Hi, guys! I have been waiting for 737NGX and iFly 737NG for a half a year. Now it seems my long waiting is almost over. It's time of choosing... IFly's product is nice and cheap while PMDG's plane seems to be more expensive but much realistically modeled - "to the extent" as many say. So I would chose PMDG 737NGX but there is a small problem with Captain Sim's market philosophy included. I don't understand why PMDG wants to sell...five packs for...160 bucks combined? Additionally I don't know if the following packs are only external models as 747-8 one? Maybe somebody could explain it to me. I think I would be pretty satisfied with base package (738+739) because 738 is now considered as flagship 737NG model worldwide. So it is necessary for me to buy another packs at all except eye candy?

The PMDG variants of the 737 actually model the different flight characteristics and small systems differences.

What are you on about....you and a fair few number in here have criticised the choice of an 800 in the PMDG base pack purely based on which paint job you prefer to fly. Other than the fact you threw in that you also like to fly Alaska paints, what did I miss? In that case fly the 800 with an Alaska paint and be happy until 700 is available, assuming you want to spend the money. My point is there is nothing stopping anyone who prefers flying 'airlines' that operate the 600/700 with the 800 model. Just get a repaint and be done with it. Big deal if SWA dont actually fly 800's............. Other than the slightly stretched fuselage, what massive difference are you going to notice anyway? I had the misfortune of flying SWA once....I dont understand why anyone would want to 'simulate' them in any shape or form anyway!!

*EDIT* Had a longer post, but this pretty much sums it up for me. The fact that you can't understand why somebody else cares what type of aircraft they use in their game is really a moot issue. It isn't you that is paying for it and it is not you that is using it. So, why not just refrain from saying anything? If you are happy with the -800/-900 Base Pack, great for you, I could really care less. Why? Read again. You know what amazes me? How so many people feel the need to flock to posts that they take as negative towards an add-on or add-on company they like....and go into attack mode, almost as if they themselves feel threatened by the comments. It's laughable and nonsensical all wrapped up in one. I wish I had a dollar for every time I have seen it here in all my years so I could just buy a real 737 and be done with it. Nobody is threatening, criticizing, or personally attacking PMDG, people. Get over it.

I had the misfortune of flying SWA once....I dont understand why anyone would want to 'simulate' them in any shape or form anyway!!

Off-topic, but do you have a problem with cheaper flights, less fees, better service, and more non-stop connections? Not sure why anyone would have a problem flying SWA unless they fly 1st class usually. I flew SWA to Vegas one week and then United to Beijing a week later about a month ago. The service and attitude of the employees was night and day.

So I must look at those minor differences amongst 737NG models if they are really significant enough to offset paying 25 bucks for each.

Off-topic, but do you have a problem with cheaper flights, less fees, better service, and more non-stop connections? Not sure why anyone would have a problem flying SWA unless they fly 1st class usually. I flew SWA to Vegas one week and then United to Beijing a week later about a month ago. The service and attitude of the employees was night and day.

I agree. I have flown SWA a TON of times. I have had great service every single time and the staff has always been very polite.

I agree. I have flown SWA a TON of times. I have had great service every single time and the staff has always been very polite.

SWA employees are all fractional owners last I heard, so the employees have a vested interest in the reputation and success of the airline (beyond just keeping their job). This combined with their corporate culture is why I think they have the best customer service out of the low cost US airlines.

SWA employees are all fractional owners last I heard, so the employees have a vested interest in the reputation and success of the airline (beyond just keeping their job). This combined with their corporate culture is why I think they have the best customer service out of the low cost US airlines.

Hmm, I didn't know that. I have known a few SWA pilots that loved working there. Their fares out here to Vegas used to be extremely good.

....so the employees have a vested interest in the reputation and success of the airline (beyond just keeping their job).

Except for the pilot a few weeks ago complaining with the open mike about the lack of good looking FA's.

Except for the pilot a few weeks ago complaining with the open mike about the lack of good looking FA's.

Can't say I disagree,

"The fact that you can't understand why somebody else cares what type of aircraft they use in their game is really a moot issue. It isn't you that is paying for it and it is not you that is using it. So, why not just refrain from saying anything?" Exactly. Then why start the thread in the first place? You are contradicting yourself. By the way, I haven't purchased a PMDG product since the 2002 version of the 737 so I'm no 'PMDG lover'. Accuracy is nice and this will be an utmost real rendition of a 737-800/900. Its not a 700 although there will be one coming in the next few months for extra $. If you really MUST have the 700 in SWA colours then spend the $ and buy it when its released! If not, buy the ifly for cheaper and live with it. Would it REALLY be that bad if you had to fly an 800 model in SWA colours? Fictional liveries are everywhere, including some great ones for the LVLD 767 which have been great fun to fly. You have choices....just make one instead of complaining.

*EDIT* Had a longer post, but this pretty much sums it up for me. The fact that you can't understand why somebody else cares what type of aircraft they use in their game is really a moot issue. It isn't you that is paying for it and it is not you that is using it. So, why not just refrain from saying anything? If you are happy with the -800/-900 Base Pack, great for you, I could really care less. Why? Read again. You know what amazes me? How so many people feel the need to flock to posts that they take as negative towards an add-on or add-on company they like....and go into attack mode, almost as if they themselves feel threatened by the comments. It's laughable and nonsensical all wrapped up in one. I wish I had a dollar for every time I have seen it here in all my years so I could just buy a real 737 and be done with it. Nobody is threatening, criticizing, or personally attacking PMDG, people. Get over it.

Well said. When I first started reading this thread, I expected the PMDG fans to come to the defense, which they did. From my reading of your original post, my impression wasn't that you were upset with the price of the aircraft, it was more disappointment that you would have to pay a little more to get the specific model you want. That's a legitimate concern on your part. I don't think it matters what PMDG charges, whether it is $50, $100, or $150 because we all have a different sense of value, and it may be worth more or less to you than to me. But the logic in saying "I want to fly the 700 for the same price as what the 800/900 costs" is not unreasonable, and I don't think people should be bashing you for this. PMDG is a business, and they have adopted a pricing model that they feel will provide the maximum benefit to their company, which is their right. But you also have the right to express your displeasure at their business practices and point out an alternative pricing model that may please customers. I've always respected PMDG products, but I don't buy every release, mainly because of price. The video of the cockpit that was released is incredible, and I get the feeling that it was really just a taste of what the NGX has to offer. I might buy the 800/900, but I don't want to end up investing in a lot of additional packages that eventually far exceed what I would have originally paid. We have seen this from different vendors over the years, and it always irks me somewhat, sort of like when the phone company tells me my phone is only $40 per month, and the bill comes and is almost double that with all the mandatory extras I must pay.

SWA employees are all fractional owners last I heard, so the employees have a vested interest in the reputation and success of the airline (beyond just keeping their job). This combined with their corporate culture is why I think they have the best customer service out of the low cost US airlines.

That and the fact that they're the highest paid in the industry.

Well said. When I first started reading this thread, I expected the PMDG fans to come to the defense, which they did. From my reading of your original post, my impression wasn't that you were upset with the price of the aircraft, it was more disappointment that you would have to pay a little more to get the specific model you want. That's a legitimate concern on your part. I don't think it matters what PMDG charges, whether it is $50, $100, or $150 because we all have a different sense of value, and it may be worth more or less to you than to me. But the logic in saying "I want to fly the 700 for the same price as what the 800/900 costs" is not unreasonable, and I don't think people should be bashing you for this. PMDG is a business, and they have adopted a pricing model that they feel will provide the maximum benefit to their company, which is their right. But you also have the right to express your displeasure at their business practices and point out an alternative pricing model that may please customers. I've always respected PMDG products, but I don't buy every release, mainly because of price. The video of the cockpit that was released is incredible, and I get the feeling that it was really just a taste of what the NGX has to offer. I might buy the 800/900, but I don't want to end up investing in a lot of additional packages that eventually far exceed what I would have originally paid. We have seen this from different vendors over the years, and it always irks me somewhat, sort of like when the phone company tells me my phone is only $40 per month, and the bill comes and is almost double that with all the mandatory extras I must pay.

Very good post, Sir.

"The fact that you can't understand why somebody else cares what type of aircraft they use in their game is really a moot issue. It isn't you that is paying for it and it is not you that is using it. So, why not just refrain from saying anything?" Exactly. Then why start the thread in the first place? You are contradicting yourself. By the way, I haven't purchased a PMDG product since the 2002 version of the 737 so I'm no 'PMDG lover'. Accuracy is nice and this will be an utmost real rendition of a 737-800/900. Its not a 700 although there will be one coming in the next few months for extra $. If you really MUST have the 700 in SWA colours then spend the $ and buy it when its released! If not, buy the ifly for cheaper and live with it. Would it REALLY be that bad if you had to fly an 800 model in SWA colours? Fictional liveries are everywhere, including some great ones for the LVLD 767 which have been great fun to fly. You have choices....just make one instead of complaining.

Read for content next time. The point is there really is no choice. Better yet, read Shaka's post.

That and the fact that they're the highest paid in the industry.

I think I read somewhere that SWA 737 pilots are required to have a 737 type rating in order to qualify for an interview. Anybody know if there is any truth to that?

I think it's funny when those touting the extreme depth of reality modeled in this aircraft which then totally justifies the high price then turns around and questions why one would not be happy with a fictional paint job, or have to fly a model other than the one used by a favorite airline. How can one be so totally sold on the reality of the model and systems and then be so confused by the desire to emulate a real airline? Ah well, so be it. It's a thread I know I should have retired from long ago clearly being able to predict it contents without having to confirm it with each succeeding post. I'll take my leave by wishing PMDG the utmost success on their product.