Will SW and air tran just merge already

[sesame_123]

I have been looking at flights for our upcoming December trip and SW has the best outgoing flight time (late enough to still work that day) but air tran has the best return flight time (taking a cruise so time needs to be after noon). Soooo any chance they will be together before December?? I'm thinking no.

 

[ancestry]

Everything I've read says 2012. Not sure when in 2012 but it isnt looking like it will happen by December.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

December 2012, maybe, 2011, no chance. And even when the merger is complete, there will be less flights out of the airports they both currently operate in. It's like the United/Continental merger, don't expect that the same number of flights in competing cities will still exist afterwords.

 

[DebbieB]

I have been looking at flights for our upcoming December trip and SW has the best outgoing flight time (late enough to still work that day) but air tran has the best return flight time (taking a cruise so time needs to be after noon). Soooo any chance they will be together before December?? I'm thinking no.

So why not book separate? You can book one ways.

 

[Coconuts]

So why not book separate? You can book one ways.

That's what we just did for our November trip. Everything I've read from them said that the merge won't happen until next year. Sometimes they have the same prices and sometimes they don't.

 

[corster]

No problem booking two One-Way trips, one with SW and one with AirTran.

 

[DianeV]

I can wait because SW doesnt have any non stop flights from Detroit and Air Tran does...

 

[keishashadow]

December 2012, maybe, 2011, no chance. And even when the merger is complete, there will be less flights out of the airports they both currently operate in. It's like the United/Continental merger, don't expect that the same number of flights in competing cities will still exist afterwords.

and those low SWA fares (the ones that were kept low by competing with AT in small markets) will likely rise as the market will bear

I have quite a few AT credits to use, and am continuing to run purchases thru my branded CC as I'm hoping SWA will be benevolent in honoring themwhen the switch does occur - my guess not until beginning of fiscal year for SWA 1/13.

 

[aubriee]

and those low SWA fares (the ones that were kept low by competing with AT in small markets) will likely rise as the market will bear

I have quite a few AT credits to use, and am continuing to run purchases thru my branded CC as I'm hoping SWA will be benevolent in honoring themwhen the switch does occur - my guess not until beginning of fiscal year for SWA 1/13.

I too have Air Tran Reward credits. I'l be using four to upgrade to first class for my upcoming Sept trip, but unfortunately Southwest is already pulling Air Tran out of Dallas. Since Air Tran's last flight out of Dallas is Nov 22nd, I won't be able to use them all, so will just lose them. Even with the free bags, Southwest has always been alot higher than any other airlines out of Dallas, so can't see myself ever flying them. Thanks Southwest!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I'm not looking forward to the merger. Right now AT & SWA compete (with USAirways) for non stops to MCO from Philly. Once they merge, it's that much less competition for them.

 

[DebbieB]

December 2012, maybe, 2011, no chance. And even when the merger is complete, there will be less flights out of the airports they both currently operate in. It's like the United/Continental merger, don't expect that the same number of flights in competing cities will still exist afterwords.

They have already started that. PIT has both SW and AirTran flying PIT-MCO. SW has cut back, they no longer have a morning non-stop, which was very popular. If you want it, you have to book AirTran.

I can wait because SW doesnt have any non stop flights from Detroit and Air Tran does...

There's no guarantee they will operate a non-stop. They are already eliminating flights from the schedule. SW is eliminating all their PIT-PHL flights, there are no AirTran on that route. Someone posted last week that AirTran is stopping service completely from 4 smaller cities. There will be alot of shuffling.

 

[sesame_123]

Thanks I forgot that you can book one ways and it not break the bank with those. I think that is the best idea!!

And I have also seen a decline in flights offered (at least from SW) at Milwaukee.

Thanks for your responses!!

 

[keishashadow]

I too have Air Tran Reward credits. I'l be using four to upgrade to first class for my upcoming Sept trip, but unfortunately Southwest is already pulling Air Tran out of Dallas. Since Air Tran's last flight out of Dallas is Nov 22nd, I won't be able to use them all, so will just lose them. Even with the free bags, Southwest has always been alot higher than any other airlines out of Dallas, so can't see myself ever flying them. Thanks Southwest!

i was shocked to be able to book a flight back home in May for October trip on a Saturday (it's a connecting that i keep waiting for the departure to change to try & switch to the NS).

I'm thinking the AT employees have a different mind set. Was able to pre-book 1st class seats back when I redeemed the flight award. Didn't use points but it was a freebie from an issue on another flight. In the past they've made we wait until closer to the flight.

jmho, AT did make more mistakes that SWA for me over the years, but their customer service department was always was easy to work with as to making it right. I had an absolutely soaked suitcase on a SWA flight that in similar situations AT would give a flight credit. SWA offered me dry cleaning reimbursement. For me the jury is out on how SWA will handle such situations.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I too have Air Tran Reward credits. I'l be using four to upgrade to first class for my upcoming Sept trip, but unfortunately Southwest is already pulling Air Tran out of Dallas. Since Air Tran's last flight out of Dallas is Nov 22nd, I won't be able to use them all, so will just lose them. Even with the free bags, Southwest has always been alot higher than any other airlines out of Dallas, so can't see myself ever flying them. Thanks Southwest!

Please realize that this was NOT SWs decision. If the airport had thier way the last flight would have been several months ago. They basically SHOVED AirTran out! All part of the DFW protect "American" viewpoint I guess!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Hopefully not until 2013 or later...better yet, never.