Southwest troubles
08-29-2009 | 09:58 AM
#21
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From: B-737 FO
It doesn't flippin' matter that loads are high when the ticket prices are so damn low!! The company would rather lose less money then more. An empty seat at push time is lost revenue, whether it's a $499 fare or $49. $49 is still better then ZERO.
Patch
Patch
08-29-2009 | 09:59 AM
#22
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From: In the bunk
I thought the RNP training was going to offset the reduction, but I am being forced to due the RNP training plus my entire line because it's a special event and doesn't fall under SL16. I'm a QOL person, not max pay.
08-29-2009 | 10:10 AM
#23
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From: B-737 FO
I didn't know that. I try to keep up with what's going on as much as I can - been on Mil Leave since July of last year. I thought you would be able to drop a trip for RNP training. That's kind of a screw job - work a bunch of 19.5/26 tfp 3/4 day trips and then have to do that in the middle. Well, you know the Capts won't have any problem with QOL because there will always be a Lance ready to pick up there 19.5 three day extravaganza to Harlingen with 10 jet swaps...
Patch
Spot on
08-29-2009 | 01:08 PM
#25
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When a airline resorts to this type of pricing it normally means they are in the final stages of going out of business. It does not generate more revenue for the airline. It trains the customer to wait for the last minute great deal and reduces overall revenue in the future. Its happened many times and airline managements are well aware of it. Try and buy a last minute ticket on SWA or JetBlue. You wont find to many incredible deals if any. I often purchase tickets and certainly don't get those kind of deals. Last Jet Blue ticket I bought was 4 hours before the flight. 289 dollars one way for a 500 mile flight. Aircraft had about 20 empty seats at push.
08-29-2009 | 03:41 PM
#26
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From: B-737 FO
When a airline resorts to this type of pricing it normally means they are in the final stages of going out of business. It does not generate more revenue for the airline. It trains the customer to wait for the last minute great deal and reduces overall revenue in the future. Its happened many times and airline managements are well aware of it. Try and buy a last minute ticket on SWA or JetBlue. You wont find to many incredible deals if any. I often purchase tickets and certainly don't get those kind of deals. Last Jet Blue ticket I bought was 4 hours before the flight. 289 dollars one way for a 500 mile flight. Aircraft had about 20 empty seats at push.
I can easily see your point that ailing companies would resort to that pricing plan, but I don't see any reason why strong companies wouldn't/shouldn't do the same. The key is obviously research research and more research by the egg heads to squeeze the most revenue for every seat - Easier said then done. With people extremely cost conscience, it's not surprising that people will choose the airline where the cost of a seat is $1 less then another - So much for brand loyalty. With that in mind, I wonder how long SWA will stay with the 'Bags Fly for Free' position. I'm sure the eggheads back in Dallas are always researching whether or not they should change course on that decision.
Patch
08-29-2009 | 03:43 PM
#27
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From: Legacy FO
My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who heard Southwest was declaring bankruptcy tomorrow. I guess it's pretty serious.
08-29-2009 | 04:18 PM
#28
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From: B-737 FO
08-29-2009 | 05:55 PM
#29
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If there were one single airline to bet will have continued success it is SouthWest. I don't work for southwest but if you want job security then there is no better place to work in this industry. I have been hearing for 25 years how Southwest is on the verge of failure. They have failed themselves into being the largest domestic airline in the US with a balance sheet unmatched by any other airline.
08-29-2009 | 07:06 PM
#30
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: B-737
When I was training for the KC-135E at the AMR schoolhouse many years ago (early 90's), I remember seeing posted on the wall the cost of flying one hundred extra pounds as determined by the fuel burn and the push by management (I assume), to be aware of the cost of extra weight. I agree with what I 'm sure will be the rebuttal here, but I simply wanted to bring this up as it has stayed with me for some 18 or so years now. Any AMR guys on here may be able to confirm this?
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