It's like riding a bus in downtown Los Angeles
Written: May 20 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Great frequent flyer program
Cons: Rude passengers and flight attendants, always delayed, like riding a bus, chaotic boarding process.
The Bottom Line: Avoid it
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| barthalkid's Full Review: Southwest Airlines |
As a frequent air traveler (at least 1-2 times a month), I must say I am writing this review based on my past experiences with Southwest Airlines in the past 4 years, traveling to/from mostly intra-California destinations.
Punctuality
Southwest Airlines is NEVER on-time, and I mean, NEVER. Out of my hundreds of flights (literally) I took over the last 4 years, only a handful of them were actually on time. The average delayed time is about 30 minutes. Before you head to the airport, I strongly recommend checking the status of your flight online to avoid waiting at the airports (Check about 80 minutes before departure time, since they don't update real info until that time) . Multiply the estimated delay times by 5. For instance, if it says the flight will delay by 5 minutes, be prepare for a 25 minute delay.
Seating System
This is why flying Southwest Airlines is like riding a bus in downtown LA. Because seats are not previously assigned, people literally camp out in front of the gate (sitting with blankets, books, and a picnic as early as 2 hours before the flight departure time). Want to be in group A, better get to the airport at least 3 hours before departure time. Get ready to be pushed and yelled at by trashy first time flyers wanting to board the plane 'first'.
*UPDATE*
Due to the recent availability of online check-n, you will now be able to board with group A without getting to the airport 3 hours before departure time. However, flying southwest is still like riding a bus, except this time, you are getting priority boarding.
Seats
Surprisingly, in new remodeled planes on Southwest Airlines, seats are significantly wider and longer than most other airlines (particularly united and Alaska). On remodeled planes, overhead storage bins are bigger and can now accommodate more carry-on luggages. However, if you board the old, orange color planes, be prepared to have your bags checked if you are in group C.
Customer Service
This is also another category that makes Southwest like a bus. It's not that the flight attendants aren't 'friendly', but most of them are just not professional. By looking at their faces, I could tell that their pays are low and they hate their jobs. Most of them have serious attitude problems. Again, they aren't to the level of being rude, but they are just....BLAH..expressionless. (Alaska Airlines, on the other hand, have very professional and helpful flight attendants always with a big smile on their faces. They also refer to you as Sir, or Ma'am, instead of looking at you directly without any expression on Southwest).
Meals.
Okay, peanuts, a cup of drink, NEXT. By the way, Those peanuts are CHEAP. The retail price of 30 bags of honey roasted peanuts from KING nut (the brand they use) are $3.99. Yup, each bag you get is worth 13 cents.
Prices
Okay, I have to admit, Southwest 'used to be' cheap. With intra-California fair as low as $75 roundtrip tax inclusive in 2003, it was excellent. HOWEVER, prices in 2004 had been adjusted back to $125+ per roundtrip and those tickets requirement at least 4-6 months advance booking. (Otherwise they get sold out!)
Frequent Flyer Program
Again, their Rapid Reward Program used to be the best! Fly 4 roundtrip flights (if you booked online), get a free roundtrip voucher anywhere Southwest flies! But, that promotion was over in 2004. Now, a free roundtrip requires about 6 roundtrips. Nevertheless, it is still the best short-distance frequently flyer program. For instance, with United miles plus, you would need (with online booking bonus) 12.5 roundtrips to get a very restricted coach ticket.
Overall
So, if you don't mind camping out at the airport, being yelled at and pushed by rude first time flyer, taking the bus, then by all means fly southwest airlines. Fly cheap.
Otherwise, I would look for alternative airlines.
Recommended:
No
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Epinions.com ID:
barthalkid
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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