Originally Posted by
CMK10
Southwest. Hear me out though.
Most Southwest defenders (especially people who don't travel very much) claim they're "always the cheapest" but lately as many many threads will attest to, that hasn't been the case. If their largest defense and reason for being is no longer correct and they're just like everyone else, but without the ability to upgrade/lounge access/choose seats and no ability to get an international award than to me they're the most overrated.
+100. Most of my travel is on my own dime, and I like to get what is a good value to me, so I always price all carriers. There has only been 1 trip in the last couple years that Southwest has been cheaper than other airlines, and that was a work trip, so I had no choice as we follow a "cheapest economy" rule domestically. I've found with Southwest, to get a fare that is close to what I'd pay on UA, I'd need to connect/stop in at least 1 airport vs. a direct flight on UA.
Also, living in Houston, I dislike flying out of Hobby. There is nothing to do there when your flight is delayed and no lounges. At IAH I have lounges and stuff to do, which I often need.
The only WN flight I have booked for the next 12 months is a points flight courtesy of Chase, and that's because I was able to get non-stop flights at the exact times I wanted them.