If you fly, do yourself a favor

[Mags]

If you fly and have a chance to try out Midwest Airlines, do yourself a big favor and try them out.

I'm a huge fan as I fly these guys between 50-100 times per year. In a lot of ways, they are Milwaukee/Kansas City's best kept secret.

Granted, they don't fly that many places. So, if you live outside of the heartland and don't want to go to the midwest, you may never have the chance to try them. But if you do, it is certainly well worth the extra $20 or so in fare it typically costs to fly them.

What is so special about Midwest? All seats on the Signature service are 2 across, leather seats. It's just like flying first class, for the price of coach. Best service/people in the industry. And they even bake chocolate chip cookies on board for lunch and evening flights for the passengers (Free)!

They also have a "Saver service" which they use to fly to vacation destinations - 5 across seating in the plane. Not as nice as the "Signature" service, but still much roomer than other carriers' coach class.

Why do I mention this? AirTran is involved in a hostile takeover attempt of which Midwest has been successful (to this point) of defending itself against.

My experiences with AirTran is everything that Midwest is not: poor service, crappy seats, crowded airplanes. Air travel has become a commondity these days. It's nice to see someone put out a product that is better than all the rest.

Yes, AirTran will get you there - just like Midwest (although if you fly through Atlanta, you are GUARANTEED to be delayed and not be on time on AirTran!).

It is similiar to driving a Ford Focus - it will get you there, although you will be uncomfortable. Wouldn't you rather drive a BMW, if it was only $20 or so more?

I guess I'm doing the little I can (besides being a very minor shareholder) to try to help Midwest by posting this.

But, trust me, if you get the chance to fly Midwest, you will be thanking me. They actually make flying enjoyable.

 

[vinnie]

I'm 6' 4" love the seats on Midwest it's always my 1st choice

 

[Mags]

I hear ya Vinny... I'm 6'5", so it works for me too.

Added bonus - since I fly so much, they gave me "executive" status. They don't have first class to bump me to, but they do give me exit row seats when I book my flight, which is really nice.

 

[AR182]

i try not to fly whenever possible.....don't like the way the airlines treat it's passengers...

however it is good to see an airline showing it's customers some respect.....but that will probably change as soon as they become more successful...

 

[bjfinste]

i try not to fly whenever possible.....don't like the way the airlines treat it's passengers...

however it is good to see an airline showing it's customers some respect.....but that will probably change as soon as they become more successful...

I don't think these are new policies. I know I flew Midwest a couple times when living in Wisconsin. Hopefully they don't change (although I wish they would fly out of here!).

 

[Mags]

i try not to fly whenever possible.....don't like the way the airlines treat it's passengers...

however it is good to see an airline showing it's customers some respect.....but that will probably change as soon as they become more successful...

Actually it won't change, unless AirTran is successful with their takeover bid. It has been Midwest's business model since 1986. They did modify it slightly in the post 9/11 aftermath.

Prior to 9/11, meals were served on china, not paper or plastic plates. In fact, there was a time that Midwest included items like Lobster and filet mignon as their standard meals they served. Oh yes, wine was also included free with your meal.

9/11 changed all that (and obviously a lot more).

AR182 - if you have to fly, and Midwest goes where you are going, you would be happy to fly them.