Southwest = greatest airline ever [Archive]

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 10:04 AM

Now you can more cheaply get to see the red sox lose in person. :D Always a worthwhile purchase and endeavor.:rolleyes:

While I like Boston once I'm there. Getting into that town is a scary experience. Always felt like Logan was a controlled crash waiting to happen. But at least the T is entertaining.

The T is my favorite Mass transportation system in the country (no pun intended;)). You are right about it being entertaining and you are also right about flying into Logan being scary. Boston is a city I am glad I have actually never operated a vehicle in.

SV61

02-19-2009, 11:20 AM

The T is my favorite Mass transportation system in the country (no pun intended;)). You are right about it being entertaining and you are also right about flying into Logan being scary. Boston is a city I am glad I have actually never operated a vehicle in.

I have actually rubbed elbows with a cabbie, headed into the Callahan tunnel. I was a passenger in one car, he was driving another. Doing about 2 mph. Ten Pounds o shite, in a 5 pound bag, is the best way to describe entering the Tunnel to the airport.

Driving is really fun in Boston. You get to use your horn A LOT.

dragons08

02-19-2009, 11:25 AM

Boston Red Sucks.

drgnbkr

02-19-2009, 12:20 PM

I hate Southwest...Have had a choice for the 35 years I've been traveling for business and pleasure, and have flown SW maybe 10 times. Hated every flight.

lonny23

02-19-2009, 12:31 PM

This is the greatest news I have heard in a long time. Just in time for baseball season too. :notworthy

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/021909dnbussouthwest.2ce4a79f.html
Tough luck, it says service begins in the fall. I'm not so sure there will be any fall games at Fenway!:D

lonny23

02-19-2009, 12:35 PM

The T is my favorite Mass transportation system in the country (no pun intended;)). You are right about it being entertaining and you are also right about flying into Logan being scary. Boston is a city I am glad I have actually never operated a vehicle in.I've always enjoyed driving in Boston, but my dad once remarked that you need a HUmmer to drive on the streets and how they wanted to leave the streets in a historical condition, too!:D I drove to a Red Sox game last year and didn't have too bad of a time leaving Fenway and I've parked all over town in the past. It sure beats driving in metro NYC and I've had my share of that, too!:(

slorch

02-19-2009, 12:44 PM

If they had a gate at Bush, I'd always take SWA, because i loathe the drive down to Hobby...

makes me no difference which airline it is, while I do shop for the best price.

if I can get the same price, I'll always pick Continental because of the airport situation.

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 01:14 PM

Aw Poor JetBlue, there goes their Boston Market!

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:26 PM

I have actually rubbed elbows with a cabbie, headed into the Callahan tunnel. I was a passenger in one car, he was driving another. Doing about 2 mph. Ten Pounds o shite, in a 5 pound bag, is the best way to describe entering the Tunnel to the airport.

Driving is really fun in Boston. You get to use your horn A LOT.

I think thats a condition that must be passed in order to obtain a Mass drivers license. You start to grow immune to the sound of a horn when walking the streets of Boston. I could start a new drinking game that involved everytime you heard a horn. You'd be hammered in less than 30 mins;)

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:27 PM

Tough luck, it says service begins in the fall. I'm not so sure there will be any fall games at Fenway!:D

Where does it say that?

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:27 PM

I hate Southwest...Have had a choice for the 35 years I've been traveling for business and pleasure, and have flown SW maybe 10 times. Hated every flight.

There's that pomp coming out.
We know you're just too good for SW since you live in Southlake. ;):D

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 01:29 PM

This is the greatest news I have heard in a long time. Just in time for baseball season too. :notworthy

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/021909dnbussouthwest.2ce4a79f.html

Did you see that SW is also trying to get some gates at Atlanta? Thought that might interest you.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:31 PM

Did you see that SW is also trying to get some gates at Atlanta? Thought that might interest you.

I did not see that. Think they could compete with Air Tran there?
Air Tran is based in Atlanta and offers something like 15% of the total flights operated in and out of Hartsfield/Jackson. You can usually get a decent deal on Delta or Air Tran out of Dallas into Atlanta.

drgnbkr

02-19-2009, 01:34 PM

There's that pomp coming out.
We know you're just too good for SW since you live in Southlake. ;):D

I know you're just kidding, but I have over 2 million miles on American, and have flown Southwest when I had to, and find the fares to be close, and I can get on American and go anywhere. Or I can drive down to Love and get on SW only to have to get off in New Mexico, sit around, then get on another flight to get to LA, or wherever. A waste of a day...for virtually the same money. The only thing Southlake has to do with it is that DFW is about 9 miles from my house and about half way to Love. I think it's all about where you live..and where you need to go.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:38 PM

I know you're just kidding, but I have over 2 million miles on American, and have flown Southwest when I had to, and find the fares to be close, and I can get on American and go anywhere. Or I can drive down to Love and get on SW only to have to get off in New Mexico, sit around, then get on another flight to get to LA, or wherever. A waste of a day...for virtually the same money. The only thing Southlake has to do with it is that DFW is about 9 miles from my house and about half way to Love. I think it's all about where you live..and where you need to go.

American has quite an operation in Boston too. Something like 12 daily non-stops offered out of DFW. Maybe more. Same with Delta out of Atlanta, maybe more too. I flew roundtrip back in 04 to Boston for under $230 on American. I just like that there is an alternative being offered. Chances are it won't be non-stop out of Love, probably a stop in Chicago or something so yes, you are right about that being a negative with Southwest.

dragonsdaddy

02-19-2009, 01:38 PM

dude. chubbs and i are going this summer. we'll get a sked and make some plans. how hard is it to get tickets?

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 01:41 PM

I did not see that. Think they could compete with Air Tran there?
Air Tran is based in Atlanta and offers something like 15% of the total flights operated in and out of Hartsfield/Jackson. You can usually get a decent deal on Delta or Air Tran out of Dallas into Atlanta.

Ill try to find a link later.

Delta is in the process of moving some connection and mainline flights to its new hub, Memphis. These flights will open up about 5 gates which SW will be more than willing to take.

SW and Air Tran will coexists to some extent, but eventually SW will be dominant low cost carrier out of ATL. Just more connection opportunities with a big market as ATL is. Air Tran knows they can't compete and wont even try.

In addition, SW has recently started service to La Guardia to start off the domination of Legacy carrier hubs, i.e. see Denver. SW has been at DEN a year and half and already has dominated Frontier and is competing with United for the majority market share.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 01:43 PM

dude. chubbs and i are going this summer. we'll get a sked and make some plans. how hard is it to get tickets?

Depends on how much you want to spend and who you're going to watch. You can scalp tickets to see the yankees for roughly 130 each and sit 10 rows up from the Sox dugout. You may want to look into ticket master or stub hub before you go up there because to be perfectly honest with ya, if you scalp you will pay a pretty penny because tickets are in huge demand and the scalpers know they can get away with it.
Another option is getting there real early and lining up at the ticket window behind the monster. They usually put on sale the tickests left from the players that are goign unused.

dragonsdaddy

02-19-2009, 01:44 PM

I know you're just kidding, but I have over 2 million miles on American, and have flown Southwest when I had to, and find the fares to be close, and I can get on American and go anywhere. Or I can drive down to Love and get on SW only to have to get off in New Mexico, sit around, then get on another flight to get to LA, or wherever. A waste of a day...for virtually the same money. The only thing Southlake has to do with it is that DFW is about 9 miles from my house and about half way to Love. I think it's all about where you live..and where you need to go.
as long as you don't mind being treated like a huge imposition by each and every employee on every aa flight, then you should be at least as thrilled as you are when you visit the post office(sorry owl).

drgnbkr

02-19-2009, 01:50 PM

as long as you don't mind being treated like a huge imposition by each and every employee on every aa flight, then you should be at least as thrilled as you are when you visit the post office(sorry owl).

In all of my miles on AA, I can't remember ever thinking that..In fact, over the years, I've given out a number of those "your something special" recognition things they have. To each his/her own I guess. I kind of feel the same way about SW as you do about AA. I've never understood how they win the consumer awards they get.

Hoodleboy80

02-19-2009, 02:01 PM

I learned to drive in Boston. My first license was a Massachusetts drivers license. I'd get on 90 or 95 with my instructor and be scared ****less.

dragonsdaddy

02-19-2009, 02:04 PM

In all of my miles on AA, I can't remember ever thinking that..In fact, over the years, I've given out a number of those "your something special" recognition things they have. To each his/her own I guess. I kind of feel the same way about SW as you do about AA. I've never understood how they win the consumer awards they get.

i haven't flown aa in a few years, so maybe they have changed. the last few times i flew them, the surliness and "you are wasting my time" attitude was so evident, i had to look to remind myself i wasn't at the post office. you could feel the union-spirit thoughout. and the fa's could barely get down the aisle both due to her size and her copd. maybe that big platinum card hanging from your baggage tells them who deserves special treatment.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 02:04 PM

I learned to drive in Boston. My first license was a Massachusetts drivers license. I'd get on 90 or 95 with my instructor and be scared ****less.

No joke man.
I can't even imagine what its like behind the wheel. Im scared enough in the back seat of a cab

Hoodleboy80

02-19-2009, 02:07 PM

No joke man.
I can't even imagine what its like behind the wheel. Im scared enough in the back seat of a cab

Ha yeah, luckily I spent most of time in newton and didn't drive downtown too often. Plus, Fenway was on my T line so I could ride the T home free after games.

SV61

02-19-2009, 02:14 PM

I know you're just kidding, but I have over 2 million miles on American, and have flown Southwest when I had to, and find the fares to be close, and I can get on American and go anywhere. Or I can drive down to Love and get on SW only to have to get off in New Mexico, sit around, then get on another flight to get to LA, or wherever. A waste of a day...for virtually the same money. The only thing Southlake has to do with it is that DFW is about 9 miles from my house and about half way to Love. I think it's all about where you live..and where you need to go.

Same here.

When I used to fly a LOT, I primarily used AA. Having a Hub in Dallas, just made sense. Backups were primarily Delta and United.

SW was usually a last resort, and feel free to call me a stuck up snob. Jumpin around the state, it made sense to use SW. I've been called worse. Many times however, I could drive to the destination within minutes of what it would take to check in, sit, board, fly, de-plane, get a rental, and out the door.

SV61

02-19-2009, 02:15 PM

No joke man.
I can't even imagine what its like behind the wheel. Im scared enough in the back seat of a cab

Scariest cab ride (new thread???)?

Monterrey Mexico, from the Airport, to the Zona Rosa, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza.

Best $20 I ever spent.

drgnbkr

02-19-2009, 02:30 PM

Scariest cab ride (new thread???)?

Monterrey Mexico, from the Airport, to the Zona Rosa, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza.

Best $20 I ever spent.

Mexico City will make ya want to soil your trousers!

SV61

02-19-2009, 02:50 PM

Mexico City will make ya want to soil your trousers!

For whatever the reason, my taxi rides in Distrito Federal did not leave quite the impression. Maybe the VW bug, with no passenger seat, was performance wise, no contest to the souped up Nissan Sentras in Monterrey!!

A "Shuttle" ride from Falcarragh, to Gortahork, Ireland rated a comfortable 2nd. 9 of us (with luggage) mashed into a WELL used Mazda MPV (with NO shocks) left quite an impression!

Got that one on video somewhere!

slorch

02-19-2009, 03:08 PM

I know you're just kidding, but I have over 2 million miles on American, and have flown Southwest when I had to, and find the fares to be close, and I can get on American and go anywhere. Or I can drive down to Love and get on SW only to have to get off in New Mexico, sit around, then get on another flight to get to LA, or wherever. A waste of a day...for virtually the same money. The only thing Southlake has to do with it is that DFW is about 9 miles from my house and about half way to Love. I think it's all about where you live..and where you need to go.

SWA out of Love Field ain't the same gig that everyone else gets from them elsewhere. With the beloved Wright Ammendment limiting OOS destinations for nonstop travel, it would definitely affect my choice as well, if i had to fly out of Dallas.

DrEdward

02-19-2009, 03:09 PM

Operating a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires knowledge of two sets of driving rules. The first set applies outside of loop 128 and is more or less the equivalent of the rest of the United States. Inside 128, the rules change and whoever gets to a given spot first gets the right of way, unless you are a pedestrian. Then you have no rights whatsoever. The idea of yielding such to another vehicle is an alien concept. The rotary experience inside 128 has to be experienced to be believed. I have seen cars drive through the middle of them in that town. Boston traffic inside 128 is far worse than driving in the NYC. So take the T and survive.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 03:12 PM

SWA out of Love Field ain't the same gig that everyone else gets from them elsewhere. With the beloved Wright Ammendment limiting OOS destinations for nonstop travel, it would definitely affect my choice as well, if i had to fly out of Dallas.

I hate the Wright Ammendment. Always have.
I believe it is over in what, 2011?

Firebird

02-19-2009, 03:33 PM

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 03:48 PM

I freaking love Southwest (and hate the Wright Amendment). But I love me some Southwest and will gladly drive the extra miles to Hobby to get on an orange and brown plane. I'd fly them international if I could, eating pretzels and drinking Dr. Pepper the whole way.

For instate, it can't be beat. I want to fly from Houston to Dallas, not from Humble to Grapevine.

Not to mention the greatest safety record of any major airline in the country. I believe they have never had a fatality on one of their flights. That kind of record can't be beat :notworthy

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 03:51 PM

I hate the Wright Ammendment. Always have.
I believe it is over in what, 2011?

2014 I believe.

yankee

02-19-2009, 03:52 PM

http://i40.tinypic.com/2guzlvc.jpg

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 03:52 PM

2014 I believe.

Thats too damn long.
:Censor: American and D/FW International

yankee

02-19-2009, 03:53 PM

wright amendment. what is?

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 03:59 PM

wright amendment. what is?
Limits planes larger than 50 seats cannot fly out of Love field farther than Texas, Arky, OK, NM, Bama, Kansas, Miss., and Missouri. Designed in the 1960's so DFW could thrive without any competition.

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 04:00 PM

wright amendment. what is?

It restricts the operations of Southwest flights to surrounding states out of Love Field.
THis was put in palce by DFW Aiport and American. American is doing everyuthing they can to keep Southwest from tapping into the the market here in Dallas. THats why most people have to fly into Houston or other locations in adjoining states to make a connecting flight if they choose to use Southwest as their carrier for other destinations.
Southwest can operate to states such as New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama and Kansas out of Love but thats it.
Theres a nutshell of what I know.

yankee

02-19-2009, 04:02 PM

dumb

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 04:04 PM

dumb

Yup.
Thank the greed at American and DFW.
DFW claims that it would take away from the economic impact they have on the region if they repealed the Wright Amendment. Totally stupid. DFW has even gone as far as trying to get Southwest to move its operations to the old Delta Terminal which is Terminal E but Southwest refused. Good for them in that regard.

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 04:04 PM

It restricts the operations of Southwest flights to surrounding states out of Love Field.
THis was put in palce by DFW Aiport and American. American is doing everyuthing they can to keep Southwest from tapping into the the market here in Dallas. THats why most people have to fly into Houston or other locations in adjoining states to make a connecting flight if they choose to use Southwest as their carrier for other destinations.
Southwest can operate to states such as New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Alabama and Kansas out of Love but thats it.
Theres a nutshell of what I know.

Its good for the little Airports like out here in Lubbock:
LAS>AMA>DAL
LAS>LBB>DAL
LAS>MAF>DAL

DEN>AMA>DAL

If it weren't for the WA, SW would not be in WestTex right now.

drgnbkr

02-19-2009, 04:35 PM

Yup.
Thank the greed at American and DFW.
DFW claims that it would take away from the economic impact they have on the region if they repealed the Wright Amendment. Totally stupid. DFW has even gone as far as trying to get Southwest to move its operations to the old Delta Terminal which is Terminal E but Southwest refused. Good for them in that regard.

There is another side to that..when Houston Hobby allowed long haul SW flights it killed Houston Intercontinental/Bush..It has made a bit of a comeback, but for a longtime it was a nasty bus station.

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 04:38 PM

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 04:44 PM

There is another side to that..when Houston Hobby allowed long haul SW flights it killed Houston Intercontinental/Bush..It has made a bit of a comeback, but for a longtime it was a nasty bus station.

Chicago can operate and function with two airports and now Dallas can too. The DFW metro area is the 4th largest in the country. The three it is behind all operate at least 2 major airports while maintaing a busy and fruitful international airport.
NYC has 3 in JFK, NWK, LGA
LA has many with LAX, Long Beach, Oxnard
Chicago with O'Haire and Midway
Dallas can do the same now. THe population is expected to reach the 9 million mark in the next 10-15 years.
Cities such as Washington operate with Dulles and Regan bot extending service nationwide.
Back in the 70's it didnt make sense but now it does. American and DFW are doing everything they can to keep it a one horse town and that like many other things in the metromess just wont cut it now.

F18mustang

02-19-2009, 05:01 PM

Chicago can operate and function with two airports and now Dallas can too. The DFW metro area is the 4th largest in the country. The three it is behind all operate at least 2 major airports while maintaing a busy and fruitful international airport.
NYC has 3 in JFK, NWK, LGA
LA has many with LAX, Long Beach, Oxnard
Chicago with O'Haire and Midway
Dallas can do the same now. THe population is expected to reach the 9 million mark in the next 10-15 years.
Cities such as Washington operate with Dulles and Regan bot extending service nationwide.
Back in the 70's it didnt make sense but now it does. American and DFW are doing everything they can to keep it a one horse town and that like many other things in the metromess just wont cut it now.

Yep, DFW and DAL is all that the metroplex needs. If there is a need for expansion, DFW can expand up to nine terminals from the five that its has. Tack on the new terminal that Love just approved.

I think there is a clause similar to WA on Washington Reagan that planes cannot fly 1,000 miles+

I'm trying to think of some multiple airport metro area world wide and US.

Metroplex-DFW/DAL
Houston-IAH/HOU
Los Angeles-LAX/BUR/ONT/LGB/SNA
SanFran-SFO/OAK/SJC
Chicago-ORD/MDW
Miami-MIA/FLL/PBI
New York-EWR/JFK/LGA
DC-DCA/IAD/BWI

Paris-CDG/Orly
London-Heathrow/Gatwick/City/Stanstead

okt0ber

02-19-2009, 08:01 PM

I hate Southwest...Have had a choice for the 35 years I've been traveling for business and pleasure, and have flown SW maybe 10 times. Hated every flight.

the A10 on your boarding pass isn't your seat number. You must have been confused and tried to sit on the wing :rolleyes:

Southwest is great. Always friendly people and great prices. Not to mention the Rapid Rewards program is good, too.

I've also flown Continental and Frontier. Not so great at all. Not nearly as friendly.

Express Jet was good, too.

twcpfan1

02-19-2009, 08:21 PM

Flew into Logan once in the 80's from Washington Dulles via Newark with Peoples Express Airlines. It was cool. Airfare was something like 19.00 one way. Had to pay for every piece of luggage you checked in though and pay for peanuts
Me and my fiancee at the time, were backpacking across America. Didn't think flying was going to be cheaper than Greyhound. It was a pleasant surprise. Gotta love those Reagan Airline Deregulation years. I remember while in Boston, businesses were begging for people to come work for them. There was an over abundance of jobs and not enough willing workers.

Also flew Southwest from Vegas to San Francisco dirt cheap.
.
How times have changed.

Dawg Fan

02-19-2009, 08:38 PM

i freaking love southwest (and hate the wright amendment). But i love me some southwest and will gladly drive the extra miles to hobby to get on an orange and brown plane. I'd fly them international if i could, eating pretzels and drinking dr. Pepper the whole way.

For instate, it can't be beat. I want to fly from houston to dallas, not from humble to grapevine.

+1

twcpfan1

02-19-2009, 09:41 PM

I freaking love Southwest (and hate the Wright Amendment). But I love me some Southwest and will gladly drive the extra miles to Hobby to get on an orange and brown plane. I'd fly them international if I could, eating pretzels and drinking Dr. Pepper the whole way.

For instate, it can't be beat. I want to fly from Houston to Dallas, not from Humble to Grapevine.

That's of course if you're actually brave enough to live in Houston or close to the Gulf. For those who aren't IAH works quite well.

RocklandDragon

02-19-2009, 09:43 PM

Never had problems with Southwest.

:cool:

From what I hear...it's balance sheet is in the black, unlike the other airlines.

It's doing something right.

:D

farmerfan

02-19-2009, 09:44 PM

Never had problems with Southwest.

:cool:

From what I hear...it's balance sheet is in the black, unlike the other airlines.

It's doing something right.

:D

Yes sir. Just like UPS which IMO is the second best airline in the country ;)

hoo2ers

02-20-2009, 07:56 AM

Yup.
Thank the greed at American and DFW.

Farmer
Perhaps one could look at Braniff, not American, as the original culprit in the Wright amendment fiasco in it's relation to DFW and Love.

smw358

02-20-2009, 08:07 AM

I hate Southwest...Have had a choice for the 35 years I've been traveling for business and pleasure, and have flown SW maybe 10 times. Hated every flight.

You've got that right....they might as well put a brand on your butt and call you a cow. That is what it feels like every time I fly Southwest. MoooOOOOO!:D

SV61

02-20-2009, 08:14 AM

You've got that right....they might as well put a brand on your butt and call you a cow. That is what it feels like every time I fly Southwest. MoooOOOOO!:D

I don't hate SouthWest, just they many times aren't my first choice.

As for Airlines going belly up, I remember Being IN Boston, when Eastern Airlines did their header. While I DID have a seat on an American Flight, MANY people had tickets on Eastern flights that no longer existed.

Shoulda seen Logan THAT day.

hoo2ers

02-20-2009, 08:25 AM

There is another side to that..when Houston Hobby allowed long haul SW flights it killed Houston Intercontinental/Bush..It has made a bit of a comeback, but for a longtime it was a nasty bus station.

With Continental at about 750 daily flights out of Bush, I would think it has rebounded well.The new E terminal as well as the $1 Billion dollar B terminal starting, I think the Bush facilities will be positioned well for decades to come. Hobby serves Southwest needs, just don't expect to find any toilets in the main ticketing lobby that are not backed-up or working.;)

dragonsdaddy

02-20-2009, 08:31 AM

Farmer
Perhaps one could look at Braniff, not American, as the original culprit in the Wright amendment fiasco in it's relation to DFW and Love.

are you sure? speaker wright was a ft worth representative first and foremost, and american airlines was in his district. braniff wasn't. i don't doubt that braniff supported the amendment, but not wright's priority.

Dawg Fan

02-20-2009, 09:22 AM

You've got that right....they might as well put a brand on your butt and call you a cow. That is what it feels like every time I fly Southwest. MoooOOOOO!:D

They board by boarding pass numbers now and it is much better than getting in line an hour early if you wanted to sit near the front. Business select is just a few dollars more and you are guaranteed a top 15 boarding pass number and you get a drink coupon along with getting 1 1/2 reward credits. I can't wait for them to get rid of that protectionist Wright amendment:Censor: I will fly Southwest exclusively.:D

Firebird

02-20-2009, 09:35 AM

Never had problems with Southwest.

:cool:

From what I hear...it's balance sheet is in the black, unlike the other airlines.

It's doing something right.

:D

Bingo. Southwest has a unique business plan that involves getting people to their destination on time most of the time, with their luggage, for a fair price, while still managing to turn a profit without begging for USG funds. More airlines should look into it.

When I was a kid I didn't know anything but Southwest. Mom and I (later little sis) would take Southwest from the Valley to Midland/Odessa to see grandma or to Love Field to see Aunt and Uncle. I remember when we decided to go see Uncle and Aunt in Tyler and we had to fly American because Mom didn't want to take a car with a baby from Love to Tyler and so we flew that little puddlehopper into Tyler's airport. I was extremely peeved that we didn't get to pick our seats once we boarded with the "young children group."

In any case, I have never understood the hostility towards picking your own seat. The line may suck, but it's no worse than the outright contempt that most other airlines show their passengers. I still fly SW and no one has ever been rude to me, there has always been a good explanation if things are running late, and I have always collected my baggage when I landed. And sometimes they tell corny jokes on the intercom. More than I can say for any other carrier. SW is 2nd only to Singapore Air in my preferred airlines list, and until Singapore starts flying domestic routes I'll stick with Southwest.

farmerfan

02-20-2009, 09:39 AM

Bingo. Southwest has a unique business plan that involves getting people to their destination on time most of the time, with their luggage, for a fair price, while still managing to turn a profit without begging for USG funds. More airlines should look into it.

When I was a kid I didn't know anything but Southwest. Mom and I (later little sis) would take Southwest from the Valley to Midland/Odessa to see grandma or to Love Field to see Aunt and Uncle. I remember when we decided to go see Uncle and Aunt in Tyler and we had to fly American because Mom didn't want to take a car with a baby from Love to Tyler and so we flew that little puddlehopper into Tyler's airport. I was extremely peeved that we didn't get to pick our seats once we boarded with the "young children group."

In any case, I have never understood the hostility towards picking your own seat. The line may suck, but it's no worse than the outright contempt that most other airlines show their passengers. I still fly SW and no one has ever been rude to me, there has always been a good explanation if things are running late, and I have always collected my baggage when I landed. And sometimes they tell corny jokes on the intercom. More than I can say for any other carrier. SW is 2nd only to Singapore Air in my preferred airlines list, and until Singapore starts flying domestic routes I'll stick with Southwest.

If Southwest picks up gates in Atlanta then I will be there way more often. I dont mind driving out to Atlanta but it would be so much better to fly. Would allow me to take in more UGA games too. I dont even mind having a stop in Birmingham if thats the case out of Love.
I have flown Delta into Atlanta numerous times and it is terrible. We are never ontime(air traffic around Atlanta is why, thank for for the opening of the 5th runway.) never any place to put our bags, I hate checking.
I also agree with the way they treat you. I have never been treated better than the way I have while flying Southwest.

F18mustang

02-20-2009, 09:42 AM

Bingo. Southwest has a unique business plan that involves getting people to their destination on time most of the time, with their luggage, for a fair price, while still managing to turn a profit without begging for USG funds. More airlines should look into it.

When I was a kid I didn't know anything but Southwest. Mom and I (later little sis) would take Southwest from the Valley to Midland/Odessa to see grandma or to Love Field to see Aunt and Uncle. I remember when we decided to go see Uncle and Aunt in Tyler and we had to fly American because Mom didn't want to take a car with a baby from Love to Tyler and so we flew that little puddlehopper into Tyler's airport. I was extremely peeved that we didn't get to pick our seats once we boarded with the "young children group."

In any case, I have never understood the hostility towards picking your own seat. The line may suck, but it's no worse than the outright contempt that most other airlines show their passengers. I still fly SW and no one has ever been rude to me, there has always been a good explanation if things are running late, and I have always collected my baggage when I landed. And sometimes they tell corny jokes on the intercom. More than I can say for any other carrier. SW is 2nd only to Singapore Air in my preferred airlines list, and until Singapore starts flying domestic routes I'll stick with Southwest.

Doesn't Singapore have little affiliated Low cost carriers? Tiger Airlines?

drgnbkr

02-20-2009, 09:48 AM

Bingo. Southwest has a unique business plan that involves getting people to their destination on time most of the time, with their luggage, for a fair price, while still managing to turn a profit without begging for USG funds. More airlines should look into it.

When I was a kid I didn't know anything but Southwest. Mom and I (later little sis) would take Southwest from the Valley to Midland/Odessa to see grandma or to Love Field to see Aunt and Uncle. I remember when we decided to go see Uncle and Aunt in Tyler and we had to fly American because Mom didn't want to take a car with a baby from Love to Tyler and so we flew that little puddlehopper into Tyler's airport. I was extremely peeved that we didn't get to pick our seats once we boarded with the "young children group."

In any case, I have never understood the hostility towards picking your own seat. The line may suck, but it's no worse than the outright contempt that most other airlines show their passengers. I still fly SW and no one has ever been rude to me, there has always been a good explanation if things are running late, and I have always collected my baggage when I landed. And sometimes they tell corny jokes on the intercom. More than I can say for any other carrier. SW is 2nd only to Singapore Air in my preferred airlines list, and until Singapore starts flying domestic routes I'll stick with Southwest.

Again, it is all about where you are going, and where you live. For many, SW is the regional airline of choice. For me, SW is not an option when I need to go to Florida, California or just about anywhere out of state. SW is also not an option for in-state trips, as AA is basically the same price, and DFW is much closer to me than Love. Also, the ability to get online, make my reservation, choose my seat is far preferable to the cattle car mess of a boarding process with SW. But like I say, to each their own. SW may be in business when AA, Continental, United and the others are gone though!:p But who will be flying then anyway....We'll all be behind the mule plowing .

SV61

02-20-2009, 10:03 AM

If Southwest picks up gates in Atlanta then I will be there way more often. I dont mind driving out to Atlanta but it would be so much better to fly. Would allow me to take in more UGA games too. I dont even mind having a stop in Birmingham if thats the case out of Love.
I have flown Delta into Atlanta numerous times and it is terrible. We are never ontime(air traffic around Atlanta is why, thank for for the opening of the 5th runway.) never any place to put our bags, I hate checking.
I also agree with the way they treat you. I have never been treated better than the way I have while flying Southwest.

So, why do you think that Southwest would be MORE on time, at the same airport, with the high traffic issues ALREADY?? :confused:

As for good treatment, Try flying American, Delta, or British Airways on an International Route. My experience is very positive with these particular carriers, AND the menu offered more than peanuts or crackers.

Firebird

02-20-2009, 10:19 AM

So, why do you think that Southwest would be MORE on time, at the same airport, with the high traffic issues ALREADY?? :confused:

As for good treatment, Try flying American, Delta, or British Airways on an International Route. My experience is very positive with these particular carriers, AND the menu offered more than peanuts or crackers.

I have never flown BA, but I have AA and Delta. I can say that Lufthansa, SwissAir, KLM, Air France, and above all Singapore offer much better service, comfort and food for international flights. If you want my dead honest opinion, LOT (Poland) and Aeroflot are more on par with what I get on AA and Delta international. Air Ukraine, ArmAvia (Armenia), Pulkovo (defunct Russian), and Sibir (Russian) are below their standards though.:D

I try to avoid BA because everything I have heard indicates that the transfer through London is a nightmare best avoided. Air France is good in the air but Charles De Gaulle is terrible. Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, and Amsterdam are all nice places to switch planes and rest a while. Frankfurt is a great, efficient airport. Warsaw is surprisingly good. Moscow Sheremetyevo is hell on earth but Moscow Domodedovo is as good as virtually any U.S. airport I have been to.

farmerfan

02-20-2009, 10:24 AM

pied

02-20-2009, 10:31 AM

I have never flown BA, but I have AA and Delta. I can say that Lufthansa, SwissAir, KLM, Air France, and above all Singapore offer much better service, comfort and food for international flights. If you want my dead honest opinion, LOT (Poland) and Aeroflot are more on par with what I get on AA and Delta international. Air Ukraine, ArmAvia (Armenia), Pulkovo (defunct Russian), and Sibir (Russian) are below their standards though.:D

I try to avoid BA because everything I have heard indicates that the transfer through London is a nightmare best avoided. Air France is good in the air but Charles De Gaulle is terrible. Frankfurt, Munich, Geneva, and Amsterdam are all nice places to switch planes and rest a while. Frankfurt is a great, efficient airport. Warsaw is surprisingly good. Moscow Sheremetyevo is hell on earth but Moscow Domodedovo is as good as virtually any U.S. airport I have been to.

I've actually flown Aeroflot, weird experience.

For me drgbkr's position is mine, except the boarding makes zero difference to me. Very little in state flying and I live much closer to DFW than Love.

okt0ber

02-20-2009, 10:15 PM

You've got that right....they might as well put a brand on your butt and call you a cow. That is what it feels like every time I fly Southwest. MoooOOOOO!:D

I don't know why.... you have a number, which is your position in line, now.... it's no longer a cattle call... get with the times..

F18mustang

02-20-2009, 10:42 PM

I've actually flown Aeroflot, weird experience.

For me drgbkr's position is mine, except the boarding makes zero difference to me. Very little in state flying and I live much closer to DFW than Love.

Did you fly on a Tupolev or a Ilyushin? Or was it a Airbus/Boeing?

CCCSportsFan

02-20-2009, 10:50 PM

CCCSportsFan

02-20-2009, 10:57 PM

In all of my miles on AA, I can't remember ever thinking that..In fact, over the years, I've given out a number of those "your something special" recognition things they have. To each his/her own I guess. I kind of feel the same way about SW as you do about AA. I've never understood how they win the consumer awards they get.

I'm with you Bkr, AA has by in large always treated me well.

Besides, I just can't justify for a day trip the 30-40 minute extra drive to Love field for the outbound leg and then have a 50-70 minute drive home after arriving back to Love in the 4-6:00pm window to get home.

F18mustang

02-20-2009, 11:00 PM

For Asia/PAC travel Qantas is exceptional and they serve Aussie beer on their flights too :)

I've heard Singapore Air and Cathay Pacific are outstanding, just never flown them. AA's flight to Narita is good if you're in business class but heaven help you if you're in coach!

Anyone been on Emirate Air? Their new Airbus 380 service looks like it will be fantastic...

I'd say.......

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3362/1412223.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5720/1416448.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1807/1481360.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/170/1481361.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

CCCSportsFan

02-21-2009, 08:51 AM

I'd say.......

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3362/1412223.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/5720/1416448.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1807/1481360.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/170/1481361.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

On their website they show this in video clips. Very impressive service that will probably cost an arm and leg!