There was a time when Southwest Airlines truly stood out from the hellscape that is modern air travel. For one, there were no assigned seats on board, just boarding groups at the gate, which will soon change.
Then, on Tuesday, the airline announced that it would end its long-standing “two bags fly free” perk… and start charging to check bags.
People were obviously outraged.
Many saw this as the company choosing revenue over customer loyalty, like this A-List Preferred flyer with over ONE MILLION rewards points.
This person said, “Southwest wants to eliminate their free checked bags policy? GIRL YOU THOUGHT I WAS CHOOSING YOU FOR ANYTHING ELSE?!”
People got brutally honest about the Southwest decision. This person said: “It’s so interesting to watch companies purposely destroy their customer loyalty for no reason. Southwest was known for affordable, open seating, and free checked bags. Now they getting rid of all of it and just going to be another airline.”
Southwest tried to clean it up with a cheeky little Instagram post, which was also, predictably, not well received.
Then, as brands are so fond of doing, Amtrak swept in.
People were NOT PLEASED, and I can’t say I blame them.
Most folks pointed to the fact that booking train travel with Amtrak can somehow hurt your pocket more than taking a plane.
“Amtrak is awesome if you like paying more than a plane ticket and traveling slower than a car,” this person said.
Amtrak tried to defend themselves as things got ugly…
…and this person pointed out their dramatic tone shift.
As this person so eloquently stated, “This is what happens when you insert yourself into other people’s business.”
What do you think of this mess? Holler in the comments.