Why does anyone fly Southwest Airlines?

Question

They made a television show about all of the things that go wrong, and people are still shocked when they are denied boarding. What is the deal?

Answer 1

I've watched the show and flown Southwest. The most common reason why people get denied boarding is because they are either under the influence of alcohol or drugs or they are rude/obnoxious to the gate agents or flight crew. Swearing or using profanity and threatening the gate agents and flight crew is a sure way to get deined boarding, or get you thrown off a plane.

People also get deined boarding because they've checked in for the flight too late, or have a lower boarding pirority than other passengers.

These reasons are not unique to Southwest-Every major airline denies boarding to passengers. You're just more aware of Southwest doing it because of the TV show.

Answer 2

I've flown on Southwest many times and have never been denied boarding. I do know that they are one of the top airlines for overbooking and with the number of people who regularly fly with them, I can understand that bumping can happen. It's a risk you take flying on any airline though. I've watched the t.v. show and I think it shows an accurate account of what goes on day to day in the business. Some people just don't want to accept that things can and do go wrong occasionally.
As for Southwest being an "amateur" airline, I think that's plain B.S. I don't fly them because I "don't know better." I fly them because they are usually the cheapest to get me to where I need to go. I am not a spoiled traveler who must be pampered with First Class or amenities. As long as I get from point A to point B safely, that's all I care about.

Answer 3

Southwest is an awesome Airline 1 of the few US Carriers to continue to make a profit through thick and thin yet they are the most reasonable compared to any other American Carrier so why is that? Southwest has "open" seating for those more "savy travelers" it means they don't get their aisle forward seat assigned in advance. seating is 1st come 1st serve (the way it should be) Southwest also doesn't charge any change fee's vs $50-$100 on ALL other carriers.

Answer 4

Who made a television show? Was it sponsored by a different airline? I've never had any problems with Southwest, and I haven't seen anything to suggest that it's any more likely to have problems than any other airlines. Things go wrong sometimes no matter what airline you fly, but I have no reason to think that Southwest is worse than any other airline in that regard.

Personally I hate flying Southwest because they don't assign seats, so you have to get to the airport extremely early if you want to get a good seat. I had a particularly bad experience with that once that involved another passenger behaving inappropriately with regards to the seating policy, and I generally find it unpleasant even without any specific incident, but so far they've always gotten me where I was supposed to go. I rarely fly with them anymore because they don't allow pets and I usually have my rabbit with me, but if they have the lowest fares to where I'm going, and I don't have my rabbit with me, then it's not worth it to me to pay significantly more not to have to deal with their seating policy.

Answer 5

It is easy. They are priced competively with the rest of the market. From my experience, and I fly quite a bit, Southwest has less delays and less issues with technical problems. Southwest also has a very interesting business culture that makes them successful You might want to read The Southwest Way.

Answer 6

They are the worst! When I book a airline ticket - I want a seat assignment. I HATE the cattlecar lineup at the gate. Like hurray I am in the A row, but boo, I am number 52. Your seniority does not seem to matter, as what you paid for your ticket. I only fly them with I absolutely have no other choice, and driving does not make sense.

Answer 7

We fly Southwest all the time. I've never had a problem.
The airlines I've had the most problems with is United.

Answer 8

SouthWest Airlines are my favorite airlines.
They have great rates, Flies just about anywhere in the continent. I don't worry about anything when on their flights.

Answer 9

Southwest Airlines is for "amatuer travelers" -- for people who don't know any better. And they do very well treating people like crap beacuse their customers don't know what to expect when flying--and only want to "save ten bucks" on their trip.

So Southwest Airlines is great for that. I'm glad they exist because they provide a different airline for the amateurs to fly on!

Answer 10

I've never had a problem with Southwest. Their prices are great, easy to book, staff is friendly; no issues with them here.