10-07-2009
06:53 PM
7 Loves
It's great that you're adding beverage options, but when are you going to start adding more interesting beer? What about a featured beer from a different Southwest city every month?
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06-03-2008
10:38 PM
8 Loves
It's an interesting coincidence that there would be a blog post about the "Southwest Culture" on the same day that I got an interesting e-mail with "a brief survey to get your opinion on a new concept."
I took the bait, and filled out the survey only to find that the concept was something completely alien to the Southwest Culture: Stupid airline fees.
Michelle makes a point in this post that sums up why Southwest.com is the first place I look when I have to travel: Southwest respects me. The rules you have are understandable, and fair. I know when I book a discount ticket exactly what the financial consequence will be if I need to change it. It's completely fair, and it shows that you respect me by laying it all out in front.
However, as I took your survey, I realized the root of what you're asking: "How would you like us to lie to you?" There was a point where the survey's author even said that because of high fuel costs, you need to seek additional revenue to offset the additional costs. I run a business. I understand this. Lots of people do. Respect me and raise your ticket prices.
I would much rather know that I'm going to buy a $ 400 ticket and pay $ 400 for it, than buy a $300 ticket and then need to pay a $ 5 reservation fee, plus a $ 15 first checked bag fee plus a $ 50 second checked bag fee plus a $ 26 fuel surcharge plus a $ 4 alienate the Skycap tax for a total of $ 400. It feels like I'm getting ripped off on the second ticket, even though I paid the same amount.
I realize these are tough times, and to remain profitable in them will require more revenue. I would just like to remind you that as one customer I much prefer flying on an airline run by Colleen Barrett than Gordon Gecko. From what I remember, Mr. Gecko never booked 67 consecutive profitable quarters.
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