Wow--UA FC fares vs WN fares DEN--PIT
#46
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Location: Chicagoland, IL, USA
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#47
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
Programs: WN CP & B-list. Disillusioned fmr UA-1P/2P,F9-Ascent; Fmr AA-Plat,CO-Gold,NW-Silver,TWA-Elite
Posts: 1,630
Also, if they were lying, they should have come up with a better lie ... because their lie didn't cast them in the best light. If you are going to lie, at least come up with a story that makes you (UA) look good, not stupid!
My wife will fly on anything (except Aeroflot and maybe Malaysia these days) Vacation? Bring it on! But, like me, neither of us want to get ripped off by the airline. Companion pass? Oh yeah, lets go flying! Non-stop on UA vs. connection/land travel on SWA? How much are the bag fees? Gee, that really would be nice not to fly into SEA, spend the night, then take a train or car to YVR. OK, let's pay that UA rip off price. Sure wish WN flew to YVR (maybe coming soon?)
I must admit that I have underestimated the importance of the "no change fee" policy to WN regulars, but don't folks get bitten by the upfare requirement at times? The free SDC on UA is great, but of course is of no use if your plans change three weeks out, whereas the WN policy is great in those circumstances.
In addition, the Companion Pass seems to be a big deal as well. Clearly there are advantages and disadvantages to both WN and UA, and one's flying patterns clearly play a big role in determining which airline works best. For me, I'm getting older and crankier and am a big guy (not a COS, but not a jockey either), so UA FC makes my travel bearable. I'm also able to pay the incremental cost in many cases, so I realize that I may be a bit of an outlier.
In addition, the Companion Pass seems to be a big deal as well. Clearly there are advantages and disadvantages to both WN and UA, and one's flying patterns clearly play a big role in determining which airline works best. For me, I'm getting older and crankier and am a big guy (not a COS, but not a jockey either), so UA FC makes my travel bearable. I'm also able to pay the incremental cost in many cases, so I realize that I may be a bit of an outlier.
Free SDC, a pretty nice benefit. I used to use it more on UA when I could book a cheaper later in the day flight and then jump to mid-day and know that I had a 95% chance of getting the earlier flight. I don't think that is the case anymore. Nice, but its usefulness varies, in my experience.
First class is truly a decent size seat. I appreciate your post. I will look more at UA. Trouble is, with companion pass, if UA first class is equal in price to WN devolve coach, when I am traveling with family, WN is still 33% cheaper for me (family of 3). But, if I am traveling alone... Yeah, UA, bring it on.
I LOVE Southwest, but I'm not married to Southwest. I will fly on someone other than Southwest when there is a logical argument for it. Southwest will still welcome me back, even if I have not been 100% faithful to them (although that Herb guy scares me just a little bit for "cheating" on SWA ... it is his baby daughter after all!)
Last edited by FCfree; Jul 28, 2014 at 4:42 pm
#48
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
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Posts: 1,630
I have never paid $150 for an up-fare. While YMMV, up-fare is always less than change fee. Also, should you have to change it twice, you have to pay the change fee twice at UA -- so that could be $300. Two changes at SWA seems very unlikely to be $300.
Also, at UA, isn't it the fare difference PLUS the change fee? Yes, I know there are some weird situations where if the right fare bucket is available, you only pay the change fee, but I think those are few and far between.
Change isn't free at SWA. There just isn't a penalty ON TOP OF the fare difference penalty.
Also, at UA, isn't it the fare difference PLUS the change fee? Yes, I know there are some weird situations where if the right fare bucket is available, you only pay the change fee, but I think those are few and far between.
Change isn't free at SWA. There just isn't a penalty ON TOP OF the fare difference penalty.
#49
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Yes, there can be, unless the trip has already started, IIRC, they've only ever charged me the $200. Still, the lack of a change fee is HUGE for WN, no doubt. Ok, off to the Devolve thread, where I'm going to add my experience last Friday.
#51
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#52
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
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It takes repetition and time for the message to reach FT readers at Southwest and for the message to then diffuse up to the offices of management. If FT readers and the front line employees are hearing the same story of disappointment, change may occur. Eventually.
For example, I'm guessing that management is just now becoming aware that most customers truly do dislike the new seats.
As a positive example, the March 2014 devaluation of RR was announced without the traditional "enhancement" baloney. I count that as a victory for FT, since essentially everyone here recommends an approach that respects our intelligence. I argued unsuccessfully for that approach on the (then rumored) announcement of RR 2.0. Maybe customers' harsh reaction to that Pollyannish announcement was a message received and understood.
For example, I'm guessing that management is just now becoming aware that most customers truly do dislike the new seats.
As a positive example, the March 2014 devaluation of RR was announced without the traditional "enhancement" baloney. I count that as a victory for FT, since essentially everyone here recommends an approach that respects our intelligence. I argued unsuccessfully for that approach on the (then rumored) announcement of RR 2.0. Maybe customers' harsh reaction to that Pollyannish announcement was a message received and understood.
#53
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
It takes repetition and time for the message to reach FT readers at Southwest and for the message to then diffuse up to the offices of management. If FT readers and the front line employees are hearing the same story of disappointment, change may occur. Eventually.
For example, I'm guessing that management is just now becoming aware that most customers truly do dislike the new seats.
As a positive example, the March 2014 devaluation of RR was announced without the traditional "enhancement" baloney. I count that as a victory for FT, since essentially everyone here recommends an approach that respects our intelligence. I argued unsuccessfully for that approach on the (then rumored) announcement of RR 2.0. Maybe customers' harsh reaction to that Pollyannish announcement was a message received and understood.
For example, I'm guessing that management is just now becoming aware that most customers truly do dislike the new seats.
As a positive example, the March 2014 devaluation of RR was announced without the traditional "enhancement" baloney. I count that as a victory for FT, since essentially everyone here recommends an approach that respects our intelligence. I argued unsuccessfully for that approach on the (then rumored) announcement of RR 2.0. Maybe customers' harsh reaction to that Pollyannish announcement was a message received and understood.
The Evolve interiors aren't going away.
I'm curious: What about the March 2014 devaluation (from 60 pts/$ to 70 pts/$) could possibly have been announced as an enhancement?
#54
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
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They would have had to throw us a bone, e.g. mentioning the upcoming change in the tax portion that temporarily made our existing points worth about 7% more.
#55
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,813
#56
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: LAS-DEN
Programs: WN CP & B-list. Disillusioned fmr UA-1P/2P,F9-Ascent; Fmr AA-Plat,CO-Gold,NW-Silver,TWA-Elite
Posts: 1,630
Just a quick add-on to the original post. The claim was that UA first class might not be much more than Southwest WGA fares close to the flight time.
Just to note that when SWA opened their schedule on August 25 to include all of March and spring break, I looked into and bought flights DEN-MCO for mid-March.
SWA price: $229 each way, or $458 round trip.
UA (coach price): $757 round trip for similar flight times. Then add to that bag fees and potential change fees. I didn't specifically write down the price of first class, but quite sure it was $300 more.
So ... while the OP may have seen a case where UA-first was close to SWA-coach ... I think that is more the exception than the rule.
But, never be afraid to price a trip on multiple web sites, including SWA. You never know... but don't hold your breath.
Just to note that when SWA opened their schedule on August 25 to include all of March and spring break, I looked into and bought flights DEN-MCO for mid-March.
SWA price: $229 each way, or $458 round trip.
UA (coach price): $757 round trip for similar flight times. Then add to that bag fees and potential change fees. I didn't specifically write down the price of first class, but quite sure it was $300 more.
So ... while the OP may have seen a case where UA-first was close to SWA-coach ... I think that is more the exception than the rule.
But, never be afraid to price a trip on multiple web sites, including SWA. You never know... but don't hold your breath.
#57
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
Just a quick add-on to the original post. The claim was that UA first class might not be much more than Southwest WGA fares close to the flight time.
Just to note that when SWA opened their schedule on August 25 to include all of March and spring break, I looked into and bought flights DEN-MCO for mid-March.
SWA price: $229 each way, or $458 round trip.
UA (coach price): $757 round trip for similar flight times. Then add to that bag fees and potential change fees. I didn't specifically write down the price of first class, but quite sure it was $300 more.
So ... while the OP may have seen a case where UA-first was close to SWA-coach ... I think that is more the exception than the rule.
But, never be afraid to price a trip on multiple web sites, including SWA. You never know... but don't hold your breath.
Just to note that when SWA opened their schedule on August 25 to include all of March and spring break, I looked into and bought flights DEN-MCO for mid-March.
SWA price: $229 each way, or $458 round trip.
UA (coach price): $757 round trip for similar flight times. Then add to that bag fees and potential change fees. I didn't specifically write down the price of first class, but quite sure it was $300 more.
So ... while the OP may have seen a case where UA-first was close to SWA-coach ... I think that is more the exception than the rule.
But, never be afraid to price a trip on multiple web sites, including SWA. You never know... but don't hold your breath.
Booking in August as soon as the schedule opens for March travel is not close to flight time.
#58
Join Date: May 2004
Location: US
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Posts: 971
Lots of my coworkers love WN and choose UA only if WN does not fly there. Their primary reason, is you can change at will and points accrual and redemption are easy to understand. Plus free snacks and occasionally free drinks. The checked bag fee does not matter as most do not check bags.
I stick to UA, inspite of their drawbacks, primarily for international travel and lounge access. For me UA is not any worse than AA or DL or even WN overall, with seat/plane comfort may be superior in AA/DL, but their frequent flyer programs are atrocious (especially DL) when compared with UA.
I stick to UA, inspite of their drawbacks, primarily for international travel and lounge access. For me UA is not any worse than AA or DL or even WN overall, with seat/plane comfort may be superior in AA/DL, but their frequent flyer programs are atrocious (especially DL) when compared with UA.