US Domestic Airlines - Suggestions + Tips?

p1 ama on 29/09/2019 - 16:32
Last edited 29/09/2019 - 16:36

Hey Guys!

I'll be visiting the US soon, got a bit of work to do there, but will also be taking a family holiday whilst I'm there.

I'm planning to catch a few domestic flights whilst I'm there, so just wanted to know everyone's opinion on the different carriers (I've flown never domestic within the US). I find that their structure is a bit different to how the Aussie (and Asian/European) ones work.

So my understanding is that AA, Delta and United are considered the "full service" carriers like Qantas/Virgin, but they actually make you pay for food and checked baggage? I've also heard that Southwest is a "budget" airline, much like Jetstar, but they actually include checked baggage, but have no reserved seating (never encountered this on a flight!). What about the new low cost carriers like JetBlue, Spirit…etc.? Reviews seem to suggest that Alaska is pretty good.

What would you guys recommend? Basically my most important points are punctual service and not charging too much for checked baggage (preferably included). Most of my intended flights are short haul, so I'm fine with no food/service. Budget is somewhat important, given this is coming out of my own pocket, but I don't mind paying a bit more if it's worth it (e.g. I regularly fly Virgin MEL-SYD instead of Jetstar/Tiger, but wouldn't really fly Qantas).

I should also note that I'm both QFF and VFF, so I do have some preference for AA (QFF partner) and Delta (VFF partner) if I can get some award bookings - but I'll have to do the math and see if it's worth it or better to pay in cash.

Thanks :)

Travel North America United States

Comments

  • frondono on 29/09/2019 - 16:58

    I recently flew with United, about on par with Jetstar or Tiger. I'm never flying with them again. Pay extra for everything.

  • Donaldhump on 29/09/2019 - 17:39

    Use qantas points to book aa flights, if you have enough through the qantas site

  • cheapjunkie on 29/09/2019 - 17:41

    I have taken Alaska… previously took Virgin America but Alaska has taken them over now… best of the lot in my experience

    • p1 ama on 29/09/2019 - 18:03

      I've been thinking about Alaska actually, they have decent prices, but their LAX-JFK route seems to be pricier than AA, which actually has decent prices for this route on their pretty good A321.

      • cheapjunkie on 29/09/2019 - 18:29

        Yea u will pay a bit more but on time flights and good service

  • madreece on 29/09/2019 - 17:46

    Flew a couple of flights with South West last trip. Saves a pile on luggage if you have it, free drinks/snacks, FAs were great. Nothing special on any of them, but I would probably fly South West again to save on the luggage. I think they also have no fee changes?

    • p1 ama on 29/09/2019 - 18:02

      Yeah, it seems like $30 USD per piece of checked luggage for all of the other carriers. But yeah, I've heard great things with Southwest, might just go with them and call it a day.

      • madreece on 29/09/2019 - 18:19

        Just looked back at your original post " Punctual service" forget AA. Plus finding decent points bookings is pretty hard and you will end up with 3 leg flights if trying to book in business which is pretty pathetic anyway, mind you we did get three in business from LA to Orlando next year.

  • CrikeyDownunder on 29/09/2019 - 18:34

    I'd have to say flying within the US we mostly fly South West with 2 included bags and easy to change flights without fees, that is when we can get direct flights?
    If South West don't have direct flights I go with United because of our premier status and upgrades.

  • SimbaGirl on 29/09/2019 - 19:26

    Another vote here for Southwest. Almost all our domestic flights in the US have been with them, having the two checked bags included is a great money saver, and we always found the flight attendants to be pretty good - on the first Southwest flight we took (about 6 years ago), they did an absolutely hilarious flight safety demonstration and commentary, but alas in these politically correct times, they don’t seem to do them any more.

  • Muffinman01 on 29/09/2019 - 21:23

    I've been to the US and flown domestically a few times there with Southwest, Delta and JetBlue.

    Service wise, JetBlue is probably pick of the bunch, but from my experience they're all fairly similar.

    With Southwest, depending on where you're flying, you might find that they fly from/in to smaller, less crowded airports, which can have its pros and cons. They have an app for your phone/tablet with a decent selection of entertainment, including live TV. They also hand out some snacks (probably pretzels or peanuts) and provide you with a drink. They board you in groups, based on when you check in. If you check in close to as soon as check in opens, you'll probably be close to the front of the second boarding group. Once you're on the plane, you have the pick of wherever you like for your seats.

    Delta/JetBlue are both similar to flying with Qantas/Vrigin domestically. JetBlue has better service and entertainment, but I didn't mind Delta either.

    Because of the includion of the two checked bags with tickets, Southwest is usually my pick of airlines when given the choice. Prices are competitive, they have good change policies, and almost every other airline will charge for checked baggage (and some charge for carry-on if you're not careful!).

  • modsec802 on 29/09/2019 - 21:39

    All US domestic airlines are like travelling by coach in Australia. Have fun

  • suchis on 30/09/2019 - 18:50

    They are all shate.
    And I believe the security (and time to do that security) for planes means that trains are looking good.

    • p1 ama on 04/10/2019 - 01:57

      And I believe the security (and time to do that security) for planes means that trains are looking good.

      In the NE corridor, sure. Trains anywhere else are fine for scenery but I wouldn't catch them if I needed to get somewhere fast.

  • vetopower on 01/10/2019 - 07:09

    If you’re QF P1, you’ll get bags included on AA plus lounge access (though they lounges are terrible unless it is a flagship location).

    I’ve always had good experiences with JetBlue.

    • p1 ama on 04/10/2019 - 01:57

      If you’re QF P1, you’ll get bags included on AA plus lounge access

      Not QF P1 unfortunately. Even though I fly somewhat regularly, work puts me on all different airlines so it's hard to collect status.

  • John678 on 02/10/2019 - 22:19

    Alaskan.

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