Southwest Airlines

[46Tbird]

You wont find $99 fares anymore, because they changed the laws regarding advertised pricing. They now have to include estimated taxes and airport fees in the advertised price. So you're still paying the same or similar final price, its just that now you're made aware of it up front instead of the price inflating during checkout.

Two words: Virgin America. THE best airline in the country and THE best pricing too. I only fly VA if I'm going to a destination they fly to. Last I checked, Vegas is $109.

[bcoop]

You wont find $99 fares anymore, because they changed the laws regarding advertised pricing. They now have to include estimated taxes and airport fees in the advertised price. So you're still paying the same or similar final price, its just that now you're made aware of it up front instead of the price inflating during checkout.

Two words: Virgin America. THE best airline in the country and THE best pricing too. I only fly VA if I'm going to a destination they fly to. Last I checked, Vegas is $109.

I've tried to fly with them several times. The planes appear to be so much newer, nicer, and more comfortable on the inside. Unfortunately, they haven't been an option to any of the destinations I've been trying to go to.

[Rick Modena]

You should register for the emails at SWA, they sent me something just yesterday for flights for $69.00 one way. Of course those are for places like Amarillo and but the nicer places are not that much more...

[mikeb]

Speaking of Love Field. I dig the renovations. I was thinking that last night as I got back from Tampa. That new terminal is great.

I flew out of love for 3.5 years, right before they opened up the new terminal. I dealt with the 3rd world bathrooms, no food selection, overcrowded gates, lack of electrical outlets, and all of the other crap that the old terminal had (or rather did not have).

As soon as I stopped flying every week, they open the new terminal. Nice, clean, has a whataburger even.

[talisman]

I've flown American for 95% of the flights I've ever taken. I have an AA card that gets me the free checked bag and FF miles. I got booked on Southwest for the return from our annual Manager's Conference last year and was blown away at the difference. Everyone was GENUINELY friendly, not just fake smile and cursory hello. Got comped a free drink by the stewardess for no reason at all. I will look at them first for all future travel plans.

[32vfromhell]

My favorite airline is Alaska Airlines. Best snack food and drinks.

Virgin is pretty badass, too bad they arnt profitable (yet) .

Of course, it helps when i fly, eat, drink all for free.

[Denny]

I wish Emirates and Lufthansa(?) flew within the States. Some of you don't know what real service is.

[Torinoman]

Another vote for Virgin.

[2011GT]

You get what you pay for. Everybody wants the cheapest ticket but yet they bitch about service.

[racrguy]

You get what you pay for. Everybody wants the cheapest ticket but yet they bitch about service.

Hi, in Sean. Welcome to America!

[GhostTX]

Thats why I got an AA card, free checked bags. I booked a flight to DC for next month and with the Free checked bag AA was about $50 cheaper than SW.

When I take the family on a flight, that card pays for it self with the free checked bags.

[Sgt Beavis]

I've flown American for 95% of the flights I've ever taken. I have an AA card that gets me the free checked bag and FF miles. I got booked on Southwest for the return from our annual Manager's Conference last year and was blown away at the difference. Everyone was GENUINELY friendly, not just fake smile and cursory hello. Got comped a free drink by the stewardess for no reason at all. I will look at them first for all future travel plans.

I was in the same boat for years, then I flew Delta Airlines to Buffalo back in 2012. I think it was the result of the beat down AA was for so long but I genuinely enjoyed that flight. Right there I decided AA was dead to me. I fly Southwest or Delta.

Oh, and Southwest has never watered down my Jack and Coke. AA used to to always do that..

But last August I flew Virgin America for the first time. Went to VMworld in San Fran. Holy hell I was fully refreshed after that long flight. The attendants weren't nice, they were INCREDIBLE. I felt flippin pampered. I would fly them every trip if I could.

they have mood lighting too..

[bucky]

Unfortunately, you are at AA's mercy in DFW since they have a stranglehold there on direct flights. I never jumped on the Southwest bandwagon. I hate there boarding procedure and Love field is a huge detriment to me for rides. Never have flown Virgin or JetBlue but would if they go where I need to be. I avoid Spirit and Frontier at all costs.

[Roscoe]

Sadly, it's all about status and how you are treated in the major airlines. I just lost top tier on AA and am down to "platinum" which is still a frequent traveler, but you're not treated nearly the same.

AA has a grip on you, unless you want to deal with Love Field, which I refuse to fly with the blue hairs and the once-every-two-year travelers.... The ones that bitch the most are the ones that travel the least.

[Craizie]

Unfortunately, you are at AA's mercy in DFW since they have a stranglehold there on direct flights. I never jumped on the Southwest bandwagon. I hate there boarding procedure and Love field is a huge detriment to me for rides. Never have flown Virgin or JetBlue but would if they go where I need to be. I avoid Spirit and Frontier at all costs.

Pay the extra $15 for business select. You get a free alcoholic drink and you are in the first 10 people to board the plane. I do this because I'm taller and can only fit in the very first row, or an exit row.

You also get your own lane when checking your bags at the airport.