I fly in my business about 50,000 to 75,000 miles a year.
There are 3 things I think about when I purchase a ticket.
1. Price
2. Schedule
3. Comfort
Your seating assignments are not what affect my comfort, as I travel by myself, and just about any seat will do, please just keep the seat comfortable and large enough I can conduct some work on my laptop. Good light and fresh air are important.
Price is atttractive to me in a small business, and I will pick a less comfortable schedule and airline if I can save over $50. If not, I'll pick
the higher price everytime if it is within reason.
Cost of doing business is one thing that helps SouthWest Airlines compete and keep their price within reason, while making a profit.
If changing the seating option changes your revenue and or profit for the negative, I would seriously consider not implementing a change.
Afterall, one of the "talked about" processes in the industry is what makes SouthWest unique.
Are you prepared to accept that your "just like any other airline" when people forget about your unique seating assignment.
I for one believe you receive some positive influence from customer referals over your current seating system.
BTW, I have minimal SouthWest experience, as you have only recently enterred our market here in Denver.
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