IMHO, the change fees and the baggage fees open up a possible new marketing arena for WN. Why can't they create a fare (a subset of the Wanna Get Away fare group) that is low price, allows no checked baggage at all but gives you the benefit of free standby on a same-day different flight like the full-fare tickets? Seems to me that it could be a win-win. WN attacts passengers without the added weight/cost of checked baggage and savvy leisure travelers can save a few bucks. If someone books this fare and then shows up at the ticket desk with baggage to check, then additional fees or a required upgrade ensues.
People are already abusing the carry-on policy with being allowed to check two bags. I would hate to see the refrigerator-box sized bags that people would try to carry-on with this new fare.
United's raising the change fee to $150 just made Southwest 50% better in my book.
Let me get this... United loses $500 Million, so to make up for it, they raise the change fees thinking that it will increase their revenue. In fact, it chases even more business away from United.
When I book tickets now, I don't even check United. One time I did check and found them about $20 cheaper than Southwest, but on some flight times I didn't want. Even if they had been $20 cheaper on flight times that would have worked for me, I would have stayed with Southwest over the change fee issue. Now, with the A-list issue, where I'm right on the line of making A-list (I will make it for 2009 only if I fly every planned flight on Southwest), there is no question that I will stay with Southwest.
I used free changes a couple of times last month -- which was more free change activity than normal for me. But, as I did it, I thought to myself -- this (Southwest) is a great airline!
United just does not get it. Same concept over at Frontier. Why do you think they were in such bad shape that their credit card processor had to increase their holdback percentage?
When I book tickets now, I don't even check United. One time I did check and found them about $20 cheaper than Southwest, but on some flight times I didn't want.
And if you had found a UA flight at a time you wanted and tried to save the $20, they'd have arranged for the flight to go "mechanical" on you after repeatedly lying about the situation and screw you that way. Or lost your luggage for days. Or lied to your face about something else. Or some other travesty.
My wife refuses ever to set foot on a UA plane again after about 8 straight debacles with them, mostly out of the DC area to ORD.
I have virtually never had WN screw up anything. And I'm a CP holder.
And if you had found a UA flight at a time you wanted and tried to save the $20, they'd have arranged for the flight to go "mechanical" on you after repeatedly lying about the situation and screw you that way. Or lost your luggage for days. Or lied to your face about something else. Or some other travesty.
My wife refuses ever to set foot on a UA plane again after about 8 straight debacles with them, mostly out of the DC area to ORD.
I have virtually never had WN screw up anything. And I'm a CP holder.
I, likewise, haven't set foot on a UA flight in years (at least 10, maybe more). And I live in a UA hub city. I tolerate the others, and take WN when I can (it's gotta be worth the drive to BWI).
I only wish that BWI were not such an awful airport.
