This post comes to us from PHX Flight Attendant Michael Broadhead, who experienced something on a recent trip that he felt compelled to share.
Recently, after completing the boarding of a full flight of 137 passengers out of Sacramento to San Diego, our Operations Agent (who is responsible for scanning all boarding passes and calculating cargo, luggage, and all weight and balance aspects of the aircraft) came aboard, and as we were closing the door, he made the following announcement:
"Ladies and Gentlemen, can I have your attention please. My name is Jay, and I am the Operations Agent for your flight to San Diego today. I want to give a shout out to my math teachers for teaching me how to do the following math: I show 137 passengers had 125 bags checked in today for this flight ... with what the other airlines are now charging for luggage, I come up with at least $3,250.00 that you all did not have to pay EXTRA today to travel. Thanks for flying Southwest Airlines."
The plane erupted into literally a standing ovation! 137 Passengers were cheering, whistling, clapping ... it was great. It set the mood for a great flight and we had a great time onboard. It was the best, most effective announcement I have ever heard to "fly the point home." Loved it. And then I looked out the window, and I saw the luggage carts with the new banners on them, "I carry free bags."
Brilliant marketing at its best.
