Out of Southwest, and American Airlines which airline has better deals?

Answer 1

Don't let anyone fool you by saying that since SWA is a low-cost airline that they always have better deals. Right now, for the most part, SWA and AA are neck-and-neck in the costs, and given that, I'd rather fly AA because of the additional benefits you get, like reserved seating (so you don't have to herd in like cattle). AA's FF program is way more robust, since you can do more with it. And personally, I fly AA because I have status with them and they treat me well (SWA? doesn't even have statuses). AA flies to more cities, and internationally. I could go on and on.

Advantages for SWA? Cheaper walk-up and last minute fares, point-to-point routes, and all mainline planes (i.e., no chance of flying on a little Regional Jet, since SWA flies all 737s).

Answer 2

I fly 80-100 times a year (mostly for work), usually on American. Southwest Airlines has NEVER had the cheapest flights when I've been looking for trips to Florida or other places that they fly. Plus, for me, they always fly out of inconvenient airports unlike American.

Answer 3

I agree with Ice, I have been saying for years that SW is NOT the cheapest thing in the market. Most airlines that fly the same routes or from the same airports/hubs have to be competitive. I have yet to find SWA cheaper than most legacy carriers in most markets. Plus I HATE the cattle call style seating. They have an easier fare structure though. They post them for all to see, so that you can see what is available, what you get for that price and what is sold out. No questions asked. Other airlines are more complex and can have as many as 15 fares in their tier, offering coach, business and first class seating as well.

Personally, I dont like the all 737 fleet. Number 1, that is an old aircraft. Number 2, I dont like the 3 and 3 seat configuration, someone is ALWAYS in the middle and Number 3, as I said before, I dont like the "fight for a seat" style of boarding.

Most people book SWA because they are uneducated travelers who think SWA is a cheap airline. "Cheap"...yes they are. In the industry they are known as the Wal-Mart of the skies. Stand in any airport lobby and look at the people they attract. Now with their fuel hedging coming to an end and the price of fuel on the rise, you will see, as you already have, that their fares will go up. We all did a dance when we saw them raise their fares. Welcome to the club SWA!

Honestly, I find the service and style of airline to be better with ANY legacy carrier. So between SWA and American, the obvious choice to me is American.

Answer 4

ice and southrntrnzplnt gave very good answers and I also prefer American, however the 737 is not necessarily an old airplane. Boeing is still producing that airplane today and both southwest and Americans 737 fleet are relatively young.

Answer 5

Depending on where you are flying from and where you are going, Southwest generally has the better deals. However, I have had American match their price before. I also had TWA match Southwest's price as well.

Answer 6

Spirit Air from Ft.Lauderdale, Detroit and Atlantic City is by far the best, sometimes they have flights for $9 one way !!! http://www.spiritair.com/

Air Tran from Atlanta http://www.airtram.com/

JetBlue From New York and Long Beach, CA http://www.jetblue.com/

Answer 7

SOUTHWEST!!!!!