Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Southwest Airlines earns nod as best airline for ‘vacation value’ travel

Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 (32509/2000) N248WN is the 2000th 737NG built and sports special markings on its nose commemorating that fact. She is captured at John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA/KSNA) on April 6, 2014.
(Photo by Michael Carter)


Southwest Airlines’ affordable, no-fee fares have made it a popular choice among leisure travelers, and Monday, the Dallas-based company earned a nod from Money Magazine as the best airline for “vacation value” travel.


Southwest beat out 10 other domestic airlines to earn the “Best in Travel” award. Money ranked the airlines based on average fares, wait times, fees and customer-satisfaction ratings.


“The best thing about no-frills Southwest Airlines is that the low price includes so much,” the magazine writes, citing an average fare of $256. “Want to check two bags? They’re free. Need to change your reservation at the last minute? No problem.”


The magazine also credits Southwest’s growing network of domestic destinations as making the company’s footprint “competitive with the major legacy carriers.”


Placing second behind Southwest was Alaska Airlines, which earned high marks for its strong on-time arrival rates, its low fares and unique perks like regional beer served on flights.


Singapore Airlines took the top honor in the international category, with customers giving the airline high scores for its food, drink and entertainment amenities as well as its comfy seats, according to Money.


The magazine did not release its rankings for airlines that did not receive an award.


(Conor Shine - The Dallas Morning News)

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