Spread the LUV

On my recent business trip because of high airfare and bad connections I ended up flying Southwest Airlines. My connection was in Las Vegas, so I wouldn't mind if I stuck there because of missing my connection ;)

Southwest is 40 years old this year. Probably the first discount airline in the world. Its unique pricing scheme revolutionized air travel in the US in the 70's by creating competition to traditional airlines, and lowering the prices. Probably the same thing what happened in Europe about 7-10 years ago when RyanAir, EasyJet, Wizz and many others appeared.

What's crazy about this airline is that they're the best. Lemme explain:

If you flew let's say EasyJet or Wizz before, you know that you probably don't want to check in your baggage because it'd double the price of your transportation. Seats are uncomfortable and are slightly closer to each other so an extra row fits in the aircraft. You get no service. Not a single cup of water without paying and you land on smaller airports a bit more far away from your destination with limited service etc. In return you fly ridiculously low prices (€30  Budapest - London, return, for example).

Now, flying on any US airline is a pain in the ass, am I right? They're always late, checked baggage costs money, no service on board (you cannot call 10 peanuts and 1.5dl coke service for a 5.5hrs long flight...), and 'normal' prices. They don't position them as discount airlines however their service would justify that. Southwest, says they are a discount airline. However 2 checked baggage fly for free (!), you get the peanuts and coke, but your flight is 4 hours? What the heck we throw in a bag of crackers, too! Time of arrival means that the plane landed, is at the gate, the bridge is at the plane, and the door is open. Departure means, the door is closed and the plane is being pushed away from the gate. At Southwest. They even arrived 20 minutes earlier on my way to my destination! Haven't seen something like that for a long time. Not with these fuel prices! And since baggage check in is free, people do it. So there's no fight over the overheads and the flight attendants don't have to check at least 10-20 people's baggage on board. Delaying the flight...

On board experience? Excellent! You cannot even compare. Flight attendants are helpful, nice and funny. There was a boy celebrating his 14th birthday on the plane, they made everyone to sing Happy Birthday! On another flight when we approached the airport after 4.5 hours they made everyone stretch together! Once people were already at the exit row, so I sat somewhere else. Leg room? 8-10cm (3-4 inches) between my knees and the seat in front of me (am I flying 1st class? Nope!):

And their route is like a distance bus line. You fly from San Jose to Denver? No problem! Do you mind if we stop in Vegas, so a couple of people can get out and a couple of new ones can get on board? You don't have to leave the plane, you're flying to Denver, not Vegas! Crazy :)

I fell in LUV with them!