I find it hard to understand (and borderline comical) to see why so many people are "up in arms" over WN's decision to offer an additional perk for a nominal charge. The Early Bird fee is completely optional for those who choose to exercise it and this creative way of generating additional revenue is what will allow WN to continue to offer competitive fares without having to raise them across the board. Furthermore, WN (like all carriers) is a FOR-PROFIT business. The Board of Directors and Stockholders understand the necessity in this troubling and competitive environment for WN to find new and innovative ways to raise revenue (for those who choose that option) to avoid having to raise prices universally. No one is holding a gun to anyone's head or forcing anyone to pay more money...it is TOTALLY OPTIONAL if you want to exercise it. No one is criticizing other carriers for charging extra for window, aisle, or emergency row seating, or for their baggage checkin fees, but as a LCC, the ability to raise additional revenue is essential since WN does not have the luxury of charging exhorbitant walkup fares wherever there is no low-cost alternative. Planes cannot continue to fly half-empty or at $49 a ticket and generate a profit. If additional revenue is not raised by some creative methods, the air carrier loses money until it goes bankrupt or out of business entirely. It's simple mathematics. If you wish to enjoy a better seat selection, please exercise that option. If not, then please take the seat you get and stop whining and lamenting over the fact that you are not happy with it. Life is all about choices, and EVERYONE has equal opportunity to exercise that choice.
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