Delta vs. Spirit vs. Southwest

[Cindee75]

Here's the situation - I will try to make it brief. DH doesn't like to fly but it is the best option for our family.
I have been looking at fairs and airline rules ect. I find there is a huge price difference between direct flights from Delta and Spirit for the same airport, Detroit Metro. However, I noticed crazy bag fees from Spirit?? Does anyone know what their seat assignment cost would be - DH doesn't like the idea of being sat apart from each other - we have 3 children and it is better to be all together.
Also, in the same vein I have looked at taking Southwest from Flint, MI as they have direct flights from there but DH is nervous about being able to sit together does anyone know - if we opt for their early bird check in is there a good chance we will get seats together.
He would rather go with the more pricey Delta from DTW to ensure we get seats together and that their bag fees are clearer. What do you guys think??
Has anyone with children had issues with Spirit and Southwest sitting together - and can anyone explain the riddle of Spirit fees to me - I think at this point their discounted fees will be more in line with the higher Delta prices once I pay checked bags/ carry on bags and seats - but for those of you how have experience could you please weigh in - thanks.

 

[Minthorne]

Families with young children get pre boarding on SW. Beyond that if you pay for early bird you will be all together for sure. You'll be among the first 10-20% of passengers on the plane.

 

[Cindee75]

Families with young children get pre boarding on SW. Beyond that if you pay for early bird you will be all together for sure. You'll be among the first 10-20% of passengers on the plane.

Thanks. This may convince him to travel the extra distance to Flint - it will save about $400.

 

[Nemo14]

Actually with Southwest, families with young children board after the "A" group boards, but you still would have no trouble getting seats together. The early bird option might get you into the "A" group, but for a group of 5, it gets expensive. How old are your children?

 

[Cindee75]

My children are 10, 8 and 6 - I don't think that they would qualify to go with young families. I think because DH doesn't like the flying he would be more at ease if you would assure ourselves of sitting together.

 

[englanddg]

Without scrolling through the whole post, I'm gonna say (because I've flown all three carriers, and Delta is my usual one as they are based out of here...ATL)...

Southwest. Hands down. No contest.

Best service, best planes, best comfort.

 

[englanddg]

And then I scroll up and realize the thread is short.

<me facepalms>

 

[Nemo14]

My children are 10, 8 and 6 - I don't think that they would qualify to go with young families. I think because DH doesn't like the flying he would be more at ease if you would assure ourselves of sitting together.

No, then they couldn't preboard. It would probably make sense for you then to get the early bird check-in, particularly for the flight home, since you might not be available exactly 24 hours before to check in. What you can do though is book 2 separate bookings - one for one adult and one child (buy the early bird for that), then another booking for 1 adult and the other 2 kids. That way you'll only pay for 2 people on the early bird thing, and those 2 would save seats for the other 3.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

For years we flew Spirit... it was actually more expensive to fly Spirit, than Southwest, and that's with a drive 40 mins to Phila, AND parking, so Southwest it is! Spirit has got to be the most unreliable airline out there. Southwest, we love. I agree with @Minthorne and honestly, I highly doubt if you will be split up.

 

[englanddg]

Ah, it's been a few years since au flew with them, I forgot how SW handles their seating...I am so used to Delta.

Honestly though, I would think the gate agent / stewardess at the door could help make this happen?

I have nothing but extremely warm memories of my flights on Southwest. Best airline I think I have ever flown with when it comes to customer service...and I used to literally fly every month to someplace for several years. Couldn't use Southwest much, but when I could, I was always happy!

 

[Cindee75]

No, then they couldn't preboard. It would probably make sense for you then to get the early bird check-in, particularly for the flight home, since you might not be available exactly 24 hours before to check in. What you can do though is book 2 separate bookings - one for one adult and one child (buy the early bird for that), then another booking for 1 adult and the other 2 kids. That way you'll only pay for 2 people on the early bird thing, and those 2 would save seats for the other 3.

Thanks for the advice Nemo - I think if I get DH to agree to Southwest I'll buy all 5 early bird both ways as it would be less stress and with the early bird I am still saving at least $400 over Delta and Spirit is such a riddle I am thinking of not even considering them anymore.

 

[englanddg]

Thanks for the advice Nemo - I think if I get DH to agree to Southwest I'll buy all 5 early bird both ways as it would be less stress and with the early bird I am still saving at least $400 over Delta and Spirit is such a riddle I am thinking of not even considering them anymore.

For that kind of cha-Ching, not even a question.

I assume Southwest is still all "business class"? If so, you and the kids will truly appreciate the extra space!

 

[Cindee75]

Thanks everyone for the advice - I need to show DH this thread and see if he will make the choice to go with Southwest - no bag fees is very appealing and I bit longer of a drive but parking fees are less and smaller airport would be less confusing ( I hope) I think I have convinced myself. Thanks again - we don't fly often - last time was to Disney in 2011 - so this is a big deal - would like it to be as smooth as possible.

 

[englanddg]

Thanks everyone for the advice - I need to show DH this thread and see if he will make the choice to go with Southwest - no bag fees is very appealing and I bit longer of a drive but parking fees are less and smaller airport would be less confusing ( I hope) I think I have convinced myself. Thanks again - we don't fly often - last time was to Disney in 2011 - so this is a big deal - would like it to be as smooth as possible.

If you aren't used to flying, I highly recommend a smaller airport...also, are these direct flights? Layovers can be incredibly messy at times, especially of you don't fly much.

 

[englanddg]

What I am trying to say is...it certainly IS worth the extra cost not to have a layover, in my opinion.

 

[Cindee75]

If you aren't used to flying, I highly recommend a smaller airport...also, are these direct flights? Layovers can be incredibly messy at times, especially of you don't fly much.

I only look at direct flights - my theory is when you are out numbered x2 adults x3 kids - the simpler the better.

 

[englanddg]

I only look at direct flights - my theory is when you are out numbered x2 adults x3 kids - the simpler the better.

Good thinking! Well, then...I am back to recommending Southwest.

 

[Nemo14]

I think it would be well worth it to book your flights with Southwest. The early bird thing will cost you an extra $125 total, so you're still saving money, and getting direct flights.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

I think it would be well worth it to book your flights with Southwest. The early bird thing will cost you an extra $125 total, so you're still saving money, and getting direct flights.

I couldn't agree more @Nemo14 definately the way to go

 

[Cindee75]

Thanks to all - I actually showed him this thread and it looks like we will be going with Southwest - I still will be waiting about a month or so to book for November - I need to get the cash together - I like to put extra $ on the CC before I book - but all the prices I am looking at seem to remain steady until way closer to the time. I really appreciate all the help with the early bird thing - he was not understanding and I think he just needs to hear it from other people sometimes.