How Southwest Airlines Broke The Legacy Carrier Model And Revolutionized The Way Americans Fly

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is one of the most unique carriers to operate in the North American air travel market, and not just because of its high-profile interactions with activist investor Elliott Management. An airline focused almost entirely on connecting travelers with point-to-point flights that are looking for affordable service, Southwest Airlines differs from its principal full-service carriers in a few different ways. The legacy operator has been known for providing extra benefits such as free checked bags, although the airline’s strategy has fundamentally changed in recent years due to the influence that Elliott Management has recently had on the airline. Despite its recent strategic shifts, the airline has had a major impact on the way we fly in the United States today.