Originally Posted by
acl65pilot
Super you juicy rumor is that TSA has been notified of DAL's intent of adding 50 flights a day in DFW.
YUM
Originally Posted by
Bucking Bar
One other thing about Southwest's model is that they are not jumping on the bag fee bandwagon. Customers realize Southwest is $50 cheaper than whatever fare they find online for competing service. Throw in other convenience fees and my business traveler friends (same friends than used to pay $1,200 for last minute tickets on DAL) now complain LOUDLY to their Corporate Travel Departments if they are not booked on Southwest.
I argue with them that Delta is a better product and of course our network is World's better. But, for them it is the hassle factor and fees that they see as inconvenient and frankly, dishonest, sources of revenue.
I do not agree with them, just reporting how they see it. In the process of chasing $100 extra from Mom, Dad and the kids, we've alienated a lot of people who plunk down $1,000+ without batting an eye. .. and of course it is not just us.
As ACL65 said, it would be nice to flip the switch on Travelocity and Orbitz, but we have such a massive amount of product to sell that we likely need those intermediaries.
I see a catch 22 in this. We have to charge fees to keep our sale price low due to competition. Its like Applebees who'se been selling $8 burgers for 15 years, the price of coke or "pop" for you DALN folks. But when we do it then we have SWA who charges no fees and would have you believe we charge $20 for your carry on bag, your kids stroller, your kids car seat, etc. But they make their money elsewhere by no competing in the common market, orbitz and such. But then like you say Bar we've got a lot of seats to sell, you've got to be on these sites, but then you've got to hide your ticket prices.
But what business travelers aren't FFs and how many check a bag anyways? Shouldn't be as many.