Southwest’s change is the death of the company.
I was a top .1% user for 5 years (literally flew so much I got companion pass in 2022).
The thing is, Southwest misunderstood what their actual moat was.
It wasn’t cheap flights though that worked.
It wasn’t no seat assignments, though that again was a positive as well.
Their moat was that they were the only airline that you could book a flight in 5 clicks if you had an account.
Because of the simplicity of their offering and the operation, you could avoid the confusing bullshit that you had to deal with with all other airlines—which tier, which seat, which status, which flight insurance, which bag fee…etc
They, the southwest leaders, confused their win as low cost—it wasn’t it was ease of use.
And it’s gone—now they’re just like everyone else, but they have no experience being like everyone else—so they’re actually not just like everyone else, they’re the worst of the rest.
I have booked 6 flights since the change that would have been a no brainer southwest for me in the past—each one I’ve booked Alaska.
Because now, Southwest is only competing on price and flight options.
I used to be happy to pick slightly worse flights for the simple fact that I had nothing to think about to accomplish it—now, I am forced to only judge them on the same things that all other airlines compete on.
And they’re gonna lose.
James Dyson famously said. “Be different, for the sake of it.”
We literally call it product differentiation.
Southwest was the only airline that was different—and they were the only airline that was profitable for 44 straight years (until COVID).
And they gave that advantage away on purpose—Herb Kelleher is rolling over in his grave.
Mark my words—in 5 years this is going to go down as the greatest fumble in modern corporate history—they don’t even have the excuse of failure to adapt to a new technology like Kodak or Xerox, they intentionally did this to themselves.
The sudden loss of Wes Rucker has left a deep void in many lives. His family now faces immense challenges without the support they need. Please consider donating or sharing to help provide stability for Lauren and their children during this difficult time. https://t.co/oodDrvotpq
Hard to find the words following this tragedy, but Wes Rucker was one of a kind and always respectful. A proud husband, father and member of our media, I’ll miss seeing his familiar face throughout the year. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
Please support them if you can. 🙏
https://t.co/SnWEh338KL
The sudden loss of Wes Rucker has left a deep void in many lives. His family now faces immense challenges without the support they need. Please consider donating or sharing to help provide stability for Lauren and their children during this difficult time. Every contribution counts. https://t.co/Ilj5ruKF3T
The sudden loss of Wes Rucker has left a deep void in many lives. His family now faces immense challenges without the support they need. Please consider donating or sharing to help provide stability for Lauren and their children during this difficult time. Every contribution counts. https://t.co/KhQhY4mtaa
For those looking to support Wes Rucker's family in the aftermath of unfathomable loss, here is the GoFundMe.
Lauren is one of the kindest people this world has to offer and this is a way to support the family in their time of need. https://t.co/lt0IGtFmZG
The sudden loss of Wes Rucker has left a deep void in many lives. His family now faces immense challenges without the support they need. Please consider donating or sharing to help provide stability for Lauren and their children during this difficult time. Every contribution counts. https://t.co/qGJ7MxnVW3
Devastated by the news of Wes Rucker's tragic passing.
Our hearts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. He will be deeply missed by so many in our community and beyond.
Can’t believe the Wes Rucker news. Thinking of & praying for his family today.
11 years ago I was doing a local show hardly anybody watched…I begged for guests and never got a response most of the time.
Wes Rucker was the first “yes” and would stay up until 11p to join me live weekly. Even today it’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had.
Will miss you Wes 🫡
The best part of this gig is meeting someone in a press box only because you were randomly seated beside them, and then you end up becoming friends for a couple of decades. Wes Rucker was that guy. Life isn't fair. But he sure loved the life he had. https://t.co/Eb3tJvR8n7
The sudden loss of Wes Rucker has left a deep void in many lives. His family now faces immense challenges without the support they need. Please consider donating or sharing to help provide stability for Lauren and their children during this difficult time. Every contribution counts. #VolTwitter #VolNation https://t.co/NKo1w5Q800
Wes Rucker covered Tennessee athletics for a long time. He leaves behind a young son and a pregnant wife after a car accident death yesterday. If you can help them out, please do: https://t.co/3Y58rFKaZN
I don’t have words just yet, but we have read what feels like every post from a community @wesruckerTBA loved so much. Your kind words and memories are currently what’s getting us through. We have heard the unwavering desire from #voltwitter to support. https://t.co/nHrUxEaZmQ