SouthWest start ATL (5 cities) Feb 12, 2012

[JPD]

Originally Posted by rcsteiner

The last flights we booked on Airtran were $80 each way.

How is that an Arm? And the option to reserve a seat is worth it.

Couldn't agree more. Air Tran is far superior to SW, in my opinion. Since I never fly alone, I don't like SW's seating policy at all.

I very much like Air Tran's $50 upgrade, which pays for itself since you get to check your bags for free and you get free cocktails.

[samiwas1]

Originally Posted by JPD

Couldn't agree more. Air Tran is far superior to SW, in my opinion. Since I never fly alone, I don't like SW's seating policy at all.

I very much like Air Tran's $50 upgrade, which pays for itself since you get to check your bags for free and you get free cocktails.

Agreed. I've flown AirTran almost exclusively for years, and oftentimes enjoy automatic upgrades. If not, I can at least usually pay the small amount to upgrade. Now, I won't even have a confirmed seat! Hell, I probably won't even have a decent seat unless I show up extra early to get a good place in the cattle-call line. I'm the kind of guy who likes to show up at the airport 45 minutes before my flight, duck through security, and walk right on the plane. I will miss AirTran.

[ATL Golfer]

Originally Posted by tomno00

Support the local economy. Fly Delta Jets.

I'll consider this when

1) They are competitive on fare
2) Won't charge me for bags (this creates such a shortage of overhead space, really annoying)
3) Won't completely and absolutely rip me off if I have to change my flight


I've had status on Delta. I've been loyal. But like Delta, I've got to run myself as a cost effective business. In case Delta hasn't noticed, America is more price conscious than ever. SouthWest's advertising blitz is certainly going to have a lasting impact.

And then I read this week that Delta plans to sell advertising within the plane and basically forcefully subject its clients to it? I'm sure they will pass on savings to the customers since they will have this added revenue stream (trying not to laugh)? The two latest flights I went on, they have a couple minute presentation to get the people to sign up for their credit card. Are you kidding me? You are interrupting my in flight entertainment, sleep, etc so that you can try to sell me a credit card????

Delta is doing all the wrong things at exactly the wrong time. Push all of this crap on customers and they will leave you, as I plan to do.

I've already signed up for the SouthWest credit card (just ran an awesome promotion) ....if SW is flying to my destination and they are a dollar cheaper, I'm using them.

[cwkimbro]

C'mon people... lets not forget the fact that Southwest is also decreasing the number of existing Airtran flights and destinations served. I'm sure there will be some good routes, but for some of the smaller and mid-size cities Delta's fares might go up.

When Airtran operated like a hub it brought more fliers to Atlanta, which opens up the possibility to serve more destinations.... but also more flight choices (how many flights to a certain city there are during the day).

I'm sure some routes will have more competition, but this isn't some magical competition that didn't exist before.

[lastminutemom]

We travel frequently to Texas and believe that SW will actually increase our costs. It is evident already as the longer term sales for Delta haven't included TX cities at all. SW fares to/from Birminham to TX cities are higher than the best deals we get from Airtran. Time will tell I suppose.

I do like their policies related to changing tickets.