SWA/AirTran Merger...timeline???

[Lisa0620]

I was elated when AirTran arrived in Grand Rapids....only to find out a year later that they'd been bought by SWA...

Me too, SO bummed about this. We flew them in Nov. and loved it. So much cheaper and easier than dealing with the drive and parking/shuttle at DTW.

Just because they are full does not mean they are profitable. Southwest seems to be walking away from alot of Orlando flights because they are mostly leisure passengers who don't want to pay high fares (I know they dropped Cleveland, Detroit, Washington Dulles). Most airlines bread & butter is from business travelers who pay high fares to fly last minute and don't care about price because they expense it. There is not much business travel to Orlando. If another airline has the route, they may decide to just let them have it rather than cut fares to compete. Then use those planes in other markets where they can make a profit.

SW dropping the direct flight from DTW to MCO doesn't bode well for GRR to MCO long term, does it? I hope this merger takes a really loooooooooong time. We're going to wait it out until the next AT/SW date release before booking for next April and hope for the best...

 

[DebbieB]

SW dropping the direct flight from DTW to MCO doesn't bode well for GRR to MCO long term, does it? I hope this merger takes a really loooooooooong time. We're going to wait it out until the next AT/SW date release before booking for next April and hope for the best...

DTW is a Delta hub, they seem to be staying away from other airline's hubs where they have to compete. They may stick with GRR if there is not other competition and they can keep the fares higher.

 

[FiggyFan]

You might look into flying out of Flint instead of Detroit. Our AT nonstop leaves at 7am, gets in to MCO at 9:35ish; hop on ME to your resort, and you should be on you way to the Parks by noon. the nonstop home gets in to Flint about 11pm. The best part is that Flint Bishop Airport is VERY easy to get in and out of. No big lines at all.