Difference between Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines
Among the foremost names in the airline industry are Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines. The two have set themselves apart from all the other airlines by providing a full range of services at reasonable costs and a world-class flight experience by way of its exacting customer service. The two airlines have managed to garner numerous awards for their exemplary service, although like all services, both Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines have weathered their respective share of storms. Let's see which one reigns the skies…
Market Thrust
So successful and profitable is Southwest Airlines’ business model that is has given rise to the term “the Southwest Effect”. This is based on the principle that an innovative and aggressive company may survive and actually even thrive in an unfavorable market. This has been shown repeatedly with the airlines’ managing to double and even quadruple its market during "lean" years. Continental Airlines is driven by its slogan "Work Hard, Fly Right", an ethos that it has proven with its more than 2,400 daily departures and 130 domestic and 132 international flights. As of December 2009, Continental Airlines employed more than 42,200 people.
Awards And Recognition
Both airlines have received numerous awards throughout their years of operation. Southwest Airlines for example has received the American Brand of Excellence for serving the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. Southwest Airlines is also the number three most admired companies in Fortune Magazine’s top ten list, as well as making it into the magazine list of “Best Companies to Work For in the United States. Continental Airlines has own its own share of awards as well, having won Fortune Magazine’s “Most Admired Global Airline” and “Most Admired United States Airline” awards. It was also awarded the “Greenest Airline in the United States” by Greenopia, and the “Most Pet-Friendly Airline” award by PetFinder.org. Reward Programs. Both Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines have made their marks on the industry with reward programs that offer numerous perks and benefits to first time as well as frequent fliers. Southwest Airlines Flash encoder offers what it calls Rapid Rewards, in which customers get one credit for every one-way trip. After accumulating 16 credits within 24 months, the customer is then awarded a free ticket. Various other credits may apply. Continental Airlines for its part offers the OnePass frequent flier program, which offers regular customers free tickets, as well as various upgrade packages and mileage bonuses. Continental Airlines also has a number of frequent flier programs in conjunction with other airlines.
Summary
Southwest Airlines
- Original goal was to make flying less expensive than driving
- Developed a plan throughout keep making a profit even in times of reduced operations
- Awarded the American Brand of Excellence for serving the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses
- Number three in Fortune magazine's Top Ten list of most admired companies
- In Fortune magazine’s top five list of “Best Companies to Work For” in the United States
Continental Airlines
- More than 2,400 departures daily throughout its network
- Caters to more than 130 domestic destinations and more than 130 international destinations
- Employs more than 42,200 people
- Awarded “Most Admired Global Airline” and “Most Admired United States Airline” by Fortune Magazine
- Awarded the “Greenest Airline in the United States” by Greenopia
- Awarded the “Most Pet-Friendly Airline” award by PetFinder.org
