JUST ANOTHER PLANE AT THE GATE(?)

Southwest Airlines At Austin Bergstron International Airport

When Southwest announced that it was abandoning the open seating policy to embrace assigned seating and boarding passes with seat numbers, it was so shocking - in a good way for some, not so much for others. But it turns out that it was only one part of the one-two PUNCH from the airline.

Now we learn that the Bags Fly Free policy is on the chopping-block as well. According to an MSNBC article on the subject by Leslie Josephs:

It’s a stunning reversal that shows the low-cost pioneer is willing to part with a customer perk executives have said set it apart from rivals for more than half a century of flying in hopes of increasing revenue.

Several key questions come to mind:

• Is Southwest really doing so badly that the airline must kick Bags Fly Free to the curb?

• Has the company sensed a pending shift in consumer flying and travel habits?

• Is it a move to placate shareholders' profit motives?

Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: Southwest's value proposition changes as a result of these actions. Bags Fly Free and open seating are two policies that helped popularize the airline to a place where it went from flying within Texas to flying nationwide and, now, internationally.

ACCORDING TO THE AIRLINE ITSELF ON ITS WEBSITE...

The advent of premium seating promises more comfort and amenities, but will it be enough to satisfy those who currently fly frequently on legacy carriers enjoying true business and first cabin room with better seating and perks? Will SWA faithful pony up the extra money the service will cost?

One of the changes involves the Preferred Seat option wherein passengers are seated just behind the premium seats in close proximity to the emergency exit rows with standard legroom. These seats will, undoubtedly, command a premium over the remaining standard seats further back, unless one has achieved A-List status. When the aft seats are all booked, customers will either need to pay the extra cost or find another flight.

IF YOU LUV US, LET'S KISS (KEEP IT SIMPLE, SOUTHWEST)

Airfare increases are one thing, but what's happening with this airline is the loss of the one thing that Southwest passengers enjoyed, and that is SIMPLICITY. The overall scheme of the boarding groups based on check-in time for the vast majority of passengers could be infuriating to those who are particular about where they sit, and for families or groups trying to be seated together - especially when saddled with a Group C boarding pass, but it was all fairly straightforward.

IN THE END...

As these changes take effect, will faithful passengers gravitate to other, more budget-oriented carriers? Will the changes successfully appeal to those who normally fly other legacy carriers? Or will Southwest lose its identity as fans lament,

"Where is the LUV you promised me?!

Because surely this can't be it!"

Only time will tell.