Idea: Southwest Airlines for points

Description

The project could involve creating a mobile app or web platform that allows users to earn and redeem points for travel through partnerships with local businesses. Users could accumulate points by shopping at participating retailers, dining at local restaurants, or engaging in various activities. The app would feature a simple user interface that tracks point accumulation, provides rewards opportunities for flight bookings with Southwest Airlines, and includes information on eligible partners. A Minimum Viable Product (MVP) could focus on forming partnerships with a handful of local businesses to demonstrate the concept and gather user feedback.

Ratings

• Business: 4
• Learning: 5
• SideProject: 3

Rating Descriptions

Business: There is potential for this idea to become a viable business by tapping into the loyalty and reward systems of consumers. Collaborating with local businesses could create a community-driven ecosystem that attracts users looking to earn travel rewards, especially with a popular airline like Southwest. However, competing against established loyalty programs is a challenge.

Learning: This project offers immense learning opportunities in building partnerships, understanding customer engagement, and creating a rewards system. Technical skills can be enhanced while building the app, and business acumen will be put to the test when handling negotiations and user acquisition strategies.

SideProject: While creating an MVP is feasible in a week, coordinating partnerships and establishing a functioning points system is complex and may require more time. Therefore, while it can start as a side project, scalability and logistical execution could be challenging in the beginning.