US Air throws me for a loop

[Dan Murfman]

We're headed down in November and booked about a month ago. We booked 2 tickets from our local airport (Groton CT). We paid about 255 for each. Not bad considering the airport is less than 5 minutes from our house and the parking is free.
Woke up this morning and read in the local paper that US Air is pulling out this September. Big time bummer but what are you going to do. Well called US Air this morning to see what we needed to do. They offered to refund us 120 dollars and change our flights to Providence and they would also put us 1st class. That sounds good but they have no direct flights (not that we had a direct flight from Groton). But going from Providence we can get direct flights from SWA for a little cheaper. So the question is 1st class or direct flights?

 

[NancyIL]

Are both flights first class? I prefer non-stop flights when available - as less chance of losing your luggage or missing a connection.

 

[Dan Murfman]

If we stick with with US Air all 4 legs will be 1st class. And if we go Southwest we have the direct flights but no 1st class. I think I prefer the direct flights.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

My personal preference would be 1st Class over the Southwest option. I don't mind a connection and have never had a problem with the luggage not making it. Airlines have been business for many years and yes luggage does sometime get lost, however I believe it makes it there for most of time!

1st class is a great way to start a Disney Vacation and also a great way to end it as well.

Just my humble opinion!

 

[ducklite]

I"m a million miler, and I can count on one hand the times I've had my bags not arrive with me, and on one finger the tiems I never saw the bag again (I think it was stolen from the turnstile at LGA)

I'd jumo a tthe first class upgrade!

Anne

 

[safetymom]

I would go with first class. If you are in their frequent flyer program you will get a class of service bonus for the miles. That will help add to your total.

 

[CarolA]

Actually you may not get the class of service bonus miles if it is a complimentary upgrade.

 

[safetymom]

If the ticket is ticketed as first class they more than likely will get the extra miles. If it is ticketed in coach and then given an upgrade maybe not. I have been successful both ways and I didn't do anything other than give them my ff number.

 

[~Sparkly~Zoe]

I would have to take the first class!

 

[prncess674]

Personally I love 1st class, but frankly short haul flights in FC are very ho hum these days. All you get is a bigger seat and free alcoholic beverages. You probably won't even get a meal in FC on such a short flight.

What is the difference in arrival/departure times. Are the SWA flights more convenient times than the connecting US Air flights?

I would go with the airline that can get me to MCO the earliest and depart the latest at the end of my vacation.

 

[caitycaity]

definately the first class!

 

[CarolA]

I think that perhaps someone should tell you what you get on domestic first class on flights of this lenght (I don't know how much you fly, so ignore this is you already know LOL!)

First class will get you earlier boarding and while you are boarding you will get a drink (although sometimes I don't get mine!). You will have a choice of beverages and if you drink beer, wine or mixed drinks those are free. Since both of these flights are probably very short I would not expect a meal. I normally get a choice of pretzels or snack mix type things.

The seats are larger and you have better leg room. Depending on the age of the plane you might have headset stereos or even individual tvs (don't count on the tvs!)

Considering SW has one of the best on time arrivals and my experience in connecting in Charlotte has been dismal (it could just be bad karma) I probably would go with SW.

 

[mcnuss]

Depending on the age of the plane you might have headset stereos or even individual tvs (don't count on the tvs!)

On US Airways domestic 1st, there is no entertainment on trips of less than 2 hours (in fact, there was no entertainment on my last intercontinental) And I think on US, the only planes with the TVs are 767 & A330, neither of which flies PVD-MCO. US offers a decent snack basket with Pepperige Farm cookies, cereal bars, nuts, chips or pretzels on the flts without meals.

If US will give you your money back, and you are not looking for the miles or segments, and the schedule is better, go for SW. 1st class just ain't what it used to be.

 

[Pumbaa_]

A trip to Orlando from CT should not be an all day adventure. I would also go with SW and get there in as short a time as possible. SW is not the fanciest airline, but it has a great ontime record and the seats are pretty comfy. The best part about direct in in less than 3 hours you are their! No connections, no additional chance of missing a connection OR bad weather.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[BillPA]

Do some homework,
1) find out if US Air will give you a full refund.
2) check to see what other fares cost.
3) check that the times are good for your trip.
4) make sure you can get reserved seats, if traveling with children.
5) If you get a good deal, book it and get you money back from US Air.

If not, go first class with US Air, the stop will probably "cost" you about 2 hours additional each way.

To be safe, put in a carry on what you have to have the 1st night, 2 trips ago, our luggage had it's own little vacation and caught up with us at WL the next morning. That was the only time luggage didn't arrive with us, and between business and vacations I've been on hundreds of flights. Lost luggage does happen, but very very rarely.

Have a great trip.

 

[CarolMN]

Are you traveling with children? If so, keep in mind that SWA does NOT assign seats in advance. You may have to get to the airport very early to be assured of getting seats together (or by the window or the aisle).

Your post said "direct" flight. That does not necessarily mean "non-stop" as other posters have assumed. While direct flights can be non-stop, that term usually means no change of plane. It does not mean that there are no stops. You may want to check on your particular SWA flight before you decide.

For me, schedule would be the most important consideration. But I don't usually travel with children and I wouldn't mind getting to the airport 2 hours or more ahead of time to assure that I could sit on the aisle. If the arrival time in MCO was about the same, I'd opt for First Class - to get the more comfortable seats that were assigned ahead of time and no worries about finding space for my carry on. I really do not like middle seats or the "first to get there, first to board" seating policy that SWA uses. JMHO. YMMV.