It was the decision that shocked the world, and left thousands of people wishing they could go back to the way things were.
That’s an accurate description for two inexplainable and appalling decisions that have rocked the internet so far in 2025. First being the Dallas Mavericks trading their 25-year-old superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. When the news broke back in February, NBA fans and the world at large were stunned by the trade. I’d be willing to bet that people had never asked, “Is the internet fooling me here?” more than they did when the trade was made official.
The Dallas Mavericks (specifically their general manager Nico Harrison) haven’t heard the end of it since the trade went down, and likely never will.
Then came the recent announcement from Southwest Airlines. The semi-budget airline has always been unique among its competitors for offering low-cost fares, free checked bags and open seating, where customers are able to pick any seat that’s available when they board based on their assigned boarding positions.
The airline has become insanely popular over the past few years for being a cheaper alternative to some of the other big brands, all while still offering the same quality of service and better perks. And that’s all coming to an end sooner rather than later, as Southwest announced last year that they’d be doing away with open seating, and then earlier this week made it known that they’d be axing their signature “two bags fly free” deal… all with the aim and motivation of nickel-and-diming their customers.
Southwest Airlines told customers not to panic though, because they’d still be offering their “two bags fly free” perk to their A-List Preferred customers. Translation: the perk that used to go to everyone now only applies to people that pay extra. So they are basically just like every other airline now.
And they tried to make a joke online that didn’t go over well:
“It’s not like we traded Luka. We’ve made updates to our bag policy and you’re still going to love flying with us. What hasn’t changed? Our Southwest Hospitality that you all know and love.”
None of us loved the “Southwest Hospitality.” We loved being able to pick seats (without paying extra for them) and getting to fly with two bags at no additional cost.
I’m not sure what Southwest Airlines was thinking with this one. Making a joke comparing one of the worst trades in NBA history to what you just did to your loyal customer base? That’s a bold strategy Cotton, and it certainly didn’t pay off… it just made people even more upset, and they shared their frustrations in the comment section:
“This is way worse than trading Luka. This is literally giving the biggest middle finger to your customers. There will be case studies for decades on how southwest ruined their entire business overnight.”
“This kinda feels like gaslighting.”
“If I could dislike a post it would be this one. I am very disappointed to see the free bags go away. That was the main reason I was willing to pay more for a flight. Flights are no longer cheap and having to pay for a bag will have me looking into other airlines.”
“This is such a tone deaf post on the heels of destroying your brand identity and alienating your loyal customers.”
“Y’all really missed the mark here… even with your humor.”
“‘Free checked bags and open seating isn’t a part of our DNA.’ Ironic, because that’s what y’all were founded on. ‘We need to be more profitable’ says the company who profited 435 million last year alone.”
“Read the room social team. This ain’t it.”
Read the room, indeed…
The post Southwest Airlines Try To Make A Luka Doncic Joke Amid Bag Fee Outrage, & Shocker… It Didn’t Land At All first appeared on Whiskey Riff.