Best Major Airline Phx or Tucson: Quality vs. Price (Mesa: buying, restaurants)

[mceimages]

I am looking for a good, major airline to fly from Tucson and want quality vs. low airline price. Any recommendations on American, Continentel, Delta, United, and US Airways? I was about to book a flight on US Airways but after some reviews I am unsure if I will get there. I have looked on airline review sites but so many people say negative things I am unsure. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[SluggoF16]

Originally Posted by mceimages

I am looking for a good, major airline to fly from Tucson and want quality vs. low airline price. Any recommendations on American, Continentel, Delta, United, and US Airways? I was about to book a flight on US Airways but after some reviews I am unsure if I will get there. I have looked on airline review sites but so many people say negative things I am unsure. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

The trouble with most review sites is they have a lot of bad to say but little good to say about anything, be it airlines, restaurants, or electric dog polishers. It's human nature to complain loudly and praise quietly.

I have had less-than-sterling experiences on all the airlines listed above (delayed baggage, cancellations, overnight stays in the Chicago and Dallas airports, etc) and most of those events were not caused by the airline, but by weather, air traffic restrictions, and the like. All of the above-listed airlines also went out of their way to accomodate travelers as well, for the most part. However, one airline not listed above has a well-deserved reputaion for customer service and quality, although their low-cost claims seem to be slipping, if you have priced them recently. That is Southwest Airlines, and one perk with them is they don't charge for the first bag under 50 lbs. If you want an assigned seat, go elsewhere.

[mceimages]

Thanks SluggoF16: I think you summed up the Airline issue quite accurately. The only thing I hear about Airlines are problems and it seems to happen to all of them. I will be buying my tickent this weekend so I will try to predict the future and find an airline that has that will get me there on time. Thanks.

Originally Posted by SluggoF16

The trouble with most review sites is they have a lot of bad to say but little good to say about anything, be it airlines, restaurants, or electric dog polishers. It's human nature to complain loudly and praise quietly.

I have had less-than-sterling experiences on all the airlines listed above (delayed baggage, cancellations, overnight stays in the Chicago and Dallas airports, etc) and most of those events were not caused by the airline, but by weather, air traffic restrictions, and the like. All of the above-listed airlines also went out of their way to accomodate travelers as well, for the most part. However, one airline not listed above has a well-deserved reputaion for customer service and quality, although their low-cost claims seem to be slipping, if you have priced them recently. That is Southwest Airlines, and one perk with them is they don't charge for the first bag under 50 lbs. If you want an assigned seat, go elsewhere.

[dmode]

I fly every week for work and I agree with the comment above. Go with Southwest. I have flown over 30,000 miles this year and I use Southwest as much as I can for two simple reasons: 1. They have no hidden charges. If you cancel or change your ticket you simply pay the price difference and not an extra fee. One airline charged me a "fee" to use their phone based customer service. Also, their customer service is top notch and their flight crew seems to be in great mood
2. Bags fly free. And its not just one, but your first two bags are free.

There are a few problems with Southwest. Their fleet is getting really old. Many of them don't have inflight wifi. They don't have inflight entertainment either and that can be a pain in longer flights. In addition, they don't serve food at all, which means that even if you are starving on a long haul flight, there is nothing you can do about it (other than munching on peanuts).

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by dmode

I fly every week for work and I agree with the comment above. Go with Southwest. I have flown over 30,000 miles this year and I use Southwest as much as I can for two simple reasons: 1. They have no hidden charges. If you cancel or change your ticket you simply pay the price difference and not an extra fee. One airline charged me a "fee" to use their phone based customer service. Also, their customer service is top notch and their flight crew seems to be in great mood
2. Bags fly free. And its not just one, but your first two bags are free.

There are a few problems with Southwest. Their fleet is getting really old. Many of them don't have inflight wifi. They don't have inflight entertainment either and that can be a pain in longer flights. In addition, they don't serve food at all, which means that even if you are starving on a long haul flight, there is nothing you can do about it (other than munching on peanuts).

Boarding is sort of like a cattle call, too, though they have improved that over the years. When I fly alone I go Southwest, but prefer assigned seats when the family goes.

Personally, I think US Airways is the worst airline in the country. I call them Nickel and Dime Airlines, because they have devised so many ways of wringing money out of the customers. They are the first to implement every scheme and cut every service and raise rates. On top of that, I don't think I have ever been on time on US Airways. If I had to pick the best (and that is among a sorry bunch) it would be Delta. But really, air travel sucks anymore so you just pick the one that has the schedule that fits and get through it.

[mceimages]

Is there less leg room in the seats than some of the major carriers? Also do you feel safe with older planes? Thanks.

Originally Posted by dmode

I fly every week for work and I agree with the comment above. Go with Southwest. I have flown over 30,000 miles this year and I use Southwest as much as I can for two simple reasons: 1. They have no hidden charges. If you cancel or change your ticket you simply pay the price difference and not an extra fee. One airline charged me a "fee" to use their phone based customer service. Also, their customer service is top notch and their flight crew seems to be in great mood
2. Bags fly free. And its not just one, but your first two bags are free.

There are a few problems with Southwest. Their fleet is getting really old. Many of them don't have inflight wifi. They don't have inflight entertainment either and that can be a pain in longer flights. In addition, they don't serve food at all, which means that even if you are starving on a long haul flight, there is nothing you can do about it (other than munching on peanuts).

[AZJ0SH]

For a 1-2 hour flight does it really matter?

I only fly allegiant now, out of Mesa airport.

[mceimages]

Hi AZJOSH: If I fly Southwest it will be for over 7 hours so leg room matters for me. Unfortunately Allegiant does not fly out of my area.

Originally Posted by AZJ0SH

For a 1-2 hour flight does it really matter?

I only fly allegiant now, out of Mesa airport.

[dmode]

Originally Posted by mceimages

Is there less leg room in the seats than some of the major carriers? Also do you feel safe with older planes? Thanks.

I am six feet tall and the leg rooms have been ok for me. I don't feel unsafe at all as I assume that Southwest's profitable business for decades has enabled them to take good care of their planes. I also assume that the FAA is doing their job.

[mceimages]

Thanks Dmode: I appreciate the response and you make some good points.

Originally Posted by dmode

I am six feet tall and the leg rooms have been ok for me. I don't feel unsafe at all as I assume that Southwest's profitable business for decades has enabled them to take good care of their planes. I also assume that the FAA is doing their job.