go from deep discount coach to full fare first class. AA has a handy FAQ about which is what here:

http://www.aa.com/i18n/agency/General/your_choice_fares_faqs.jsp

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Sorry, would love to fly from Shreveport, La to Orl but there don't offer nonstop flights so will most likely go from Dallas FW or Dallas love field. Both offer non stop flights.
I had just heard bad things about AA and United, that they are notorious for canceling or having major delays.
SW has great reviews but I'm pretty nervous about being separated from the rest of the family. My kids would be a nervous wreck if they were separated

I'm talking about a case where a flight is canceled due to a schedule change and they move you to a different flight. Sometimes there are not seats together on the new flight. It doesn't happen often but it can. I was just saying it's not 100% when you have assigned seats.

Used to be the real advantage of "waiting" to book SW was that they actually PLANNED to fly those flights they scheduled. Apparently now you wait to book so that they can cancel the flights LOL! And if they do that then you have to rebook your EBCI which may decrease your chances of good low numbers. So I don't think the seating assignment and flight change scenarios are now clear cut reasons to book SW.

I agree just go with what works best for you. I have had delays, etc on all of them... stuff happens !