Originally Posted by dracir1

We are the lone ULCC. To me, back in late 2013 when Indigo bought F9, I thought they had a model similar to SWA in mind (w/ a twist). Low prices, tons of seats and querky/unique customer service that a segment of the population would enjoy. Lots of destinations focused on somewhat regional airline flying type of shorter trips focused on strictly those most profitable point to point destinations. TBH, (hindsight being 20/20), this would've been the SMARTEST plan.

Over the years, F9 transitioned into a strict ULCC - namely in poor customer service. EVERY thing was cheap, down to the cost of the aircraft lease, baggage handling crews and outsourcing of gate agents. This was MOST similar to NK in the lack of regard for the customer AND type of flying (more large base to base). Up until three years ago, NK was our closest peer. Now, IMHO, NK is barely an airline. It's unfortunate but true.

If you saw Burger King going out of business, would you say "Ah man, they ARE just like McDonald's" or would you say "Ah man, they WERE just like McDonalds?"

My answer to the mediator would be "We fly A320/21s with 240 seats from NYC to LAX, SJU to LGA and ATL to SFO. We fly around more people than some UA/AA/DL widebodies. We're a national airline w/ long haul and short haul capabilities and routes. If anything, our peer group is any 73/321 domestic only flyer who has the ability to carry 240 pax." This would be my justification for using their 76/330 pay rates as a STARTING place.



I think we are similar in that regard. I have yet to determine if that's a benefit or a detriment (sounds like more of the latter from your take).