When did Southwest become the most expensive airline??

I don't really get it either? Is it better for people not making a connection and just doing directs? I tried to compare them recently and it was 20% or so more than anyone else.

About 10-15 years ago.

It was a neat trick, one Madison Avenue often does. Position something inexpensive and good as a basic value offering. Get everybody on board. Raise prices big time.

My dad still thinks SWA is the best way to fly. He has an expense account and could fly first on Delta but flys cattle call on SWA becuase he thinks he is getting value for his money.

He is getting hosed like everybody else silly enough to line up for their seat like elementary school children lining up for a seat on the cheesebox.

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He is getting hosed like everybody else silly enough to line up for their seat like elementary school children lining up for a seat on the cheesebox.

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You know you don't have to lineup, don't you?

Checking Wanna Get Away fares and google flights is really the best strategy to see where the values are but the dynamic pricing structure can fluctuate quite bit.

When we booked MSY -> SlC for Mardi Gras this year the cheapest Wanna Get Away fare was like $350 so I booked First Class on American for $375. Now, that first class ticket is priced over $1,000 but Southwest still has Wanna Get Away Fares for under $350.

Southwest isn't always more expensive but it's definitely not always the cheapest either.

I buy SWA flights early and often and I love their flexibility. Their flights are significantly cheaper than AA, which flies the DFW departure routes that I use. Also, it is very easy to change and get a refund if the fare drops.

Another example, I booked DAL to ATL for SEC Championship game about 3 months ago, just in case LSU made it and cancelled and got all of my miles back after the Bama loss with no cancellation fee. I book numerous flights that I have to change and SWA is the easiest airline to do that. I probably fly 35 - 40 RT's per year on SWA. Mostly on time (in fact, mostly early). Airports are easy and parking is easy in their airports. I fly direct everytime. I am A List, so I don't have to worry logging on to get my boarding pass and the so-called "cattle call" doesn't really effect me. I typically get a board pass around A20, which allows me to pick virtually any seat that I want from a very large selection. I typically book my flights the first day flights are released, to get the best prices.

Miles never expire. Credit never expires.

Sorry, I don't agree with the premises that it is the most expensive airline. Last minute flight choice - it may be expensive.

Lastly, I like that I can make same day changes, without any cost to me. So, if my meeting ends early or I want to stay later, if I planned the day before, I can catch an earlier or later flight. I am not aware of any (or very many) airlines that allow you to do that. If they do, I am not aware because I don't fly those other airlines.

Best bet is to buy SW tickets when they have their sales, if you think you have any chance of making the trip. Their cancellation policy and process is still the best, plus if you live in Houston or Dallas, Hobby and Love are easier to deal with.

I remember the good ol days when they were the best and cheapest.

I booked Southwest a few days ago. They were running a sale last few days of November.

Direct flights SDF to RSW. 3 tickets $168 a piece round trip. Cheapest flights I have seen in years

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You know you don't have to lineup, don't you?

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Yes but then it's a 20% premium over Delta or UA, versus just the 10% premium they usually charge. And there's no comfort or business seats.

Meanwhile you still have a bunch of tourists around you scrambling for seats and the obnoxious jokes from the staff.

I'm still passing on Applebees Airlines.

Nah I done believe so every airline is expensive right now. I don't know if it's just demand or what