Choosing an airline

Southwest just doesn't fly where I want to go. That's kind of a deal breaker.

 

They are making in roads in a lot of areas.

 

I'll generally fly the cheapest airline, no matter what. It's been awhile since that guiding light has led me to Southwest. I usually don't check bags, anyway.

 

I'll give 'em a B+ in one hemisphere, and an incomplete in the other three.

 

Midwest. They bake chocolate chip cookies on board. You get two. And then all the double vodka tonics you can afford.

 

Yes, they do a good job.

 

I used to be this way. But it turns out cheaper in the long run if I avoid American because the $20 I may pay extra for a ticket on a different airline pales in comparison to the three-four airport beers I purchase waiting for a delayed flight.

 

With whatever airline you choose be sure to phone ahead before heading to the airport
in case of delays.

 

There's still hope, Boom. You may yet become the world's last travel agent.

 

Great advice. Doesn't help if you are on a layover.

 

Don't shop on price alone. Make sure you factor in additional fees the airline charges.
For instance, later this summer Frontier Airlines will start charging for carry-ons (no fee if booked directly through the airline or if the bag fits under the seat; $25 if booked in advance through a travel website, or $100 at the gate). You read that right -- a $100 carry-on fee if you have to pay it at the gate.
Later this summer they're also going to start charging $2 for soda, water, tea, and coffee.

 

If the bag *fits* under the seat, or if it's placed there?

I wish gate agents would apply the carry on rules -- I see so much stuff that should not be allowed brought on anyway.

My bag fits under the seat in front of me, but I try to put it in the overhead compartment anyway. Depends on the situation and space, really, but I get tired of people bringing in some huge-ass roller bag, a duffel twice the size of my bag, a computer case my dog could fit into, a huge overcoat and some type of supplemental crap like food, reading material or what have you and then expect me to move my bag because it's in their way and it will fit into the seat in front of me.