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[Saba Sports News] Southwest Airlines is attempting to deflect from its own PR disaster by pointing to an even bigger one.
The airline sparked backlash this week by announcing the end of its long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags per passenger.
Once a major selling point for Southwest, the airline is now scrapping the perk and will begin charging for checked luggage—unless customers are part of their higher-tier service levels.
Facing public outrage, Southwest took to Instagram on Thursday and delivered a bold comparison to the Dallas Mavericks’ widely criticized trade of Luka Doncic. “It’s not like we traded Luka,” the airline’s post read.
The jab may not have been entirely random—Southwest’s rival, American Airlines, holds the naming rights to the Mavericks’ home arena, American Airlines Center.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ decision to send their five-time All-Star to the Los Angeles Lakers remains deeply unpopular among fans, with many still voicing their discontent. Even minority owner Mark Cuban, who wasn’t consulted on the trade, recently spoke out against it.
As for Southwest, using an NBA trade to divert attention from its own unpopular policy changes—including the recent elimination of open seating—isn’t exactly winning over frustrated customers.