Av8r4aa,

I'm approaching my 19th year as an FAA Air Traffic Controller with the FAA. After having worked at five different FAA Facilities, I must say that SWA is THE BEST. There. I said it. Come get me. Flame away.

From a consumer standpoint AND from an Air Traffic Control standpoint, SWA is THE BEST.

The glory days of flying are over. Yea, sure... SWA operates a "cattle call" as some like to refer to their boarding process, but I have always arrived at my destination with cash in my pocket and ON TIME to boot. If you want to be treated like a King, when you are merely another CEO wannabe, then go pay for the $1,500 First Class Ticket to stroke your ego. As for me, I'll take a friendly flight crew, jovial cabin crew, and an on-time performance that ROCKS!

You wrote the following: Every year SWA goes to each and every ATC facility across the country. There is a lavish party thrown complete with massive amounts af alcohol , free tickets, drawings for many free items. Such as very expensive gift certificates and flat screen televisions, just to name a few.


Try as I might, I am unable to recall ever being invited to a SWA party. I've worked at three facilities where SWA operates, and I have NEVER seen a "lavish party" thrown by SWA in an effort to gain influence within the ATC system. Expensive gift certificates? Flat screen TV's? Give me a break! If you have evidence of this happening, then I challenge you to contact the FAA OIG and file your complaint.

You want to know why YOU sat on the taxiway and waited to depart? I'll tell you: SWA hustles. SWA is motivated. SWA will hit a gap when we need them to. SWA is ready when they round the corner. SWA never has to wait for numbers. SWA will fly slow on request. SWA will fly fast on request. SWA will change runways on request. SWA will call the traffic in sight and is willing to follow. SWA will make an s-turn without complaining. SWA says "nice job" and "thanks for your help". I could launch three SWA departures between YOUR two company arrivals because SWA ROCKS! SWA has never taken goverment bail-out money.

I know... here it comes... your gonna say that SWA is unsafe. I'm not a pilot, so I can't vouche for what goes on in the cockpit, but I can say that from a consumer and ATC standpoint... SWA ROCKS! I've never seen an unsafe act with SWA.

You sat on the taxiway because your attitude came through on the frequency. ATC knew that you would not hit the gap. ATC knew that you were not motivated. ATC knew that you would sit on the runway and possibly cause a go-around situation. ATC knew that you would climb out at some godawful rate that would slow down the entire departure push. ATC knew that you were a disgruntled employee who was unwilling or unable to perform because of your jealous attitude towards SWA.

AAL pilots call all the time to complain about SWA, but you know what? SWA wins the tie-breaker every time. It's a tie at the runway for departures? SWA goes first because there won't be a go-around. XXX and SWA on opposing downwinds? SWA will get a base turn first every time because they are MAKING MONEY and MOVING PEOPLE. XXX and SWA call for a clearance at the same time? SWA will get the clearance first, because I will not have to read the clearance three times to the flight attendent for future issuance to the Captain.

First come, first serve? You betcha. But you better be ready to go, and you better be ready to hustle.

MEM_ATC