Southwest Airlines Basing Travel on Places Like Disney World
Travel restrictions in place due to the Coronavirus have been a source of confusion in recent weeks. Major airline companies such as Southwest Airlines have had to adapt to the current travel climate. Now, many are wondering when regular travel can resume.
We’ve introduced a foundational new cleaning method, with your Safety in mind. #SouthwestHeartStrong pic.twitter.com/uL3lQgkrKL
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 22, 2020
A recent interview that the CEO of Southwest Airlines conducted with CNBC gives insight into what this decision includes. As reported by USA Today, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly stated that the general public will not be traveling without a destination to travel to.
“They need to have something to be able to do when they get there. So Disney World needs to open back up. Restaurants need to open back up.” He stated to CNBC. This statement comes during a month when the airline has reportedly only filled 6% of their seats.
There was one Customer on this flight yesterday. That Customer was a pulmonary critical care doctor who volunteered to travel to the west coast to help treat coronavirus patients.
This is why we fly. To all healthcare workers: thank you. 👏 👏 #WorldHealthDay (📸 Robert M.) https://t.co/xKnqvcWZwK pic.twitter.com/Q6UUNq2XCq
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 7, 2020
Southwest Airlines has been active on social media during the pandemic, to keep their customers updated. A pinned tweet from March 4th provides a link to current Coronavirus information from the company:
We’ve created a resource for Customers to find the most updated travel information on COVID-19: https://t.co/HeN84YXsmw pic.twitter.com/QbBr2dUX4V
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) March 5, 2020
Southwest Airlines CEO Values Customer Comfort and Safety
Kelly shared that the travel industry, along with the federal government, has a major role to play in opening the country again. “We’ll need to disinfect our airports and our airplanes and our customers will need to know what we’re doing and they’ll need to feel comfortable with that.”
In alignment with a recent decision from Jet Blue, the CEO expressed consideration for universal mask-wearing on all Southwest flights. This announcement was made during a conference call earlier this week, however, an official decision has not been made. For now, masks are encouraged for passengers but not required.
Photo Credit: USAToday.com, Southwest Airlines
It is unknown what the future of public transportation entails. What is evident, is that companies like Southwest Airlines are making safety and health a priority. The company is currently encouraging donations to charitable organizations in exchange for Rapid Rewards points. Visit Southwest.com for more information.
Photo Credit: Southwest.com
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