No one will negate there’s a huge difference between, oh, let’s say, United Basic Economy and Emirates First Class. But if you think about it, for both of them, the bottom line is they’re there to get you from Point A to Point B.
So yeah, each airline has the same basic goal. But many of them still do certain things differently. Each airline has, if you will, its own personality. This meme is kind of spot on for each (it’s an older meme, so forgive the references that may not have aged well)
If Southwest Airlines had any sort of personality, I’d say they’re the “customer friendly, fun” airline.
I know, I know…some of you are probably saying “No, they’re just the airline that had a meltdown and ruined my Christmas.” Or “They’re more like the airline that just made their allowable carry-ons smaller.” Or, “Yeah, they’re the airline that ruined it for Early Birds.”
And you know what? I’d agree with you on every single point.
But those are things they’re either working on, and most likely needed to change to allow for more in-seat power ports. I’m right there with you on the early bird thing though – and the new standby policy has its own problems anyway.
But they’re also the airline that:
- Let you check 2 bags for free (even if you get the cheapest class)
- Has a very fair change fee policy
- Has always let you cancel your flight with no penalty
- Doesn’t nickel and dime you
- Has the option of Companion Passes
- They don’t anymore, but they used to send you drink coupons after X number of flights
- And have you ever seen what some of their employees do on Southwest’s birthday, June 18th? They PARTY! They used to give a free drink to anyone 21+ who flew on their planes on their birthday. They don’t do that anymore, either. But they still have parties at the airports.
Plus, holy cow, have you ever walked through an airport – any airport where Southwest has a presence – and gone past a Southwest gate when it wasn’t in use? Their info screens are AWESOME! I took these at ATL, back in June:
And they keep changing every couple of minutes, too. Take a look:
Plus, have you ever looked at the carts and trucks Southwest uses on the tarmac? They have similar little cheeky quips on them, too. I took these pics last year, when we were flying out of AUS:
So yeah…Southwest may have its problems, just like every other airline out there does. But of all of them, I personally say they’re the most customer-friendly one out there. And that’s my favorite thing about them, even if I like (an)other airline or airlines on any given day. And most of the stuff like that that they do, hardly anybody even notices.
But I bet you will now. 😉
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