Originally Posted by
jumppilot
Honest question.
Why doesn’t Southwest start charging for bags? Or put some upgraded economy rows they can charge for? Can they charge for a seat assignment? Other airlines have made billions on these fees over the last 15 years.
Might be a catch-22 though. The more they start looking like other airlines, the more people will start shopping other airlines.
Also, not charging for checked bags encourages people to check them (especially less frequent travellers) and in turn allows them to board/deboard with only one FA chastising you about finding a seat quickly and not about stowing your carryons.....
Funny secret is that many, many pax on Delta don't pay for bags either. All you need is the Ccard and/or status and your bags fly free. The fee is to catch the lowballer fare seeking, infrequent traveller and then make up the revenue in add ons.