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RIP to the 'Southwest effect'?
There were times in the recent past when industry analysts and journalists automatically added the words "America's low-fare leader" after the Southwest Airlines' name. Now it's safe to say those days are over -- perhaps permanently. (www.usatoday.com) More...
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SWA entered the CLT market in march 2013. I can look on line and find that US fares are consistently lower than SWA's....Much lower. Sometimes $100 less.
For example a mid week departure and return( theoretically the cheapest days to fly) RT form CLT to ALB and back is about $260 on US. Some of those are non stop.
SWA is $70 to $100 more with one stop....The only advantage SWA has over US is that two bags fly free. Which of course would balance out the fares. SWA's peoplle are generally nicer and better at customer service. SWA does no assign seats. That sucks.
US does.
For example a mid week departure and return( theoretically the cheapest days to fly) RT form CLT to ALB and back is about $260 on US. Some of those are non stop.
SWA is $70 to $100 more with one stop....The only advantage SWA has over US is that two bags fly free. Which of course would balance out the fares. SWA's peoplle are generally nicer and better at customer service. SWA does no assign seats. That sucks.
US does.
I fly SWA almost exclusively for 3 reasons. 1.) They fly in/out MDW instead of ORD so I spend less time delayed, pay less tolls to get there, and generally have no/low stress. 2.) Bags fly free. I'm a big guy (height not girth) and a bag with a weeks business clothes has to be checked. I never have to sweat that it's going to cost me an extra $50 to have the right amount and types of clothing. 3.) Wanna get away fares! Book far enough in advance, the fares are hard to beat.
Virgin America is cheaper and better quality hands down. And remember, those tickets you bought today on SWA, are sale tickets they just released today. Check back in a week, and I bet they are significantly higher.
If you're not flying to or from one of the major cities on coasts, Virgin America isn't even in the vacinity. I absolutely love the parent company for international travel, but Virgin America is still absent in most of the U.S.
Maybe better quality experience, but not less expensive and not as many destinations either. Jet Blue has got all of them beat
Jet Blue is a nice carrier. But their map does not suit my travel needs.
Although JBU does fly into Rutland VT, which is 45 mins from where I need to go, their fare is over $400 from CLT....I can get to ALB on US for $150 less.
Although JBU does fly into Rutland VT, which is 45 mins from where I need to go, their fare is over $400 from CLT....I can get to ALB on US for $150 less.
Above and beyond airfare costs, I almost always consider complaints. Where is Southwest? Least complaints!