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dsmckla |
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How do I love "A"? Let me count the ways. |
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This should go under the category of "CONSUMER RIP-OFFS?"
As an American consumer, I thought this story might prove "blogworthy." Has this ever happened to you? Being an avid patron of Southwest Airlines with their on-time records, and their notable "cheap" fares, they have always been my first choice in airline travel—at least up until now. I would like to know how many customers such as myself, have fallen victim to Southwest's "TICKETLESS AWARD PROGRAM?" I was awarded one of these so-called "free round-trip tickets" (anywhere Southwest fly's) in 2005. Unfortunately, I was unable to take the trip that year so I (conveniently for them) opted for the $50 "replacement award." Unfortunately, I was unable to travel the following year as well (2006), so I again opted for the $50 replacement award. Now I am into my "FREE" round-trip ticket for $100. You guessed it, my free ticket expired in March of this year, and once again (due to various reasons) I was unable to take the trip. I began feeling suspicious when the Customer Service Rep offered me yet another "extension" for yet another $50. I politely explained that $150 on a free ticket was border line ludicrous (especially when I could easily purchase my own flight for that price—or less even). I believe this practice is totally and completely unfair. I would love to know how many of us have fallen "victim" to this type of corporate extortion. In this day and age of exorbitant gas prices, and inflated food costs in a receding economy, is it fair that Southwest Airlines can (for all intents and purposes) "steal" money from their loyal customers in this way? Please pass this on as a "consumer warning." DO NOT sign up for Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Program. It may only serve to "cost you" in the end. If I ever do fly SWA in the future, my ticket will automatically cost me an extra $100 bucks, which could easily provide me quite a bit of gas, and a few groceries to boot.
Wow. It's like I can hear my college professors as if it were yesterday. The laws of supply and demand. Somewhere, someone is willing to pay for something in short supply. Like our "A" boarding passes. It's the first group to board our flights, and it gets all the glory that goes along with it. "A" means I get that window or aisle seat or even the first row. Categories: Southwest Culture Aug 01, 2008 |
