Bradford K. Cebula

Southwest Wires Fleet for Wi-Fi

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/39963009#39963009

Southwest has decided it is going to put Wi-Fi on every plane in the fleet, more than five hundred planes. This move is hoping to gain more customers toward joining Southwest on their flights. The price is going to range anywhere from five to ten dollars per flight for Wi-Fi. One research company said only one out of fifty people use Wi-Fi. However, it is the people who have the biggest receipts that will use it the most. Southwest feels installing the service pays off in a brand loyalty because customers feel comfortable with it and they can also be productive. People like it because when they get off the plane they do not have to think and worry about what they have to send out and do. In addition, satellite domes are also being set up on flights to help lure customers towards picking Southwest.

I feel installing Wi-Fi on Southwest is a really good idea. However, I also think Southwest will be the first to make it free in the future; as they do with baggage fees and other services they provide. I think the price might be a little high to the average person but with time, that will decrease. I also feel, Southwest really works very hard at trying to understand its customer and the customers needs and wants. It is very important that you look at this aspect because for an airline company, you constantly need to look at how you can attract more customers and increase revenue and this is a great way of doing just that. I also think in the future everyone will offer this service because it is how the future is going to function. Without it, a company will be at a disadvantage and what is better than to be the first to offer services like this when the competition lacks a service that your company provides! It gives you an advantage in a time when every little detail counts towards gaining customers. For a long flight however, it would not make sense to make the service free because people are going to really want this service, the demand it going to be high. However, with shorter flights I feel you will attract more customers if this service were to be free because more flights are usually shorter ones compared to longer ones and more people can relate to this. Companies need to market themselves toward what people can relate too. Free Wi-Fi gives them just that, just as free food did ten years ago on flights.