Planning a trip to Montana, the Treasure State? Known for its breathtaking landscapes, from Glacier National Park to the Yellowstone region, Montana offers a unique travel experience. But before you pack your bags and hiking boots, one crucial question arises: What Airlines Fly To Montana? Choosing the right airline can significantly impact your travel experience, affecting everything from flight convenience to overall cost and comfort.
Navigating airline options can be overwhelming, with various carriers offering different routes, services, and passenger experiences. To help you make an informed decision for your Montana adventure, we’ve compiled insights based on real passenger feedback, focusing on airlines that frequently service Montana airports. While direct reviews to Montana are not explicitly available, examining general passenger experiences with airlines known to fly to Montana can provide valuable guidance.
Southwest Airlines to Montana: The Open Seating Favorite
Southwest Airlines is often praised for its friendly staff and unique open seating policy. One reviewer noted, “Gate agents were informative and friendly… flight attendants were as well. Had a fun time chatting about their legacy AirTran experiences.” This positive interaction with staff is a recurring theme in Southwest reviews.
However, experiences can vary. Another passenger mentioned, “Flight was awfully bumpy and landing was a bit jolting.” In-flight service aspects like Wi-Fi also received mixed feedback, “Wi Fi was horrible kept cutting out the whole time and too expensive.”
One of Southwest’s defining features, open seating, is a point of strong opinions. A loyal customer expressed, “I really like open seating. I hate that I’ve heard this is going away. This is one of the unique things that makes Southwest my goto choice.” While boarding can sometimes be slightly delayed, as noted, “Boarding was a little late, but made up for it,” the overall efficiency at smaller airports is often appreciated: “It was quick to taxi to the runway, since it’s a smallish airport.”
For travelers considering airlines to Montana, Southwest flies to several Montana destinations including Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), and Missoula Montana Airport (MSO). While known for budget-friendly options, it’s essential to weigh potential drawbacks like Wi-Fi quality against the positives like staff friendliness and the open seating experience, if it aligns with your preferences.
Alaska Airlines to Montana: Navigating the Pacific Northwest Carrier
Alaska Airlines, popular in the Pacific Northwest, also serves Montana. However, reviews present a mixed bag. One passenger described boarding as “always chaotic with many people crowding the gates,” and arrival experiences at larger airports like Los Angeles can be challenging due to gate availability issues.
TSA PreCheck inconsistencies were also reported: “No TSA pre check on boarding passes. Was told known traveler numbers are only kept with Alaska Airlines mileage plan members.” This highlights the importance of double-checking boarding passes, especially when connecting from other airlines. Some experiences were significantly negative, with one reviewer stating, “I wouldn’t fly with Alaska again if you paid me.” Luggage issues and flight delays further contributed to negative experiences for some travelers.
On the other hand, a passenger who needed early boarding found it “no problem” and considered Alaska Airlines “EXCELLENT,” praising “luggage fast and easy.” This suggests that experiences can be highly variable.
For those considering what airlines fly to Montana, Alaska Airlines offers flights to cities like Bozeman and Missoula. Given the mixed reviews, passengers might want to factor in potential boarding and delay issues alongside any positive experiences reported, especially if TSA PreCheck is a priority.
Delta Air Lines to Montana: A Focus on Service and Comfort
Delta Air Lines often receives praise for its service, particularly in premium classes. One reviewer highlighted an exceptional flight attendant, “She came through the aisle at least five times for drinks and water, and two times for snacks. I have not seen such service since I flew first class.” Baggage handling also earned positive remarks: “Also, for the first time, they gave us the correct baggage claim number, and the luggage came out quickly.”
However, not all experiences are uniformly positive, especially in economy. One first-class passenger reported a negative experience with a “lazy” flight attendant, citing lack of drink service and attentiveness. Seat comfort is another potential concern, as one review mentioned, “Seats were really tight and the seat belts did not give enough slack.”
Despite some inconsistencies, Delta is generally perceived as a reliable airline with good service standards. For travelers asking what airlines fly to Montana, Delta provides service to major Montana airports including Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula, as well as smaller airports like Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell. Passengers might expect a generally comfortable experience, especially considering service reputation, but should be aware of potential variability and consider seat comfort, particularly on longer flights.
United Airlines to Montana: Weighing Connections and Potential Delays
United Airlines reviews reveal a range of experiences, from positive to significantly negative, particularly concerning delays and customer service during disruptions. One passenger traveling in Premium Economy had a positive experience: “Plenty of room for me and the cat in Premium Economy. Seat was comfortable. Boarding was a breeze. The lady at the special check-in desk was great, super helpful and professional.”
However, significant disruptions can heavily impact passenger satisfaction. One traveler recounted a severely delayed and re-routed journey: “Terrible. First of all we were delayed 4 3/4 hours departing Honolulu… Arrived at final destination 6 hours late. All rental cars had been taken.” This review highlights the cascading effect of delays, impacting not just flight time but also downstream travel arrangements. Compensation and customer service during delays were also points of concern.
While some in-flight experiences are positive, such as “Fantastic crew. Flight was delayed at last minute but we were given updates every 20 minutes and the crew was so friendly and considerate,” the potential for delays and inconsistent customer service during disruptions should be considered.
For those researching airlines to Montana, United offers a broad network including flights to Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, and Glacier Park Airport. Passengers choosing United should be prepared for potential delays, especially when connecting through major hubs, and factor this into their travel planning.
American Airlines to Montana: Navigating Mixed Reviews and Service Inconsistencies
American Airlines reviews present a spectrum of experiences, with service inconsistencies and flight disruptions being prominent themes. While some passengers reported “Extraordinary service in business class, and very good breakfast and snacks,” others faced significant issues, particularly with flight cancellations and customer service during disruptions.
One reviewer detailed a multi-day ordeal of cancellations: “My flight was delayed, delayed, delayed, and then canceled …THREE TIMES over TWO DAYS. Staff were seemingly not empowered to provide information on why the flights were screwed up. A real nightmare.” Lack of communication and perceived lack of empowerment among staff during disruptions were recurring complaints. Cancellation policies and refund issues also led to strong negative reactions: “They cancelled our flight without warning OR a refund. Never doing business with American Airlines again!”
Even on flights that operate, seat comfort in economy can be a concern: “The seats were crammed and the guy in front of me wouldn’t stop reclining. If AA is cramming extra rows in, they need to take away the reclining in coach. My knees were smashed for 4 1/2 hours.”
When considering what airlines fly to Montana, American Airlines serves several Montana destinations, including Bozeman and Billings. However, the reviews suggest a need for caution, particularly concerning potential delays, cancellations, and inconsistent service experiences. Passengers might weigh the potential for business class excellence against the risks of disruptions and economy cabin discomfort reported by other travelers.
Choosing Your Airline to Montana: Key Takeaways
When deciding what airlines fly to Montana for your trip to Big Sky Country, consider these key points based on passenger experiences:
- Southwest Airlines: Good for friendly service and open seating preference, but be mindful of potential Wi-Fi issues. Budget-friendly but service can be basic.
- Alaska Airlines: Mixed reviews, variable experiences. Consider potential boarding chaos and TSA PreCheck issues. Service quality appears inconsistent.
- Delta Air Lines: Generally reliable service, especially in premium classes. Potential seat tightness in economy and some service variability.
- United Airlines: Broad network to Montana, but be prepared for potential delays and inconsistent customer service during disruptions.
- American Airlines: Inconsistent service, risk of delays and cancellations. Business class may be good, but economy experiences and disruption handling are concerns.
Ultimately, the “best” airline depends on your individual priorities. If budget is paramount and you value friendly staff and open seating, Southwest might be a contender. If you prioritize service and comfort and are willing to pay more, Delta could be a better choice. For those focused on network and connections, United and American offer extensive routes, but come with noted risks of delays and inconsistent experiences. Carefully weigh these factors alongside your travel needs and preferences when booking your flights to Montana.
