What is your favorite/least favorite Airline getting to and from MCO? why?

[Castaway Kev]

I just saw a post on another site about this. Rather than read through a bunch of posts from people who's travel is mainly for business, I thought I'd come over here and get some opinions that are more relevant to Disney travel.

I LOVE Delta. Most of that, though, is based on the fact that I live where their hub is (SLC). That means I have great flight options to and from SLC when I fly with them. But I must admit, it drives me nuts that I have to pay extra to check a bag.

I know PETE and the gang like Southwest. I appreciate the fact that they don't charge for a bag. But when I compare their rates with other airlines, they don't seem to be the discount carrier they claim to be. Unless you stumble on a 'ding' fare, you pay extra to be herded onto their plane like cattle.

So tell me your thoughts, and what works best for you?

 

[two-foxes]

My choice is a regional airline...Frontier. They are based out of Denver, so it is an easy choice for us. Pros...Direct TV and fairly reasonable costs and good snacks on board, although you have to buy them and I have never had a snotty flight attendant. Plus, on a flight back from MCO, our pilot went sooooooo far out of his way to do something to make my day...they have my loyalty from that alone. Cons...not the best flight times into Orlando (often gets in at night) and their frequent flyer program is getting to be a joke. And they just got rid of their infant fares....not happy about that at all.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I've always been a huge Jetblue fan. I always get direct flights, they rarely change my times significantly, they treat me really well when I have an issue, they let me get a credit if the prices of my flights drop, and they have not in the past charged for luggage...although I hear that may change.

I'm flying Delta next trip, because pricing for the cruise was supposed to be an issue (didn't turn out that way, however) and I wanted to lock in something good. I'm already regretting it because of the way Delta keeps bouncing my schedule around. I could have gotten the same pricing from Jetblue had I waited. Ah, well...live and learn.

 

[MM32830]

I know PETE and the gang like Southwest. I appreciate the fact that they don't charge for a bag. But when I compare their rates with other airlines, they don't seem to be the discount carrier they claim to be. Unless you stumble on a 'ding' fare, you pay extra to be herded onto their plane like cattle.

I fly Southwest at least once a month and I'd like to be hearded on the plane like cattle!

Really, I don't understand why everyone thinks Southwest's boarding procedure is like herding cattle. I check in online 24 hours prior to my flight. I am assigned a boarding group, either A, B, or C and a number from 1-60. You then wait for your boarding group to be called.

If your boarding pass says A20, then you get in the A 1-30 line. You then go on board and choose your seat. That's the BEST part. You choose where you want to sit. I've found that all the kids like to sit up front so I always go way to the back of the plane.

I find Southwest's boarding procedure far superior to all the other airlines (and I have flown all the major airlines for several years). I now fly Southwest almost exclusively.

As for Southwest's rate, their prices will vary (like most other airlines) based on where you fly from. I fly out of Manchester, NH often and have found rates often times under $200 round trip to Orlando.

That's my 2 cents. YMMV.



_______________
Armand

 

[chirurgeon]

I love Southwest. I have found their rates to be very good. I used to fly only US Air since Pittsburgh was a hub. They have virtually abandoned Pittsburgh. They don't even have non stop flights to Orlando anymore. SW does. So they are my favorite.

Kim

 

[drakethib]

oops wrong thread

 

[Neesy228]

Another fan of Southwest here.
It's really hard to beat their prices flying (usually) direct from Pittsburgh to Orlando for anywhere from $150 to (rarely)$200/rt. Plus, no extra bag fees, plus they don't nickel and dime you once you're in the air....you still get a soda and a bag of pretzels/peanuts and a pillow or blanket if you desire - for FREE. I usually check in online 24 hours before to allow myself choice of seats and I find their boarding methods pretty fair and efficient.

My kids don't call it Southwest, they call it "the Disney airplane" because we haven't flown any other airline in years. I don't even check fares for other airlines anymore - even if the base fare is less, by the time you add the fees for everything, it's exhausting and more expensive.

 

[WaltD4Me]

I like Southwest too. Their boarding doesn't bother me, I like the fact that since I usually manage to get an A boarding pass I can pick my seat. They have never changed or cancelled a booked flight of mine and usually their flight attendants are great and often really funny. I don't have alot of options out of Cleveland, I prefer non-stop flights, so I have to go with Southwest or Continental. I like both and I have gotten great deals on both. Sometimes Continental is cheaper, sometimes Southwest. One of the best things to me about Southwest though is the ability to change flights on-line at no cost. I just love that. And the fact that they will give you a credit to be used in the future if you cancel your flights is awesome. In October the price of our flight went down $20, there were five of us, so they gave me a credit of $100 that I was able to use for my trip in May. Love that. Continental has change and cancellation fees, one of their biggest drawbacks and something I definitely consider when booking.

 

[Cruz Family]

I love Jet Blue.....but to be honest, I have never flied Southwest because I like to book early.

 

[k5jm]

Flying Continental (First Class when possible). It is a very easy check-in (all done with my blackberry, even for the e-boarding when they scan my Blackberry). They often have rates that are about the same as Southwest and sometimes less. Arrival and departure from MCO is great also.