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Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

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Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#71

Post by catapart »

ApolloFortyNine wrote: post #54
catapart wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

From the article: it appears that Southwest has started allowing its prices to be listed on aggregators.

>I don't know how you would have come to that conclusion, after reading the article? It says pretty plainly that the new government regulations, which force airlines to show all "additional" charges alongside the ticket price, means that Southwest's bundled price will now SHOW as cheaper, rather than showing as a larger base price (but less without the added additional 'baggage check' fees, or whatever) than other ai…

>It doesn't look to be simply 'government regulations'.

As evidenced by what? Your own summary makes it seem as if the only changed factor was the government regulations, so why wouldn't that be the "what changed"?

But to be more charitable: if you would like to know what - exactly - changed, I would suggest googling it? I'm honestly not trying to be snarky; what possible information could I have that you couldn't get easier by googling it? The thing you are asking about is a point of fact. The law is written text, and the changes are clearly defined. In my experience, whenever I don't understand the finer effects of a new law, I've found that there are a ton of nuances and complications and party interests that make the outcome more understandable to me. But I have never, in my life, had those nuances and complications made more clear or obviously true by way of a response from some forum commenter. It has ALWAYS been by seeking out the information, myself, from direct sources. So that's my suggestion to you, if you're earnestly asking.

But, either way, this is about all I have to say on the subject. Carry on as you will, and have a good one!

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#72

Post by JumpCrisscross »

hnburnsy wrote: post #47
WaxProlix wrote: post #31

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Might be the case in some parts of the US, but Delta and sometimes Alaska tend to be price competitive with SW, and the flying experience is leagues better (imo). Are the rewards that much better than others?

Best perk on SW is the companion pass. Some well timed credit card sign ups and a few flights and you can have a companion fly free with you for almost 2 years. Especially nice as SW flies to Hawaii.

> Best perk on SW is the companion pass

I think it’s a CC perk on Delta.

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#73

Post by 22c »

catapart wrote: post #5
22c wrote: post #2

I didn't know they weren't listed on flight aggregator services and I almost certainly did not consider Southwest when flying to FL for this very reason. Seems to me that Southwest are learning the hard way that not being competitive and transparent with consumers about their pricing is bad for business.

I don't know how you would have come to that conclusion, after reading the article? It says pretty plainly that the new government regulations, which force airlines to show all "additional" charges alongside the ticket price, means that Southwest's bundled price will now SHOW as cheaper, rather than showing as a larger base price (but less without the added additional 'baggage check' fees, or whatever) than other air…

I'm aware of plenty of airlines who are not transparent with their fees and are often advertised as much cheaper than some of my preferred airlines.

I don't trust the price I'm quoted until I get to checkout, but if I don't even SEE them in my list of flights to compare, they're not likely to be a consideration.

A lot of flight aggregators also support filtering in/out airlines and I often do this with those who are sneaky about their fees.

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#74

Post by [deleted] »

hnburnsy wrote: post #50
aaomidi wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also it means if you're a family, you're going to get split apart. However, it does mean that boarding is done significantly faster.

Families with young children board together 1/3 of the way through the boarding process on Southwest. They will be seated together.

[deleted]

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#76

Post by pjot »

silisili wrote: post #55
fshbbdssbbgdd wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just pay for upgraded boarding ($30) which means that I have my pick of aisle/window seats before it gets crowded. Lack of premium class seating is real, Southwest is not the airline for you if you require >17 inch seat width or >31 inch legroom.

I've read, but never tested, that if you buy two seats and tell them you're overweight, they'd refund you one. Obviously research yourself as needed, but remember seeing an article about that recently. Still, no relief for taller passengers.

> You may contact us for a refund of the cost of additional seating after travel. If you prefer not to purchase an additional seat in advance , you have the option of purchasing just one seat and then discussing your seating needs with the Customer Service Agent at the departure gate. If it’s determined that a second (or third) seat is needed, you’ll be accommodated with a complimentary additional seat.

From their support page: https://support.southwest.com/helpcenter/s/article/extra-sea...

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#77

Post by adam_arthur »

I've flown Southwest a few times out of necessity and it's always been a worse experience for me. I don't like the "hunger games" aspect of seating... I'd rather have the seat pre-selected and relax during boarding. I've also found it to be more expensive generally for the routes I fly.

Everyone has their own preferences, but I wonder is there a tangible advantage to flying Southwest to those that prefer it?

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#78

Post by robotcapital »

hnburnsy wrote: post #50
aaomidi wrote: post #43

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Also it means if you're a family, you're going to get split apart. However, it does mean that boarding is done significantly faster.

Families with young children board together 1/3 of the way through the boarding process on Southwest. They will be seated together.

Though that does presume being ready to board at precisely that moment while traveling with small children. In my experience I can expect that to happen about half the time.

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#79

Post by jabroni_salad »

silisili wrote: post #55
fshbbdssbbgdd wrote: post #40

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I just pay for upgraded boarding ($30) which means that I have my pick of aisle/window seats before it gets crowded. Lack of premium class seating is real, Southwest is not the airline for you if you require >17 inch seat width or >31 inch legroom.

I've read, but never tested, that if you buy two seats and tell them you're overweight, they'd refund you one. Obviously research yourself as needed, but remember seeing an article about that recently. Still, no relief for taller passengers.

I have seen them doing that. They give the passenger a placard to put on the extra seat so nobody could sit in it.

Re: Southwest Airlines now available on Google Flights

#80

Post by flying_kangaroo »

adam_arthur wrote: post #77

I've flown Southwest a few times out of necessity and it's always been a worse experience for me. I don't like the "hunger games" aspect of seating... I'd rather have the seat pre-selected and relax during boarding. I've also found it to be more expensive generally for the routes I fly. Everyone has their own preferences, but I wonder is there a tangible advantage to flying Southwest to those that prefer it?

I used to give preference to Southwest for cross-country (US) flights, partly because of availability on particular routes, but over other direct flights because of the boarding experience. For $15-20 (not sure what it is now) I could pay for the automated check-in and be near-guaranteed a seat in the A group that was better, for cheaper, than trying to get an equivalent seat at an airline where they were picked ahead of time.
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