Southwest vs. Jetblue

We are much closer to Islip. We have onl ever flown Jetblue with the kids. Southwest is aout $120 more expensive, it is worth it for the ease of how close it is?

Is Southwest a pain with finding seating? On Jetblue, we can have a whole row to ourselves. Also, will m kids miss the TV if we do southwest?

Thanks so much! Sorr for all the questions latel!

Southwest vs. Jetblue

Flying out of Islip is very easy. Southwest also gives you 2 free bags per passenger.

They don't have TVs on board but, you can get direct tv on board streamed to a wireless device.

They usually board families after the A group - you can try to get an A boarding pass as well to get on in the first section.

Southwest vs. Jetblue

We pretty much only fly Southwest to FL. I like that you can change your flight at any time and not be penalized (Jet Blue charges $100). Can't beat the convenience of how close it is.

Southwest vs. Jetblue

I've only flown Southwest because it's non stop to Florida. Everywhere else I fly, I use JetBlue they seem to have more non stop flights.

Since moving down south JetBlue has been the only airline that has a consistently low fare for non stop flights.

Message edited 1/7/2014 2:38:36 PM.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

I don't know- I found Southwest to be like the LIRR.
Get on and hope you find a seat.
And hope it's together with your family.
What would it cost them to number the seats and assign seat numbers on boarding passes?
I don't get it.

I found it like a cattle call.

I know it's SOOO easy to fly from Islip - especially with kids.
So yes, I guess that might sway my decision.
But you need to make sure you get in that A boarding group or you are screwed!

I will never forget a story my BIL told me. They were flying to Florida on Southwest with my niece who was about 3 at the time. They had bought her her own seat.
They didn't get in an A group and by the time they boarded there were no seats together. Nobody was accommodating them etiher.
He said at one point he stood in the aisle, held his DD over his head and said
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman. This is my daughter, Emily. She is 3. She loves screaming and tantrums and she isn't fully potty trained yet. If any of you have a free seat next to you, let us know and you can have her for the flight. Otherwise I need someone to move so I can sit with her"

He said 5 or 6 people offered to move for him after that!

Southwest vs. Jetblue

Never flown SW and it would be convenient since I live less than 10 mins from the airport but I'd much rather fly Jetblue b/c to me, if it ain't broke....

Southwest vs. Jetblue

Flying Southwest is a nightmare in my opinion. Nothing worse then the free for all seating method and the snotty flight attendants.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

We live about 10 minutes from Islip. I cannot stand Southwest. The planes are uncomfortable, I hate the seating policy. The two free bags I guess a nice perk, but Jet blue gives you one free bag AND they have entertainment on board. Plus, you get to pick your seats in advance.

That being said, if it's a short flight (FL is the furthest I'd ever fly on SW), and SW is dramatically cheaper than Jet Blue, I'll fly SW. I think the air train makes it so much easier to get to JFK now that I don't even think about the "convenience" factor.

I will say that if Jet Blue ever opens up operations at Islip, I'd be THRILLED!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

We recently flew from Islip and they have changed the airport security. While it is still very convenient it did take considerably longer going through than it used to.

When traveling with small children you do priority board after Group A. We usually bring Ipad so kids are entertained by that.

I would prefer Southwest and probably choose that option for the $120 if that is total additional cost when factoring in travel costs and parking.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Thanks everone...that sealed the seal for me! Jetblue it is!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

I flew on Southwest to Chicago last summer...I usually only fly on JetBlue or Delta for domestic flights, but Southwest was the cheapest and for good reason! Like Nell said, it's like a cattle call...total clusterfck of people who act like they've never flown before in their lives. It's nice that you can check two bags for free, but I'm typically a light traveller as it is so that isn't a factor for me.

The whole "group" versus actual assigned seats is a big turn-off for me.

It's like Greyhound with wings.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

I will not fly anything but Southwest to Orlando.

Can't beat the convenience of flying out of Islip.

We always get the A pass. We just make sure to sign on as soon as we can.

I would absolutely pay more to fly Southwest.

eta: children and families get seated first so I don't see anyone having an issue with becoming separated from their family.

Message edited 1/7/2014 2:42:08 PM.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Posted by NervousNell

I don't know- I found Southwest to be like the LIRR.
Get on and hope you find a seat.
And hope it's together with your family.
What would it cost them to number the seats and assign seat numbers on boarding passes?
I don't get it.

I found it like a cattle call.

I know it's SOOO easy to fly from Islip - especially with kids.
So yes, I guess that might sway my decision.
But you need to make sure you get in that A boarding group or you are screwed!

I will never forget a story my BIL told me. They were flying to Florida on Southwest with my niece who was about 3 at the time. They had bought her her own seat.
They didn't get in an A group and by the time they boarded there were no seats together. Nobody was accommodating them etiher.
He said at one point he stood in the aisle, held his DD over his head and said
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman. This is my daughter, Emily. She is 3. She loves screaming and tantrums and she isn't fully potty trained yet. If any of you have a free seat next to you, let us know and you can have her for the flight. Otherwise I need someone to move so I can sit with her"

He said 5 or 6 people offered to move for him after that!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Posted by NervousNell

I don't know- I found Southwest to be like the LIRR.
Get on and hope you find a seat.
And hope it's together with your family.
What would it cost them to number the seats and assign seat numbers on boarding passes?
I don't get it.

I found it like a cattle call.

I know it's SOOO easy to fly from Islip - especially with kids.
So yes, I guess that might sway my decision.
But you need to make sure you get in that A boarding group or you are screwed!

I will never forget a story my BIL told me. They were flying to Florida on Southwest with my niece who was about 3 at the time. They had bought her her own seat.
They didn't get in an A group and by the time they boarded there were no seats together. Nobody was accommodating them etiher.
He said at one point he stood in the aisle, held his DD over his head and said
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman. This is my daughter, Emily. She is 3. She loves screaming and tantrums and she isn't fully potty trained yet. If any of you have a free seat next to you, let us know and you can have her for the flight. Otherwise I need someone to move so I can sit with her"

He said 5 or 6 people offered to move for him after that!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Southwest is better than Jetblue if Southwest is flying to your destination. If you can get Southwest out of MacArthur, its a HUGE plus.

Two checked bags vs. one with jetblue is a huge plus.

No fee air changes is also a huge plus. There are tons of ways you can use this to your advantage and get the best deals.

You watch TV on your laptop or mobile device (phone/ipad). There aren't screens on the seat rests, so you don't have to worry about a broken audio jack or busted TV control. It's all done through the wifi.

Planes have internet wifi for a small charge (again TV is free).

Their credit card rewards program is fantastic.

Flying out of MacArthur if you can is awesome, so much easier than JFK or LGA. Parking there is cheaper too so factor in parking savings when comparing prices to other airlines.

My only issue with Southwest is the lack of assigned seating as previous posters said. It can seem like cattle if you don't come prepared. If you have kids, you typically board ahead of everyone so you are fine. Me personally the lack of assigned seating doesn't bother me. It's been very rare when we never sat together flying as a couple, even if we had a late boarding pass. And if we weren't together it's not the end of the world.

If the seating bothers you, simply pay the $15 for priority boarding and then take an exit row seat for extra room. Done.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Posted by NervousNell

I don't know- I found Southwest to be like the LIRR.
Get on and hope you find a seat.
And hope it's together with your family.
What would it cost them to number the seats and assign seat numbers on boarding passes?
I don't get it.

I found it like a cattle call.

I know it's SOOO easy to fly from Islip - especially with kids.
So yes, I guess that might sway my decision.
But you need to make sure you get in that A boarding group or you are screwed!

I will never forget a story my BIL told me. They were flying to Florida on Southwest with my niece who was about 3 at the time. They had bought her her own seat.
They didn't get in an A group and by the time they boarded there were no seats together. Nobody was accommodating them etiher.
He said at one point he stood in the aisle, held his DD over his head and said
"Excuse me ladies and gentleman. This is my daughter, Emily. She is 3. She loves screaming and tantrums and she isn't fully potty trained yet. If any of you have a free seat next to you, let us know and you can have her for the flight. Otherwise I need someone to move so I can sit with her"

He said 5 or 6 people offered to move for him after that!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

I have been asking this question for years and I can't seem to find an answer.
WHY doesn't Southwest assign seats?
I keep hearing it's to keep costs down.
But how?
What does it cost to label the seats with a letter and number?
Grab a sharpie and go to town!
I don't get it.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Message edited 1/7/2014 3:23:39 PM.

Southwest vs. Jetblue

I didn't realize that SW does seating like that. That would drive me crazy!!! I like sitting as close to the front as possible and would hate getting stuck in the back. I love that I can pick my seat on JB. Window for me!

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue

I would rather fly in and out of a larger airport.
More flight options should something happen to the flight you were supposed to be on.

I prefer JetBlue - sevice, staff. Never had a bad flight with them.
Delta ranks second for me.

Re: Southwest vs. Jetblue