User Profile
|
RunB4Wind |
News
 |
The Rest Of The Story |
 |
This is why I'm PROUD to be both a passenger AND a shareholder of Southwest!
Be inquisitive. As long as you are learning, you are alive. On my worst days, I remain grateful to work for Southwest Airlines. But there are other times that just make me feel I'm simply unworthy to be the lowliest member of a Family of 35,000+ Superstars. One of those moments happened recently, and I just thought I'd share it.
Categories: Customers, Flying, Southwest Culture, Working at Southwest Aug 10, 2009 |
|
Southwest Airlines Introduces New Pet Policy, Other Changes |
|
I'm an "A List" passenger on Southwest. I'm also somewhat allergic to cats - if I get a bunch of dander, my eyes swell shut and I have trouble breathing. However, I support the new P.A.W.S initiative. Why? SImply because I've already been on Southwest flights with pets - pets that the owners have smuggled on in their carry-on luggage, and I've survived just fine. Yes, I carry allergy medications with me. And, for the people who complain that Benadryl makes them drowsy, there ARE other medications that don't make you drowsy. Ask your doctor for a prescription.
As a frequent flier, and a stockholder, I feel that the $25 charge for UMs is entirely reasonable. I want to emphasize that he great majority of UMs are the best children to be around on the plane - they're well-behaved, and, unlike other children, know to not kick the seats, etc. However, processing and handling them (I know, that sounds like a food processing plant) takes up extra time and attention of Southwest's employees, especially the CSRs on the ground. This is especially true when there is any sort of an irregular operation of a flight, especially at an intermediate stop, or when the receiving adult fails to show at the gate on time. While not every child, every flight, or every adult is responsible for causing this, the fee spreads the cost out equally and fairly. I just looked at several other airlines' web sites, and Southwest's $25 fee is VERY reasonable when compared to the other airlines' $100 fees (in each direction!).
It will be interesting to see how the P.A.W.S program and the changes to the UM program play out. I suspect that, just like the (excellent!) changes Southwest made to its boarding procedures over the past year, we'll all find that they work out to almost everyone's benefit.
Be inquisitive. As long as you are learning, you are alive.
I don’t think you will be surprised to hear me say that we are in the midst of one of the most challenging times in aviation history. In fact, it’s my opinion that this decade has been the most difficult in our industry’s 100-year history, and this year is arguably the most difficult we’ve seen this decade. While Southwest Airlines is prepared for these tough times, we are certa |
