Southwest Airlines Co. is flying high once again when it comes to brand recognition, according to a survey by American City Business Journals Inc., Charlotte-based parent company of the Pittsburgh Business Times.
ACBJ surveyed owners and top executives at small and midsized companies across the nation on their thoughts about a brand’s leadership, relevance, differentiation, value, momentum, ethics and customer service.
The survey looked at 272 brands across six categories — business services, finance and insurance, retail, technology, travel, and telecommunications.
Dallas-based Southwest (NYSE:LUV) took the No. 1 spot for the second consecutive year.
Godfrey Phillips, vice president for research at ACBJ, says the airline ranks No. 1 for several reasons: “One, it’s a value brand, which is critical; two, it was built by an entrepreneur and has an entrepreneurial attitude; and three, they don’t nickel-and-dime you.”
So much for your factual assessment.