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Any Feedback on using Southwest? [what's the catch???]
For the past three trips to the USA, I've only been using Star Alliance carriers on domestic routes. My relatives have always advised me to take the cheaper option, Southwest, but that being an LCC, I've always been hesitant flying them for business. But is it really more practical to fly WN than the more 'expensive' legacy carriers?
I have always argued that by using Star (UA, US, CO), I get miles and seamless connections. I'm only a Star Silver member, but even then I get to occasionally use the priority security lanes, cutting long lines; and I get to board with zone 1 and not have to worry about overhead bin space. I feel these make for a less stressful flying experience.
Most times that I have booked in advance, the price of the Star carriers were about USD20 to USD50 more expensive, though I don't feel that is such a wide margin considering the benefits. However, legacies charge a USD75 to USD150 change fee, while Southwest does not.
Baggage fee is a non-issue in my case since *S and up are exempt from paying flying on Star carriers. I know that the "free two checked bags" scheme of WN is quite popular among the general public.
A cousin of mine (not an aviation nut) tells me that during delays, WN would put you up on a hotel, and honor your ticket up to a year from purchase. And again, no rebooking fee. And checked bags fly free! Really? All that? But what's the catch?
I have an upcoming trip and would be settling in the USA for three years of training. Of course, I'd be carrying precious possessions to keep me comfy during my stay.
A UA/CO ticket is about USD22 more expensive than WN.
So perhaps those here who have flown Southwest can give some feedback? How do they compare with the legacy carriers? Would it be worth saving that USD20 and flying with them instead of UA?
Thanks for any input!
I have always argued that by using Star (UA, US, CO), I get miles and seamless connections. I'm only a Star Silver member, but even then I get to occasionally use the priority security lanes, cutting long lines; and I get to board with zone 1 and not have to worry about overhead bin space. I feel these make for a less stressful flying experience.
Most times that I have booked in advance, the price of the Star carriers were about USD20 to USD50 more expensive, though I don't feel that is such a wide margin considering the benefits. However, legacies charge a USD75 to USD150 change fee, while Southwest does not.
Baggage fee is a non-issue in my case since *S and up are exempt from paying flying on Star carriers. I know that the "free two checked bags" scheme of WN is quite popular among the general public.
A cousin of mine (not an aviation nut) tells me that during delays, WN would put you up on a hotel, and honor your ticket up to a year from purchase. And again, no rebooking fee. And checked bags fly free! Really? All that? But what's the catch?
I have an upcoming trip and would be settling in the USA for three years of training. Of course, I'd be carrying precious possessions to keep me comfy during my stay.
A UA/CO ticket is about USD22 more expensive than WN.So perhaps those here who have flown Southwest can give some feedback? How do they compare with the legacy carriers? Would it be worth saving that USD20 and flying with them instead of UA?
Thanks for any input!
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