Southwest Airlines’ Costly Consumer Psychology Mistake
Southwest Airlines, a key U.S. airline, recently made a mistake by showing the importance of consumer psychology. The company is known for its low costs and customer-friendly policies, a recent decision that cost them money and trust.
The Southwest brand thrived on simplicity, with free bags and no change fees, winning loyal customers. However, the new fee structure violated their promise of «no hidden fees,» leaving passengers disappointed.
Experts point out that trust stimulates loyalty. Southwest’s shift ignored consistency, which undermined confidence. Research shows that unexpected fees reduce satisfaction and push customers towards competitors.
The number of bookings has decreased, and the negative reaction on the Internet has increased. Analysts warn that fixing Southwest’s reputation may take time and a lot of investment.
MWR Travel Club Team
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