(DISREGARD POST SENT APRIL 15!) Here comes Southwest; Delta update
January 23rd, 2012
SORRY! Please disregard this old post from The TICKET that was mysteriously re-sent today. It should not have been sent. We are investigating how this occurred. (SUNDAY APRIL 15)
Apologies! — chris m
Southwest Airlines route map showing new nonstops from ATL
Stay tuned to The TICKET for AirTran/Southwest news (and our commentary and advice) as Southwest enters the Atlanta market over the next few months. Here’s what we’ve got now…more on the way…
HERE COME THE RED BELLIES! This time next month, travelers at ATL will notice a new bird buzzing around the airport— Southwest’s Canyon Blue (upper fuselage) red (undercarriage—the “belly”– and tail) and orange (tail) Boeing 737’s. Empty planes will be ferried in from Dallas on Saturday, February 11, and the first scheduled Southwest flight will depart ATL on Sunday morning, February 12 at 6 a.m. destined for Baltimore. Later that day, flights will depart for Chicago MDW, Denver, Houston Hobby and Austin. On March 10 Southwest will add nonstops flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix. On June 10, it will add one daily nonstop between ATL and LAX in addition to AirTran’s three daily flights. Southwest flights will, at least for now, arrive and depart from Concourse C at ATL.
AIRTRAN DOWNSIZING. As Southwest moves in and re-arranges things to its liking, ATL will be losing some nonstops to smaller cities currently served by AirTran. Starting August 12, AirTran will stop flying to Allentown, Lexington, Harrisburg, Sarasota, Huntsville, and White Plains. Southwest will not deploy its aircraft on these routes leaving the nonstop market to Delta (only) so you can expect to see higher fares and more restrictions on those tickets. (See below…)
KEEP AN EYE ON SEATTLE. On August 12, those loooong flights between ATL and Seattle will changeover from AirTran to Southwest aircraft… meaning no more business class, and no more guaranteed Gogo wi-fi. (Southwest offers wi-fi on only 150 out of 500 jets now…so there’s no guarantee you’ll get it on the ATL-SEA flights.) Keep an eye on Seattle fares… it’s going to be interesting to see how Delta and Alaska Air respond as the only two carriers with nonstops with premium class service between ATL and SEA—and will help us predict how Delta will respond when Southwest no longer offers AirTran business class between ATL and other long haul west coast routes like Los Angeles or San Francisco.
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ROUTE MAP. (See map above) If you are interested in watching how Southwest takes over AirTran’s hub at ATL…keep an eye on its route map. Right now, AirTran and Southwest offer two separate maps, and will continue to do so until they get a “single operating certificate” (SOC) from the FAA—expected this March. Southwest told The TICKET, “The Southwest route map shows what Southwest is currently selling; the AirTran route map shows the same for AirTran. Until we obtain SOC from the FAA, the carriers continue to fly separately and have not published any schedules where the networks are connected. When Southwest launches ATL service on February 12, we’ll do so with the nonstops and published schedules we’ve already announced: Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, Houston (Hobby), Las Vegas Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix. The Southwest map references those nonstop options and additional, published connecting services. AirTran continues to offer its schedule and, as the integration progresses, it will have fewer flights and Southwest will have more – more routes, more Employees, more aircraft, etc.”
ATL-DFW: A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME? As most TICKET readers know by now, AirTran/Southwest was forced to abandon its nonstops between ATL and Dallas Ft Worth due to the Wright Amendment. We predicted that fares would increase on the nonstop route dominated by only Delta and American. Today we got this email from TICKET reader RP: “Wow, what is up with prices from ATL to DFW on Delta? Pricing out three and four weeks in advance and its $700 round trip. I’ve been traveling from ATL to DFW for 11 years and have never seen prices like this outside of the 14-day window and plenty of seats are unsold. Just for fun, I priced out a ticket for next week and it’s not much more.”
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AIRPORTS TRIM THE FAT. Eating healthy on the run has always been a challenge that road warriors must face, but the nation’s airports are beginning to take notice. According to the latest report from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), which assesses the fare on offer at restaurants in 15 major airports, Delta’s Detroit hub offers some of the healthiest food option in the country. Other airports that ranked high include Washington Dulles and San Francisco. Airports are ranked based on the percentage of their restaurants that have at least one healthy option on the menu including a low-fat, high-fiber, cholesterol-free vegetarian entrée. Charlotte scored as the most improved in the country. Other top choices included Minneapolis/St. Paul, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Denver, and Miami. Atlanta’s Hartsfield Jackson and Washington Reagan National ranked at the bottom of the pack. (You know you’ve been sneaking in too much of that fried chicken and waffle fries at Popeye’s and Chick-fil-a.) Regarding Atlanta, the report offered this advice: “But travelers looking for healthful meals can find a few choices, including spicy tofu made with vegetarian broth at Asian Chao, burritos or tacos with black beans, pinto beans, or tofu crumbles and grilled veggies (hold the cheese) at Moe’s Southwest Grill, or Bistro Del Sol’s Mediterranean Trio: hummus, tabouli, and stuffed grape leaves.” Gosh, imagine what’s going to happen to the score when the Varsity arrives at ATL…What’s YOUR favorite food at ATL?? Leave your comments below.
DELTA SKY PRIORITY GOES GLOBAL. The Sky Priority branding familiar to Delta SkyMiles Gold, biz and first class passengers that provides expedited boarding, ticket counter assistance, and other preferred travel benefits in the US will now be adopted by the entire SkyTeam alliance. This means that eventually, the Sky Priority features will be available on all SkyTeam flights including the popular separate boarding lane allowing customers to bypass the line. It will take some time to implement this at all SkyTeam airports, but major hubs in the alliance network will see it first including Amsterdam, Nairobi, Shanghai, and Taipei. In 2013, the premium airport program will be rolled out at nearly 1,000 airports worldwide. SkyTeam is the first alliance to adopt such a program for its premium travelers.
DO BIZ TRAVELERS LUV SOUTHWEST? A Travel Leaders travel agent network survey found that many AirTran clients are seeking alternatives that offer a premium cabin now that Southwest has announced it will eliminate Air Tran’s business class offering. Southwest does offer two free checked bags and does not assess those awful $150 change fees, but many travelers have come to love their Delta upgrades and see them as the only solace left in today’s travel environment. Delta is bound to be the prime beneficiary of defectors, but other airlines may also take notice and offer competitive fares and frequent flyer promotions to lure away AirTran loyalists. What about you? Will you give Southwest a chance when it arrives on February 12? Please leave your comments below.
TECHNO-DELTA. PC World magazine named Delta the top tech-friendly airline in the US. Delta has been a leader in this category with amenities like recharging stations in the top 19 airport gate areas, a clever smart phone app, and more wi-fi equipped aircraft than any other carrier. A favorite of many passengers is the smart phone app’s baggage tracking feature and the ability to view upgrade lists in real time. The @DeltaAssist Twitter program also has earned instant respect from travelers who reach out for assistance during their travels and receive on-the-spot assistance. Do you agree? Please leave your comments below…
SKYMILES UP NORTH. Delta has signed a codeshare agreement with Canadian airline WestJet allowing travelers to earn SkyMiles, through check their bags, and book connecting itineraries with ease. In the partnership’s first phase, the Delta code will be placed on WestJet flights to 15 cities including flights between Toronto and Edmonton, Halifax, Kelowna, Ottawa, Regina, and Vancouver; between Calgary and Las Vegas, Vancouver, and Victoria; and between Vancouver and Honolulu, Kelowna, and Las Vegas. The WestJet code is being placed on flights to five Delta city pairs including between Detroit and Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa; and between Boston and Toronto.
AIRTRAN DUMPS XM. Atlanta is preparing for Southwest’s arrival, which will bring many positive changes for travelers like no baggage or change fees. However, one change will not be so exciting. Southwest has opted to remove XM satellite radio from Air Tran planes to standardize its entire fleet. The free amenity will be removed from planes progressively beginning immediately. What do you think? Did you use the XM service? Will you miss it? Leave your comments below.
NEW FLIGHTS TO HAITI. Delta will launch new Saturday-only flights from Atlanta to the Haitian capital Port Au Prince April 7. This new flight follows a two-decade hiatus for nonstop service from Atlanta. Delta also flies daily from JFK to Port Au Prince to serve the large Haitian community living there. After the massive earthquake in Haiti two years ago, Delta was among the first airlines to fly relief aid to the country.
As for WN taking over the ATL-SEA route under the heading of “KEEP AN EYE ON SEATTLE”…. You mentioned that “Delta ONLY carrier offering business/first class on nonstops between ATL and SEA.” Not so, Alaska Airlines (AS) also offers two class service on their nonstop flight.
I’m waiting to hear any good news for AirTran Elite members with the switch to Southwest. So far I have heard absolutely nothing positive. I can no longer fly to Dallas for a reasonable fare. There will be no XM radio. There will be no more upgrades to first class. There most likely will not be WiFi on my plane. Where’s the good news?
Thanks! you are right… we will update
I am AirTran Elite and not liking the upcoming changes.
Every time I comment to SW about no business seats, they tell me about bag charges (I don’t pay for bags anywhere), nice seats (not as nice as business class), and no change fees (I rarely change).
They do not comment on the fact that I like a free drink before takeoff and I like to get on the plane when it is convienient for me and I expect overhead space. I get all this from AirTran. (AirTran FAs save overhead space for Business Class by closing the empty bins and watching for sneaks!)
I will miss Air Tran.
I will not go back to Delta; ever, if I can avoid them. My 30-50 segments a year never got me past Silver and that is worth nothing in Delta’s eyes.
What are my other choices for ATL to Chicago, DC area, PHL, and Orlando?
Regards;
Nigel
I agree with those flyers quoted above. I was a Flying Colonel many years ago, and Delta chased me away to AirTran where my business was appreciated and rewarded. I will miss the Elite status, Business Class, and free XM. What’s the next thing to be axed — WiFi?
Most of my travel -about 99% of the time- I only travel in First or Biz, so no, would not consider SWA…
Nigel pretty much said it all – as I’ve said to Airtran staff there is NOTHING positive about this merger for their frequent fliers – any benefits we already have. I’ve been extremely loyal since 97 and this merger was horrible news to me…I’ve flown through Midway and seen how Southwest operates and am so unhappy about this.
That being said I loathe Delta and even though I fly a LOT it wouldn’t be enough to get much status on Delta anyway…what to do, what to do…
Southwest coming to Atlanta is bittersweet for me.
I do about 50 segments a year for the past 15 years now and the first 3 years were all Delta – after they messed with their Medallion program – the last 11 – 12 years were purely with AirTran and I have learned to love them over the years. I will miss the Elite status – upgrades – XM, and the 1 point per segment.
I hated Airtran $75 fee for changes – even for Elite members.
Southwest – Im glad they are coming to Atlanta – it will give Greedy Delta a dose of reality – I can see Delta loosing a lot of revenue and passengers – they will keep a few business travelers – and the first class prices – something tells me Southwest is going to start a major overhaul of the additional fee structure at all the other carriers. Delta – the greediest of all will learn a huge lesson. 6 months tops – Delta will be grovelling for passengers.
Completely agree about Delta and Technology. Whether here or in the uK, people comment how step above the Delta iPhone App is (Blackberry is horrible). Combined with the latest additions of eat maps, make it better.
I can remember when @DeltaAssist started, it was a leapfrog into an unknown area. Congrats again, I know I appreciate it!
As a faithful customer of Air Tran for many years I am dreading the change to the “cattle-mover” airline and know no one who isn’t. Air Tran, we will miss the customer service from an airline that didn’t forget what good customer service is. As for Delta getting my business – only if I can’t find anyone else who goes where I need to fly. Delta lost sight of good customer service years ago along with United.
Let’s remember this–my wife is a Platinum Medallion and has had 2 bags lost in 3 weeks. The response she gets is indifference, now that ALL of Delta’s weight is behind the Diamonds.
Now, if pressure from within Delta’s best fliers can’t budge Anderson (sp?), what else will? Yes, I too wish Southwest was like Airtran in all ways, but this may be THE VERY LAST wedge to pry Delta’s fake interest into their fliers. I happen to like Southwest a lot anyway, but their presence can only help.
While everyone loves Airtran, biz class and good customer service…Southwests coach seats are more comfortable and more room. I blieve Southwest would be more successful if they had kept Airtran as a subsidiary…and definately made more money! Imagine…satisfying all segments of travelers utilizing two business models!
One thing that I appreciate about Southwest is the desire of their employees to make each passenger’s trip a pleasant one. Here is just one example: a few weeks ago, I was flying WN on an evening trip from Houston Hobby to LAX. The passengers had boarded the aircraft and everything looked ready to go when the pilot announced that he had detected a problem with the aircraft during the pre-flight check and that this plane was not going to fly. He asked everyone to deplane and wait in the gate area. Within 10 minutes, another Southwest plane came in to the adjoining gate and we were told that this would be our aircraft. As I was getting into my seat, I realized that I had left a book in the seat pocket of the disabled aircraft. I was able to get through the crowd of incoming passengers, up the jet-way and found a gate agent. I told her that my book was in the seat pocket of the previous aircraft and that my seat number was 16F. We both looked over at the other gate and saw that the disabled plane was being towed away. She asked me for my name and said that she would see if anything could be done. I got back on the replacement aircraft, sat down and concluded that I would never see the book again. A few minutes later, I heard my name being called on the speaker system and was asked to ring my call button. Then I saw the gate agent coming down the aisle coming toward me carrying my book. I will never know how she got that book off the disabled plane so quickly. I do know that Southwest’s people are the friendliest and most caring in the airline business.
I too will miss AirTran. I divorced Delta years ago and like many above have been 99.9% a TranHead since.
On my flight to ST. Louis today I was automatically upgraded when checking in on-line the night before. I would score Elite upgrades about 6 out of 10 times….my flights are primarily 1-1 1/2 hours so upgrades are not the be all to end all….but they are nice! I will miss the ability to board ahead of the masses and securing overhead for my rollerboard, the customer service, the White Plains option and good old Seat 11D. Adios Amigos!
As both a Delta Diamond and SWA A+ Preferred, I think that many of the AirTrannies will come to enjoy the SWA experience. They are, bar none, the friendliest and most helpful airline service personnel in the industry. A-level status allows you to always board first, so there is plenty of bin space, and a Business Select fare gets you a free drink onboard. Seats are comfortable and have more legroom than most coach seats, and, oh, did I mention? Their employees are sincerely happy you, and they, are on the plane. So put down your fists, and give them a try. It won’t be the exact AirTran experience, but I predict that many of you will come to love the LUV.
XM radio on Airtran is wonderful…..especially when there are screaming kids or you just want to relax….it is too bad that it is being removed. It was a nice thing to have and made Airtran a more pleasant flight.
A sad day,A+ elite since inception, not looking forward of going back to DL. Maybe consider luv for 1 or less flights.
I’m an AirTran Elite member and was in their in-flight magazine years ago as the number one flyer in the fleet. I started AirTranSOS.com with other flyers that ended up dying after Southwest made it absolutely clear that business class was dead and assigned seating was dead.
Only Remaining Pros: AirTran will exist in some form for the remainder of this year in some form until it’s all Southwest by the end of Q4. I’ll enjoy AirTran until it’s gone.
Southwest Pros:
It’s almost all negative as an A+ Rewards Elite member, but here’s the only silver lining areas that I see.
No business class means not having “business class envy” when you get on board. I’ve flown on Southwest and JetBlue before. Business class is awesome when you get it, disappointing when you don’t, and feels much more equal when it doesn’t exist.
From Atlanta, our flights will be mostly non-stop so that doesn’t mean getting hosed by middle seats only for my family during a tight connecting in another city.
I’ve got an AirTran companion pass (100 credits a year) so that my wife flies for free — even if my ticket is free. She’s Elite so we get upgraded on AirTran. Southwest will give me many more places to use the companion pass — even though their frequent flyer program is not as good.
On Southwest, if you get up to their “100 credit” equivalent level then you get the companion pass for free AND to use the credits. That’s a major upgrade.
XM is a bummer and not smart, but they couldn’t afford to upgrade their entire Southwest fleet for something so minor. WiFi is a MUST and I am going to be really disappointed if they don’t keep GoGo during the transition. It costs about $100k per plane to outfit the plane for WiFi. They are idiots if they remove GoGo from 25% of their fleet.
Good flying,
Joe
Bummer!!!!
I didn’t us Air Tran, but I appreciated that it offered competition and lowered fares for Delta routes, such as Atlanta to Sarasota.
Ill parents living in Sarasota has made it necessary for us to make frequent trips, which have cost us enough even with the very reasonable rates we’ve often appreciated.
Now we will have the same situation we suffer trying to fly to Boston, I”m afraid.
Bummer.
XM radio was always a factor in my choosing AirTran. I am also a Delta Skymiles flyer so if all things are equal- and no XM radio- then I choose Delta.