http://www.aviationnews.net/?do=headline&news_ID=244206

Adding flights to Mexico, Jamaica, Belize and Costa Rica

Too bad! We'd take Southwest in a heartbeat as an alternative to American. Will continue to hope!

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I do not think we will see service to SXM from hobby. They will serve SXM but it will most likely happen from Fort Lauderdale by 2017. I am not saying it will never happen, but I would be surprised to see HOU-SXM.

He is an article about SWA turning FLL into an Int'l gateway.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/todayinthe...ateway/3989343/

Weird, flights to TWO places in Costa Rica and to Belize, before SXM. According to that other link, looks like it will be FLL for sure, d*mn it, not Orlando...

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Now, see, Southwest is an acquired taste that I seem to not have acquired. I like AA just fine, but it would be lovely to have more options, especially with the AA/US Air merger..

I agree Carol on the weird flights. I have noticed that House Hunters on HGTV seems to be doing some programs with these 2 locations. Wonder if that has anything to do with their increased popularity.

They must be a lot more popular than I think.

in addition FLL has to be one of the worst airports, few amenities and crappy food choices.

According to that other link, they will be doing upgrades to the SW terminal in FLL, so hopefully it will be better afterward.

Alaska changed from MIA to FLL over a year ago and I read an article in the Orland paper that Alaska had unspecified plans for their operations there. In addition, the article said that major upgrades to the facilities there were to be started soon.

Carol, the problem with MCO is their landing fees and gate rents are too high compared to other airports. Until they get more competitive, they will get passed by. Also, MCO wants to build that new south terminal that all the signatory airlines oppose.

I really haven't followed that, although I see that supposedly Orlando is number 1 or 2 in the top places visited in the US (which frankly shocks me, but whatever), so I guess they feel they don't have to compete?? Selfishly, all I'm looking for is a close non stop to SXM...

For the average traveler without elite airline flyer status, here's another reason to prefer Southwest: to change an economy (nonrefundable) ticket on AA will cost you $200, (plus the difference in ticket cost--which is OK). Plus if you purchased seat upgrades for more leg room, you will lose those...they aren't refundable nor transferable to the new flight. This year AA also tacked on $25 checked baggage fees for flights to SXM.

Hurry up Southwest to SXM, please!

Sorry, I will personally NEVER prefer SW, so long as you can't get an assigned seat... I loathe the thought of standing in a line, to fight for a seat.. As of NOW, anyway, for AA, if you're not particular to sit in the front, you can still get an assigned seat without a cost.

Understand about not having assigned seating. We purchase the "Early Bird" seating option which has always placed us in Group A boarding and assured us decent seating. If you've got a tight connection or need more leg room, the back seating on AA can leave much to be desired. Unfortunately, our options from San Antonio to SXM are limited. We'll continue to endure AA until something better comes along!

One reason that Southwest may not be going to SXM from BWI is that BWI may not be ready for additional international flights yet. BWI is a major hub for Southwest, but it has very few international gates, hence few international flights. They are building international gates for Southwest.

We love Southwest, but we also purchase the early bird seating option. We've always been in the 'A' group. They give you a letter (your group) and a # that shows where you stand on the line. That way we don't have to worry about getting there early and standing on a long line.

But seriously, just give me a d*mn seat. How hard is that?? I really don't get it..

But if you are in boarding group 4-5 on AA or USAir then you run the risk of no carry on space. That is all we take. Then you have everyone jockeying for position to edge you out. SW buisness class are A 1-5 and many times less than other carriers. Travel alone and buy the A pass and you are almost certain to have your choice. The pros buy the buisness select and one A pass and just save a seat if traveling as a pair.

Everyone has their own priorities. And frankly, if there is no carry on space, then you can gate check for free. Can't see how that is any worse than scurrying around, worrying about where your SEAT is going to be..

Probably so, I fly them 35 weeks a year so I get frustrated with the others.

I have flown Southwest MANY times (last trip was a week ago)and NEVER have had an issue with finding a great seat, never wandered the aisles looking for that seat, never found an issue standing in line (that is any different from standing in line for ANY airline when waiting to board) or having room for my carry on luggage. It is totally different for SWA boarding of years past when it WAS a cluster frick...Honest....

The standing in line thing is actually better than other airlines because instead of the onslaught of EVERYONE who stands in front of the boarding area it is controlled and divided into 3 groups...much different from groups 1-5 which everyone ignores and just clot up the boarding area anyway.

$12.50 for early bird and you literally have your choice of ANY seat on the bird and PLENTY of overhead space. When I got on my last BOS-MSY flight there were literally 8 occupied seats leaving 130 or so seats for me. The return had 9 occupied.

Better seat pitch, free live TV on your personal device, free checked bags (2) and no change fees.

That said it is not my 1st choice for flying (JB is) but it is most definitely my 2nd and we take at least 8-10 trips a year.

Would I rather have my seat chosen in advance? Absolutely...but noting the above perks, and if the price is better, I have ZERO issues with choosing SWA.

Late edit: I should also add that ANY seat that is available for sale is also available for FF miles (points). Obviously the earlier you get the FF seat the less points it costs (as with the cash option)

After my latest encounter with AA and they cancelling my flight making me wait 6+ hours in Miami for the next flight, standing in a SW line sounds ok to me. Hurry up SW!