[guardian2222]

Hey all. I'm still considering my options for our trip next year and need some advice on airlines. We live in Washington and will be flying out of Seattle, so as you may imagine flight costs are a big consideration. There aren't many options, especially for non-stop flights. My question is for anyone who has flown with Southwest Airlines. How are they? How are their planes? Are they comfortable and roomy? How's their service? Any comments/suggestions? I've flown Alaska Airlines before (not to DW) and they are good, but their flights to Orlando are not cheap, nor are their times very good, but you can book flights up to 329 days in advance. Looking at SW, their fares seem so much cheaper, they do have one nonstop a day, but you can only book, what, maybe 6 months ahead at most. Anyway, I would appreciate any comments anyone may have. Thanks.

[DisneyTeacher]

Welcome to DisneyCentral. I think SWA is a great carrier, we are flying SW in a couple of days. The planes are nice and the service is good. They do limit how far in advance you can book your flight, it's normally like 3-4 months out.

[mickey]

Keep an eye on Alaska, I have seen the non-stop flights to Orlando for as cheap as about $225 per person with taxes included.

I fly Southwest all the time. They have great planes, fantastic service, nice leather seats, etc. The one downfall is the no assigned seating, but I really like that, since I check in online before hand, and I am always in the first group, so I basically get to pick my seat. In fact, if I have my choice, I fly SW over any other airline (with the exception of JetBlue).

[karliebug]

We fly SW every trip and have never found seating a problem and we check in when we get to the airport. They have the best nostop flights both schedule wise and price wise from our airport. Airtran also has good prices,too. Check them out also.

[Andrea]

Checking in online is definitely key to flying Southwest. I also try to be first in line to get the exit row, but I obsess that way.

Their seats do seem to have more leg room than Delta, which is what I usually end up flying, and Southwest's snackboxes are better. You know, the important stuff. :-)

[SDuncan]

I fly SWA and have always had a good experience. Crew is very nice and friendly. The plane is as good as any other I have been on. It is the only carrier out of Kansas City with a non-stop to Orlando. I don't like not having an assigned seat, but that is a preference and not really a concern.

[msmouse39]

Just thought I would add input to this. I have travelled Southwest for 3 years and wait until about 60 days prior to the trip to book for their internet specials. The plans are clean and neat and the attendants are pleasant. I haven't had any trouble with them from Providence to Orlando.

[daisyd]

I am a big Southwest fan!

I have only had good experiences with them personally. They are my favorite airline. When I was a TA, I only ever got complaints from clients about them when they (the client) showed up late, and could not get seating together, or if there was the very rare mechanical problem (can happen to any airline). If you check in online, and/or give yourself the propper time at the airport, it should be great.

Roomy in coach class isn't a word I'd use to describe any airline I have been on with the exception of Singapore Air, but they don't go to Orlando from here, lol. But, the Southwest planes are in great condition, the attendants helpful.

Also, I looked real quick and only saw a flight that is 'direct' from Seattle (I didn't look at every flight, every day, so I may have missed the nonstop) . Direct meaning one stop (sometimes more) with no change of equiptment, where as 'non-stop' is well, non-stop. Make sure you know what your flight is doing as it adds to the travel time.

I suggest that if you have dates set in stone, farther out than Southwest's calendar goes now and the Alaksa fare gets close to what you'd like to pay, buy your tickets and be done with it. It might be worth a couple hundred bucks (if you have it) to have that chunk of planning done, be able to fly nonstop and not have to worry about changing your dates.

If not, playing the waiting game can be part of the fun! Keep an eye on the fares, and sign up for Alaska and Southwest's e-mail alerts.

[guardian2222]

Thanks for all the advice. Daisyd, I guess your right, the flights I am looking at do have one stop but not a change of planes. I guess that is what the "1" means without a city designation next to it. I'll just have to keep waiting and keep my eyes open. I wish Alaska would have a later non-stop, but it's only one leaves Seattle at like 8AM or so, and the airport is a 3 hour drive. I really don't want to leave our house and like 3 in the morning with an almost 3 yo. She would probably get real grumpy on the plane. Maybe when they first start booking for the time I want to travel the prices will be so good I can spend the night before at a hotel near the airport Otherwise, I'll keep waiting for SW. Direct one stop without changing planes I think would be better than changing planes with a little one in tow. Anybody else ever flown on such a long trip with a 3yo? Do you find a stop over is better than direct, even though it takes longer? So many questions, so much time to figure them all out. LOL. I'll probably change plans at least a dozen times before they are set in stone and I can start worrying about ADR's (or whatever they call them now). OK I'll stop rambling now. Anybody else with suggestions?

Oh, one other question. Does SW have lower rates for kids (almost 3yo) and do you have to call to book those fares? Can you still get the internet rates for the adults? They should put all the rates online. OK I'm done now. LOL.

[mickey]

Originally Posted by guardian2222

Anybody else ever flown on such a long trip with a 3yo?

Oh, one other question. Does SW have lower rates for kids (almost 3yo) and do you have to call to book those fares? Can you still get the internet rates for the adults? They should put all the rates online. OK I'm done now. LOL.

Yes, we flew with our first child when he was 3 from Seattle to Honolulu. He fell asleep the first 5 minutes on the plane and sleept for 3 hours. He woke up, and we were still stuck on the ground in Seattle. He ended up being fine, but it would have been much nicer if he had slept when we were flying.

No, SW does not offer discounts rates for kids or seniors. The price is the same for everyone. Just book it online, you can watch for your dates to come out, and I would book it as soon as you see the right flights for your dates.

[DisneyTeacher]

I think kids are more comfortable in their own car seat while flying. If you can bring yours along I think your child will feel more at home and be more willing to stay in his/her own seat.