Why I Used to Fly on Southwest


My biggest pet peeve with flying is baggage fees. Years ago, airlines only charged extra money for luggage that was oversized or too heavy. Then in May 2008, fees for a second checked bag were added by most airlines in response to rising fuel prices. Despite costs decreasing later that year, airlines increased their baggage fees when realizing what a cash cow it was. Some now charge for carry-on bags!

For years, Southwest Airlines hadn’t succumbed to this greediness. They still allowed passengers to check two bags for free if they were within size and weight limitations. You could also bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item that will fit underneath the seat. As a missionary who lives out of a suitcase, I’ve traveled with four pieces of luggage. My two checked bags mostly contain clothing and gospel literature. My carry-on includes computer accessories I didn’t want to get damaged. My personal item is a backpack containing my MacBook Air, iPad, and other items I may access while in the air.


Another nice thing about Southwest was they didn’t charge an extra fee if you needed to change your itinerary. In April 2020, I originally booked a flight from Minneapolis to Washington, DC. A few days later, my friend Jim called requesting I meet him in Denver and then take a road trip to his house in Virginia. I found a flight to Denver cheaper than the one going to DC. The difference in funds was used on a later Southwest flight.


In January 2022, I had another flight scheduled from Minneapolis to DC. Southwest canceled and rebooked that flight three times because of an employee shortage (probably due to pending vaccination requirements). Fortunately, they gave me two $250 vouchers as compensation. A similar thing happened a year later when I prepared to fly from Minneapolis to Buffalo. That flight got delayed due to mechanical issues. Because I would miss the last connecting flight in Baltimore that evening, Southwest rebooked my flight to leave Minneapolis the following morning. They compensated me with a free hotel room plus a $200 voucher.


One thing I didn’t like about Southwest was their support of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. In 2014, I wrote them a letter saying it was insulting for them to claim they “practice the golden rule.” Gay activists certainly don’t do that. They are among the most intolerant people around. With rare exceptions, I boycott companies that align with the homosexual agenda.


I also didn’t like the hypocrisy Southwest demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While I wore a face diaper on one flight, the pilot announced on the intercom, “I’m wearing a mask for you like you are wearing one for me.” Baloney! The pilot was inside the cockpit, where he was not required to put on a mask. During another flight, I noticed a message on their napkins that read, “When drinks are down, mask up.” So I started holding my cup up more while continuing to consume my beverages and snacks SLOWLY.


Despite these annoyances, I continued flying exclusively on Southwest but that’s coming to an end. Starting May 28th, the airline will begin charging for checked baggage regardless of their size and weight. They will also launch a basic economy ticket that doesn’t allow for free itinerary changes.


Some people no longer fly because of increased security measures, which include pat-downs that can be intrusive. I didn’t mind those too much, but I will make alternative travel plans in the future. Southwest Airlines has lost a regular customer.


“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” - 1 Timothy 6:10


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