While probably only a byproduct of our business model....id say the hunter is becoming the hunted.

I don't see SW as the hunter anymore though. They are actually a mostly rational competitor now (by necessity) and the cost gap has narrowed substantially.

We're waging a 3 front domestic war (SW/JB/AS) in numerous markets, not even incuding the ULCC's, and absulutely thriving doing it in every domestic theatre of engagement. And we're not even done building our strengths in NYC, SEA, LAX and BOS.

If we build it.....they will come.

Delta has always had great and dedicated line employees. And now a management that understands how to profitably employ the fleet and has directed the effort to create brand loyalty via a superior product.

The results are evident.

Right. We're running a tight ship, but its also during the absolute easiest time in the history of the industry (including the much ballyhooed regulation era) where the difference between absolute genius and complete incompetent management teams is merely a matter of how many billions in profit you're making ATM.

You could literally pull someone out of a phone book and make them CEO and whisper to them "just sit back, relax, **** and don't touch anything and here's your 8 figure salary" and run a profitable airline in almost every casen in this economic environment. The floor of the performance envelope right now is merely one of less profits but still mad profits in all but the train wreckiest of examples.

As for the product, its good but could be better. Not one jetbridge without awesome air and not one station without adequate tugs and towbars. FC meals need improving IMO and we're not where we need to be WRT reliable connectivity and IFE. More work needs to be done with the boarding process. D-0/door closed early needs to be more balanced than it is.

And short sleeves with ties makes ppl wonder why their plane is being piloted by computer programmers from the 70s.

You had me right up to that short sleevee thing....

This is so true. I think it makes old people feel comfortable though. But this is the least of our problems :D

Hmm. As opposed to long sleeves wth ties?

Or full time coat?

I vote for sweaters. That way we can look like a 1960s kids tv show host.

IF that is the case, why do they increase the dividend amount?

Man you have a really short memory.

It can ALWAYS be better. IROPS for example are better than they were pre merger. The airports are still a fustercluck, and there are ways to improve that. Why they haven't as of yet is anybody's guess.

But to state anybody could mark time is on the ridiculous side of the equation

Oh... and are you in favor of jackets year round again? :)

As the song goes...these are the good old days.

Im my memory nothing comes close to what we are experiencing today. Even in previous up cycle economic times. Operationally, organizationally and personally....this is by far unprecedented.

While i credit much of our success to a dedicated employee group that has finally been empowered and equipped with the necessary tools....i am also certain current mgmt would not view changing paint jobs as a legitimate strategy to address failures to meet performance goals.