One of the trending stories on my radar recently was the Southwest Airlines merger with Airtran Airways. Now with Southwest Airlines being based in Dallas, a lot of folks have been asking me how this will be affecting their travel on Southwest. Will it raise prices, how will service be affected, will my bags still fly free? We won't truly know how things shake out till both airlines are operating as one airline; however, Southwest has told the public that most things will stay the same.
Question 1: Will Southwest start flying out of DFW now because Airtran already does?
No, under the Wright Amendment, Southwest would have to give up gates at Love Field to start flying out of DFW. Also Airtran’s presence at DFW is little to none compared to American Airlines and Delta. It would not make sense for Southwest to give up gates at Love, receive less gates at DFW, and pay more in airport fees.
Question 2: Will my bags fly free?
Yes, Southwest wants to extend the same policy to Airtran. While Airtran currently charges for bags, once they are a single carrier, Southwest will start their bags fly free policy on Airtran flights.
Question 3: Will Southwest fly to more destinations from Love Field?
Yes and no, this is a gray area question. If you don't mind connecting through Houston, Austin, or one of Southwest's cities focus cities bordering Texas, then yes. Southwest route overlap with Airtran is little to none. If you want more direct flights out of Love Field, you're out of luck until 2014 due to the Wright Amendment.
If you have more questions about the merger, comment and I will answer as soon as possible!
Also for quick facts, Southwest has made a nice pdf for your view pleasure:
Final Thoughts:
Even though I still have some questions on how they will handle another hub in Atlanta and what they are going to do with all the Boeing 717s, I think this will be good for all parties involved. Southwest will keep most of the Airtan employees; customers will receive lower fares and more destinations, and finally, Southwest will have access to more revenue streams. All good things.
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