Are there any legacy SWA guys out there who can share with us what it was like in the early days of SWA? I'm sure it was a real challenge. It seems a lot of folks do not understand what you went through to survive. Could you share with us some of the challenges you went through and how you made it successful.

 

Legacy SWA?....not.

 

Contrail,

I believe shooting star used the small caps version of legacy. Please help us understand your "not" comment as it relates to the question he inquired about. Another question which few seem to want answer is what is a legacy airline anyway. I have a definition of what legacy means but it does not include those who have been through BK. The legacy that remains is far from admirable.

 

I believe he meant "legacy" to mean the pilots that have been there awhile.
Also, never was a big fan of the terms "legacy" "major",etc.

 

Short Bus you hit the nail on the head...I'm talking about Gentlemen who were there in the beginning or shortly thereafter that know first hand how they built the company..."ten minute turns", selling one of the four airplanes to meet payroll. The Wright amendment with all of its restrictions...you get the point. Were there doomsday folks abounding or did everybody just get to work.

 

Legacy SWA...not...I saw the retirement numbers for SWA and they are low...probably the lowest...seems like a young pilot group considering all the others...looked like after about 5 years or so the numbers I saw had no retirements at all....legacy SWA...not..

 

Ouch! Nice shot. I believe a "Legacy" means an airline that has been around for 75 years or so and not just a few decades.

 

The legacy title is irrelevant. It has obviously less to do with success then longevity in your mind. Not sure of your beef with terminology pertaining to the question that was asked, but since you opened the door;

'Legacy' Pilots Active
AA 9100 (tough fight with management)
Cont 4960
DAL 7140
NW 4625 (not happy guys by the way)
UAL 8300
USA 5028 (totally out of control)

'Legacy' Aircraft
AA 699
Cont 368
DAL 452
NW 391
UAL 460
USA 367

SWA has 5600 (#4) active pilots and 502+ aircraft (#2) AND the cherry on top is that they are making money while paying their pilots very well.
In case you missed the main point while thinking Legacy, I'll repeat it,... "making money".
If your definition of Legacy is the amount of time that a single name has been able to acquire other airlines, assimilate them with government subsidies without any reference to profitability, then Legacy is fine.
The guys at SW may not be Legacy in alot of eyes. That's fine 'cuz they wouldn't be in very good company.

Now FEDEX and UPS, you guys rock even though you don't have the Legacy title.

Now back to Shootinstr's question....

 

I think that "Legacy" as it refers to airline companies, means companies that existed prior to the beginning of deregulation.

 

That is as good as any. However, you do realize that SWA started in 1971. Deregulation was in 1978.