Southwest VS Jetblue

[kateandy08096]

Hello everyone! I live in NJ and will be causing out of Galveston in January. I priced SWA out of Philadelphia to Houston and it was over $800 for 2 people.
I then looked into Southwest out of Laguardia and it was a little over $400 for 2 people and then Jet Blue out of JFK to George Bush a little over $400 for 2.
So my question would be which airline is better? Southwest allows free bags but jet blue allows 1 free carryon and personal item. Jet blue will also be on a new plane and have tvs in the seats. I have only used SWA in the past and never jetblue and never have flown out of a NY airport.
Which would you choose and why?
Both options are Non stop flights

 

[msmayor]

I live in NJ - and have flown out of PHL. I've also flown out of JFK and LaGuardia.

I would only pick JFK or LaGuardia if either were absolutely the only option available. The cost savings IMO is not worth the aggravation of traveling to either airport.

Look at Newark NJ for an alternative option.

 

[xdan0920]

I live in NJ too, your question is complicated by the fact that commuting to JFK is a flipping nightmare from NJ. And it sounds like you might be much closer to Philly? Which would make LGA not much better.

 

[EACarlson]

Lots of factors into that decision. Are you going to have checked bags? How many? One bag each is an additional $140 on JB. Two bags each is an additional $340 compared to SW. Which is better for you to get to, LGA or JFK? Which is closer to where you need to end up, HOU or IAH? Does a smaller airport in Houston make a difference to you? Does it cost more for you to get to LGA or JFK compared to PHL? How much more?

 

[Lewisc]

I'd consider booking a connecting flight out of PHL instead of a Non stop out of NYC

 

[kateandy08096]

Thanks all! I live in Cape May. We were just taking 1 checked bag each since it's only a week long cruise.
I heard NYC airports are nightmares. Flying into IAH or Hobby doesn't matter which one. SWA goes to 1 and Jet Blue goes to the other from all 3 of my options.
Philly isn't non stop but both NY are and unfortunately newark isn't an option as it's higher then philly price wise.

 

[kylenne]

Thanks all! I live in Cape May. We were just taking 1 checked bag each since it's only a week long cruise.
I heard NYC airports are nightmares. Flying into IAH or Hobby doesn't matter which one. SWA goes to 1 and Jet Blue goes to the other from all 3 of my options.
Philly isn't non stop but both NY are and unfortunately newark isn't an option as it's higher then philly price wise.

I would still take a connecting flight out of PHL over trying to commute into Queens from Cape May NJ. The layover will take less time and aggravation tbqh. For reference I live in NYC and never fly out of EWR and only very rarely out of LGA because it's way too inconvenient from where i live at, and both those airports are less time and hassle for me to get to than it would be for you to get to LGA or JFK. Especially considering the perpetual construction on the Wan Wyck.

 

[msmayor]

Thanks all! I live in Cape May. We were just taking 1 checked bag each since it's only a week long cruise.
I heard NYC airports are nightmares. Flying into IAH or Hobby doesn't matter which one. SWA goes to 1 and Jet Blue goes to the other from all 3 of my options.
Philly isn't non stop but both NY are and unfortunately newark isn't an option as it's higher then philly price wise.

JFK and LaGuardia are easily 3 hours from Cape May...between the time, tolls and aggravation it's surprising you would even consider them. One accident on the Garden State Parkway and you could risk missing your flight.

You say you are going in January, so weather is obviously a concern too.

Pay the extra and go out of PHL.

 

[Lewisc]

Baltimore is probably more convenient then the NYC airports.

Edired at answer your original question. Adjust the jet blue fare to include the cost of luggage. Pick on the basis of fare, schedule and airports. I wouldn't base my decision on which airline

 

[msmayor]

Baltimore is probably more convenient then the NYC airports

Still a solid 3 hour drive, but a better choice than NY.

If I was going to do BWI though I'd drive down the day before and stay in a hotel near the airport, using a park and fly rate. Husband and I did that for a March cruise where we wanted to fly Southwest (they'd cut way back at PHL but BWI is a hub). There was snow, and temps in the single digits. We were VERY happy we'd gone down the day before.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Son and DIL live in HOU area. They fly SWA out of Hobby when possible as the airport is much easier to navigate. I would avoid NYC airports if possible.

Good luck!

 

[Mle8308]

Factor in the $25 each way per person early boarding for SWA if you decide on SWA. Or you may not care where you sit or if you sit together, if so, than ignore the fee. The way I look at it is you don't pay a baggage fee for SWA, but you will pay almost the same for the convenience of boarding earlier. I'd go JetBlue if it's even close.

 

[Mouse Tracker]

Is your $ to transfer to Galveston from either Houston airport a factor? (Hobby is closer)

 

[Anthony1971]

A more direct answer both will take about the same time to get to. Out of both I always liked LGA over JFK. LGA is far easier to navigate but there in is the downfall it is a small airport. Parking is an issue at both and I would strongly suggest at airport parking. Both are located in not so desirable areas and that is where the offsite parking will be. While this is true of most airports the difference is these 2 are mostly residential unlike Newark where there lots in the middle of nowhere if you are familiar. So getting there.... JFK you will need to take the Goethals or outer bridge go through Staten island and yet another toll for the Verrazzano then straight down the Belt Pkway there is a JFK entrance you do not need to take the Van Wyke. Depending on the day and time once you hit the bridge it can be 35 minutes - 2 hours. LGA you need to take the Whitestone or Throgs neck to the LIE to Grand central again about same as above but here the traffic if heavy should move a lot faster going... the way back not so much. I write this only to let you know THIS WILL NOT be easy from Cape May...... The tolls and parking increase may outweigh any savings as well. I use to live near these airports and still travel to these parts as I family... It can take 2-3 hours with 1 1/2 being good time and I am 10 minutes from 2 of the bridges. With I have done it in under 1 hour on great days closer to 45 minutes as I past the airports.
Side note you can take the Belt to LGA as well but I really would not suggest it as you will be getting into the real traffic on some of the roads you will need take that way.