Speaking of Allegiant, does anyone have any personal experience flying with Allegiant, especially from OKC/TUL? I've read the horror stories and terrible reviews online, but I know that most people who have a good or okay experience won't take the time to write a review . I'm very tempted to try them to go to New Orleans, I'm always checking their website and constantly seeing round trip fares from TUL for only $66. I know I'll have to pay for luggage, choosing my seat, etc, but I can still get a round trip flight for around $100-$125, which is super cheap considering the other airlines are usually around $350-$400 round trip to New Orleans.

I have not personally flown with them, but my friends flew with them in the last 6 months. Their sentiment matched every horror story you read online. They were delayed countless hours for "maintenance", charged fees for nearly everything (which is more ignorance than anything, but you need to pay attention closely to all the additional fees charged) and the A/C was out once they eventually took off. Needless to say, regardless the cost, they said they would never fly them again which is enough for me.

^That was my experience the one time I flew Spirit which I assume is similar.

I expected the worst flying experience of my life on Allegiant studied all the fees so I wasn't surprised. Then I had the worst experience of my life flying, and walked away somewhat happy. Expectations are important. It's a cheap airline meant to get you from A to B. That's it.

Speaking of Allegiant, does anyone have any personal experience flying with Allegiant, especially from OKC/TUL? I've read the horror stories and terrible reviews online, but I know that most people who have a good or okay experience won't take the time to write a review . I'm very tempted to try them to go to New Orleans, I'm always checking their website and constantly seeing round trip fares from TUL for only $66. I know I'll have to pay for luggage, choosing my seat, etc, but I can still get a round trip flight for around $100-$125, which is super cheap considering the other airlines are usually around $350-$400 round trip to New Orleans.

Other than unknowingly purchasing the window seat next to the fattest human being I've ever seen on a plane, my experience flying with Allegiant was fine. The guy was basically sitting half in my seat (which are already really small) with me being smashed into the window...I switched with him for the isle seat which was better but left him still a quarter in my seat. Credit to the flight attendant who reseated him in a seat with an empty one next to it. I really gained an appreciation for the airlines that require obese people to purchase two seats and for southwest's open seating policy. So that kind of sucked, but I didn't have any other issues with the airline.

I've flown spirit 3 times now in the last 10 months out of Dallas. I've not had a problem on any of the flights. they've been on time and crazy cheap. I only do the non stop flights and I jump through the hoops. it's my primary choice for flights now. on time and cheap is great for families. I wish they participated with tsa precheck but the rumor is they will in November. my flight costs per person were

Atlanta $106
Baltimore $68
ft Lauderdale $175

double post

We flew Allegiant last year to SFB from here. We were well-prepared for the extra fees and therefore did not have any surprises. We had no delays, aircraft were worn but fine, and service was friendly. The worst part was that the flight home was literally the first flight out at SFB...so it left at like 6:10 AM or something, which was pretty brutal getting the family 45 min North of WDW area of Orlando basically in the middle of the night after a day at the parks. Had the flight home been later in the day, it would have been an overall great experience. And so cheap!

I noticed that the big schedule/flight status board that was up high on the wall in front of TSA is no longer there. I was kinda bummed to see it gone. I always liked seeing the long list of flights.

Anyone know if there will be a new one installed or is it gone for good?
Perhaps it's related to the new construction in the airport?

It looks like it doesn't last long. If you get into October on the flight schedules, we go back to MD80's.

Not true - looking at 10/5, AA2184 (departs OKC 0700) and AA1557 (departs OKC 1425) are both 738s. All along I assumed AA would rotate more E75s/CR7s/CR9s into OKC as the S80s retired, so it's nice to see the 738! Has AA ever operated the 738 to OKC before?

Not true - looking at 10/5, AA2184 (departs OKC 0700) and AA1557 (departs OKC 1425) are both 738s. All along I assumed AA would rotate more E75s/CR7s/CR9s into OKC as the S80s retired, so it's nice to see the 738! Has AA ever operated the 738 to OKC before?

AA has a 3 month schedule window. Anything past that is a dummy "default" schedule. So that is why S80's appear deeper into the schedule.

AA has a 3 month schedule window. Anything past that is a dummy "default" schedule. So that is why S80's appear deeper into the schedule.

I never doubted that S80s are still on the schedule. I was just saying that 738s also appear on the schedule further out.

A319s showing up in October on OKC-DFW for AA as well. Would much prefer the E75s though as AA's 319s are very cramped.

Looks like United has announced their winter (Jan,Feb,Mar) seasonal suspension of OKC-EWR. It'll return in April.

A319s showing up in October on OKC-DFW for AA as well. Would much prefer the E75s though as AA's 319s are very cramped.

Which dates? I checked a few random ones and didn't find them. That is interesting indeed. The S80s are well and truly going away.

We also would much prefer the E75s to the 319s. One of the more hilarious things to be is that such a smaller plane (E75) has a larger F cabin than the 319, all due to the scope clause (as I understand it - catch correct me if I'm wrong!).

I just searched a random day in October and saw the A319 listed on this date. I didn't search any other dates 12803

Must be frustrating for the Tulsa Airport Authority...

Alaska announced SEA-Wichita service.

Must be frustrating for the Tulsa Airport Authority...

Alaska announced SEA-Wichita service.

With OKC and ICT it's likely only a matter of time before TUL is connected to SEA. TUL-West Coast is very thin with only Allegiant flying nonstop to LAX and not daily. Surprised AA couldn't make that route work but maybe Southwest will try it someday.

Must be frustrating for the Tulsa Airport Authority...

Alaska announced SEA-Wichita service.

Probably due to Spirit's big presence in ICT, needing a nonstop to SEA for Boeing?

I would not personally ever step on an Allegiant flight, and I would make every effort to prevent a family member or friend from boarding one also.

Their maintenance and operation practices are a 150-person fatal accident waiting to happen.

I know they fly those old ass md 80's, but theres a graphic down halfway that shows they are phasing those out by 2018. My only flight was okay, but mostly because it was non stop to LVS and didn't have any issues.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-29/allegiant-buys-first-new-planes-as-part-of-fleet-shift-to-airbus

I know they fly those old ass md 80's, but theres a graphic down halfway that shows they are phasing those out by 2018. My only flight was okay, but mostly because it was non stop to LVS and didn't have any issues.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-29/allegiant-buys-first-new-planes-as-part-of-fleet-shift-to-airbus

Their Airbus fleet has faced the same issues the MD80 fleet has. It's a maintenance problem not a manufacturer defect.

Probably due to Spirit's big presence in ICT, needing a nonstop to SEA for Boeing?

huh? Spirit doesn't fly out of ICT
https://www.spirit.com/RouteMaps.aspx

huh? Spirit doesn't fly out of ICT
https://www.spirit.com/RouteMaps.aspx

Spirit Aerospace, they manufacturer the fuselage sections of the Boeing 737

huh? Spirit doesn't fly out of ICT
https://www.spirit.com/RouteMaps.aspx

Not Spirit the airline, Spirit the aviation systems supplier. They make 737 fuselages and many other components that are part of Boeing planes.

Probably due to Spirit's big presence in ICT, needing a nonstop to SEA for Boeing?

I'm sure that helps, but I think this has more to do with Alaska wanting to solidify their position in Seattle by a) serving the most destinations. B) serving the largest number of states c) having the largest number of flights.

This Wichita add is an easy way to serve one additional state.

They easily could have used that E175 for some better routes on the west coast but they are trying to dominate SEA to the middle and fend off DL.

Realistically, how much demand can those two companies produce between them. I can't imagine more than a few people a day at most are direct Boeing or Spirit employees traveling between the two for business. Nonstop helps those companies way more than it helps Alaska. Larger strategy in play.

Cheap oil right now is probably allowing airlines to come into markets that they wouldn't have been able to a few years ago. Plus airlines are buying planes that have better fuel efficiency. Cheap oil + fuel efficient planes makes these routes easy to try out.

How's AS doing on OKC-SEA?

Cheap oil right now is probably allowing airlines to come into markets that they wouldn't have been able to a few years ago. Plus airlines are buying planes that have better fuel efficiency. Cheap oil + fuel efficient planes makes these routes easy to try out.

How's AS doing on OKC-SEA?

Quite well actually. See this post I made on Airliners.net doing some simple analysis based on public info.

http://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1338683#p19000035

Another user (who works in management for Alaska) points out that it is exceeding all expectations from when they launched.

I think Alaska has several future options for OKC should they choose to expand the market further.

Option A) OKC-SEA upgrade to a 737 (likely given how they have grown other new midwest/central markets)

Option B) Add second frequency to OKC-SEA (unlikely)

Option C) Add OKC-PDX (Somewhat likely as they can relieve constrained SEA and force lower yield connections out of OKC to PDX, while keeping SEA n/s seats available at a premium. Example, if someone is flying AS OKC-SEA-OGG, they can route them OKC-PDX-OGG to keep that OKC-SEA seat open for someone who will pay for a nonstop premium into SEA)

Option D) OKC-SAN (unlikely but increasingly likely if the Virgin America merger is approved. They will be THE west coast airline with substantial hubs in SEA PDX SFO LAX and SAN. They can add markets like OKC-SAN more easily, but SAN is space and runway constrained so OKC may not be a market they wish to use valuable real estate for)

I would rate the chance of upgrading to a 737 as 80% likely, within the next 12-18 months.

I would rate the chance of an OKC-PDX as about 51% likely (I hate saying 50% because really 50% means you aren't confident either way). I think the odds are greater than not of them adding this market, but I don't think it's a top priority. Maybe within 3 years it could be an option.

Catch....I am glad you have stayed active on the OKCTalk board. Your insight is always great and informative.



Quite well actually. See this post I made on Airliners.net doing some simple analysis based on public info.

http://www.airliners.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1338683#p19000035

Another user (who works in management for Alaska) points out that it is exceeding all expectations from when they launched.

I think Alaska has several future options for OKC should they choose to expand the market further.

Option A) OKC-SEA upgrade to a 737 (likely given how they have grown other new midwest/central markets)

Option B) Add second frequency to OKC-SEA (unlikely)

Option C) Add OKC-PDX (Somewhat likely as they can relieve constrained SEA and force lower yield connections out of OKC to PDX, while keeping SEA n/s seats available at a premium. Example, if someone is flying AS OKC-SEA-OGG, they can route them OKC-PDX-OGG to keep that OKC-SEA seat open for someone who will pay for a nonstop premium into SEA)

Option D) OKC-SAN (unlikely but increasingly likely if the Virgin America merger is approved. They will be THE west coast airline with substantial hubs in SEA PDX SFO LAX and SAN. They can add markets like OKC-SAN more easily, but SAN is space and runway constrained so OKC may not be a market they wish to use valuable real estate for)

I would rate the chance of upgrading to a 737 as 80% likely, within the next 12-18 months.

I would rate the chance of an OKC-PDX as about 51% likely (I hate saying 50% because really 50% means you aren't confident either way). I think the odds are greater than not of them adding this market, but I don't think it's a top priority. Maybe within 3 years it could be an option.

Hey Catch - why is it we can't have a hub at OKC, again? I forget.

:)

Hey Catch - why is it we can't have a hub at OKC, again? I forget.

:)

https://media.giphy.com/media/3o7TKrOByT5p52LT1u/giphy.gif

Every city gets a hub!

You guys don't remember that we did used to be a hub?? For the almighty Great Plains Airlines!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains_Airlines

You guys don't remember that we did used to be a hub?? For the almighty Great Plains Airlines!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains_Airlines

It was a hub, but it wasn't a "hub" in what you would think. I believe they peaked at 3 gates?

"Hub" is a very loose application for the Great Plains operation here. Heck, I'm sure Southwest has more connecting passengers at OKC than GP did on a daily basis.

And yes, completely agree with not flying Allegiant. I used to have respect for its management but after seeing how many emergencies and maintainence-related diversions it's had in the last few years that has flown out the window (no pun intended). One only has to do a simple Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=allegiant+emergency) search to find out whether or not one wants to fly this airline :D Reminds me of Valujet's days before the infamous Everglades accident.

Catch....I am glad you have stayed active on the OKCTalk board. Your insight is always great and informative.

Second this! As a frequent user of WRWA, I enjoy reading the insightful analysis of someone in the industry. Keep it coming, catch!

Here's a nice feature story from channel 6 in Tulsa on AA's MD-80 retirement process:

http://www.newson6.com/story/32681520/news-on-6-crew-takes-part-in-final-flight-of-plane-headed-to-boneyard

July

http://www.flyokc.com/statistics/July2016Enplanement.pdf

July

http://www.flyokc.com/statistics/July2016Enplanement.pdf

Yikes. Wonder what's going on with AA?

Yikes. Wonder what's going on with AA?

Oil traffic reduction + they are not offering as many seats into OKC as the RJ's have begun to takeover the OKC-DFW route.

Oil traffic reduction + they are not offering as many seats into OKC as the RJ's have begun to takeover the OKC-DFW route.

Replacing the MD-80s?

Good to see some Delta growth.

Replacing the MD-80s?

Good to see some Delta growth.

Yes initial indications seem to show that the 80's will ultimately be filled by mainly RJ's with a sprinkle of 737-800's on the higher demand peak times.

Yes initial indications seem to show that the 80's will ultimately be filled by mainly RJ's with a sprinkle of 737-800's on the higher demand peak times.

Yet another reason 2016 will be my last year flying AA exclusively.

Yet another reason 2016 will be my last year flying AA exclusively.

They have traded capacity for frequency, so really you have more connecting options. It's not necessarily a bad thing, although as an enthusiast I rather see the larger metal coming in.

Man I don't hate RJs at all. It's not like a turboprop, with which a lot of people seem to confuse them. Quieter, fast as a larger jet, flies above weather, quicker loading/unloading than larger planes, and seems to me the leg room is as good or even at times better. When you consider that more RJs equals more flight times to choose from, I'll take 'em.

Man I don't hate RJs at all. It's not like a turboprop, with which a lot of people seem to confuse them. Quieter, fast as a larger jet, flies above weather, quicker loading/unloading than larger planes, and seems to me the leg room is as good or even at times better. When you consider that more RJs equals more flight times to choose from, I'll take 'em.
Depends on which one. The newer wider ones that Delta is flying with a 1-2 wide seat configuration in first class and a 2-2 wide in coach are fine. The older skinny RJs with no first class and a 1-2 wide in coach is just to small for a big guy or a tall guy. DL was using that one for the OKC -MSP route for a while and that is too long on that size jet.

Man I don't hate RJs at all. It's not like a turboprop, with which a lot of people seem to confuse them. Quieter, fast as a larger jet, flies above weather, quicker loading/unloading than larger planes, and seems to me the leg room is as good or even at times better. When you consider that more RJs equals more flight times to choose from, I'll take 'em.

Depends on the RJ and where you're flying from. Many times flying an old E145 from the east coast to here against a strong jet stream, those trips are brutal and typically over 4 hours easily.

I love flying the Embraer RJs to Houston or Chicago or Minneapolis or Denver or Dallas - typically any flight 1 hour 50 minutes or shorter. Any other type of RJ and I'm out. They're just too uncomfortable. And the Embraer to Newark is terrible. That flight is too long.

I love flying the Embraer RJs to Houston or Chicago or Minneapolis or Denver or Dallas - typically any flight 1 hour 50 minutes or shorter. Any other type of RJ and I'm out. They're just too uncomfortable. And the Embraer to Newark is terrible. That flight is too long.

The ERJ has been replaced by an E170 to EWR for a long time now. We had them when I worked in OKC. It's more comfortable than any mainline jet.

That's good, that EWR flight on a E145 coming back to OKC was over 4.5 hours last time I did it.

Even the E170 from IAD back to OKC was four hours though

That's good, that EWR flight on a E145 coming back to OKC was over 4.5 hours last time I did it.

Even the E170 from IAD back to OKC was four hours though

Well good news if you don't enjoy longer fights is that IAD gets cut in March to 3.5 flights a week and we lose EWR for the winter/spring again.

They have traded capacity for frequency, so really you have more connecting options. It's not necessarily a bad thing, although as an enthusiast I rather see the larger metal coming in.

At least they are using regional jets on a short route, verses how we often get regional jets even flying halfway across the country.

Whoa..IAD gets cut to 3.5/weekly in March? Is this seasonal reduction? What days of the week will the flight operate?

Does UA increase seat capacity elsewhere to compensate? I never like seeing flight reductions to OKC

Whoa..IAD gets cut to 3.5/weekly in March? Is this seasonal reduction? What days of the week will the flight operate?

Does UA increase seat capacity elsewhere to compensate? I never like seeing flight reductions to OKC

The discontinuance of the nonstop flights next year is not showing yet in the reservation systems so it's difficult to say at this point.

The discontinuance of the nonstop flights next year is not showing yet in the reservation systems so it's difficult to say at this point.

I am wondering if it was an error when they uploaded the schedule to the OAG. As the new changes should be reflected immediately.

I bet there was a bad equipment code (the equipment code the airlines use internally don't always match exactly what the OAG wants. For example I believe United now uses E7W for the SkyWest E-175, which internally is a SkyWest E175, but a Mesa E175 is just E75, the OAG only recognizes E75 for equipment. So if United didn't replace the E7W with E75 when uploading to the OAG, the OAG would show an error for the flights. If they are transitioning the flying to SkyWest halfway through March, it is possible that only half of the frequencies showed up in the OAG update despite United is still selling all 31 March RT's. If only 16 RT's showed valid for sale for March, it would show up as a half frequency.

If that makes sense.

Hey catch22, it seems United is making a ton of schedule changes right now, some buddies of mine booked flights to MSP from IAH for a guys trip in October, and they just changed their flight back home from an 8am departure to 5am, so all 5 of them are rightfully pissed. What can one do when that happens?

Hey catch22, it seems United is making a ton of schedule changes right now, some buddies of mine booked flights to MSP from IAH for a guys trip in October, and they just changed their flight back home from an 8am departure to 5am, so all 5 of them are rightfully pissed. What can one do when that happens?

https://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/help/schedule-change.aspx

Rebooking options if a schedule change has affected your itinerary

If your scheduled departure or arrival time changes by 30 minutes or more, we're happy to try to find other available flight options that meet your needs. Please keep the following in mind when you call:

Your origin and destination will have to be the same as on your original itinerary.
If you have a connection, you may be able to choose a different connecting city or airport.
Alternative flights must be operated by United or our United Express® partners.

If we aren't able to find any other flights that meet your needs, requesting a refund may be an option. See the section below for more information.

Sorry, I knew that already, was basically wondering from an airline employee if you really have any realistic shot at rebooking or if you're pretty much SOL.

Sorry, I knew that already, was basically wondering from an airline employee if you really have any realistic shot at rebooking or if you're pretty much SOL.

I had my flights changed for my honeymoon a couple months ago and I was rebooked pretty easily, though that wa son AA>

Definitely not SOL, that policy will be upheld. Just tell your friend to not treat the agent badly as it's not their fault the schedule was changed, but they really will work with you on getting an appropriate flight time if it is possible (it usually is, they may just have to connect through a different hub)

In fact there's a 1050am departure if they want that one, they will be very flexible as every flight this far out has plenty of seats and all fare buckets look interchangeable between flights. It should not be an issue at all.

good to know, thanks

In fact there's a 1050am departure if they want that one, they will be very flexible as every flight this far out has plenty of seats and all fare buckets look interchangeable between flights. It should not be an issue at all.

You're absolutely correct. Unless it's a last minute situation where there is no availability, it's relatively easy to get an alternate flight. I deal with the airlines on behalf of my customers routinely to take care of these situations.