Southwest Question

[toto6]

Southwest will begin service from ICT June 2nd. We are looking at booking a flight to San Juan (for 5) in March 2014. When we look at the flight schedule it is very random. June and July shows available flights every day. August the first nine days only available. September shows none at all. Oct. only Saturdays. Nov. missing 4 Sat. 2 Fridays and the last Tue-Thur. Dec missing 4 Saturdays, 2 Fridays and a Thurs. Flights from AA and United are kinda high. (delta is crazy high) So we thought we would wait and see what SW would do. But, we are nervous that they may not fly out the days (week or month) we need. Does anyone know if this is normal or due to it being new to our area?

[erby2283]

I do not know the answer to your question but every time I have tried to call SW they have always been extremely helpful. Have you tried calling them? 1-800- I-FLY-SWA

[Kfoot]

Keep in mind that their schedule is only open to January right now. They might add more flights, depending on the demand for flights from that region to SJ.

[Keith1010]

I would just call them on the phone to ask them about this.

 

Keith

[isujim]

I would call them. In my experience the SW phone reps are very well versed for front line folks.........

[slidergirl]

See what happens if you cobble together a flight plan that uses the cheapest way to get from ICT to one of the airports that Jet Blue flys to and then from there to SJU on Jet Blue. Go to the Jet Blue site and look for all the non-stop pairings.

 

Also just a reminder that the so-called LCCs don't always have the cheapest fares. Just keep checking!

[kenish]

See what happens if you cobble together a flight plan that uses the cheapest way to get from ICT to one of the airports that Jet Blue flys to and then from there to SJU on Jet Blue. Go to the Jet Blue site and look for all the non-stop pairings.

 

As long as OP is aware of the issues with two-ticket itineraries. At the connecting point between airlines you must claim your luggage, carry it to the connecting airline, and check in...since that involves going outside security allow very long layover times to do all that. If a connection is missed, you're a "no-show" for the onward flight. The unused portion of your itinerary will be cancelled, and neither airline has any obligation to reaccommodate you. The worst case is a missed connection going to the cruise...the flights to and from the ship will be cancelled and you will have to buy a very expensive "walk-up" ticket (assuming a later flight will arrive in time and there's seats available). Everyone has a different "value calculus" but the extra time and hassle, plus the risk aren't worth the usually modest fare savings.

 

Also just a reminder that the so-called LCCs don't always have the cheapest fares. Just keep checking!

 

True...from personal experience, this board, and travel websites, both Southwest and Jetblue rarely have the lowest fares. ICT may be different since it's new service and there may be good intro fares. By the way "LCC" or Low-Cost Carrier refers to their low operating costs...not necessarily low fares.

[slidergirl]

As long as OP is aware of the issues with two-ticket itineraries. At the connecting point between airlines you must claim your luggage, carry it to the connecting airline, and check in...since that involves going outside security allow very long layover times to do all that. If a connection is missed, you're a "no-show" for the onward flight. The unused portion of your itinerary will be cancelled, and neither airline has any obligation to reaccommodate you. The worst case is a missed connection going to the cruise...the flights to and from the ship will be cancelled and you will have to buy a very expensive "walk-up" ticket (assuming a later flight will arrive in time and there's seats available). Everyone has a different "value calculus" but the extra time and hassle, plus the risk aren't worth the usually modest fare savings.

 

And, true you are. I was just trying to point out ways someone can find the cheapest fare if that is what they really want. I never do the cheapest fare available if I have to play games. Some people only see the $$, not the time/hassle factor.

 

True...from personal experience, this board, and travel websites, both Southwest and Jetblue rarely have the lowest fares. ICT may be different since it's new service and there may be good intro fares. By the way "LCC" or Low-Cost Carrier refers to their low operating costs...not necessarily low fares.

 

At least ICT isn't a captive hub, so when WN starts flying out of there, there may be a small fare war as they try to snatch customers away from the others.

[toto6]

I think we will call SW and see what they can help us with. Still checking everyday. No way do we want to go through security and get our luggage midway to destination. Too stressful for 2 people, much less with 3 kids bored to death in tow (2 bags each and a carry on-a circus). Thanks for all the advice everyone. Guess we will watch and wait untill we see a price we feel comfortable with. Maybe it will be SW who knows.

[ghulett]

I think we will call SW and see what they can help us with. Still checking everyday. No way do we want to go through security and get our luggage midway to destination. Too stressful for 2 people, much less with 3 kids bored to death in tow (2 bags each and a carry on-a circus). Thanks for all the advice everyone. Guess we will watch and wait untill we see a price we feel comfortable with. Maybe it will be SW who knows.

Southwest isn't even going to open their schedule for March until either August or September. Right now their website says "We are currently accepting air reservations through January 5, 2014. On July 1, 2013, we will open our schedule for sale through February 12, 2014. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently."

 

I don't think they mean everyday. Especially since February isn't even finalized yet. If you call them, dollars to donuts they will tell you they don't know the schedule for March until it comes out. Which, by the way, is true. Besides, they wouldn't want to be blamed for giving erroneous information when they are only guessing what the schedule will be before it is posted.