The Wall Street Journal discusses how Dallas-based Southwest has become “just another big carrier” when it comes to ticket prices. They do a little price checking:
In a spot check of 24 markets for travel over the Fourth of July weekend, Southwest had the lowest prices in only 11
From Phoenix to Los Angeles round-trip, US Airways, American and Delta all offered nonstop flights at $144; Southwest was offering its seats at the same time at $169
Between Newark Liberty International Airport and Houston round-trip, Continental had seats on nonstop flights for $412 while Southwest’s cheapest price was $486
Between St. Louis and San Francisco, American’s lowest price was $399 and Southwest’s lowest price was $430
I did even less spot checking myself just now, and it looks like Southwest still remains a pretty good deal from Love Field – which, despite or because of it being the corporate HQ, is bound to be an atypical market for them. But we don’t give a damn what they pay in LA, do we? Â What about Dallas?
I checked July 4 weekend flights to St. Louis, and both Southwest and American were offering round-trips for about $243. I also checked flights out tomorrow for a weekend stay, and both carriers offered $483.40 fares. Â Of course, if you’ve got to check a bag or two the advantage swings to Southwest because of its lack of fees.
