Southwest Air

[joey46]

Over the years I have used Southwest Air for my traveling turkey hunts.  Normally on time with decent fares.  Their baggage policies were the deal breaker.  My gun case and duffle were free   My back pack a free carry on.  From the last e mail I received this is no longer possible with the basic fares.  They are just another airline now.  Too bad.   I'll be shopping around in the future.

[misfire]

I was lucky enough to book a trip for next month. That will probably be the last time I fly with SW. Not to mention, in order for me to get decent airfare, I have to drive 4 hours to Atlanta.

[joey46]

Everything a trade off.  If I go to Ohio now I'll probably use Allegiant.  Closer airport and same baggage fees.  SWA shot themselves in the foot.

[bbcoach]

This had to happen.  They were the holdout.  Southwest is missing out on TONS of money to support their BOTTOM line and pad the stockholder's pockets.  More fights onboard due to not enough overhead storage space and people trying to get oversized luggage on as carry ons to keep from paying the fees.  GREED, plain and simple.

[derek]

I was pretty disappointed with this news as well.  I'm currently a RR credit card member which will get me 1 free checked bag at least still, but depending on the price of that second bag I will certainly be shopping around where as I had been very loyal to southwest. 

[2flyfish4]

Just as a comparison. American airlines charges $50 each way for a firearm.

Wonder what southwest will charge.

[deerhunt1988]

Funny seeing it posted on here. Buddy and I were talking about it today and how it'd add another $140 to the fare now (assuming $70 for bags each way). Another bummer is expiring flight credits.

I think it's safe to say a bunch of traveling hunters are going to be looking at ALL airline options now.

[wareagle22]

This in addition to going to traditional seat purchases versus open seating really puts a damper on SW for me, and I fly with them every 2 weeks.  They were the lowest fare if you were traveling anywhere in the southwest but have been steadily increasing their prices.  I bet when the new ticketing policy starts in January of 2026, they won't be any cheaper than the rest. 

[tad1]

All airlines seem to have major issues, they either charge Uber premium or nickel and dime on every little expense.  I try to Fly Delta, it seems their reliability is a bit better although none are immune to flight delays cancellations, etc..
Flew Spirit from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale once, the flight was orders of magnitude cheaper and I thought what can go wrong,  short direct flight, flight down fine, return flight big time delays including a multiple hour tarmac sit when the gate wasn't available.... I thought never again...

[10th Legionaire]

I really dislike the business model of the deregulated airlines. It was much nicer back in the day when it cost X to fly with two checked bags plus your carry on. I'm not a fan of government regulations but the way the airlines nickel and dime me after the fact is BS. Tell me how much it's going to cost and take my money. I don't want to have to think about nonsense.

Good thing now that I'm retired is I don't have to get on one of those uncomfortable cattle cars to get somewhere. I'm planning to hunt Colorado this year and I'll take two or maybe three days to get there and not have to deal with airports and rental rental cars and the associated hassles.

[bbcoach]

Funny seeing it posted on here. Buddy and I were talking about it today and how it'd add another $140 to the fare now (assuming $70 for bags each way). Another bummer is expiring flight credits.

I think it's safe to say a bunch of traveling hunters

Funny seeing it posted on here. Buddy and I were talking about it today and how it'd add another $140 to the fare now (assuming $70 for bags each way). Another bummer is expiring flight credits.

I think it's safe to say a bunch of traveling hunters are going to be looking at ALL airline options now.

Right after I retired (12 years ago), I had the opportunity to do some traveling to turkey hunt.  One of things that I truly enjoyed was getting together with another hunting buddy and driving to our STATE of choice.  Driving does take more time to get to your destination but splitting travel costs and time behind the wheel is a Great way to increase the satisfaction of the hunt.  It is so much less expensive this way, you get to see things you don't see by air (that you fly over), you don't have to pay those stupid baggage and gun fees, and you may make a friend for life as well.  Remember the HUNT is only a small portion of the Overall Hunting Experience when you travel, so Try to Enjoy it ALL!   

[Gooserbat]

I always shop 3rd party.  Flew to Portland Main last year for around $350.  If you're going to save money either book 4-6 months out or the last 48-12 hours.