Opinions of Southwest?

[DanziM]

Considering a number of legs on Southwest within USA just due to them having non stop flights to my destinations including spokane and portland.

Are they worth it? Considering they offer free luggage and United and AA are a similar price but with stops...would i still arrive earlier with those latter two?

Cheers.

 

[casanovawa]

I have flown a few South West flights over the last few years... Involved one or even two stops to get where i wanted, but i liked the low prices and the free luggage... I don't chase status or have any status so really of no consequence which airlines i fly and just go for the cheapest... But i like them anyway...

 

[mole]

I have used them a number of times too and have been quite happy with them, their planes seem a lot newer and in better condition than many of the AA ones I've been on. I do usually pay the extra for the early bird check in to ensure a better boarding position.

 

[TomVexille]

Are you asking if Southwest are chronically late and if flying 1 stop on UA or AA will get you there sooner?

 

[Jimgotkp]

Southwest doesn't offer the lowest fares anymore. People still believe they do, but even their CEO admitted that they don't due to the higher fuel costs.

Personally, I'm not a fan of WN since they always attract the families, who can be a real PITA to deal with when traveling. If you plan on having a lot of checked bags but don't have any elite status with any of the airlines, then it's definitely the right airline, depending on their fares.

Have you taken a look at Alaska Air? I ask because you mentioned Spokane and Portland. I fly AS quite a lot since I live in SEA and they have a very strong network in the West Coast. Personally, I think they're one of the best when it comes to customer service, regardless of the status you hold with them. If you have any Horizon flights with them, you also get free beer and wine.

 

[Daver6]

I'm a South West fan. I think the fact you can fly direct and not waste time is worth it. A couple of times I've had a 90 minute flight instead of wasting a day to get to my destination using AA. No frills, cheap and cheerful.

 

[ike]

I would go Southwest as well...
No problems on a couple of flights with them great staff and service JQ could take a lesson from them.

 

[BAM1748]

They're the best of the LCCs.

 

[Brisbane Flyer]

I recently booked Southwest, LAX-SFO and OAK-LAX, day trip leaving at 830a, returning back at 5p.
Cancelled at 7a and got full credit for the cancelled sectors to be used later, very easy and makes booking/cancelling a breeze compared to other airlines.

 

[robd]

I thought Southwest were really good value and would have no hesitation flying with them again.

 

[LA10]

Similar to the above opinions, I would go southwest. I have taken more than 5 southwest flights in the past month. Although the current weather in the US has caused some of these flights to be cancelled or delayed, Southwest always put all 4 of us travelling on another flight of our choice, no problems at all. The included luggage for us 4 people was a great money-saver.

 

[DC3]

Flying direct? AAF is not the right forum for discussing such an absurdity.

 

[Fifa]

I've only had one experience.
We had flights for 4 booked a couple of years ago and changed our plans. There are no change fees on Southwest - only $5 fare difference to fly a different route.

 

[Globetrotter]

I've flown Southwest a few times between LA - Las Vegas - SFO - LA. All my flights were on time, crew always polite, free checked bags included so overall good value for money. I have also flown Virgin America quite a few times and they are my first choice provided the fare is within reason otherwise I will choose Southwest if they fly the same route.