sw vs jetblue?

[mamabear0222]

I've never flown either...looks like sw has better flight times though? Any preference or major difference?

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[pigletto]

I prefer Jetblue for the inflight tv's. I'm a nervous flyer and it helps me pass the time. However we usually end up with Southwest these days because of better flight times and prices. I am never disappointed with Southwest and only prefer Jetblue a bit more. I've never had a bad flight with either one.

 

[sweetcreams]

SW allows 2 free checked bags, JetBlue allows 1. JetBlue allows you to choose a seat at no cost, SW has 24 hour check-in and no assigned seats. JetBlue has little TV's at each seat and free viewing. I don't think SW offers that (i'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). JetBlue has more legroom. I prefer JB, but SW is a close second for me.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We like knowing where we are going to sit (we all need aisle seats.....that's where we are most comfortable). So JetBlue's policy of selecting your seat upon booking makes them a winner for us (that and the TV on each seat....LOVE IT! It makes the flight go by soooo much faster).

We are not fans of the boarding/seating policies of Southwest, and that's the reason we have avoided them thus far.

 

[pigletto]

SW allows 2 free checked bags, JetBlue allows 1. JetBlue allows you to choose a seat at no cost, SW has 24 hour check-in and no assigned seats. JetBlue has little TV's at each seat and free viewing. I don't think SW offers that (i'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong). JetBlue has more legroom. I prefer JB, but SW is a close second for me.

No tv's but apparently Southwest has free tv/movies wifi that can be downloaded to your laptop or tablet now. I can't say whether it works well or not because I haven't flown with them since they've been offered.
As far as the seating issue. You do check in at the 24 hour mark with Southwest and then line up according the position you were assigned. Because I have to have an aisle seat at the front and want to sit with my kids, I always pay the 12.50 per person (per flight) for Early Bird Check In. That will check you in at the 36 hour mark. We've used it 8 or 9 times now and have always been in the first 10 people to board the plane. We typically buy the flights as soon as they are released, so we've often been the first people on the plane as well.
You're almost assured to get seats all together even without buying it though. It's only if you check in after the 24 hour mark that you might end up with problems.

So make sure to compare the prices. Add in the EBCI fee if that's important to you and see how it measures up. Jetblue was over 500 per person for our upcoming flight and we were able to do Southwest for 350 per person even with the EBCI. Jetblue is just more expensive out of Buffalo it seems, and way more expensive on weekends (when we have to travel).

They may be cheaper out of your airport

 

[mamabear0222]

You guys are great. Thanks for the feedback. I've never flown either. The seating doesnt sound like fun on southwest. Does jetblue charge for seat selection?

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[Ted in Halifax]

nope ... no seat fee. Its free.

 

[CanadianPaco]

Did not know that! Awesome info!

 

[C&B Young]

We're flying Southwest to WDW on our next trip, and Jet Blue return (first time for both airlines). Each leg had the cheapest price available and the most preferable flight times for us (JetBlue flies early direct out of Buffalo and we prefer to not get up at 4am to fly!).

We flew Air Tran both legs (also for the first time) last trip, and would do it again IF the price was right, but once ticket prices break $120 their "no frills" approach isn't worth it.

 

[boundfordisney]

we have flown with both airlines, but mainly southwest because of better flight times, cheaper fares and 2 free bags per person. I bring my portable dvd player so its not really an issue having no tv for the flight if we are travelling with the grandkids. Never had any issues with the seating even though its not assighned seats, I have paid the extra for early boarding though and its still usually cheaper then jet blue fares. Really whomever has the cheaper fare is who I book with, have flown with airtran as well but they charge for bags so try and avoid them if possible. jet blue or southwest are both great !