Tag Archives for southwest airlines.
Southwest’s decision to fire its skycaps and outsource curbside check-in has created an unexpected new loophole: tip the contract agent, and your bag might still fly free. It’s cheaper than paying the fee inside — and another example of how cutting labor costs can cost an airline in ways it didn’t plan.
At 2,000 feet over Cleveland, a Southwest jet and a medical helicopter crossed paths—while the tower’s calm “Roger” left pilots to save themselves.
Southwest has outgrown its 737-only strategy and faces limits on where it can fly and how much it can grow. Analysts say Breeze Airways’ A220 fleet could be the fast-track solution — if Southwest is willing to break its Boeing habit.
Southwest’s new debit card lets members earn Rapid Rewards points — and even Companion Pass credit — on everyday spending. But the real story is what it signals: a new wave of debit-based loyalty products that could upend how travel rewards work.
Southwest Airlines refused San Antonio Airport’s new lease agreement, kept sending rent checks at old rates, and lost in court. Now, the airport won’t cash their checks, stripped Southwest’s branding from gates and counters, and is demanding $20 million. Could this battle risk the city’s air service?
Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer spoke with unusual candor about a bruising year for the airline — from cratered morale and activist investor pressure to a sweeping transformation that could soon include first class, lounges, and long-haul flights.
Southwest Airlines is officially entering the airport lounge business, with its first-ever lounge lease approved for Honolulu Airport. This strategic move signals a major shift, as Southwest aims to attract premium customers and bolster its co-brand credit card appeal. Here’s what we know so far.
Southwest spent its earnings call congratulating itself on “record” results — but the numbers tell a very different story. Revenue is flat, profits are down, and the airline’s transformation into a fee-heavy clone of its competitors looks increasingly self-inflicted. Everything’s fine, apparently, except what they lit on fire.
Southwest killed its “Bags Fly Free” promise, but travelers aren’t giving up that easily. A clever workaround buried in Southwest’s vacation bundles still lets you check two bags for free — even after the airline took the perk away.
A Delta flight attendant in uniform confronted Southwest gate agents in Atlanta, demanding they “clean it up” after witnessing what he saw as an unprofessional boarding gate. The tense exchange—caught on video—shows the Delta crew member calling out Southwest as passengers looked on.
Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002.
Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »
