Southwest Airlines

[46Tbird]

I never jumped on the Southwest bandwagon. I hate there boarding procedure and Love field is a huge detriment to me for rides.

I used to be a Southwest fan, but the planes are really getting old and the interiors seem worn out - and smelly. Yuck. But maybe it's been a while since you flew out of Love Field, it is damned awesome. They've spent a half-billion dollars in renovations for the upcoming appeal of the Wright Amendment. I actually prefer to fly out of LF now, and flights to Mexico are usually cheaper from there.

http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/12/no-5-on-our-top-10-stories-of-2013-dallas-love-field-moves-into-new-quarters.html/

[Denny]

I don't think the Wright Amendment is going away

[Strychnine]

I don't think the Wright Amendment is going away

The vote to repeal was 8 years ago lol

It was a progressive repeal though and it will be totally gone in Oct this year.

[Strychnine]

but the planes are really getting old and the interiors seem worn out - and smelly. Yuck.

They are updating, for sure. I have been on quite a few of the new -800s lately.

[Denny]

The vote to repeal was 8 years ago lol

It was a progressive repeal though and it will be totally gone in Oct this year.

Correct, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were new restrictions put in place.

[Chili]

I really like Southwest's boarding and seating model, unless I screw up and don't check in 24 hours in advance for that low boarding number. Now, before they had boarding numbers and you just had to wait in line, I hated it.

I do agree on the aging fleet (in in-flight crews for that matter)! It's good to hear they are upgrading the planes.

My airline travel has slowed way down over the last few years, and most of the flights I have taken were on other airlines out of necessity. I think the last time I flew SW was probably 3 years ago.

[GrayStangGT]

When I was in college I flew SW several times a year from DFW to Midland, I might be in the minority, but I always liked to be at the beginning of the B boarding group or end of A. If you are one of the first to board you get the exact seat you want, but don't get to choose who you sit next to. Being in the middle you can still get a good seat and select who you are going to sit near, people have ruined many more flights for me than the seat.

[Silverback]

Correct, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were new restrictions put in place.

you may want to tell Southwest that, they are already advertising their direct flights starting in 29 weeks, with a countdown ticket and everything!

[01vnms4v]

They are updating, for sure. I have been on quite a few of the new -800s lately.

X2 I've been on the new ones last yrs was a Vegas several times, really nice

[motoman]

Best way to get a deal on flights?

I didn't want to start another thread just for this question but what's the best way to find a deal on flights? Typically when I fly, my company pays for everything, and I don't worry about anything. It's been 7 years since I booked something myself and even at that time, I had airline points to use.

I'm looking at flying to Colorado in June and want to find the best deal possible? Anyone out there significantly lower than all the rest?

[Strychnine]

I would guess that expedia or one of the aggregate sites will find you the lowest of the carriers they rep, but some (like Southwest) do not list there and can only be found via their own site.

[Rick Modena]

I really haven't had any luck using those travel sites like Kayak, hotels.com, etc. When I need to fly I just click on SWA first, if you plan ahead first you can score some great deals on SWA.

[Strychnine]

if you plan ahead first you can score some great deals on SWA.

I just booked a flight to Houston for my wife. $73 one way.

[motoman]

I just booked a flight to Houston for my wife. $73 one way.

Are the "want to get away" flights basically coach?

[Rick Modena]

Are the "want to get away" flights basically coach?

Yes, but you are not on the plane that long usually. Even my SWA flights to Tampa are only around 3hrs.