Gang up on little Southwest? What is the Wright Amendment still around for anyway, is DFW still struggling after 30 years? Is the airport authority afraid Lufthansa will move to Love if it is repealed? "Ach, Hans- das ist a ferry, ferry, short runway for der 340, ja?" To whose benefit does it work? Southwest's -nope. DFW Airport's- definately. AA's-probably so.

and

Lower service- my butt! First Class in American- beg for a drink, be ignored. I know, it was me. Northwest Airlines- Obviously senior F/A, one trip through the cabin and sat down in a coach seat and read the newspaper for the rest of the trip. Again, I was there.

vs.

Southwest- you want more coffee? If it's safe to be up and walking- Southwest's flight attendants are up and working with a smile. Always. About the only legacy carrier I've flown that has had decent service lately is Delta- and it is obvious their cabin crew is struggling with what they've got to work with resource wise; but at least they are pleasant and making an effort.

Finally- Scumball airlines. I like that. I guess, if I fly them, I must be a scumball too. Hmm, nobody at Southwest has every intimated I'm a scumball, either anonomously or otherwise. By your screen name I take it you fly for AA- next time I fly and I have choice it won't be American. And if you think I'm picking on legacy carriers, I'm not. I'm happy to fly UA, DL, WN, or any other airline when the shoe fits. As a matter of fact, I'm trying not to fly at all. With the TSA, surly employees, ticket change fees, and everything else, I drive when I can.

Gotta run- doing the 7 hour ride to Atlanta tomorrow. Gotta pick somebody up at the Hartsfield airport and then go to work!

 

I was reffering to lower service in the industry in General. It has even changed alot in the last decade. The legacy carriers 10-20 years ago offered top notch service, it was a real experiance flying. But that was back before all this insanly low ticket prices. The low ticket prices have driven down the quality and level of service. Which includes the legacy carriers, there service is crap now because they have to cut their fares to keep up with these no-frills low cost carriers. Ticket prices keep going down, while costs keep going up. Which results in employee pay cuts and reduced service.

 

That's certainly true. But that tells you where the market is. I flew when the flying was good; I don't know if the memories are a good thing or not! And Delta and USAirways took care of me. My clients were paying the airfare. I was flying Delta so much I purchased small Christmas gifts for three counter/gate agents at my airport for three years in a row to show my appreciation for their great service. I saw them 2-3 times a week almost every week.

Realistically, can I expect a $5-$10-$15-$20 meal when my ticket one way is $98? No. I understand a lot of people still do and that's a hard perception to change. Southwest never offered it-so you know what you are getting. AirTran, their business class is pretty good- not up to Delta's domestic first class, but good. AirTran's seats leave A LOT to be desired though.

It bothers me when anybody thinks or acts like they are doing me a favor by letting me fly on their airplane- it's a business transaction- pure and simple. I expect, for my money, to get to my destination on time and safely. All within the weather, equipment, or other prevailing conditions. And I expect decent service. So what is service? Honesty and attention with a smile. Not having to feel like you are bothering the flight attendants. It's that simple; for me anyway. And all too lacking at a lot of places, trust me.