The Southwest Way: 5 reasons people prefer flying with the airline - Des Moines International Airport (KDSM ), Iowa

Don Smithey heard a constant refrain from people he met: “When will we get Southwest?”

“Even my dentist asked,” the airport director said. “Everywhere I went, that was the main question.”

Now he can look his dentist in the eye and tell him exactly when Southwest is coming. Smithey said he needs help from the public to keep the airline here.

“It’s not going to happen just on the strength of my personality,” he joked. “They want rear ends in those seats.”

Here are some reasons people are excited to see Southwest’s first flight take off at 6:55 a.m. next Sunday from the Des Moines International Airport.

SOUTHWEST EFFECT

When Southwest arrives, low fares quickly follow. That leads to an increase in passengers.

BAGS FLY FREE

The first two bags checked in are free. The third one is $50. Most airlines charge from $20 to $40 for the first two bags and up to $150 on the third bag, according to a website that monitors those 
numbers, airlinebagfees.com.

NO FEES FOR CHANGING FLIGHTS

Jeff Carpenter of Clive said he has already booked two flights with Southwest in Des Moines even though they were $30 more expensive than competitors, because potential changes could end up costing him more. “If I have to change the flight, most other airlines have a big change penalty,” he said.

FAMILY TREATMENT AS A BASIC SERVICE

“When we go into markets, people respond to being treated fairly and being treated like family,” said Linda Macey, Southwest manager of airport affairs. “We don’t try to nickel-and-dime our customers. When we sell tickets, we sell a basic service.”

Carpenter sees that. “They just seem to treat people fairly, and their employees have the ability to do things to help any situation,” he said. “They still have delays and cancellations, but there is just the basic level of treatment that exists there that is far and above other airlines.”

IN-FLIGHT FUN

Carpenter said he can recall flights when a flight attendant broke into a jingle, adding to the fun, relaxed atmosphere.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com