Regarding charging for UMs - I have been flying a UM regularly between OAK and SAN for the past 4 years. What are the extra costs on SWA's part? I fill out the forms, i wait at the gate, the flight attendants get to walk off the plane first with the UM....as far as I can tell, there are zero extra costs. If UMs travel and must switch flights, then I would be OK with it - last I recall, UMs can only travel on non-stops.
Using cost as an excuse is not a good one. AND...if as you say UMs account for less than 1% of total revenue, how much extra revenue are you really going to raise by pulling this one? Since the policy has been decided, I would at least ask that you put the forms online to fill out in advance - hey saving time and money - and less hassle for parents.
Come on SWA, you guys have always led....now you're falling in line with the other carriers and that is a damned shame. Rethink this one.
... View more
