Southwest Airlines Community

Given the recent quarterly results of 21.1% revenue growth and three times the profitability of a year ago, in today’s' down economy, I don't see how this a business decision at all. Southwest Airlines Co. Q2 2010 Earnings Call Transcript here: http://seekingalpha.com/article/217429-southwest-airlines-co-q2-2010-earnings-call-transcript It seems SW is doing quite well for its Employees, Customers, and Shareholders. After the news that you are leading the industry in profits I find it rather strange that you would go and implement such an unpopular new policy which sounds more like you're joining the main stream then continuing to show them how to lead. I'll tell you, as someone who had considered at one time becoming a shareholder, a business decision such as this makes me very glad I stayed on the sidelines. To add insult to injury, Southwest had to know this would be an unpopular decision. To just go and turn the lights out over night on all those Business Select ticket holders, without any forewarning, really shows what matters most to the company. Just think how much profit you might be able to make if only every flight were so turbulent that you weren’t able to hand out the free snacks and already paid for drinks to those with dated tickets. I know when I've fly for business it's the small touches like the never expiring drink coupon that has made SW my only choice without even looking at the price of the competition. I travel light, as most business customers do, so the additional baggage fees other airlines charge don't really impact me. It's been nice to know that if I don't get a chance to use a drink ticket (which I paid for in increased ticket pricing) on one day’s flight, then it could always be used again on another flight. I suggest that all customers not planning on using a drink coupon on a flight, either offer it to your neighbor so it doesn’t go to waste or ask for the beer and just throw it away. At least then it’s your choice and you’re not allowing something you paid money for add to the profit margins of a company that’s obviously looking to join the rest of those in the industry. For the long term stake of your Employees, Customers, and Shareholders I really hope the Q3 profitability drops off enough to show that the wrong decision was made and the airline chooses to right this wrong before more loyal customers find out about the change and start reconsidering their options when they fly. ... View more

Well from the looks of these 109 coments people arent happy about this situation. Southwest has such a reputation but this is not something I would expect from this airline. I really do hope Southwest comes out with some sort of apology. ... View more