Southwest Airlines - Why They're Successful
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- Опубліковано 29 чер 2021
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Video Description: Southwest has grown into one of the country's largest airlines by doing things a little differently. This video outlines the reasons behind their success while talking about their start and evolution.
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Their employees don't act like they hate life so that's a start
Everyone likes them too.
@@harrisonofcolorado8886 Too bad my mom won't buy tickets for them simply because they're too expensive. Instead she bought tickets for American Airline, and now our flight might get canceled.
@@kittykittybangbang9367 wdym? Southwest is cheaper than American. A one way ticket from Houston to Denver in American starts at 170 while it starts at 80 on Southwest.
I mean most are happy at SWA, there’s sometimes an outlier but usually at SWA they won’t kiss your ass either. If you’re nice to them, they’ll be nice to you. The entitled fliers usually hate that and won’t use SWA I’ve noticed 😂
That's why unions are so important for work satisfaction.
Southwest is so big in St. Louis that our airport has two terminals - one for every airline that flys there and one for southwest
That's called a hub. A lot of airports are similar.
Ive seen another one of their hubs in Baltimore (BWI)
I believe LAX has one terminal designated for Southwest
yes here in st. louis we have terminal 1 and southwest airlines
@@fcdl61 A few airlines at LAX have terminals either all to themselves or close to it. Look at American at Terminal 4 and United at Terminals 7&8. Southwest has Terminal 1 covered.
I love Southwest and use it whenever I fly -- they don't screw you over on price / fees. But please PLEASE Southwest, add outlets to your planes. Then you'll be perfect.
Currently on a southwest flight and I agree.
I have never flown on Southwest.
But I have flown on WestJet.
Love that airline wouldn’t use anything else their prices are best.
as a mechanic for southwest and other airlines for over 30 years- Never going to happen.. cost a fortune to fix and to install. a maintenance nightmare. people ask me all the time what is the hardest thing to fix or work on?? SEATS- anything a customer touches breaks, gets dirty, or handles is a pain to fix, work on, and costs $$$. you want me to lay down and fix an outlet some kid put his gum into? have any idea what it would cost for a vendor to put those plugs in our "greyhound bus" airplane? Boeing doesn't make those seats- outside vendors do. Use a battery pack like smart people.
@@azhardav Uh, you might not be allowed to carry a battery pack onto a plane.
"If I catch you on another airline, I'll kill ya." - CEO, Southwest Airlines.
RIP Herb Kelleher, the man was a goddamn legend 🚬 🥃
My favorite CEO
@@coyotelong4349 herb killer?
you mean herbicide
first he makes you a vegetable tho
I wonder where the passenger (who was told this) is now
The most successful airline in the history of aviation. The CEO, Herb Kelleher, was made an honorary member of the Employee Union. How many CEOs today can say that?
Wow, that says a lot
Jeff Bezos’ inner goal.
@@ezioaltairac Herb was a billionaire too, and unlike Bezos, he didn't have to exploit his employees to get there. Herb was everything right, and Bezos is everything wrong. Herb couldn't walk ten feet without groups of employees running up and hugging him.
how many want that
Newsflash. He's not their anymore. It's now run just like every other failing airline.
"Please place your oxygen mask on first before helping your child. If you have more than one child, pick which one you like best and work backwards from there"
Actual instructions I heard on a Southwest flight.
That’s hilarious
Lol
😂😂😂
Yep, I have heard it.
I was in the air on a Southwest flight from Vegas to Detroit when news of Herb's death broke. The crew announced his passing over the intercom and handed out free shots of Wild Turkey (his favorite liquor) so we could all toast him. One hell of a cool company, that's for sure.
The one thing that separates Southwest for me is that even when they do make a mistake, they do right by me and treat my like a human.
I once had a disastrous 36 hour ordeal on Southwest from DTW to SJC that left me ready to leave them for good. It started with a cancelled flight, wrong name on a boarding pass, diverted flight and basically everything along the way went wrong and I was fuming.
However, when I called Southwest, they both refunded my ticket but also gave me reward points to use on them. They were genuinely sorry about the experience, when almost any other airline wouldn't give a rip. Southwest customer for life here.
That's because you booked your flight directly with them, which makes a difference. They're the only airline that do not use a third-party company to books flights for them. I always tell people to book directly with the company and not use Expedia or Hotwire, because when you run into problems, like cancelled flights, mix up at hotel, etc, it's so much easier to deal directly with the company. When I used to work at Hertz as a manager, passengers would be cussing us left and right because they were expecting the same car as they have booked from Expedia - promising them low fare for an SUV with a sedan price tag. What they don't understand is that those companies do not see what kind of inventory we have and if they do run into problems, they have to call Expedia, and have them cancel their reservation. So much hassle.
@@jpman2173 Expedia owns Hotwire, Hotels.com, Trivago, Travelocity, Orbitz, and of course Expedia - and many others.
Ugh lucky. I have flown with them since I moved to Northern California for college in 2009. (I’m originally from LA). It was great and I could even fly with my dog in cabin.
But in October 2021 I had the worst experience ever. I was flying to Louisville from Sacramento with a stop in Chicago. We got to Chicago and the plane flew over the airport for two hours before being diverted to Indianapolis (I think?). We were supposed to get off there but then they said they were going to refuel and fly back to Chicago. We got there and everyone had missed connecting flights. When I was finally able to speak to a representative, she offered me a 10% coupon to a local hotel.
It has soured my VERY positive view on this airline.
@@littlejeans7689 As terrible and frustration that experience was for you, you can't blame the airline completely.
Planes get diverted more than you think. It could be due to weather or it could be because a disruptive passenger in the terminal. It's a long list and airlines play a very delicate game of balance with airports. They most likely flew you guys back to Chicago because they needed the gate yall were using. Airlines also have to pay fees for gates, kinda like rent in a way. Southwest has rights to their gate in Chicago and they also have passengers waiting to board the same plane you're using. Another thing is that pilots dont fly the same aircraft all day. If I have a flight out of LAX at 2pm but I learn that the plane diverted to John Wayne in Santa Ana then how am I supposed to fly my route now? Also how does the pilot who hot diverted make his next flight? So now you have 2 pilots who are not where they are expected to be. Then what about the 150 some people waiting at LAX for their flight?
It's just a whole big list of things and Southwest doesn't always have the full ability to decide where to land and what to do with passengers. It's ultimately up to Airlines representatives to talk the Airports and find the best solution. Airlines hate diversions because it cost more money, messes with crew schedules, and makes passengers unhappy.
Absolutely love Southwest. A family friend of ours was the #2 pilot by seniority at Southwest by the time he retired about 10 years ago. He’d been with the company since 1977 and oh the stories he would tell of Herb and the friendly, small business feel at Southwest back then were amazing. Herb attended his wedding for Christ’s sake.
Bro what, that's f*cking awesome
I met Herb on a flight out of John Wayne Intl. to Dalles. What a nut! His opening announcement was hilarious, "let's see, yaddy, yaddy, you know this, yaddy yaddy, no smoking, yaddy why would anyone do that, yaddy, yaddy, were flying over land, won't need those, yaddy yaddy their your kids, you take care of them or we'll put you to work like Gladys there (at which time all the of the crew waved,) yaddy, yaddy, who wrote this thing? A lawyer? Yaddy yaddy, Thank you for flying Southwest Airlines " at which time he got a three minute ovation.
Based Southwest
They are seemingly less likely to drag people off the plane kicking and screaming for one.
I remember telling that story to my parents. They said that there was a "different side to the story".
what Airline was it that dragged the man off by his feet ?
@@newhire4915 United airlines. Company Man already did a video on that. ua-cam.com/video/N-FV2akzUg8/v-deo.html
@@jcmcmcjc11 thank you
I remember when that happened and I was literally on a vacation that I got to on a United flight
Southwest safety briefing: “If you’re traveling with children… we’re sorry.”
And the smoking section is out on the tips of the wings.
I think you missed the mark a bit on this one, part of their success is also minimizing costs by keeping their planes moving. As one lands it is then boarded within like 15 minutes minimizing terminal time and costs to rent terminal space. Also, they don't have specific seating which helps boarding become a quicker process.
This should be at the top of the list for why they've been successful when all the other airlines have struggled. Airlines only make money when their equipment is in the sky. As Saad correctly points out, they mastered turning planes in 15 minutes at a time when their average flight was less than an hour. It's since expanded to 2h 4m, but they still have the best on-time rating in the industry. They do this with the cattle-call boarding process as well as not having to load meals, etc. They also make sure that they lease plenty of gates to keep the operation rolling. In addition, they don't carry other airline's passengers or baggage and they don't share their reservation system. This makes travel much more pleasant for everyone, although I'm concerned that unionization and their incredible expansion may have an adverse impact on their early start-up culture.
Cuz pilots get payed by the flight and hour
By not having "open seating" is how Southwest gained the nickname "Cattle Car Airlines!" In the early days, there was no preferred boarding like they have now - they simply announced the boarding of the flight, opened the door to the Jetway, and it was like a stampede of people! Back then people could still smoke on the airplane, so when they boarded all the smokers would try to get to the back of the plane and claim a seat!
I thought Southwest was trash.
Then I had kids. And this airline is SO much easier for families, whether it's with bag allowances, boarding order, and the general demeanor of staff. I love Southwest.
Also, I love that in a non-pandemic world, on flights over three hours they totally bring it with the snacks. No rando pretzel and sourdough crouton things for you. You can have a whole pack of Oreos if you want.
And they serve Dr. Pepper. I don't know another airline that does.
Their cancelation/flight change policy is absolutely fantastic, too.
Had me at Dr Pepper
BUSINESS THEORY: Southwest Airlines Attracts Customers...Through SEX!!??
@@Wired4Life2 mm yes the upcoming blue color of the 3 theorists channels
All ticketed passengers have the same baggage allowance, regardless of age! ua-cam.com/video/zRakAuHQguo/v-deo.html Forget the Mickey, Snoopy or Strawberry Shortcake size bags for checked luggage.
The flight attendants on Southwest are always 100% nicer than on other airlines
In all fairness 100% nicer compared to other companies who have raging psychopaths working for them is a pretty low bar. :)
and hotter 🥵
Back in the day, when you phoned Southwest to make a reservation, and you were waiting on hold, instead of music a guy would come on the line and tell you jokes. Southwest had to stop it because people were phoning just for the jokes.
One time I went on a southwest flight about ten years ago, and the beginning part of the flight where they tell you all the safety stuff and how to put on your seat belt, the guy told it in such a funny way interspersed with jokes (it was basically a mini stand up routine) that at the end everyone cheered any applauded. It's the only time I ever remember something like that happening on a flight.
Easy bro, you’re getting awfully close to wendover territory
Company man wakes up chained to a chair, he hears a bat hitting a hand, all this talk about airplanes, you crossed the line says a cigarette smoking wend over productions
@@teteteteta2548 Wendover would go full HAI on the Company Man and hit him with bricks. Lots of bricks.
You can say that Company man has wendover his line
@Bakamalian "and curiosityStream, you can learn all the ways to use brinks as a psychological weapon."
what's wrong with wendover?
My dad is a pilot for Southwest and has been with the company ever since I was one years old. Next year I plan to apply to be a flight attendant for the company! My dad has had nothing but positive experiences and loves the community with them!
I hope you didn’t 😌😌
🛫✈️🛩️🛬
My Brother is a pilot for SWA as well.. Loves it
Worked at Southwest for close to 17 years and what a great airline it once was but Bob Jordan & Gary Kelly & the Southwest Corporate Stooges Destroyed the Culture. I hope everything is going well for you delaneyo if u indeed followed thru to become a flight attendant for SWA. Still so many great folks with Southwest but the Southwest Leadership is God Awful.
A few years ago they stopped serving peanuts. I still have a rare bag of Southwest Peanuts that must be years old now.
noooooo! but their peanuts were good
@@ghostlyhousehorrors 500 bucks and it’s all yours
@@adamhenrywalker lol that is the weirdest thing to collect but i guess it was a smart move on your part
Keep em the longer you have em the more they will be worth.... probably......I am not a professional and am not certified to give financial advice lol
You could probably find some weirdo that would pay big bucks for it on Ebay.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your flight crew's last flight of the day, we're anxious to get home, so strap in cuz we're gonna fly it like we stole it."
Actual quote from the captain on a recent Southwest flight from Vegas to Columbus. They definitely are the "fun" airline.
I remember flying with Southwest from St. Louis to Atlanta. It was the day of the SEC Championship in Atlanta between Alabama and Missouri and the day after, the Falcons were hosting the Chiefs. Flight was filled with Chiefs, Tigers and a couple of Tide fans and the flight attendant basically had everyone yelling "Roll Tide!" And praised the Dirty Birds (Falcons). Loved it!
I'm Dying!!! And I soooo remember that line. Flight attendants are soooo hilarious! I remember my St. Lois trip.
Yeah, I wouldn't have been able to control my laughter after that one. I have been on a flight that came from a long day of flying. We were the fourth flight of the day and the attendants crossed so many time zones. You could tell that they were tired. I tried my best to keep them laughing during the flight. I got free drinks for the rows around me because I was trying to be helpful. One of the attendants was really tired, so I gave her an iron pill and some vitamin C.
@@djtrankilo231 I'm also a Tide fan. Their candy Pods are very tasty.
@@djtrankilo231 A flight full of punk ass Tide and Falcons fans....🤢 wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.
Other airlines: Doesn’t care if your flight is delayed
Southwest: Does their best to get your flight on time
Well, there’s not a lot to do when there’s a delay. If it’s weather, what the fuck do you want the airline to do? Maintenance and other reasons that are all on the airline’s fault, they will often cover accommodations for the night, give you food vouchers for the airport. Most times, passengers don’t have a connection so there’s no need to rebook unless they are being impatient. Try to work a delayed flight with a 757 and 200 passengers, 75% are missing connections and there are no flights going to Bangor, ME at 8 pm.
@@craigjensen6853 Not all are like that. Some may be sociopaths who are only concerned about themselves and are impersonal toward their duties as an airline employee. I'm assuming you're being facetious. In the years I have been a gate agent, I have never heard my fellow employees, even behind closed doors, be ecstatic there is a delayed flight. It's a headache. Also, the gate agents don't cancel flights. Everything goes through the head ATC and Operations for a specific airline. An agent can delay a flight on purpose if their an asshole, but to outright cause a cancelation is near impossible.
@@craigjensen6853 Man that's so untrue it hurts. A delayed flight is a nightmare for the crew. You really think they go out of their way to give themselves tension headaches?
I went on a United flight at like 1 am right..it was canceled one minute after we where supossed to be there unlike south west
I didn’t want to start an argument but southwest got a different plane to go to our gate only 5 minutes after it was delayed. Instead of waiting an extra 5 hours we only had to wait 30 minutes. I haven’t seen an other airline do that.
I only fly Southwest, so I feel like that’s all I need to say
Same
I live in Phoenix and visit family in Dallas every year. Southwest all the way.
Same!
I wish that was possible, but they don’t hit every area
If Southwest flew to other cities in Mexico besides Cancún and Puerto Vallarta, I'd fly with them only. Otherwise, domestically, I fly with Southwest
Ryanair, the biggest European airline was modelled on Southwest
With the big difference of Ryanair openly stating that they care less about there costumers.
There motto is to be as cheap as possible on all fronts and cut away everything that may result in slowing down there turnaround.
but it did result in that they could offer people a flight from say London Stenson UK to Valencia Spain for like 12 euro. (ticked price only). Sure everything else that was not mandated to have included in the ticked was there for a premium price. also if the flight got rerouted during the flight it was your problem to get home not there.
in a way they also created a marked for airlines to marked them selves as a bit more expensive at the get go but for a better service.
Don't forget thier landings.
@@theenzoferrari458 you never forget them. but you do know that they have landed.
@@sirBrouwer on ryan air, I always think about asking the captain if he forgot to put down the landing gear on my way out, but hadnt had the chance yet
Flying Ryanair is equal to self harm.
I was flying for the first time with Southwest and the captain looks like a cross of Capt. Sully from miracle on the Hudson and Sully from Uncharted and super friendly too so that's a huge plus. Mid way thru the flight, the capt. Said there's a notification from headquarters that there's a first time flyer and he announced my name and everyone cheering me on. I was embarrassed at first but it's helping my furst time flying anxiety. After the flight landed, the capt. give me permission to visit the cockpit and see things out. It's the coolest experience and for sure, they already made a lifetime customer right there.
Awww that’s awesome
Wow.
I "luv" Southwest. I do miss that they would have a lot of fun with the safety announcements. One thing that makes me a regular customer (besides the great amount of flights out of Phoenix), is they don't nickel & dime you like other airlines. Your airfare includes 2 free checked bags, no questions asked.
I can say that some still do. As someone that has plane anxiety, it really eased my nerves hearing the pilot cracking jokes before take off.
I flew roundtrip from Orlando to Phoenix (nonstop) a couple of months ago for like $250 - so cheap to fly across the whole country!
Do they not anymore? I haven't flown them as much since pandemic, but prior to that they usually had some fun safety and pilot's announcements whenever I flew them. It's silly, but I like a little personality
Almost always flown Southwest. Very reliable. Never had a problem. Ever.
I would fly Southwest more often, except that with my line of work it's difficult for me to plan trips way ahead of time. When I try to book close to the flight date, all the cheap fares are gone and I have to pay an arm and a leg to fly with them. United still has good deals even if you book close to the date. For all the shit United takes, I have NEVER had a poor experience with them. The guy getting dragged off the plane was a rare, isolated incident. Overall, I've experienced consistently bad service on airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa compared to United.
Are you sure? I ended up in the back both times on my Nashville trip
In comparison to other airlines, Southwest Airlines seems to be well loved by those who take their flights & by their employees. Hopefully, it'll stay that way.
I’ve been involved in aviation for 30 years, and this is probably the BEST synopsis of SWA I’ve ever heard. Thank you Company Man for your excellent content, and thank all of you at SWA for the fantastic job you do.
LOVE Southwest. Flew them 6-10 times per week, four years straight, all over the USA for work, pre-pandemic. That was after trying everyone else for the first year. Your video nails it, and I’d add: Their boarding procedure is common sense and not chaos like other airlines. They are also one of the only airlines to utilize their own reservation and ticketing system, which is why their website is the only place for booking.
Haven’t watched the whole video yet, but Southwest made travel possible for me in so many scenarios. I grew up far away from family, and eventually on the opposite end of the country from my parents. As an only child, that can be tough. I know SWA gets joked about, but I appreciate them.
My parents lived 800 miles apart after their divorce. I was only 11 years old when they started letting me fly on my own between them, and I can't imagine that would've happened on almost any other airline. I'm pleasantly surprised and amused to hear about their rowdy "Hooters of the sky" origins given that today, I think of them as a very child-friendly airline.
I'm retired from FedEx. I don't know if they still do it but while there, we could fly on any Southwest flight for $60 roundtrip. It was standby, but never had an issue. I live in MA and my buddy lived in CA. I'd go out every other month if so for the weekend. Love Southwest
I can't believe you didn't mention their seating order! I love being able to choose where to sit.
I hate their seating policy. I like knowing my seat is saved when I check in online. With southwest you're stuck in a middle seat between 2 fat people because security was especially slow that day. Even if you paid to be in the a group.
@@mastahc411 Agree. It's great for those with family but for solo/business, I hate it for that reason.
@@mastahc411 Why didn't you check in a day early and reserve your seating group? If you're in the A or B group, you won't get a middle seat. Or pay a bit ($25? It's changed) to get at the front of A group if you don't want to plan.
@@maxpowr90 I prefer to fly it solo or business. I haven't had a middle set in a decade.
@@mastahc411 But you get on the plane and sit down without delay. This is key to how they can consistently turn flights in 15 minutes. At least this way you can chose next to whom you're smooshed if you forget to check-in online 24 hours ahead of departure.
Great video!! Grew up a SWA fan boy! When my parents divorced I traveled frequently on Southwest between San Jose - Los Angeles - Chicago. I grew to love the “LUV” airline throughout my childhood. Fast forward to today. Im a proud 5 year employee of SWA. ❤️💛💙
In the book Start With Why Simon Sinek lays out that Southwest is successful because they treat their employees so well! Treat your employees well they will treat the customers well which will drive revenue. Smart business philosophy!
that seems like common sense, but most companies don't follow this logic, unfortunately.
That was a great book
Adam Smith knew this even in the 18th century. It seems like common sense but unfortunately people get too greedy
Agree Ken. Costco is another company who treats its employees well, and therefore its customers.
@@bananacat3109 Yes good point. When they get greedy they are on their way down.
When I was in college, it was the only reasonable choice. Moving out of state required multiple checked bags, which would have cost a fortune with any other airline. When my parents helped move me in my first year, I had six checked bags to work with.
What I like about Southwest is that they are what they are and they don’t try to be or brand them selves anything else. They are the Motel 6 of the airline industry. They’ll get you there on time in one piece from point A to point B for a decent price and they do it very well
My family has always stuck to SW whenever possible for the reasons mentioned. Anytime we have to use another company to get somewhere SW doesn't go, we are reminded why we stick to SW.
Bro, Southwest is like one of the best Airlines we take Southwest when we go to Las Vegas every year, the experience is great.
I only take Southwest to Nashville
7:49 that $19 air fare was how I was able to see my grandmother in the Bay almost every other weekend after we moved down to San Diego. HUGE piece of my childhood right there.
Whenever I fly domestically, it's almost always Southwest. The prices are indeed a lot cheaper, but that is if you book the flights way in advance. The no bag fees and no change/cancellation fee policies are fantastic.
I know a lot of people like to shit on SW, but it is SUCH a better experience than other low-cost airlines.
Only real negative I have with Southwest is the seating/boarding. It might be great for families but for solo/business travel, it's a huge gamble.
The reasons i fly them is 1) no change fees 2) bags fly free 3) from stl we have a ton of direct flights.
Objectively the best airline. The other day I knew a trivia question because I watched your fedex vs ups vid. More airline vids plz
My family and I always fly with Southwest Airlines. We were flying from Chicago Midway Airport to Orlando International Airport (We were going to Disney World) and all those experiences I had with Southwest Airlines were all positive. (We went to Disney World so many times so many of them we flew with Southwest Airlines). Many memories and many great things to say. The staff was amazing and the luggage was perfectly handle properly. Despite issues of Delayed flights we had a great experience. The staff was very apologetic and we were understanding despite the loads of time we had to wait. The food they offered during the flight was delicious. My family and I flew Southwest Airlines back in July of 2021 (To Disney World From Chicago Midway Airport to Orlando International Airport) the experience my family and I had like all of the experiences was an amazing flight experience! The prices for Plane tickets are low and the boarding passes are very organized and straight forward. My parents (My Father in particular) both love flying Southwest and it was worth the money and worth the experience.
Be like my Father and fly Southwest Airlines. 😉 You will not regret it. It will be worth it.
Might want to revisit this
My experience has shown me it's not an us against them attitude. A lot of times when you fly those big behemoth legacy airlines I get the feeling it's in us against them situation.
I think that's because most other airlines are constantly trying to upsell you, but Southwest doesn't have anything to upsell or upgrade you to - they don't have a first class, they don't charge for most of their snacks or drinks, and two of your bags are already checked for free. The only time I've ever paid for something other than my fare is when I got liquor - and even then, Rapid Rewards members over 21 get free drink coupons anyway (I just forgot mine). (And drunk passengers are unruly passengers, so they definitely don't have an incentive to sell *more* booze.) Once you're all on the plane together, you all have the same goal of getting to your destination on time.
Unless I have no other choice, they are the only airline I will consider flying with. Love their story, thanks for the video!
My husband works for SWA and it is truly a great company to work for and I think that also translates to (overall) a good experience for customers.
As someone who flies almost weekly for half the year, Southwest has been my favorite to fly with. Everyone is very nice and they have great policies. And their seats aren't terribly cramped either. Their entire busy revolves around the customer.
Also, Herb Kelleher: the Vince McMahon of the airline industry.
You missed the most important reason they signed up for a discounted fuel 30 years ago and when the price of fuel went up and other airlines were paying double theirs stayed the same.
Yeah idk how he missed that, their use of fixed rate fuel contracts is a huge deal given most airlines profit/lose based almost entirely on fuel costs in a given quarter. Insulating your airline from the oil market just seems like a no brainer, even if you have to pay a bit more it removes a huge variable.
I'm also curious if Southwest was able to get new contracts during the oil slump last year, not sure if anyone was desperate enough to sign a longterm contract but if they were Southwest could have nabbed dirt-cheap fuel for years.
They hedge using options and futures contracts, they don't have a 30-year fuel discount. They're very good at this.
Southwest is the only airline I've flown with and I'm extremely happy with them. Of the dozen or so flights I've had, have legit zero complaints.
I’ve been a frequent business traveler for over 25 years. I’ve had up to 45 round trips in a single year. I love Southwest Airlines. They are no longe the cheapest carrier, but I can count on them.
Not the cheapest, but also not the most expensive. If my meetings run late, I know I can get back on another on-time flight without a change fee. Great for a flexible business schedule.
Geez. The difference a year makes huh? I wonder how long until you make a "What happened to cause the decline of Southwest" video.
I flew Southwest Airlines for years from San Diego to visit family in Texas. Their tickets were so cheap, we could fly out there a couple times a year.
Definitely love flying with them. I also find it amazing that they only operate using the Boeing 737. Another reason why they stand out for me.
I've never had a bad experience with Southwest and I'm happy to learn that they're from my home state.
...and that they're apparently the most Texan airline there is. I tip my hat to Mr. Kelleher.
Glad you included Herb Kelleher as a factor. He really see the stage for Southwest. Fun fact, Kelleher’s Secretary, Colleen Barrett, became President and COO of Southwest when Kelleher retired as CEO and President - and thus becoming the first woman President of major airline.
i haven't watched the video yet but all i gotta say is southwest is pretty awesome. they aren't terrible like spirit yet are cheap and fast which is awesome!
I love SWA for business travel as I have to often cancel or reschedule flights last minute. They have a straightforward rewards points program and I love that I am not always being asked for upgrades as I book my flights. I also like how their seating method promotes passengers to be on time for flights.
I pretty much exclusively fly Southwest. The few times I haven’t flown with them are cases where I didn’t pay for my own flight.
I have never had a negative experience with them, even taking into account delays. I’ve experienced very few delays with southwest in general, and when they did happen, the gate agents were always more than happy to give me more than enough in flight and food vouchers. I also just love the general vibe of the flight attendants and the atmosphere on the planes.
I flew American exactly once, and my flight was delayed to the point that I missed my connecting flight and thus my ride home from the airport because the friend picking me up had to work. They were awful about helping me with anything, and I ended up having to get a $60 uber home from the airport.
I used to be a massive United airlines guy, but after having an internship with Southwest in high school I am hooked! I would be excited to fly for any airline, but Southwest is far and beyond my number one choice!
love this channel
Me too
Me three
Me Four
Can you do delta successful and/or American,untied, vs Delta
I've only flown with Southwest in my life so I can't speak for experience outside SW but their cheap fare, friendly service, and easy boarding process keeps bringing me back to them when I need a flight.
I literally flew southwest and only southwest hundreds of times even as a child from a baby until I was 16 17 years old. I’ve gotten to go into the cockpit a couple times where they’d show you all the dials and what not. They always made sure I was safe and taken care as a child and made sure I got home safe. I love southwest.
I think that, by far, their most successful ad campaign has got to be "wanna get away." It's simple and yet so damn effective!
Can't have a negative experience with an airline if you don't fly.
Yup, same goes with you can't win the lottery if you don't play. Lol
Are you gonna make a meltdown update?
Thanks Company Man for making this video because I am going to Vegas next month for my birthday and am considering flying Southwest there. Now after watching this, I am definitely going to fly with them because of their low rates and the ability to bring two carry on bags free of charge. Also a suggestion for a future video topic that I have is Best Western because they are one of the leaders in the hotel chain industry and there aren't a whole lot of videos on UA-cam that talk about hotel chains. Keep up the great work
*You’re now free to move about the country*
Found this channel yesterday love the content already
Welcome to the channel dude. It has amazing content. Enjoy 😊
Binge watch
@@pcm1011 definitely
Southwest has also been the handicap accomodating of any airline in my experience. Others you have to fight with or jump through hoops to be accomadated and then the staff seems resentful, like meeting your needs a burden they don't need. Southwest makes it simple, doesnt make a fuss, and the staff is always happy to help. This is why when my mom needs to fly for medical appointments she chooses Southwest and why I personally have never flown with any other airline nor do I plan to.
This is the only airline that I ever want to use.
This was the first airline that ever flew in my entire life. I wanted to go to Philadelphia to visit some friends of mine from school. I lived in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania at the time and Southwest was relatively new to the region. The advertised round trip tickets between Pittsburgh to Philadelphia for $36. This is back in 2006. I found out about the deal a little early because I worked in the gift shops in the Pittsburgh international airport. Already having clearances to get through airport security did give me a bit of an edge but I digress. I remember asking a lot of questions at the gate because I have never been on an airplane before and I remember the Southwest employees making it such a remarkable experience. I express my concens and they were more than accommodating. They explained to me how the entire process worked from boarding passes to landing at the next gate. Our pilot was amazing he was too cool. Ever since then if I can't fly Southwest I don't fly at all.
I love being able to nonstop fly to my destination. I always go with them when I can.
THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for putting your ad at the END of your video. You're the BEST!!!
After a very bad experience with American Airlines for the next trip I took a friend's advice and booked Southwest. What a difference!! Unlike American they actually treated me like a human being, and the staff was friendly and helpful. Also I didn't have to deal with the annoying baggage fees with them either as I only had one checked bag! When I fly anywhere anymore I normally take Southwest, I don't even consider any other airlines unless it's to a city that Southwest doesn't go to.
I started flying with Southwest 11 years ago and have had no complains about them. Sure the planes may not be the most comfortable but I've always had great service from the flight attendants and the boarding system gives you control of where you want to sit instead of being assigned beforehand. It will be rare that I would fly any other airlines unless Southwest doesn't service a city and that list is pretty small
See this or not, my dad has worked for Southwest for 20 years, and he’s always talked about how Southwest has been so successful compared to other Airlines.
I love SW! I have flow them more than any other because of 3 things you mentioned. Low price, direct flights and smaller air ports.
A few additions:
1) all their employees are focused on getting planes off the ground as soon as possible upon landing. It’s their primary metric for success, and their positive work culture keeps the employees invested in that success.
2) less wasted time on the ground means fewer planes are needed to keep all the flights going.
3)fewer planes means less capital spending, leading to less debt, less overhead, and greater flexibility in pricing their tickets.
Honestly, every company could learn some lessons from Southwest.
Southwest was the only airline I flew on for a time, and conveniently enough, it was all from or to Dallas Love Field as I live in the Dallas area :P Pretty great experience overall. I guess if this is a benefit or not depends on the person but one thing you missed however that stuck out to me the most is that they let you pick your own seats when getting on the plane, so it’s like a first come first serve basis. Quite unique
“You are now free to move about the country!”
Underrated comment
I always loved that ad. The "ding" noise made it perfect.
Please do a follow up vid given recent events!
I think you might want to potentially make a Rise & Fall? video after their recent bad publicity.
When I fly anywhere, I only use Southwest Airlines. The only time I don’t use them is when they don’t fly to that particular city for some reason. They are head and shoulders above all the rest of the airlines in this country. Not only that, they are better than most companies of any kind that operate out of this country.
Same! And sometimes I’ll choose an airport further out/out of my way if it means getting a southwest flight. They’re worth it for me!
I love Southwest - I live in Dallas and try to fly with them as much as I can if possible. Not only because of their bag policies and prices, but because their seating process is simple: sit down and find a seat, basically. It's good if you're traveling with family or kids, and there's very little fuss. Plus, their pilots are always cracking jokes, which is good for nervous fliers like me.
My best bud introduced me to SWA in 1997. I flew them until 2009. At the time they didn't have Atlanta til' they bought Air Tran. I've NEVER had a bad experience on SWA. I've been coast to coast from Houston, TX. in 2001 (pre 911) the new fleet with leather seats made an American tour. I got to see them & see the cockpit.(at Houston, Hobby) I made 2 vacay trips that same year, pre & post 911. State of Missouri & Walt Disney World. My last trip was Las Vegas + Disneyland 2009. Great times!!!!
I have only flown Southwest once but it still stands as my favorite customer experience to date. They definitely know what they're doing.
Southwest flights have been some of the more pleasant flights I've taken on US based airlines. I've flown Delta And American in the last couple of years and those flights were ok, but my flights with Southwest were just nicer.
I was already impressed by their business model but the man arm wrestled for a slogan too… incredibly based.
Every single time I go on a plane it is usually Southwest because of how it can be cheap because of free snacks and soda and because if your flight gets canceled or you need to reschedule it, they will do it for free.
It's wild - my flight with a layover from DC to Orlando got cancelled and I ended up getting a non-stop flight to Orlando at a better time and it didn't cost me a cent extra! It's incredible how successful their whole business model is but at the end of the day it makes so much sense - help the consumer's bottom line and treat them right and they'll use your product
Love SW , flown them many times and always an enjoyable experience. Been the leader in domestic flights for me . Wish they'd have an International product
Southwest is the only airline that I've had good experiences with.
Just got this recommended while southwest is having the worst meltdown in aviation history 😂
Thank you for this video. I have a flight on Southwest Airlines later on this year, and I have been wondering so much about Southwest. Now, I am glad that I did.
That was one hell of a pitch for Privacy! Ingenious way of not only delivering the ad. But promoting yourself also in such a risk free manner from the audience. I won’t be surprised if more people start taking this approach when reading ads for Privacy!
I see what you did there with 747 737’s. My grandfather was actually on the engineering team to create 747’s. Thanks for reminding me of him. Also, southwest is awesome.
The cigarette was classic. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
1. I talked to an employee when I worked at a bank that worked for Southwest. They loved working for them. You could tell it was genuine.
2. I heard that the CEO decided to not take a paycheck during the pandemic to save as many jobs as possible. That shows respect and care. After hearing that, if i ever look for airlines to fly on, Southwest will be the first i look at.
You should've mentioned that Southwest's growth was somewhat restricted (particularly at their Dallas Love Field hub) due to the Wright Amendment, which was in force for three decades before being repealed.