Originally Posted by alfaromeo

It is really quite unbelievable that SWAPA would think that a straight staple was a good deal for the Frontier pilots. (by the way, a relative seniority integration proposed by FAPA was equally outrageous). Southwest is a good company but has to adapt. That is not my theory, that is from Gary Kelly the CEO.

Right now SWAPA feels that their careers are so fabulous that just about everyone should be happy just to stand in their shadow. Look back at Delta in late 90's when they were hiring 1000 pilots in a year, had pay 40-50% above Southwest and seemed unstoppable. What a difference a few years make.

Southwest no longer enjoys a cost advantage in relation to other LCC's and even to some major carriers (like Delta now). You employees are getting older on average and they will cost more. Most of the easy markets are tapped out and Southwest can't grow like they used to. I think they are shrinking now.

I say this not to bash on Southwest or the pilots, but the arrogance shown on this board and by your union was pretty shocking. You may feel like you own the world now, but you should always be careful at buying your own hype too much. I think Gen. George Patton said it best:

"For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."