Choosing an Airlines for travel

So, this summer, I will be travelling to Atlanta to hang out with friends and family.

My problem is I cannot choose which one is better for me. I'm concerned about flight prices, on-time percentage, and luxury (small tv, snacks, movies, etc) of the plane.

I've heard great things about Delta Airlines and very little about the bad. The catcher? Delta's dam near $600..

So, out of personal experience, and the following airlines:

Delta Air Lines - $550 ~ $580
AirTran Airways - $510 ~ $520
American Airlines -$470
United Airlines - $480
US Airways - $520
Continental Airlines - $550
Frontier Airlines - $600

(I rounded these up to the next $10. So, even if it was $511, I rounded it to $520.)

Which would be the best choice? This is more about quality than the price, and then price if quality is near or is the same. If I am getting what I paid for, then I'm okay with it.

How many hours long is the trip?

If the flight is only 2-3 hours max I wouldn't care much about quality. I don't really know much about american companies though.

Know what type of planes they are?

There are only 2 flights that are non-stop. And those last about a good 5-6 hours.

Other flights, which are 1 or more stops, are a 5-6 hour flight in total, and between 30mins~2hours of a layover.

And....type of planes?...

Always go with the cheapest in my opinnion, I'm not going to pay an extra 200 bucks for some chips and a soda on a flight where I'll sleep 90% of it.

sleep the whole flight/bring your GBA/DS/PSP/ATARI.

it saves money.

There are only 2 flights that are non-stop. And those last about a good 5-6 hours.

Other flights, which are 1 or more stops, are a 5-6 hour flight in total, and between 30mins~2hours of a layover.

And....type of planes?...

Like, if it's a Boeing 747 or 787 or whatever.

Always go with the cheapest in my opinnion, I'm not going to pay an extra 200 bucks for some chips and a soda on a flight where I'll sleep 90% of it.

Cheapest I hear a lot of complaints about. Mainly with delays and layovers. I don't have the patience to deal with that hahaha.

sleep the whole flight/bring your GBA/DS/PSP/ATARI.

it saves money.

Of course! Bringing my DSi, my laptop with preloaded episodes of anime or House or whatever I wanna watch and my iPod.

Like, if it's a Boeing 747 or 787 or whatever.

According to my preferred Delta flight, it's a Boeing 757. Does this mean anything??

According to my preferred Delta flight, it's a Boeing 757. Does this mean anything??

I honestly don't mind whichever plane it is, some people don't feel safe on bi-motors and some very small planes may have small carry-on luggage space.

Yes, how big and comfy the plane is etc.

I'd go with Delta probably. You make it sound like it's a trip to the other side of the world. Planes are really unique at that, meaning that you can do whatever. Stand up and go to the bathroom, chill and in a short session.

5 hours isn't that much. I want to see you doing that in a bus, which takes at least double the time.

Yes, how big and comfy the plane is etc.

I'd go with Delta probably. You make it sound like it's a trip to the other side of the world. Planes are really unique at that, meaning that you can do whatever. Stand up and go to the bathroom, chill and in a short session.

5 hours isn't that much. I want to see you doing that in a bus, which takes at least double the time.

Close, to the other side of the USA

From Cali to GA. Interesting flight eh?..

I know man, but it's a short flight anyway. It's not like renting a room for two nights in a hotel to really stop and see what's better.

Economy class on different companies doesn't change much, you'll have little space for your legs and tight on the sides, delays and stuff are normally due to airport problems not company problems so it's normally not a concern.

I've had my share of experiences with air companies and really there's not much difference. Only time where you'll get better installations are for really long flights (think 10h+) which will get you better food and probably a TV screen (not a factor since you have your own entertainment) or by going bussiness/1st class.

Forget about service. No matter what airline there will always be an obese man on one side of you and a crying baby on the other. Just go with the cheapest.

Forget about service. No matter what airline there will always be an obese man on one side of you and a crying baby on the other. Just go with the cheapest.

Regarding this, try to pick an aisle seat. As much as the blue sky and fluffy clouds are appealing you will want to have the liberty of going to the bathroom or for a walk whenever you want, as well as being able to get down from the plane before the obvious old lady/fat guy/mother with children that's blocking your passage.

Take one of the direct flights if possible. Much less chance of something going wrong, like missing connecting flight due to first leg getting delayed, baggage getting lost and so on. Plus nice to not have the hassle of getting from one end to the other of some huge hub airport.

Regarding this, try to pick an aisle seat. As much as the blue sky and fluffy clouds are appealing you will want to have the liberty of going to the bathroom or for a walk whenever you want, as well as being able to get down from the plane before the obvious old lady/fat guy/mother with children that's blocking your passage.

Hmmm...never thought of this. Well then! This won't be fun to plan out..

Take one of the direct flights if possible. Much less chance of something going wrong, like missing connecting flight due to first leg getting delayed, baggage getting lost and so on. Plus nice to not have the hassle of getting from one end to the other of some huge hub airport.

This is golden in my eyes. I do NOT want my luggage to me lost or misplaced. The only non-stops are Delta and AirTrans. Since one's Delta, well, that's just awesome for me.

I didn't read any posts in this thread but I wanted to let you know that if you follow the airline you intend to choose on Twitter, you can most likely get a deal on the ticket prices. Also make sure you buy your tickets on Tuesday at 3 PM EST, as that is the cheapest day / time of the week. DO NOT BUY ON THE WEEKENDS.

http://www.kayak.com

I just solved all of your problems.