Comments about ‘Southwest Airlines' added fee may signal more add-on costs’

Maybe I am missing something-but this sounds very reasonable to me.As long as the customer cancels before the flight, there is no charge. If they don't cancel, they are charged for the ticket. Makes sense to me.

Wow, anthor scam to make people pay for something they don't receive. I can seee charging a small processing fee but assessing the entire ticket price would be outrageous. If they want to do that, anytime they over-book a flight the over-booked passengers deserve a FULL fare refund PLUS another flight for free for the inconvenience. Comsumers need to stand up for themselves here or they'll just be bullied into submission with all kinds of fees for little or no services rendered.

I'm really getting tired of the bizarre and ridiculous and frivolous ways airlines can tack stuff on to their pricing. There should be consumer protection law requiring all airlines to sell a defined package of what an airline trip should be, including a carryon, 1 checked bag, all the security fees and fuel fees an all that other stuff we have not choice but to pay for. The worst thing about this insidious practice is that other retailers and industries are following suit, outbundling pricing so they can lie about the real cost.

Sounds like a couple of people have not flown on Southwest and ar criticizing them based on the experiences with other airlines.

Southwest is a great operation. (And I don't particularly like to fly!)

Assuming I paid for a "non-refundable" ticket, don't I have the right to occupy or not occupy the seat I paid for? If I order a steak at a restaurant and don't eat it, should I have to pay a "fine" because that steak MIGHT have been sold to another patron who would have eaten it?

@ MAYHEM-

Mike- Most of Southwest's tickets ARE refundable, and the do NOT charge change fees. (Unlike other airlines.)

It does not look like they are going to charge a no show fee for the non-refundable tickets, only those where you can change them after not using them.

Sounds like a pretty reasonable, if not very generous way to run a flyer-friendly airline. Not like most of the other choices.

Again, Southwest is a great operation, so don't criticize them for the practices of other airlines.

@ DN SUBSCRIBER 2 --

Your point is well taken, especially is their tickets are refundable.