Could SWA be looking after AA/US ???

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03-06-2013, 04:04 PM

#71

Clear Right

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Joined APC: Jan 2008

Posts: 531

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Dick

Never bet on the preferences of your passengers. Offered a lower fare and more frequency, they'll put up with just about anything, be it SWA or Spirit.

True, but B6 will tell you they consider their product in the "value" category. Better service, more legroom, more entertainment features than any coach or low cost product, but less than the typical business or first class product. That is their niche.

03-06-2013, 04:34 PM

#72

shoelu

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Joined APC: Jun 2007

Position: CA

Posts: 1,207

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clear Right

It seems that the only "niche" that means anything to consumers is the lowest price.

03-06-2013, 07:35 PM

#73

tomgoodman

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Joined APC: Feb 2006

Position: 767A (Ret)

Posts: 6,248

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoelu

It seems that the only "niche" that means anything to consumers is the lowest price.

That was Bob Crandall's observation. No friend of labor, but he did know a lot about marketing. Customers say they want better quality and service, and that they would be willing to pay for it, but when it's time to get out their wallet.....

03-07-2013, 03:53 PM

#74

KC10 FATboy

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Joined APC: Jun 2007

Position: Legacy FO

Posts: 4,097

Quote:

Originally Posted by shoelu

Are there actually people that still do not travel with an iPad, Kindle, smart phone or laptop? I suppose there are at least a few. As far as the JetBlue passengers not wanting the "cattle call mentality", I will submit that they will go where the low fares are like all the other customers do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moby Dick

Never bet on the preferences of your passengers. Offered a lower fare and more frequency, they'll put up with just about anything, be it SWA or Spirit.

Out of touch? Not picking on you guys, but I deadhead a lot and I rarely see anyone using an electronic devices connected to the wifi. In fact, it is so rare I often wonder how it makes any money. Also, most coach seats don't have the space available for a laptop. The angle between the seat in front of you and the tray tables is too small so the laptop screen can't open all the way up (annoying when you're trying to get some work done). And Southwest is reducing the spacing between seats which makes this worse.

And I have to ask, do you honestly think Southwest still has cheap fares? Companies like Spirit and Allegiant are the Southwests of current day. Southwest has lost its way but it is still a good company to work for and an airline that usually treats its customers right.

03-07-2013, 10:34 PM

#75

Flyby1206

SDQ Base Chief

Joined APC: Mar 2006

Position: 320 CA

Posts: 5,632

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy

And I have to ask, do you honestly think Southwest still has cheap fares? Companies like Spirit and Allegiant are the Southwests of current day. Southwest has lost its way but it is still a good company to work for and an airline that usually treats its customers right.

Agreed 100%, but it is all about public perception (in regards to low fares). SWA is still doing a good job of maintaining the LCC image even if they are more legacy than anything else.

03-08-2013, 11:20 AM

#76

gloopy

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Joined APC: Jul 2010

Position: window seat

Posts: 12,534

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyby1206

Agreed 100%, but it is all about public perception (in regards to low fares). SWA is still doing a good job of maintaining the LCC image even if they are more legacy than anything else.

Yes they are. They do have a savvy marketing campaign that is aces at framing the debate from the beginning. Not only do they continue to get that perception past the average consumer but pretty much every airport board out there not yet served by them buys into it (literally) and is willing to sell their souls for a bite at the "Southwest Effect" apple, regardless of how soft and brown it has become.

Plus they have a little help