Trying to decide between AA or SW

[DisneyClown]

Does anyone know how much cheaper an infant fare is from an adult fare on Southwest? Southwest doesn't have baggage fees but I can't get an assigned seat, which I CAN get on AA, but their baggage fees run $20 for one bag. I know I can take my daughter as a lap baby, but I have decided to buy her a seat. I'm familiar with AA and I really like the peace of mind with assigned seats, but I don't want to pay an arm/leg for it. There will be 4 of us-me, husband, daughter, and 9 year old son. Just trying to get an idea of prices so I can make an educated decision when a good price comes up on either airline. Any info/advice is appreciated.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Haven't heard of infant fares; child fares, where available, are usually discounted off the full ticket price. Generally, it's more fiscally sensible to just purchase regular sale fares.

 

[DisneyClown]

Any other info?

 

[Sandi]

What Kaytieeldr said is correct. If an airline offers a "child fare" is it discounted off a full price ticket, not the discounted tickets you'll find on the internet. Those fares aren't available on the internet. You call and are shocked at the price. Best to just purchase the best fare available for your entire party.

 

[tinka-belle]

Forget the child fare on SW, it's a discount off the high Y class fare, usually just $30 or $40. If you want a seat just buy one at whatever low fare you find. The only upside to the child Y fare is that it's refundable, all Y fares are.

SW allows online check in 24 hours before flight time. You will get your boarding group and spot in line reserved. Unless you are traveling at a peak time it's unlikely (but not impossible) that you will not sit together. It's first checked in, first seated for flights, though families with young children can often board right after the A group. In Orlando most parties are families with children, so they sometimes can't offer that.

If SW fares go down on your flights, you can call and have a credit (not a refund) issued for future use, good for up to a year. Can't do that with AA. AA's current change fees are $150 per ticket plus any fare difference, SW is zero, just the difference in the fares.

 

[backyardponder]

We love Southwest. Being in Chicago, one big advantage is Midway is much easier to deal with than O'Hare.

Parking at MDW is also great. We use Midway Park Ride and Fly (http://www.parkrideflyusa.com/mdw-chicago-midway-airport-parking/#). They have fantastic shuttle service which picks you up at your car and drops you off at your car. Although they want you to call when you arrive, there's almost always a shuttle bus sitting outside the terminal waiting for folks. The easiest way to get to them is, from the Stevenson Expy (I-55), exit Central and go south. Immediately get in the left lane on Central. Turn left at the first street (47th). They are about 1/2 mile ahead on the left in an industrial area.