nsx

Give the others another decade to devalue their product and their loyalty programs, then maybe Southwest will look "premium". It's true that Southwest's coach product has become better than most of the others over years of devaluation, but the race to the bottom is still far from the finish line.

kb9522

They are the original LCC. What do you mean they are not a LCC?

nsx

I'm not a lot of things I was 40 years ago. @:-)

NauticalWheeler

Premium not withstanding, there is one great way to measure a company. Has it filed for bankruptcy?

Southwest has operated for a long time and the answer is a deafening "NO" compared to the legacies.

Southwest has also never lost a plane which is a very impressive feat.

RAAng

Well, it depends on your definition of Premium. I'm a vacation flyer and I fly Southwest if at all possible. The experience is just better in my opinion. Bags fly free, which not only makes life easier for me, but the cabin is less jammed. And yes, Mr. Kirby, I will pay somewhat more for a better experience.

Peoriaman1

To certain destinations, Southwest might seem the "premium" option.

Most of my flights are to ONT and SJC. Many (or most) of the flights on the legacy airlines would necessitate me finishing the trip on a regional jet. At least with Southwest, even if I have to change planes, at least I'm not getting on a puddle-jumper regional jet. I like bringing my heavy camera bag on the plane with me; on the regional jet I am limited.

My next flight is to Las Vegas, so I suspect the above does not apply. But I got a good fare from Southwest and Midway is very convenient for me, so I'll stay with them. Shared alliance programs, first class sections, fancy meals and lounges, and second-grader assigned seating don't do anything for me.

Marko123

I disagree with this 100%, especially after trying to book reward travel on UA, and also after taking advantage of CP many times over the years. If my companion and I aren't together, I always have enough points to fly her to wherever I'm at, plus a friend, or two.

Most big companies with frequent travelers don't allow anyone below C-Suite or a step below to use biz class anyway. I'd call it the Subway (restaurant) of the sky. That being said, the main reason I fly WN is just because of where I live: by far the most non-stops of any other airline at my home airport. I place a higher premium on avoiding layovers and connections than other perks like lounges, etc. If I lived near a hub of another carrier I would most likely use that carrier exclusively.

toomanybooks

I have a wife who considers flight schedules to be a vague suggestion. Once she made me change our return from vacation FOUR TIMES. For 3 people.

Free cancellation/changes are my savior.

That, plus CP, seals the deal for me.

Marko123

Oh yeah I forgot to mention the whole no change fee thing, ha.

nsx

I'm sure this effect is larger than the airlines realize. For literally decades my family has been accustomed to being able to change plans late in the game, whether it's on Southwest flights or on award tickets on other airlines. The airlines and loyalty programs that continue to accommodate late changes will win my family's business. Nonrefundable cash tickets cannot compete.

kb9522

Single class? Check
Entire fleet made up of one aircraft type? Check
Primarily point-to-point? Check
No assigned seats? Check
Focus on leisure traveler? Check

Oh but bags fly free, so I guess that makes them different, right?

rsteinmetz70112

Don't forget no change fees and no mini jets.

toomanybooks

I am on a business trip to MSY. Finished up today, a day early. Switched from tomorrow to tonight's 7:20 pm (saving $8) and going to try to switch again to the 4:20 here in a bit. Again, no charge.

And I have no status.

Awesome stuff.

kb9522

Lipstick on a pig.

rsteinmetz70112

I like pork, but bacon is better.