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Southwest Airlines Huge Devaluation, Ending Daylight Savings & Universal's Epic Year

Mar 10, 2025

Travel expert Joe Cheung dives into the recent shocking devaluation of Southwest Airlines' Rapid Rewards points. He discusses the frustration among loyal customers as Southwest shifts away from its budget-friendly roots, leading to questions about corporate identity in the airline industry. The hosts also debate the relevance of Daylight Saving Time and its cultural impacts. Finally, Joe offers insights into Universal's ambitious plans for Epic Universe, contrasting this with Disney's recent setbacks and strategizing for an exciting park experience.

43:59

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Episode guests

Joe Cheung

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The recent devaluation of Southwest Airlines' reward program has left loyal customers frustrated and questioning their loyalty to the brand.

The anticipation surrounding Universal's Epic Universe highlights a significant shift in theme park dynamics, as they invest in new experiences while Disney faces challenges.

Deep dives

The Impact of Daylight Savings Time

Daylight savings time creates significant confusion and frustration, especially for families with children. Many individuals experience difficulties adjusting their schedules when the clocks change, leading to feelings of tiredness and irritability. For example, the hosts discuss how their experience with daylight savings affects their morning routines, particularly with getting their kids ready for school. There's also a conversation about the potential benefits of eliminating this time change altogether, considering the impact it has on daily life.

Intro

3min

Time Changes and Their Impact

5min

The Decline of Southwest Airlines' Loyalty Program

19min

The Battle of Theme Parks: Disney vs. Universal

5min

Navigating Universal's Theme Park Offerings

6min

Exploring New Attractions Amidst Franchise Fatigue

2min

Exploring Amusement Park Innovations and Cultural Trends

4min

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Episode Description

On this episode of MTM Travel Shawn and Mark are joined by Joe Cheung to discuss the recent Southwest Airlines devaluation that was a shock to everyone. What has Southwest changed and what does it mean for loyal Southwest fliers? Is this the death of uniqueness in corporate America and will Southwest be worth flying after these changes?

We also discuss Daylight Saving Time and its effect on everyone as we debate eliminating it. Finally we finish with a preview of Epic Universe in Orlando, why you might want to visit and why Universal is making big moves at a time when Disney is cutting back.

Episode Guide

0:00 Welcome to MTM Travel
2:34 Daylight Saving debate & urban myths
8:05 Southwest’s massive no-notice devaluation
18:37 Is Wall Street killing unique brands like Southwest?
27:30 Epic Universe is coming - Will Universal finally beat Disney?
31:40 Universal strategy with new park, free Express Passes & staying on property
41:17 Baymax Happy Ride

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Music: Rewind by Jay Someday | https://soundcloud.com/jaysomeday Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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