Southwest Airlines is learning the hard way that Americans are sick and tired of corporate executives fixing what isn't broken. The airline's decision to scrap its iconic open seating policy in favor of assigned seats has triggered a massive customer revolt that should serve as a warning to every business pushing unwanted changes on their loyal base.
For over 50 years, Southwest built its reputation on being different from the corporate airline giants. No assigned seats, no first-class pretensions, just honest service that treated every passenger fairly. But like so many American companies these days, Southwest's executives apparently decided they knew better than their customers.
The backlash has been swift and brutal. Social media is exploding with longtime Southwest flyers announcing they're taking their business elsewhere. These aren't casual customers – these are the patriots who stuck with Southwest through thick and thin, who appreciated an airline that didn't nickel-and-dime them to death.
Another Company Forgets What Made America Great
This disaster perfectly captures what's wrong with corporate America today. Instead of celebrating what makes them uniquely American, companies keep chasing the same cookie-cutter approach that turns every business into another soulless corporation.
"Southwest was the last airline that felt like it was run by real Americans for real Americans. Now they're just another faceless company that thinks they can push us around," one longtime customer posted on social media.
The timing couldn't be worse for Southwest. With President Trump's pro-business, America First agenda creating opportunities for companies that actually serve their customers, Southwest is moving in the opposite direction – toward the kind of corporate arrogance that Americans rejected at the ballot box.
This isn't just about airline seats, folks. It's about whether American companies will listen to their customers or continue down the path of top-down control that has infected everything from Big Tech to mainstream media.
Southwest still has time to reverse course, but they better act fast. In Trump's America, companies that ignore their customers don't stay successful for long.