Southwest Airlines has openly explored the possibility of adding business class, airport lounges, flights to Europe, and new aircraft – but it’s not if, it’s a matter of when.
But it’s not really a matter of “if” the carrier will make this move but rather when it will do so. The reasoning is really very simple. The airline had a unique selling point (USP) of bringing sensibility to the airline industry. Simple point-to-point routes, a standardized fleet that meant flyers were never stuck on a 30-seat prop plane, no luggage charges, and boarding that allowed passengers to choose their own seat without paying extra to select it. With Elliott Management’s investment and then assumption of board seats, it’s USP is gone.
As Southwest has not immediately seen a complete market turn around from charging for luggage, seat selection, and priority boarding (some of which have not been implemented for current flights but are billed for future flights), management has no choice but to kill the remaining sacred cows to look for value.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
