Southwest

United States Based Discount Carrier

In the world of discount carriers, Southwest Airlines is Patient Zero. From the germ of an idea in the late Sixties, its low-cost ethos has spread worldwide faster, and more effectively, than any flu in history.

And, going by the literally thousands of online reviews, the original strain is still the best. From 3 Boeing 737s in 1971, the airline now has over 500 criss-crossing US airspace, connecting more than 60 cities. Such economies of scale allow Southwest to charge discount prices whilst offering near-full service.

Passengers enjoy many benefits. These include friendly staff, a 20kg allowance, small carry-on and a laptop, free soft drinks and small snack. Incredibly, if a non-refundable ticket price drops between purchase and departure, Southwest will credit the difference.

Obviously Southwest isn’t perfect, but almost all complaints revolve around the free-seating policy. This provides a glimpse into true human nature, as families, seniors and accountants crawl over one another to get an aisle seat! Search!