Southwest Airlines has finally decided to make its fares available on Google Flights and other online flight aggregators after previously excluding them from search results. This move aims to make it easier for travelers to compare options in one place and potentially attract new customers to the airline. While Southwest fares are now visible on Google Flights, customers still need to book flights directly through Southwest’s website.
A Southwest spokesperson mentioned that this partnership with Google expands the airline’s reach among consumers while still allowing Southwest to control the reservation process. The spokesperson noted that the goal is to provide Google Flights users with more visibility into Southwest’s available flights, fares, and benefits, ultimately directing them to book their selected itinerary on Southwest.com.
In addition to the partnership with Google, Southwest is exploring other initiatives to enhance the customer experience. CEO Bob Jordan mentioned potential changes to Southwest’s open seating policy, considering seat assignments for customers, and introducing night flights in the future.
Travel experts expect Southwest’s collaboration with Google to benefit travelers, as they can now use Google Flights’ fare-tracking tools to monitor prices and book flights at lower rates. These strategic initiatives come at a time when Southwest is working to improve its financial performance and mitigate the impact of issues related to Boeing 737 Max 8 planes. The airline recently announced the suspension of services at four US airports, affecting its growth plans as it seeks to cut costs following a significant loss in the first quarter.
Overall, Southwest’s decision to display fares on Google Flights marks a significant step towards reaching a wider audience and improving customer convenience. The airline’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to the changing travel landscape will likely position it for success in the competitive airline industry.
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https://www.cbsnews.com/news/southwest-airlines-flights-google-flights-pilot-partnership/
