Do you want that “A” boarding pass next time you are flying with Southwest Airlines (LUV)? Well if are willing to pay a bit more, you will get that and a bit more after the airline announced some changes.
In an attempt to attract more business travelers the Dallas based airline will offer a “Business Select” fare for passengers willing to pay between $10 and $30 more one-way than the standard full-fare ticket.
In exchange people purchasing the “Business Select” fare will be able to fully refund or changeable ticket, will guarantee Group “A” boarding, earn extra rapid reward credits, and a free drink coupon.
Southwest Airline’s Chief Executive Gary Kelly said, “The changes will "set the stage to give customers a reason to spend more.”
Southwest made a great move, even though some might not like it. The carrier is thinking about what drives the industry. Even though the families traveling to Disneyland for $49 have helped the airline, Southwest realizes that there has to be a balance between the two industry driving factors. Fuel is not cheap anymore and anything the airline can do to raise extra revenue has to be done. While Southwest once counted as much as 40 percent of its customers as full-fare passengers, that figure has declined to 25 percent.
Giving business travelers and regular travelers the option to pay more to get more is something that will pay off for the airline.
Southwest’s new system is available nation wide as of today.
Dallas Morning News
Check out Southwest's website explaining some new features the airline rolled out.
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