Southwest vs Airtran

[JenniJ]

I see that Southwest has some November dates listed. The lowest they have from Chicago to Orlando is $94. Airtran has dates listed all the way into December. Their lowest rate is $93.

Does anyone think that Southwest will go lower or match Airtran? What are the benefits and drawbacks from flying with either?

TIA!!

 

[mrsklamc]

Southwest has no baggage fees, and will give you credit if your plans change, with no fee to change.

Airtran has baggage fees, don't know what their change policy is.

 

[Psychodisney]

Another big difference is that Airtran changes its schedule frequently. For example, you might book a nonstop and then the time changes and it becomes a flight with a stop somewhere. That and the baggage fees keep me on Southwest! Also, if you book Southwest and the fare does go lower, you can get credit.

 

[JenniJ]

WOW! I like what I am hearing about Southwest! I have never fflown on Southwest before. Last time I took a personal flight was when there was still ATA!

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I would definitely go with SWA. For the reasons the other posters mentioned plus I find customer service, the agents at the check in desks, and flight attendants to be much nicer and efficient with SWA (the only thing I don't like is not being able to pick your seat but a lot of people like the way SWA boards). I've flown with both a lot and prefer SWA.

 

[MomRN]

If you fly with SW, and don't want to deal with early check-in, and don't mind where you sit on the plane just as long as you can sit next to your child (4), is that usually a problem?

 

[squirrel]

If you fly with SW, and don't want to deal with early check-in, and don't mind where you sit on the plane just as long as you can sit next to your child (4), is that usually a problem?

Southwest lets people board by the check-in. If you don't pre-pay for early check-in and don't want to check-in online at 24 hrs before your flight then you will get a later boarding pass.

I believe if you have a child under 5 then they allow you to board after the A boarding passes.

I flew with my niece last year and did the 24 hour early check-in at Pop and it was after the 24 hrs but I still got an A boarding pass.

 

[rdona24]

I booked my upcoming trip with Air Tran, nonstop from Boston to Orlando, then about a month later started getting e-mails with all different schedule changes and crazy layovers. I called and they said they didn't have any more nonstops for that route?????, but they did refund my credit card without a hassle or a fee. I then booked a flight from Providence to Orlando on Southwest for about the same price, nonstop, with no bag fees.

 

[akcire]

I see that Southwest has some November dates listed. The lowest they have from Chicago to Orlando is $94. Airtran has dates listed all the way into December. Their lowest rate is $93.

Does anyone think that Southwest will go lower or match Airtran? What are the benefits and drawbacks from flying with either?

TIA!!

Hello Napervillian.....

My husband travels a ton for work and is a big fan of Southwest. I have had nothing but good experiences.

Sign up for their frequent traveler club with 16 segments you get a free round trip ticket.

I got an email earlier for 4 free flight credits if you sign up...if you need the information send me a PM and I can email you the information.

Also sign up for Ding to get alerts of special deals. We just went to Philadelphia and our ticket was less than $140 roundtrip with a Ding fare

Since Southwest is now part of Disney's Resort Check in I see no reason to ever fly another airline to Disney---unless someone else has a killer deal.

Not to sound like the crazy Southwest lady---but they also support my favorite charity Ronald McDonald House...so I feel good spending my dollars with their company.

 

[leane]

I say go for Southwest.

I booked out of MKE for $99 it has gone all the way down to $84 and I got the credit just by rebooking - no fees to rebook.

Had to change DH's flight out on Airtran for the same trip, he is meeting us 3 days after we get in... $75 change fee...

My vote is for Southwest and check fare FREQUENTLY they can go down but disappear quickly..

 

[FireDancer]

I love Southwest but will be flying Air Tran in October for the first time. It is for a 1.5 day trip to Disney so I am not checking baggage so the fees make no difference but I have already had the return leg changed once. I don't really care because both days are just travel days (fly down Friday and back Sunday) but if the schedule mattered or I was checking bags the situation might be different.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I see that Southwest has some November dates listed. The lowest they have from Chicago to Orlando is $94. Airtran has dates listed all the way into December. Their lowest rate is $93.

Does anyone think that Southwest will go lower or match Airtran? What are the benefits and drawbacks from flying with either?

TIA!!

SW is known for free baggage, great customer service and NO fees for any change you make.
AT is KNOWN to change your flights day or time
AND change it without even notifying you Just take a look here on DIS of the complaints regarding AT.
Personally we avoid them as I do not want "issues" before or during my vacation....vacation is stressful enough

 

[dopeynme]

Another annoying thing about AT is that they charge a $6 fee to reserve your seat......and if you don't pay the fee, you risk not sitting with your child(because the person who paid is not likely to switch so you can sit with your child). On SW, families with young children board between the A and B groups....and if no one paid a fee, then most people would be willing to change to let a parent sit with their child.

We have experienced the changing flight times and the adding of layovers on AT. And then after they change the time, they charge you to switch to another flight!!!!! Never again.

SW is great, friendly service, no fees for bags, seats, changing flights, anything. We love them!!!!