Gary,
This issue has brought me to my first Blog response!
My wife and I have been faithful southwest flyers for many years, and we are very happy participants in the Rapid Rewards
program. Quite frankly, if Southwest doesn't fly there, then we don't go there.
As time has progressed, there have been changes in the business scheme that have given me pause. The first was the
modification to the Rapid Rewards amounts that triggered the free round-trip ticket. The next came with the announcement that
Southwest will start restricting the use of the Rapid Rewards tickets. Now you are entertaining the elimination of the current seating policy.
If this sentiment continues, there will soon be no difference between your airline and the rest of the major carriers. I may be wrong, but I presume Southwest has built its' business by catering to the low and middle market. Those that complain about being herded like cattle are ones that are more focused on being pampered, than flying on an affordable flight. One even represented a willingness to pay 20% 20% more for a flight if they were able to have a seating assignment. Good heavens! That is not the mentality of a low or middle market consumer. Let's face it, Southwest has reached such extraordinary levels by being cheap and fun. No meals, no movies, no frills. Just cheap and clean flying with a staff that has a sense of humor.
Please consider keeping your current open seating policy. It is unique, and it has not been a deterent in the growth of your business. I suspect though, that changes to this model will ultimately diminish a significant part of that uniqueness, and will lead to consumers questioning the difference between your airline and all the rest. If they cannot sense the difference, then you lose their loyalty, and in turn lose a dedicated customer.
Thanks for allowing a forum to receive such feedback.
William Moore
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