Come Fly with Me

How amazing is Southwest Airlines? Answer: pretty damn fantastic.

I flew from Philly to Oakland yesterday (via Chicago's Midway), while wrestling nerves and anxiety in a way I haven't for a long time. My trip started out on the right foot: I worried that my diligently and wonderfully packed suitcases (thanks, Mom, for your assistance and expertise!) might be overweight, but I just got by—49 and 50 pounds. The gentleman taking my luggage was so friendly and kind; he unknowingly helped calm my nerves.

Once on the flight, the staff was amiable and attentive, helping me stow my carry-on (short people really struggle to reach those compartments) and unfailingly assisting for the duration of both flights. Also, the first leg was only half full, so I had the entire row to myself. Awesome.

I must have looked hungry; on the second leg, the attendant encouraged me to take as many snacks as I wanted. I'm hardly one to deny food, and the shortbread cookies and baked pita chips served me well.

There were only two downsides, and one was entirely my own doing—the view. After boarding, in my haste to choose a seat, I selected one overlooking the right wing of the plane, which completely obstructed my view. No big deal, actually, since it was late, and I spent the bulk of the flights drifting in and out of sleep.

The other buzz kill was the tundra-like temperatures. I spent most of the flights bundled in two shirts, a zip-up, a scarf, and a jacket. Lovely. It really hindered my attempts to sleep, too.

But when those are my only complaints, things aren't that bad. I paid a relatively low fare for a one-way flight and didn't have to pay atrocious fees to take two (or any) suitcases. Bags fly free! Then, as an added bonus, when most flights can't be bothered to feed you anything, Southwest at least springs for some snack packs—they're a little more substantial than peanuts.

I also really appreciate how diligent they are in assisting passengers when it comes to drinks; attendants always go through the aisles to take orders, much like waiters and waitresses do in restaurants. It gives the whole process a more personal feel, and gives the impression that the attendants—and by extension, the airline itself—is committed to the customer and the level of service they provide.

Southwest succeeds by following the basic tenants of customer service. And if they continue to treat me well, I'll continue to come back for more.