Southwest Airlines is the biggest low cost carrier. Founded in 1969, it had a humble beginning operating only within the state of Texas. Southwest Airlines is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Currently it flies to over hundred destinations with its fleet size of 752. In spite of being a low cost carrier, Southwest Airlines is quickly becoming the talk of the day. It provides a highly competitive price unbeatable by the major carriers and has made everything free, starting from amenities to changes, to baggage. Here is a quick overview of what made Southwest the most preferred airlines in North America. Another contribution to its success is that, it flies to alternate airports; for example Southwest fly to Chicago Midway Airport instead of O’Hare.
| Official Site | www.southwest.com | HUBS | Denver |
| Contact | 1 800 435 9792 | Phoenix | Dallas Love Field |
| HQ | Dallas, TX | Orlando | Chicago-Midway |
| IATA Code | WN | Oakland | Baltimore |
| Fleet Size | 752 | Los Angeles | Atlanta |
| Destination | 101 | Las Vegas | Houston Hobby |
Southwest Airlines Service
Employee Recruitment
As you can see, Southwest is a customer oriented company. This begins with the recruitment system. Southwest recruitment is based on customer friendly and how approachable the candidate is. Due to this, the hiring policy of Southwest Airlines is very strict. Southwest Airlines have very strict internal guidelines all based on customer experience. This business model has worked out good for southwest. Despite being a low cost carrier, it had enabled the airlines to compete with the bigger airlines.
Less Restriction on the customer
In the course of time, Southwest consistently adapted with the customer’s need. Firstly, Southwest knew the thousand years old problem of every traveler “The Baggage”. That way, it has managed to reach out to customers giving 2 free checked bags. In spite of all other airlines charging for the first and second checked bags it didn’t deter Southwest. This has made a huge impact in the business model of competitors.
On top of that, every airline charge for making changes to the travel dates and time. However Southwest does not charge for the change. You are allowed to make changes to the flight reservation free of charge. Again, if there is a difference in the fare, Passengers will pay for the difference after the calculation. Change fee will be charged starting the second time of making change on the flight ticket.