We’re going to New Jersey in September and for the first time, I bought tickets on Southwest Airlines. I’ve always been a Delta boy, but decided to sever my allegiance last month.
The main reason was due to cost. Check out this quick price comparison:
Southwest : Non-Stop : $149 + $0 bag fees = $149
Delta : 1-Stop : $214 + $25 bag fees = $239
USAirways : Non-Stop : $283 + $40 bag fees = $323
United : Non-Stop : $323 + $40 bag fees = $363
Continental : 1-Stop : $494 + $25 bag fees = $519
American Airlines : 2-Stops : $481 + $40 bag fees = $521
To be honest, I’m a little nervous about what to expect. I’m afraid it’s going to be one of those you get what you pay for situations. I’m nervous about not being able to select my seat in advance. I’m nervous about figuring out where I belong in the boarding queues and if I’ll be able to get into the ‘A’ boarding group. And, I’ve seen Airline on A&E.
But, people I know who have flown Southwest always say they had a great flight. The seats are a little bigger, the employees are much happier and their whole operation seems to flow much more smoothly than that of their competitors.
We’ll see. Check back towards the end of September for a trip report. 
