First time flyer, which airline would you recommend? [poll] (airports, flights, cheapest)

[personalensign79]

Was just going to say Southwest if the itinerary fits...my second is Delta.

[DrEarth]

The cheapest.

[FlyMIA]

Southwest sucks thats why.

[Cyborg13]

All airlines are the same. My loyalty is with whoever is cheapest at the time.

[claud605]

You don't have the ONLY airline I will fly in your poll...Southwest. No baggage charges, very good service, reasonable prices.

[HighCountryGent]

Depends on where I want to go. I'd prefer less transfers and layovers.

[crazy_bd]

I would strongly recommend Southwest as well over any of the other airlines - but I think they don't fly from your departure location. Of course, if you are ok with taking the car up to DC or down to Raleigh/Durham...

But of the available airlines on your poll, I'd say JetBlue if you are over 6ft tall - decent legroom. In truth, otherwise, just go with the cheapest (also include the checked luggage costs in your calculations - you probably want to check at least one bag, to prevent any hassle with bringing liquids/toiletries through security in your carry on luggage).
Even if there statistically is a difference between airlines in terms of delays and luggage delivery rates, you will probably not notice this unless you fly 70-100 times per year.

[MAK802]

Originally Posted by Charles

Is there a reason Southwest Airlines isn't on the list?

Originally Posted by claud605

You don't have the ONLY airline I will fly in your poll...Southwest. No baggage charges, very good service, reasonable prices.

Has anyone considered that SW perhaps doesn't service the OP's area? They are not exactly reliable that way. If I want to visit family in Jersey, I'd have to fly SW into LGA, which isn't exactly close. I'd rather fly Delta into EWR and have a 20 minute vs. an hour+ commute in traffic. I'm sure OP took all that into consideration.

And personally, I don't recommend SW to someone who hasn't flown before. They herd cattle, not passengers. He'd end up in group C, with no seat next to his travel companions. There is no way he'd know he has to check in 24 hours in advance, or risk not having seats near his family. If it was my first flight, I'd want to sit next to my family/friends, not some strangers.

[MAtheBanker]

I love Southwest and Allegiant Air (they only fly to/from small airports), but in the end, I choose who is cheaper.

For your first time, it doesn't really matter who you choose.

[South Range Family]

As an airline employee that flies for free, I just spent $1500 on the competition. They had nonstops with better times that I wanted.
Sometimes it's more about convenience than trying to save a buck.