Southwest and AirTran begin connecting networks
Feb 14, 2013, 3:16 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
Southwest and AirTran begin connecting networks
And the integration continues...
http://www.swamedia.com/releases/sou...cting-networks
Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways took the first step in connecting their networks on Jan. 26, 2013, by offering a small number of shared itineraries in five markets. The initial phase was successful, and the airlines are prepared to launch in 39 cities on Feb. 25, 2013. The airline is on pace to fully connect the networks in April.
Feb 14, 2013, 3:47 pm
#2
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Houston (HOU/IAH)
Programs: WN, UA, DL, AA, Chase UR, Amex MR
Posts: 2,269
Yay for progress! I have two booked itineraries going out east that might get some better timings if the FL network comes into play. I'll certainly be checking back on that day.
Feb 14, 2013, 4:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: AA Gold, Amex Plat
Posts: 4,007
The big question is: which 39 markets are going to be participating in "phase 2" of the codeshare?
I would love to see markets like RIC-ATL-AUS or RIC-MCO-BHM open up. But I'm not holding my breath since RIC has yet to see Southwest metal, just the sleepy 5 AirTran flights a day we've had for years.
I would love to see markets like RIC-ATL-AUS or RIC-MCO-BHM open up. But I'm not holding my breath since RIC has yet to see Southwest metal, just the sleepy 5 AirTran flights a day we've had for years.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:27 pm
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: at 35,000 feet
Programs: WN A-List; Hyatt Glob: CC/HH Gold, Hertz 5*
Posts: 1,473
I really like the cautious, slow approach that WN is taking to integrate the two airlines. Much, much better than the two disasters I went through over the last couple of years, first with DL/NW then UA/CO.
Feb 14, 2013, 6:59 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
FAQs on connectivity:
http://www.southwest.com/html/custom...tivity_general
Video of process and trip experience
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=vOtzzHC56yc
Last edited by mke9499; Feb 14, 2013 at 8:37 pm
Feb 14, 2013, 8:26 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,512
WN needed to keep FL flying to maintain Bermuda, Mexico and five Caribbean destinations. WN delayed a new-generation domestic bookings product to the point of total bewilderment.
The fee muddle is another irritant.
It now seems fees for the first and second checked bag will be waived for any itinerary purchased through an AirTran channel that includes a Southwest segment. But all other fee charges will be based on the fee structure for the carrier with which the customer makes the booking.
The "slow and cautious approach" manifested.
Feb 15, 2013, 7:39 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,638
A+ Rewards Members will also be able to redeem A+ Rewards Credits for reward flights on network connected itineraries purchased through AirTran channels. And, Rapid Rewards Members wil be able to redeem points or awards for shared flights purchased through Southwest channels.
Feb 16, 2013, 2:03 am
#10
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Houston (HOU/IAH)
Programs: WN, UA, DL, AA, Chase UR, Amex MR
Posts: 2,269
Right now, the codeshare only covers flights from SDF or ORF to either RSW or FLL that connect in ATL. More extensive codesharing should come on the 25th.
Feb 18, 2013, 5:40 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Minneapolis
Programs: ual(1K), dl(plat), spg(plat), swa, hh, Hyatt(diamond)
Posts: 205
How long till SW can take over the international routes under SW and drop FL for good?
Feb 18, 2013, 2:15 pm
#13
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Waxahachie, TX
Programs: WN 3 Million Miler, MR Lifetime Titanium, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, AA Silver, United never again
Posts: 509
Feb 18, 2013, 2:53 pm
#14
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Blue Ridge, GA
Posts: 5,512
They haven't devised a reservation platform to handle it. Nor are there imminent prospects.
The Empire State Building was completed in half the time.
Feb 18, 2013, 9:36 pm
#15
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: TPA/SRQ
Programs: Hyatt Explorer, Marriott Titanium, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver, Avis Plus, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,692