SW or AirTran? which one and why?

[bcinohio]

We are going to WDW July 12-19 and are looking to fly. We usually drive and I'm not to familiar with the different airlines. DH and I took a trip there in Oct without the kids and flew Cont. We booked a package with Disney. I don't want to book a package unless they come up with a good deal. I have been ready a lot about these two airlines. Airtran goes out of our local airport (20min away) SW out of Cleveland (1 hr) away. Not a big difference really.

Please tell me which one you would choose. We want to go nonstop. AirTran only has 1 a day and SW 2.

If I do book with one of these when is the best time. As soon as they open those dates or wait? I'm so confused

Thanks for the help!!

 

[snowbunny]

Just pick the one with the best fare. They're both fine (we fly both routinely). If assigned seats are important to you then you can get those for $5 each with AirTran. Otherwise there is not enough difference between the two to sweat it either way.

 

[ntsammy5]

Lowest fare always wins. Nonstop is nice too. Both airlines are fine.

 

[keishashadow]

*from PIT, AT is usually cheaper out of the gate

*from PIT, AT also tends to change flight times, repeatedly & substantially; tends to eliminate the last direct evening flight from MCO during the slower periods

*SW, while more expensive does offer DINGS, usually not the flights I book (high season, weekends, 1st/last direct flight, etc.)

*SW certainly more generous as to cancelling & reusing funds within a year of booking

*AT offers great rewards program, bit of stretch to actually use them-have to work @ it, now you can check flights online as to voucher'd openings

all things considered equal, i'd book SW

 

[smep013]

If you are staying on property, and if the fares are pretty close, we like Air Tran because on your check-out day, you can take advantage of Resort Airline Check-in. Meaning, at your resort, you check-in for your flight and get your actual boarding pass at your resort. You leave your bags and see them again at your home airport. It is a great convenience! To my knowledge, Southwest is not on board with this yet. Only about 10 airlines are.