Is Southwest Airlines in trouble?

[audreyh1]

That’s not a SWA specific problem. People bring those big carry-ons that bearly fit in the overheads and sometimes just put them in whatever overhead that has enough room as they walk down the aisle.

Of course not. But with other airlines every passenger already has an assigned seat which eliminates the fake wheelchair shenanigans, and you have options to fly first class or with enough status get early boarding privileges.

 

[athena53]

I rarely check luggage BUT since they don't charge, having space for my carry on has not been an issue since others do and have no incentive to try to cram everything overhead.

Yeah, I forgot to note that change for the worse. I have Lifetime Gold on AA so I get a free checked bag but still have to wait behind people with giant clamshell cases plus a bulky backpack. Having traveled with DS, DDIL and my 3 grandchildren and putting everyone on my PNR (they have no status), I can see why the cost of checking bags for a family trip would be a huge additional cost for Southwest passengers now.

 

[yakers]

I don't know the whole cost operating plan but last three SWA flights we were on were 100% full, so if they are not making money its a management problem. And we had a new (1 week old) aircraft.

 

[Buckeye]

Sorry, I just don't see that happening, just because they are moving to the business model everyone else uses.

I think this is another case of "we have been spoiled".

Flieger

I want to keep the old boarding system but I understand they might be limiting their customer base

Yep. That's with any airline.

I "might" would fly SWA more, but as mentioned before, they have TERRIBLE times and minimal flights from my location. A smaller airport near me has Allegiant flights which are much cheaper and much better flight times, especially to Florida where I visit. And that is preferable to me.

Flieger

If you are a veteran, reservist, or active duty servicemember, you get 2 free checked bags, a free carry-on, and free priority boarding.

 

[Buckeye]

I don't know the whole cost operating plan but last three SWA flights we were on were 100% full, so if they are not making money its a management problem. And we had a new (1 week old) aircraft.

Same for me in September flying from FL to WA through Houston. Although it seemed it took longer to load because of all the carry-on.

 

[TickTock]

SWA begin serving the Islands in 2019 IIRC.

DW and I flew SWA to Hawaii in 2007. My company had just completed building a brownfield plant, so for 18 months I flew out on Sundays and back on Fridays. And stayed in a Hampton Inn. We had free flights (SWA charged double for the Hawaii flights) and stayed free at Hilton resorts.

[Heh. "Free." I paid for it with 18 months of my life. Still, it was nice to get *something* back for all that effort...]

 

[TickTock]

IMO, SWA has lost everything that made them different and (in my eyes) desirable. They're just another airline now.

 

[Ian S]

Sorry, I just don't see that happening, just because they are moving to the business model everyone else uses.

I think this is another case of "we have been spoiled".

Flieger

Well, the SW business model doesn't match with other major carriers in terms of international flights. With their pricing the same as the others, you'll be hardpressed trying to plan an international trip that includes the domestic leg on SW. Yes, I know they have a few international destinations but they don't even fly to Canada! Also, their long haul domestic non stops are very limited; you usually have to change planes. With their new higher prices, why fly via their non direct routes when you can probably get a non stop for little more on another airline?

 

[1242Vintage]

When I was working I flew SouthWest every week. Out to Burbank, CA or Orange County, or Long Beach on Tuesday and back home Friday afternoon. So easy to change flights as needed, open seating, usually lowest cost and more drink coupons than I could ever use. Flying SW was convenient and usually lowest cost.

Not anymore! They are just another airline and for us usually not the lowest cost.

Haven’t flown SW for a few years.