If SWA is the future for us, is Ryanair the future for SWA??
 

Just been reading an article in NEWSWEEK regarding Ryaniar and thier way of doing business. Having flown on both Ryanair and Easy jet this summer with wife and kids, it definitly left me thinking where our industry is heading.
The question I ask is, "If SWA and JB are the future, is Ryanair (and to a lesser degree) Easy jet their future"??:confused:
If you haven't rode on either, it is an eye opener to what could be all our futures. Both these carriers sell there product at a very low price (even compared to our LCC's). Both nickel and dime you with baggage allowance and service (Want a Coke?? open your wallet).
I don't know about there work rules, pay or other labor issues, but it would be nice to hear from someone "in the know" how well they are treated and what their expections are regarding days off, pay raises, retirement, etc, etc.
Things are changing, and not for the better (IMHO). If the service trend is mirrored in their labor relations, and they set a trend, then we all are in trouble:(

To DCKOZAK, as an ex-pat flying in Europe for the last decade much has changed for the network carriers left in Europe, much due to EZY, and Ryanair. Most is not good. EZ flies into my home base and they are killing us in the U.K (open skies is great huh?)For the most current and up to date info check out PPRUNE. If my carrier went T/U I would concider EZ but no way jose to Ryanair. At least EZY has a union (BALPA), the Irish national union has been helping the Ryanair guys along thier path to getting some representation, but O'Leary always nips it in the bud. At Ryanair you pay your own hotels on layovers!!! Is that enough. Thats a real quick and dirty, mayber EZ is closer to JBL, but neither is in the league of WN.
Flying behind the iron curtian- Bratko

Bratko,
Thanks for the intel on Easy jet and Ryanair. The reason I posted my message is I think (fear) that these two companies are blazing the trail others here will follow. I'm sure the SWA and JB guys would vigorously disagree, but this "no cost, low cost" model that (Ryanair for sure) and other are emulating is worry some. I wish some Ryanair guys would respond and defend/refute/confirm what you've written. Also it would be good to hear from some LCC guys to hear them challenge my premise.

Suddenly, Age 60 doesn’t seem like such a bitter pill to swallow <g> . . . sad to think I lived through and experienced ‘The Golden Age’ of flying for a living. It’s done . .toast . .God. . I miss the DC-6/7 & Super Connies !

Your reference to meeting at the “F Street” is about the ONLY thing that makes me wish I was still in the game. There is a lot to be said for sleeping all night, every night -in your own bed. Something to look forward to, eh?

Keep humpin the boxes, DK, that retiement check hitting the Credit Union every month is a good thing. Counting on you. MERRY CHRISTMAS !

Just curious but, what is the Super Connie and the "F Street"?

Chris

Super Connie = Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation...

Here's a random website link :) http://www.delta.edu/rmmee/supercon.htm

"F-Street" = a bar and grill in downtown Anchorage...a popular pilot anchorage-layover hangout...

Here's another random web link :D

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...erty_id=403625

Enjoy!

And, yes, I was bored with too much time on my hands when I posted this... :eek:

Oh God!!!

Somebody shoot me . .please . . I have lived way too long <g>

Super Connie as in Lockheed Constellation. F Street as in Anchorage gay bar. If you're in Anchorage, and you want to meet the ladies F Street is NOT the place. Try Humpies, or better yet the Bush Company:D

As a 12 year old youngster, I flew the Super Connie from Paris to New York. To this day I still remember how sleek and beautiful it looked.

The new model
 

Hey there DC, check out this link on EZY
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=196185, or check out this one on Ryanair http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=202548, from there you can surf around and find more as you need or wish. I have heard some rumors that some yanks are getting pulled in to Ryanair, be carefull what you wish for. And don't forget your FAA licenes are good for @##$$%% in the land of the JAA. My company is no cream of the crop but at least they pay for my hotels.

Bratko