I fly Southwest Airlines Co. (ticker symbol: LUV) about once or twice per month. Do you remember when they first came on the scene? There's a reason their ticker symbol is LUV. American Airlines may have taken the slogan "Fly the Friendly Skies" but Southwest really WAS the friendly skies. The staff always seemed to be smiling, and helping. They would joke with you, and the flight attendant safety information speech was always lively and humorous.
Then something changed.
I'm not sure what it was or exactly when it was. I suspect it was around the time of 9/11, but I wasn't flying much then (fortunately), so I can't say for sure. I have always felt that they have the best, most generous frequent flier program around, known as the Rapid Rewards Program. You need 16 points for a free flight, and as recently as two years ago all tickets booked on-line rewarded you with two points each way! That meant only four trips for a free flight, regardless of the distance of the flight.
Well, Rapid Rewards policy changed to 1.5 points per leg, and now to only one point. The lines got longer and delays more frequent. The lines and delays, I'm not sure what to blame, but it's something I never complained about too much, as it happens. It's part of air travel. You don't have to like it, but let's face it, it's not going away.
The friendly skies, however, were friendly no more. The check-in clerks were unfriendly and sometimes even as surly as United clerks! The flight attendants became, well, regular flight attendants. "Emergency exits are on either side, your seat cushion will serve as a floatation device." etc., etc., etc.
Well, this morning, I had a glimpse of the Southwest Airlines of the past! I got to LAX, and found the security people waiting for me, the lines were so short! The flight boarded orderly and on time. Most of all, the flight attendants made attempts at humor! Wow, what a concept!
During the safety speech, all the requisite info was included, but in a deadpan sort of way, she said, "In case you haven't ridden in a car in the last thirty years, here's how you buckle your seat-belt." And a couple of other funnies, that I don't remember. But I'll tell you. Boarding a flight at six something in the morning on a Thursday, knowing that I'm heading out of town for a few meetings, only to get back on a plane that same evening, anything to lighten up the trip helps.
I slept through the flight, but awoke to a couple of bags of peanuts left for me, should I want them when I awake. I didn't, but that was nice.
When the plane touched ground, and, you know, the wheels hit, you hear a little screeching sound. Well, it's all a little jolting, no matter how many times you have done it. Immediately after touching ground, on the loud speaker, "We're here." In the same voice Mom would say to the kids in the backseat waking from their slumber. Just brilliant!
Anyway, we spend a lot of time bashing companies and the service experiences that we receive when we are unhappy. And believe me, we should. Not telling anyone about a very bad experience essentially means that the company got away with it.
I just thought I would share a pleasant experience.
As you were.
You don't happen to have a southwest voucher you wanna sell do you? :)
Posted by: jim | May 20, 2006 at 04:33 PM
Hey Jim, sorry, I use up my points every year. Too bad they cut back the points per flight. I might have had extra under the old rule.
Posted by: lamoneyguy | May 22, 2006 at 12:25 PM
The words are perfect,I like to read them so much,and then I think you should read my articles as I do,so free to link my name ,and you will take a good glance to know about Jordan Spizike,thanks.
Posted by: Jordan Spizike | September 19, 2010 at 07:29 PM
nice to have you do all of the research for us. It makes our decision making so much easi
Posted by: mbt shoes clearance | September 18, 2011 at 12:33 AM
Thanks for sharing. This website is to I too have to help. Very good.
Posted by: cheap jordan 1 | October 06, 2011 at 10:58 AM
I "like" you on Facebook. Would love these for my oldest boy!
Posted by: mulberry factory | November 14, 2011 at 12:27 PM
A good amount of time I find myself chucking a long, which is a perfect way to start Columbia 2011 my morning and Mens Columbia Interchange Jacket a great way to unwind at the end of the day.
Posted by: Columbia Jackets | November 24, 2011 at 12:53 AM
For any folks invested in more and better resident contribution, that is a knock back, i believe.
Posted by: Belstaff Jackets | November 24, 2011 at 06:03 PM
a lot of editors have started to understand more about alternate options, they will obtained a little cameras, spend some money to hire nearby residents and individuals across the actors within the facilities
Posted by: Canada Goose Jacket | November 24, 2011 at 06:20 PM
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Posted by: Spyder Ski Jackets | November 28, 2011 at 08:28 PM