Originally Posted by
tusphotog
It's the first time I've seen this mentioned in the "mainstream" press.
The author of the SmarterTravel article credited NYT contributor
Susan Stellin for mentioning the new clause.
Originally Posted by
tusphotog
The Arizona Daily Star here in Tucson picked up on this and has a pretty good story on it, for being a local paper.
Thanks for that link! Quite interesting that the article includes quotes from SWA "spokesman Chris Mainz," including this gem:
Mainz...said the change would make Southwest "more consistent with the industry standard."
The Star journalist (unlike many folks, including most major media sources) was savvy enough not to accept SWA HQ at its word:
However, when the Arizona Daily Star reviewed passenger contracts for four other major airlines - Delta, American, Continental and United - none included "mechanical difficulties" as an event outside the carrier's control.
So what is SWA HQ guilty of here? Disseminating "plausible BS?" "Telling lies?" Or "telling bald-faced lies?"
Venial sin or mortal sin?
In any event, the comments by Mainz seem to validate the conclusions that:
- while WN intends to continue the old policies as much as possible;
- a new policy has been written into the CoC in case they ever need to use it to reduce liability.