Choosing among internal US airlines

[Bad Seed]

Hello all, longtime lurker, firstish post, usual story. I wonder if anyone could help. We are flying to the US in July (2 adults, 9 and 11 year old) and are doing quite a few internal flights -all standard routes eg NYC/ San Diego, Chicago/ Washington etc. The big search engines throw up a lot of options but how do I choose eg flights from NYC to San Diego on the date I searched seemed to be either around $630 or $280 - a huge variation! How do I know which of the cheap airlines are reasonable and which are the Tigers of the US? I understand you get what you pay for but just wonder if people can receommend (or not) from experience which of the local airlines are the ones to look at -will obviously always have check in luggage of considerable proportions and want to have allocated seats -so don't want one where we might have to lose the kids in order to board. Thanks for your experienced help!

 

[N860CR]

My general rule is that they're all about as bad as each other!

Do you hold Qantas status? If so, AA is the logical choice as you get lounge access, free baggage and FF points. If not, you have to pay for luggage on basically all of them these days.

Virgin America and JetBlue probably have the best inflight product, however they're nothing on Qantas or Virgin here.

Southwest is the original LCC, however they are considered one of the better US airlines and the only big one that doesn't charge for checked baggage.

Otherwise the best choice could depend on which FF program you are alligned with. OneWorld (AA), Star (UA, US, CO(?) - I think that's it) or Skyteam (DL).

There are a few proper LCC's, however they generally have limited networks and don't service all major cities. Spirit comes to mind for east coast and Frontier for west.

 

[Bad Seed]

My general rule is that they're all about as bad as each other!
Yes but are any worse ?LOL

Do you hold Qantas status? If so, AA is the logical choice as you get lounge access, free baggage and FF points. If not, you have to pay for luggage on basically all of them these days.

No status sadly, While I am more than the once a year traveller, I don't fly nearly enough for any status! I am prepared to pay for baggage, know thats a given these days!

Virgin America and JetBlue probably have the best inflight product, however they're nothing on Qantas or Virgin here.

Inflight product doesn't really worry me as much as planes leaving on time with seats for everyone

Southwest is the original LCC, however they are considered one of the better US airlines and the only big one that doesn't charge for checked baggage.

Thanks, will look at them

Otherwise the best choice could depend on which FF program you are alligned with. OneWorld (AA), Star (UA, US, CO(?) - I think that's it) or Skyteam (DL).

Probably a heresy on this board but I like this board because of all the discussions about flying and holidays - I never fly enough for FF perks so it doesn't really affect me:mrgreen:

There are a few proper LCC's, however they generally have limited networks and don't service all major cities. Spirit comes to mind for east coast and Frontier for west.

Thanks for your help!

 

[Boris spatsky]

Don't think that the bigger and better known airlines are better overall. They aren't. American/United/Delta all terrible compared to Qantas and VB in Oz domestic standards.

Agree that Virgin America and Jetblue are great. Southwest cheap but will get you from A to B - just don't fly them over 3 hours as their seat pitch is terrible.

I would opt for cheapest unless you need to fly with a FF affiliate.

 

[N860CR]

If you don't fly often then don't worry about FF points.

The best bet is probably just picking the cheapest on the day you need to travel. Use comparison sites like Expedia and select the cheapest fare (I'd book directly with the airline though). Booking American carriers can be a pain online sometimes as they don't all take Aus credit cards, so you may need to use an online travel agent.

I always fly AA for the simple reason that I have Oneworld status, but yes they aren't very good.

If you're worried about getting there ontime, Southwest is probably the way to go if they are available as they are huge (nearly 600 737's!) and have a good rep for doing the right thing by their passengers. If you're doing a lot of flying, the free checked baggage will save quite a bit too. Otherwise I'd go Virgin America and Jetblue.

Don't expect inflight service on any of the carriers, but you generally get a (soft) drink and a bag of nuts.

 

[Alanslegal]

Give the OP has no status and thus no lounge access or priorirty check in, then JetBlue will be at the top of my recommendation when taking intra-USA flights.

 

[RB]

Give the OP has no status and thus no lounge access or priorirty check in, then JetBlue will be at the top of my recommendation when taking intra-USA flights.

+1 on JetBlue based on June 2010 experience. Look at paying the small extra for the extra space up front. Had no problems booking online from Aust

 

[NM]

If no FF alliance to be considered, I would be selecting based on a few criteria:

• Look for the airline that uses one of the ports as a hub and has multiple daily flights. Then if there are delays they are more likely to be able to re-accommodate you on another flight.
• Price - just because its cheap does not mean its bad. Most airlines have a large range of fares for the same route.
• Schedule - fly at the time of day that best suits you.
• Routing - direct flights are less likely to cause travel disruptions than if you need to make connections along the way.

 

[stuartfaz]

I'm going to give a vote to Virgin America. Easily the best of the airlines I flew in the US.

Jetblue was good flying out of JFK, Southwest is great for short trips (I flew LAX-LAS) but get there early.

In all, VX was the only one I'd compare to airlines here.

 

[nate89]

I flew AA LA-NY and back a week ago.

In all honesty, I didn't think there was anything particularly lacking in the flight. One big plus they have is wifi on the planes, which I haven't seen on domestic flights in AUS. It's not free, but it is useful and I imagine good to distract your kids if they are inclined that way. I didn't look into other carriers too much since I wanted FF points though, but I'm sure some other domestic carriers have net too.

However, something I imagine would be possibly bad is no in flight entertainment tv's like you get on the big intl flights, but I don't think any other domestic carrier has them either.

Also, I made the mistake of checking in while there and got stuck at the back I'm too used to flying with the usual check-in counters.

My point being is if you can pay that extra to get a better seat, or at the very least check in early enough to get good seats you should be right and if your kids are net-savvy and can distract themselves for the flight then AA would be potentially okay.

Hope that helps in some way and I haven't just pointed out the obvious

 

[Bad Seed]

I flew AA LA-NY and back a week ago.

However, something I imagine would be possibly bad is no in flight entertainment tv's like you get on the big intl flights, but I don't think any other domestic carrier has them either.

Good point! the 9 year old in particular needs the in flight distraction so its worth keeping that in mind

Also, I made the mistake of checking in while there and got stuck at the back I'm too used to flying with the usual check-in counters.

Yes, doing my research I have disocvered that it pays to check in early particularly with the no allocated seating with airlines like Southwest


Hope that helps in some way and I haven't just pointed out the obvious

Great points, thank you, and to other posters to date.

I have done a bit of research on some recommendations. Unfortunately Jet Blue looks like a no-goer because it doesn't do direct connections from some of the places we are going. Southwest is looking good, especially in price, but the no allocated seating freaks me out a bit -visions of my nine year old boy being seated on his own without me to remind him about where not to place his legs, hands etc, how many visits to the toilet are appropriate, what volume on his DS is acceptable etc

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Southwest is looking good, especially in price, but the no allocated seating freaks me out a bit -visions of my nine year old boy being seated on his own without me to remind him about where not to place his legs, hands etc, how many visits to the toilet are appropriate, what volume on his DS is acceptable etc

IMHO with US carreiers there is 3 criteria - PRICE, CONNECTIONS and PRICE. But with Southwest you can pay extra $10 isn't it and get early bird check-in which guarantees you priority boarding if I remember right.

Do not worry about your kids too much - just wait til you see the behaviour of the average yank brat - you might well think your little devils are indeed little angels.

Whichever way you go treat it like an adventure - and make sure your kids do too - all will be fine.

 

[JohnK]

Skyscanner could be a good website for comparing airfares and airlines on your desired routes.

 

[yeldarb8]

If you don't have FF status with any airline then checked bag fees inside the US are going to add up fast if you don't check policies carefully. Southwest may be best for this reason alone.

I'm biased to AA because of my status but if I was starting from zero under circumstances you describe I'd go with Southwest and Jet Blue. Sign up everyone for their reward/FF programs before you go anyway. At least an agent has an excuse then to be nice to you or turn a blind eye on a bulging carry-on. Worth a shot.

Without FF status shop on price and time. Watch those connections. Chicago can be a nightmare.

 

[rotator101]

You're getting very good advice here; if you want FF points, etc.

However, I would suggest checking Southwest (www.southwest.com) and checking their routings. They go almost everywhere in the US now, and they usually go via alternate airports, which means in/out easier and better traffic options. For example: Midland in Chicago, Baltimore in NYC, etc.

They give good value, 2 free checked bags, large planes (all 737s instead of the little regional jets), and cheerful service. Only thing you have to do is check in promptly 24 hours ahead of time to get in a boarding group for open seating.

They also don't charge change fees if you have to adjust your schedule; but if the value of the ticket changes, and it probably will, you pay the difference.

I would rather fly Southwest than a small regional jet; I have had some scary flights on the smaller planes.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Hello all, longtime lurker, firstish post, usual story. I wonder if anyone could help. We are flying to the US in July (2 adults, 9 and 11 year old) and are doing quite a few internal flights -all standard routes eg NYC/ San Diego, Chicago/ Washington etc. The big search engines throw up a lot of options but how do I choose eg flights from NYC to San Diego on the date I searched seemed to be either around $630 or $280 - a huge variation! How do I know which of the cheap airlines are reasonable and which are the Tigers of the US? I understand you get what you pay for but just wonder if people can receommend (or not) from experience which of the local airlines are the ones to look at -will obviously always have check in luggage of considerable proportions and want to have allocated seats -so don't want one where we might have to lose the kids in order to board. Thanks for your experienced help!

What dates and what cities do you want to fly between? That'll give us an idea of the airlines to suggest and point you in the right direction.

 

[yeldarb8]

You're getting very good advice here; if you want FF points, etc.

However, I would suggest checking Southwest (www.southwest.com) and checking their routings. They go almost everywhere in the US now, and they usually go via alternate airports, which means in/out easier and better traffic options. For example: Midland in Chicago, Baltimore in NYC, etc.

They give good value, 2 free checked bags, large planes (all 737s instead of the little regional jets), and cheerful service. Only thing you have to do is check in promptly 24 hours ahead of time to get in a boarding group for open seating.

They also don't charge change fees if you have to adjust your schedule; but if the value of the ticket changes, and it probably will, you pay the difference.

I would rather fly Southwest than a small regional jet; I have had some scary flights on the smaller planes.

+1

Southwest for flexibility, price, low fees, and coverage. I think you need to book Southwest directly on their own web site, at least that was the case last time I used them.

AA no longer offer fares online at Orbitz and Expedia and in fact the best deal is always at AA.com I have found over the last few years. They have higher fees and bag charges to keep an eye on if you don't have status.