Southwest or US Airways???

[disneyfanz04]

which one is a better flight...more comfortable/smoother/roomier ride????? DH and I are petriefied of flying, want the best flight possible.

 

[DebbieB]

I've never flown Southwest (does not serve Pittsburgh) and I've never had a major problem with USAirways. Southwest does not reserve seats, it's open seating based on time of check-in. Smooth flight is based mostly on weather conditions. But a major thing to consider is USAirways is in bankruptcy. I wouldn't book them too far ahead.

 

[gw_lit]

It also depends what kind of plane you are on.... on Southwest you will be on a 737 that seats around 130-150 people. On US Airways, you could be on anything (from a 30 seat turboprop to a 50 seat regional jet, to a 737, 757 or an Airbus) if you have a connecting flight into a hub. From the hub to Orlando, you should have something comparable in size, if not bigger, than Southwest's 737.

And, as Debbie said, weather has the biggest impact on a smooth flight. But I've found the bigger the plane, the less noticable any turbulence is.

 

[safetymom]

I think if you are concerned about flying to go with USAirways. Sometimes Southwest makes jokes when doing the safety info on board. For veterans they enjoy it others it upsets them.

Also USAirways assigns seats. It depends where you are flying from but if it is a major hub city they use 757's.

But if there is a storm you will feel the turbulence on any size aircraft.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

I thought SWA had more comfortable seats, some are even leather. I think SWA is more laid-back and friendly too. US Air seems uptight after flying SWA. JMO. Good luck!!

 

[ducklite]

Here's a couple of tips for you...

If your trip is after March 1, 2005, book someone other than US Air. I wouldn't count on them surviving this latest BK.

I would not book SW either, for one simple reason--with their boarding scheme, you and your husband could very well not end up seated together. You can't prebook your seats on SW like you can on most other carriers.

Anne

 

[Lewisc]

Make sure you book a non-stop flight. A connecting flight requires a change of plane and a direct flight might make a stop.
If you're a nervous flyer you don't want an extra stop.

I'd pick based on N/S, time and price. SW employees tend to joke around, I'd think this might relax you more than upset you.

Others have posted a smooth ride is a function of the weather more than the airline.

 

[disneyfanz04]

ok, here is some more detail....we are flying out of Philadelphia International, and both flights are non-stop, US Airways is $394.40 arriving in Orlando @11:00PM and SWA is $353.40 arriving in Orlando @ 12:20AM. I was going to have a town car pick us up which would cost $120.00 rt but then found a rental car @ Dollar for 172.00 and thought why not just pay the extra $50.00 to have the car. So is dollar open this late???

 

[CAP Aircrew]

USAir is currently using 757's on that run. As a previous poster mentioned, SWA uses only 737's.

My personal preference is to fly on a 757 rather than a 737. I have nothing against the 737 as it is the most abundant airplane in the skies these days. I've also flown 737's hundred's of times. I just like the 757 better because it is bigger and has an impressive climb ratio!

USAir will give you assigned seating.
Southwest will not.

Nothing against SWA and it's seating policy. It's just not for me. I like an assigned seat and everytime I pass by a long cue at a Southwest gate reaffirms my decision not to fly SWA.

I think the $40 difference in price would be a good investment. You'll get a bigger plane, an assigned seat and get to the Magic a little earlier!

 

[Lewisc]

The airport car rental agencies (in MCO) are open 24/7. What date is your flight? Given USAir's financial situation it's possible your flight might be changed or even cancelled.

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by Lewisc
The airport car rental agencies (in MCO) are open 24/7. What date is your flight? Given USAir's financial situation it's possible your flight might be changed or even cancelled.

Our flight will be November 18th 2004. They aren't going under before then are they???

BTW got a cheaper rate of $149.00 with Thrifty car rental...they are IN the airport right????

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by CAP Aircrew
USAir is currently using 757's on that run. As a previous poster mentioned, SWA uses only 737's.

My personal preference is to fly on a 757 rather than a 737. I have nothing against the 737 as it is the most abundant airplane in the skies these days. I've also flown 737's hundred's of times. I just like the 757 better because it is bigger and has an impressive climb ratio!

USAir will give you assigned seating.
Southwest will not.

Nothing against SWA and it's seating policy. It's just not for me. I like an assigned seat and everytime I pass by a long cue at a Southwest gate reaffirms my decision not to fly SWA.

I think the $40 difference in price would be a good investment. You'll get a bigger plane, an assigned seat and get to the Magic a little earlier!

I have only ever flown US irways, and am very comfortable flying them, but I know with the bankruptcy and all I am so

 

[safetymom]

US Airways have received agreements so they will be flying at least through January 2005.

A great place to get information on airlines, car rentals, hotels, to maximize your miles and savings is www.flyertalk.com

 

[Lewisc]

I'd think your Nov flight with USAIR would be OK.

Thrifty is located offsite, you'll have to take a shuttle bus. I think they're open 24/7. You might check mousesavers.com for some rental car codes. Find out how much more it will cost to rent from a rental agency in the terminal.

 

[beccasmom]

We've always flown USAirways from Philly. We've tried Delta, but they have so few non-stops to Orlando. USAirways has been fine, but the customer service has gone downhill in my opinion. Given their ongoing financial issues, perhaps that is to be expected. Many folks in this area have taken big pay cuts and are not happy.

I flew Southwest to WDW in August and loved it. I was initially put off by the unreserved seating, but it worked surprisingly well and the reps are really good about not letting people in a line without the proper boarding pass. I can't say I was wowed by their service, but everything seemed to run smoothly. I will use them again.

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Thrifty is located offsite, you'll have to take a shuttle bus. I think they're open 24/7. You might check mousesavers.com for some rental car codes. Find out how much more it will cost to rent from a rental agency in the terminal.

this is my confirmation...why, if they are not ON-SITE am I being charged an airport fee???


TIME & PLACE
Pickup Location : ORLANDO AIRPORT, FL, USA
5600 BUTLER NATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ORLANDO, FL 32812
UNITED STATES
(407) 380-1002
Pickup Date : November 18, 2004 at 09:00 PM
Return Location : ORLANDO AIRPORT, FL, USA
5600 BUTLER NATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
ORLANDO, FL 32812
UNITED STATES
(407) 380-1002
Return Date : November 25, 2004 at 09:00 PM

VEHICLE TYPE
Mid-Size

EST. BASE RATE (in USD)
1 week @ $116.99/week with Unlimited Miles

Dodge Stratus


ESTIMATED FEES
in USD
Estimated Mandatory Charges
RENTAL TIME CHARGE $116.99
5% DISCOUNT $5.85
WITH DISCOUNT APPLIED $111.14
AIRPORT ACCESS FEE (8.7%) $11.20
STATE SURCHARGE ($2.05 PER DAY) $14.35
SALES TAX (6.5%) $8.37
VEHICLE LICENSING FEE ($0.47 PER DAY) $3.29
Total Estimated Mandatory Charges $148.36
Estimated Grand Total $148.36

Optional items must be reselected at the time of rental.

The charges for the optional products and services listed above are included only for the purpose of providing you an estimated cost of the rental if you should choose to select such options. Selecting optional products and services as part of the reservation process is not intended to be a contract by Thrifty to provide you such products and services unless and until you have selected such products and services at the time of rental and have signed the rental agreement.

 

[Lewisc]

They give you their address, put it in mapquest or go to Thrifty's webiste if you don't believe me.

They charge a fee because the airport charges them an "airport acess fee" which basically is a fee that allows their shuttle buses to pickup and drop off at the terminal.

Hertz and Thrifty are the more popular agencies that aren't in the terminal.

National, Alamo, Dollar, Budget, Avis and L&M are actually in the terminal.

http://www.orlandoairports.net:/goaa/ops/rac.htm

Originally posted by disneyfanz04
this is my confirmation...why, if they are not ON-SITE am I being charged an airport fee???


TIME & PLACE
Pickup Location : ORLANDO AIRPORT, FL, USA
5600 BUTLER NATIONAL DRIVE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
AIRPORT ACCESS FEE (8.7%) $11.20
STATE SURCHARGE ($2.05 PER DAY) $14.35
SALES TAX (6.5%) $8.37
VEHICLE LICENSING FEE ($0.47 PER DAY) $3.29
Total Estimated Mandatory Charges $148.36
Estimated Grand Total $148.36

Optional items must be reselected at the time of rental.

The charges for the optional products and services listed above are included only for the purpose of providing you an estimated cost of the rental if you should choose to select such options. Selecting optional products and services as part of the reservation process is not intended to be a contract by Thrifty to provide you such products and services unless and until you have selected such products and services at the time of rental and have signed the rental agreement.

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by Lewisc
They give you their address, put it in mapquest or go to Thrifty's webiste if you don't believe me.

No, I totally didn't think you were lying
I was just curious why they charge an airport fee...but you explained that as well.....I get it now, because when we were going to go with the towncar they also charge $10.00 extra dollars for airport pickup.
I have rebooked with dollar for $173.48...does this sound like alot??? I have to be able to pickup in the terminal. Thanks for all your help!!!

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by disneyfanz04
No, I totally didn't think you were lying
I was just curious why they charge an airport fee...but you explained that as well.....I get it now, because when we were going to go with the towncar they also charge $10.00 extra dollars for airport pickup.
I have rebooked with dollar for $173.48...does this sound like alot??? I have to be able to pickup in the terminal. Thanks for all your help!!!

Doesn't sound bad for a weekly rate, I assume it includes all the fees, BUT you didn't say what size car it is. Go to the web and sign up for their quick rent program ( I think it's called fast break).

 

[disneyfanz04]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Doesn't sound bad for a weekly rate, I assume it includes all the fees, BUT you didn't say what size car it is. Go to the web and sign up for their quick rent program ( I think it's called fast break).

Vehicle Type: Intermediate ( Dodge Stratus or similar )


do you get a cheaper rate by signing up for that???