been hearing a lot of bad things about SWA, anyone else have trouble?

http://www.inet.co.th/cyberclub/williamt/swest.html

I have flown Sothwest many times as well as other airlines. I have never had any problems with Southwest. You have to realize what they are. They are a no frills airline. You do NOT have assigned seating and there are no meals. However they do have one of the the best "On TIme" records in the industry and their fares are generally pretty low. They are a very well run business.

I had one unpleasant experience with Southwest but it was not entirely their fault. Bad weather in St Louis, where I was to change planes caused a very long delay. When I finally reached my destination, my luggage was soaked through and through. It had been left sitting outside on a luggage train for hours. Everything was soaked. Southwest sent me a gift certificate for the trouble.

I actually choose to fly on SWA for business whenever I can.

It is true--no frills at all. You must bring your own food or go hungry. Cattle car method of loading the plane... pretty casual flight attendants and they can be chatty.

BUT they are on time, and my luggage has actually never been lost, which in my mind are the most important things.

I've flown on pretty much all the other major carriers and keep going back to SWA.

I like their frequent flyer program too--you get a credit for every flight, no matter the distance. This year, I've gotten 4 free flights _where ever_ they fly.

We had a bit of a problem because of my husband's back condition. When I wrote SWA to question their policies, they not only wrote back, but a week later a very nice lady called from Texas to reassure me that they had issued another directive to their gate attendants and to ask if she could do anything more. Couldn't have been nicer. You MUST understand about the no frills--they land, unload, load, and take off in incredible time and I've never been late, most often early! We fly them exclusively in California. I do think that to get to the East Coast, SWA is a bit of a puddle jumper, but they offer one way tickets whiich few airlines do--they do have drink and peanut service and some of the nicest young flight attendants I've met in many years! My son has actually flown SWA from San Jose to BWI in Baltimore and said it was just as good as most of his United flights! No complaints here!

I must agree with the previous posters, SWA is tops as no-frills airlines go. I have never, ever had a problem with them. My son and I travel on SWA to Orlando, Las Vegas and I've got my other family members hooked on them as well. Even though they are not the big companies, I get to where I am going ON TIME, my luggage is there WHEN I LAND and the FARE IS CHEAPER. Forget not eating on the flight - dine when you land!

Thanks!

Who eats Airline food any ways. We flew them to Las Vegas last month and would fly them every time. Cheap and as everyone else says on time.
Good luck.

I flew with a group in June from St. Louis to Oakland, Ca.-Southwest did an exceptional job with check in and flights were on time-arrived in St. Louis 20 min.early on return flight. For longer flights, such as this I'm not sure I would take Southwest-it took 1 1/2 hours longer and I was traveling with people over 50 yrs. They were pretty exhausted when we arrived in Oakland. Some of the other airlines offer specials, especially if you travel during off season-they are also competitive if it's a market Southwest is flying into...

FLying SWA up and down the coast of California is a bargain. But I try to avoid them if I have to fly more than 2-hours. SWA uses all 737's...and flying these planes on long trips is criminal (one aisle..3x3 cramped seating. But if you get a good deal, I guess it's worth considering.
One thing I DO love about SWA: Many of the flight attendants who read those safety instructions before taking off are pretty damn funny! Most airlines use people who are pretty "dry" and by-the-book...you know, reciting the facts/instructions as if they've got them memorized.
SWA people frequently crack jokes and make funny comments. One time the lady sitting next to me complained about them not being serious about their jobs. I think the lady was TERRIFIED of flying. I on the other hand cracked-up when the flight attendants cracked: "...the masks drop automatically.Please put them over your nose and inhale the knockout-gas, so you won't be able to remember what is about to happen." She then quickly said she was joking, and proceeded to give the proper instructions.

In case y'all aren't aware, if you make your reservation online, @ iflyswa.com (I think), you get double the credit for their awards program. Instead of 8 roundtrips, you only need 4 roundtips for a free ticket. This promotion goes on until Dec. or through Dec.

Being a Texan, I've flown Southwest for 20 years. I prefer the no-frills service, because I am always on time, my luggage goes to my destination, and I do not have to put up with haughty flight attendants. I don't know what you've heard about Southwest, but considering the overwhelming response to this post, I would respectfully suggest that complaints are the exception, not the rule. I choose Southwest over any other airline.

We also got extra points on SWA for checking our luggage---they are trying to avoid the "Bin Pig" phenomenon on other airlines and are becoming quite strict about carry on size---again, saves time, and you get extra points for checking! Early boarders (with children) have to sit behind row 14, which again, saves time waiting to get the little ones into car seats and then the airplane seats. Herb Kelliher has this whole thing figured out and it works----just don't try to beat the system!

I also have flown on SouthWORST and had a VERY VERY bad experience. Similar to the one mentioned above about the luggage being left out in the rain. Not only was my luggage left out in the rain, my sister who required a wheelchair had to sit on the plane for an extra 40 yes 40 minutes before someone came to her needs. The only people left on the plane at that time were the cleaning people the flight attendants as well as the pilots had already gotten off leaving my mother sitting there. After writing to their corporate office and all I will NEVER NEVER NEVER fly them again. I would rather stick with a major airline such as Delta or United where I never jad a problem!

I hope the last poster will get the same courteous response from SWA as I did. I think it's pretty much policy of all airlines that the flight attendants can't all leave the plane if a passenger is on board. I bet you will receive an apology from SWA. I've had horrible experiences on your preferred carriers, so I guess all airlines make mistakes. I'll be interested to hear what SWA has to say to you. P.S. the very nice lady I spoke to wast Donis Browning--you might send your complait to her attention. Sorry you had such a bad time. I would also wonder whose fault it is that the luggage is left in the rain.....do these folks work for the airlines or for the airport?? And, were you at an airport where rain is rare? Maybe they just didn't get prepared!

When we lived in a market that was served by SWA, we flew them whenever we could. Fares GREAT, on-time service, etc. (Ditto, all the others!).

Now that we've moved, would LOVE to have SWA service the Charleston, SC market!

I, too, am a fan of Southwest Airlines. Their low prices have dramatically changed the market in the Boston area, and the ability to fly at the last minute without getting gouged is such a relief. Not only is their service superb, but their customer service people are highly responsive. When I asked if they could provide any posters or money envelopes for my parents' 50th anniversary (a golf theme), the customer rep not only made a poster ("still puttin' around after 50 years!"), but sent two dozen Titleist golf balls! NO OTHER COMPANY RESPONDED! This is a company that cares about its employees and customers immensely. I fly on them whenever I can and recommend them whenever I can. Keep up the good work, Southwest!

Well it looks like Southwest has a lot of supporters including myself. Gues what? The great American Airlines canceled my daughter's flight this morning and caused us great inconvenience. They gave no reason for the cancellation. Southwest has NEVER done that to me. American has done it several times.

One last thing. Let's all give a big round of appreciation for those great Southwest attendants. They have certainly lightened many a day for me with their wit and good humor. Not to mention the gal that gave me 40 bags of peanuts because she thought I looked hungry. Needless to say, we had a supply of peanuts for a few days.

Does anyone know if we could get all these nice messages to SWA? I think they'd love to hear from us.

Try going to their web site www.bestfare.com and see if you can post something there for them to check this message out. Or print them and mail it to their corporate headquaters.

I suggest that you write the FAA and tell them of your experience. I think,(it is required at my airline), that flight attendants are required to stay on the aircraft with passengers. I think that this crew violated FAR's (Federal regulations)by leaving you or any other passenger on an aircraft without at least 1 flight attendant on board. Don't worry about contacting Southwest. If this was a violation, they will be contacting you with lots of apologies. Mr.C