Southwest avoids cutting services and raising fees

Southwest Airlines, the largest discount carrier in the United States, has somewhat ironically eclipsed most of the country’s major legacy airlines in offering passengers a level of customer care closer to “full service” than most other companies. In order to emphasize this point as strongly as possible, Southwest has now launched an ad campaign aimed that showing passengers just how superior it is in terms of in-flight service than its competitors. The marketing strategy’s slogan-”fees don’t fly with us”-is clearly aimed at differentiating Southwest’s service from that of most competitors.

Unlike most other airlines in the US, passengers are still permitted to check in two pieces of luggage. Most carriers have started charging for a second item, while American Airlines even requires passengers to pay $15 for their first bag. Additionally, passengers aboard Southwest flights may be pleased to note that snack and drink service is still offered free of charge and, as such, there will be no need to search for loose change or find one’s credit card. Those travelling on Southwest flights receive free non-alcoholic drinks, light snacks and blankets are offered for no extra charge.

One of only other US carrier to have a nearly identical approach to Southwest in terms of service is Virgin America, where passengers may check on piece of luggage free of charge and can get to enjoy free drinks onboard all flights. Continental also still offers a higher-than-average level of service, especially when compared to all other legacy carriers. Passengers are served free light meals (including sandwiches) on some US domestic flights and they may check one bag free of charge.

www.southwest.com