I do not fly as a general rule. Scares me shitless. Only been on an airplane 3 times. Had to have multiple drinks beforehand to even get on the plane the last two. That said, Im planning a trip down to Austin, TX in February to visit old HS friends, and I have questions.
1) Delta or American?
2) Comfort+ (Premium Economy) or splurge for Business/First class? Price diff is $200 each way ($400 total)
3) Pay the extra for the refundable ticket?
I did find that if I fly out of our local airport (Lansing), thats it CHEAPER than driving to Detroit and flying out from there. WTH?
My last job required me to travel semi frequently.
1. American over Delta hands down. Delta= Lost luggage, Delays, Flights cancelations/ or reschedules. I have had 1 or 2 instances with other brands. Hands down, Every time I had to fly them, It's either Lost luggage or an issue causing a delay/reschedule of the flight.
2. First Class Hands down when reasonably possible. Your First on and First off. Also the most Comfort on the plane especially for long flights. the Beer was free Prior to the Pandemic. Not sure if that has changed. Haven't been in first class since.
3. Only if you plan to re book or think you might not be able to keep to your schedule.
Some times to be competitive the small airports charge less. Larger cities usually have higher Taxes and more local fees they tack on. But usually they have more flight options that lower the cost per flight.
On average I usually pay around $100 each way more to fly out of SNA or LGB per flight. How ever it's an additional 1 Hour each way of travel time to get to LAX Not to mention all the other Hassle's when your there... To me it's $100 Well Spent !!!
Side note: The last time I took a long flight that I was able to get a first class ticket, I drank all the free beer on the 1st segment in First class, so the stewardess brought me 2 beers back to coach on the 2nd half of the flight.
Every one was so Upset I got free beer in coach !!! Best Flight Ever!!!
I could only upgrade the first segment of the flight the second half was sold out already.