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September 8, 2008 5:46:02 AM CDT

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Southwest Unveils Perks for Biz Flyers

Posted Nov 7, 07 9:28 PM CST in Business 

(Newser) – Southwest unveiled today a raft of new initiatives designed to shore up revenue, including new pricing plans that benefit business travelers. The discount carrier’s new “business select” program will price seats $10-30 higher than regular fares. In exchange, Southwest, which doesn’t assign seats on its flights, will guarantee business travelers first access to the plane and a complimentary cocktail.

The company also cut in half the types of fares it offers customers and expanded its frequent-flier program, granting loyal passengers who meet certain requirements top-priority boarding passes. The initiatives are part of the company’s efforts to raise $1 billion in revenue by 2010 to cushion increased labor and fuel costs, MarketWatch reports. Many of the new changes begin tomorrow.

Source MarketWatch

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Gary Kelly, chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines, addresses attendees during the annual shareholders meeting in Dallas, Texas, Wednesday, May 16, 2007. The airline is offering new perks for...   (Associated Press)
A Southwest Airlines aircraft taxis to a gate after its arrival in a Dallas in this April 20, 2006, file photo. The airline is offering new perks to business travelers. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez, File)   (Associated Press)
Southwest Airlines ticket agents assist passengers at Los Angeles International Airport in this file photo from April. The airline is offering new perks to business travelers. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)   (Associated Press)
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airline industry  • Southwest Airlines  • energy prices  • business travelers  • Gary Kelly  • discount carriers


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