Best and worst airlines in the US (low cost, hotel, hotel)

[WellShoneMoon]

I would imagine every airline has those who love it and others who hate it.

[Aredhel]

Every US airline is awful, each in its own unique way.

[Jowel]

Well, this is how it should be :

https://www.iflya380.com/fly-smart/f...tml?origin=GSO

[shanv3]

Originally Posted by Kevroqs

What do you think is the best and worst airline you've flown with in the U.S. ?

I think Delta is pretty good, and not too impressed with American.

In terms of meanness, all airlines are equally good. For eg, almost everyone charges for bag, seats and food. Looks like service is just getting the passenger safely to the other point.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Jowel

Well, this is how it should be :

https://www.iflya380.com/fly-smart/f...tml?origin=GSO

well... those are pretty tough to accommodate at most USA airports... but my flights on A-380's have been very nice, in spite of Economy class instead of Suite Class.

I hope SWA would use A-380's with 'first on' boarding style!!!

but... they (A-380s) are REALLY inefficient at the gate (SWA forte... flip turns (shortest time at gate of any carrier, get that plane in the AIR earning revenue...!) FAST!!!

I LUV boarding procedures at SWA!!! Fine for short flights!

1. get on,
2. find a seat,
3. sit down and
4. GO!!!

I have recently been using this similar procedure for boarding international flights! (boarding LAST)

[Jowel]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

well... those are pretty tough to accommodate at most USA airports... but my flights on A-380's have been very nice, in spite of Economy class instead of Suite Class.

I hope SWA would use A-380's with 'first on' boarding style!!!

but... they (A-380s) are REALLY inefficient at the gate (SWA forte... flip turns (shortest time at gate of any carrier, get that plane in the AIR earning revenue...!) FAST!!!

I LUV boarding procedures at SWA!!! Fine for short flights!

1. get on,
2. find a seat,
3. sit down and
4. GO!!!

I have recently been using this similar procedure for boarding international flights! (boarding LAST)

Excuse my ignorance on this as I've never flown SWA, but is there ever any issue or dispute on who ends up having to get the middle seats?

[TimAZ]

Originally Posted by Jowel

Excuse my ignorance on this as I've never flown SWA, but is there ever any issue or dispute on who ends up having to get the middle seats?

The big problem with SWA are people who claim some reason for boarding early (infirmity, children, etc.), then try to "reserve" seats for their friends and family who board later. This is just wrong in most cases and it causes a lot of angst as people find preferred seats are already taken even though they are in the first group of "regular" passengers to board.

The flight attendants stay out of any disagreements so it's kind of law of the jungle where the weak and timid get the shaft.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Jowel

Excuse my ignorance on this as I've never flown SWA, but is there ever any issue or dispute on who ends up having to get the middle seats?

on SWA No seat is reserved, +/-; you check-in 24 hrs in advance for a 'line-up' sequence, OR you pay $15 for 'early boarding' (A Group / first 60) , or you pay MORE for priority position fare (A 1-15 + other perks), or you meet 'A-List' status (# of legs flown / yr).

Depends I have never seen a dispute, as it is 'first on gets their choice', as they fill up... the 'first on' can get SQUASHED (by a monster middle seat person who has not other choice). That is the risk... EVERY seat is an AVAILABLE seat, i.e. you cannot buy a vacant seat. Depends on your routing, as there may be some vacant seats, as SWA no longer 'over-books' (Too bad, as I previously could get $2000 - $3000 / yr in 'bumps', and 10+ FREE nights / yr in hotels when bumped. )

Tho priority listing on Legacy carriers... I find SWA a DREAM for boarding in USA (only better idea is to board window seaters first from rear of plane, then middle then Aisle) The SWA model would NOT work so hot in Europe or Asia (A LOT more segregated / demanding culture). USA is pretty 'compliant' in comparison. (you don't see public social revolutions in USA too often)

SWA =

1. MUCH fewer carry-ons (fee checked bags)
2. No one looking for a particular seat
3. No one in the WRONG seat
4. FAST seating, (pick the first one you like)

Usually staff is very helpful and pleasant, and also interested in
Get on and GO = happier customers, happier investors, happier employees. Get to destination quicker and with less PAIN.

SWA is NOT always the cheapest, but I have NO other airlines that gives me FREE changes (of which I have had 12 in the last 7 days.) No PAIN, except for current Blade inspections / flight cancellations. But SWA has honored tickets / routing / timing as well as possible. And has sent a few extra Flight coupons for the trouble.

Worse case on SWA seems to be when a family gets delayed in boarding and they ask for volunteers to take a middle seat to allow family to be together (happens about 1x per 20 flights). USA flights are so short... it is not a huge burden and people gladly help out (often receiving perks ./ drinks / coupons / or nothing...(that's OK too)) We all just want to Get on and GO!!

[StealthRabbit]

My big complaint about SWA is a liberal 'companion pet(?)' policy (Trying to accommodate people to a fault).

I dislike getting fleas, from some selfish person who is putting at risk and inconvenience 180 other passengers so they can drag along a 'companion' (emotional support) animal(?).

I care way too much for my pets to put them at risk of dying in a plane crash.
and my pets are far happier 'holding down the fort' (protecting the home). It gives them a 'purpose' in life

[airics]

Originally Posted by Kevroqs

What do you think is the best and worst airline you've flown with in the U.S. ?

I think Delta is pretty good, and not too impressed with American.

Delta = Doesn’t ever leave the airport