SW Adds 3 More Direct Flights From GSP

[grannynancy]

Originally Posted by ddmne

When my mother or MIL is traveling alone, she doesn't like having to worry about connecting flights. I can't blame either of them.

I don't either. If you dont want to pay extra to check luggage you have to sit in the back if you want overhead space ......... then you have to have to wait 20 minutes to get off the plane.......connections can be tight.

I am learning that you can often check through free on full flights and they are always full - I even got to board my zone 3 during zone 1 load last time as an incintive for checking my bag for free. .

But it really is ridiculous to have to drive to Charlotte to get decent fares.. I dont even mind connecting in CLT....

Does anyone else remember when GSP was a lot cheaper than flying out of Charlotte? I remember that when I lived in Fort Mill and wound up driving (at different times) to GSP, Greensboro, or Columbia for a flight.....I live 20 minutes from GSP

[QuilterChick]

Flying used to be rather fun; not anymore. Connections can really get you messed up and you can find yourself sleeping in one of these airports if you are unlucky in missing a connection for the last flight out to your destination. That's okay I suppose for the under age 40 folks. Imagine if you are stuck with little children, or a baby, or a little dog! Charlotte is notorious for cancelling or changing flights and flight numbers. If you've ever had a tight connection and find out that your last flight of the day to AVL has been delayed 2 hrs. you are stuck in CLT and your car is in AVL. Late at night, no rental cars available. The airlines don't care especially if it is "weather related" they give you the "we are so sorry" routine, no refunds, no comps, nada. (For the past few years I also do not check any luggage, simply take a carry on... and I ship my things up a week before to my son's house a lot cheaper, just to make sure it's there when I arrive, and ship it back when I leave. Less expensive than checking.)

The drive is about 2 hrs. to Charlotte from Hendersonville, more from Asheville; but you take your chances in the winter driving there and back especially if your return flight is at night.

Nonstop is so much easier. Once you're in the air, you're "good to go". I've taken Jet Blue to BOS several times or US Air direct to PVD if possible. In the winter though, I have to use AVL to PVD strictly for weather reasons, and ... it is expensive. SW to BOS is an option next year if it is direct or non-stop. But we still have to drive down "the grade". I suppose that's the cost of lliving in this beautiful area.