Originally Posted by ClipperJet (Post 1168249)

Is this a story or just attempted SWA bashing? Is there an example of any large-scale merger that went off without a hitch--exactly "as planned"? How about the DAL-NW merger? AA-TWA? UAL-CO? USAir-America West? Oh yeah, PanAm-Delta?

Originally Posted by ful of luv

People claiming SWA bashing in press? Isn't that a sign the end of times is near?

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168225)

Southwest shifting some Atlanta service back to AirTran *| ajc.com

The flights being shifted back to AirTran include service from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Los Angeles, Chicago Midway, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas.

Part of the delay is due to rebranding -- repainting exteriors and redesigning interiors -- of AirTran’s fleet to the Southwest design. The first converted AirTran plane will be available for service this month, with several more expected each month.

Originally Posted by ClipperJet (Post 1168249)

Is this a story or just attempted SWA bashing? Is there an example of any large-scale merger that went off without a hitch--exactly "as planned"? How about the DAL-NW merger? AA-TWA? UAL-CO? USAir-America West? Oh yeah, PanAm-Delta?

Originally Posted by shoelu (Post 1168286)

That's preposterous! Wouldn't someone simply point out that this stuff happens during every merger like you suggested?

Delta-Northwest Merger: Newlyweds Flying in Opposite Directions? - The Middle Seat Terminal - WSJ

Delta-Northwest Merger: Newlyweds Flying in Opposite Directions?

Airlines that merge typically run into operational problems a year or two after the deal closes as they integrate operations: putting computer systems together, for example, and melding maintenance, airport staff and ultimately crews can lead to snafus that inconvenience passengers.
But at Delta Air Lines, an operational slide seems to have started about the time that Delta’s acquisition of Northwest Airlines Corp. was announced.
According to a new Department of Transportation report out Wednesday, Delta was the worst major carrier in on-time performance in November. (The only two airlines of any size worse than Delta were its two regional partners, Comair and Atlantic Southeast.)
Delta and Atlantic Southeast also had the dubious distinction of being the only two airlines with a higher rate of customer complaints filed with the DOT in November than in November 2007. In complaints, Delta was worst among majors.

Back in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the first quarter of 2008, Delta was humming along, ranking No. 1 in on-time performance among the 19 airlines that report to DOT. But in the second quarter of last year, Delta fell to No. 1, then down to No. 1 in the third quarter. In October, Delta ranked No. 1. Then No. 1 in November.

A spokeswoman for Delta says the November on-time rate “was lower than we’d like and was impacted by four days of rain, low ceilings and (air-traffic control) programs.”

Pointing to higher annual results for 2007 and 2008, plus improvements in baggage handling, she said, “Overall, Delta people are delivering excellent results for our customers. Not to mention, our pilots have been ranked the most attractive of the entire industry, which goes to show you over sexed pilots is good for business."

Curiously, the on-time numbers were just the opposite for Northwest. Going back to the fourth quarter of 2007, Northwest was a dismal No. 15 in on-time performance, then No. 2 in both the first- and second- quarters of last year. Once the merger deal was signed, things improved markedly. By the third quarter last year, Northwest was No. 1, then No. 1 in October and No. 1 in November.

"The fact that both have stellar or improving on time performance is due to the fact that the backbone of their fleet was built in Long Beach California and that is the key to making this merger happen." Said Bob... Barker.
Delta notes that Northwest and Delta often face different weather conditions since Northwest flies largely in the northern tier of the country and Delta in the southern tier. Over long periods of time, weather factors typically even out.

On-time performance often reflects how employees feel about their airline and their managers, and how much attention executives are paying to both rallying workers and working towards a smooth operation. The latest DOT numbers suggest Northwest workers rallied with the merger news, but Delta workers perhaps weren’t as happy with the prospects of the combination. That, or Delta management was simply distracted by the task of creating the world’s largest airline company.

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy (Post 1168252)

I recently booked a business trip. While pricing tickets trying to get the best deal, I was frustrated with Southwest because the website wouldn't let me select my departure airport and then choose the destination airport.

Now I know why. I was leaving from a Southwest airfield and trying to fly to an AirTran airfield. I thought perhaps either my computer browser was screwed up, or Southwest's website was having issues. My blood pressure would have been much lower that day had Southwest's website told me this upfront.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168356)

A major point to be taken from this is that people have bent over backwards so WN can have their way is that they now believe that only their way is the right way. What once was a very aggressive and flexible carrier is now an overbloated and spoiled operation.

The way they have treated the FL employees as newhires and told that they are lucky to be offered employment... as well as the fact that they are sticking to using their less adaptive and outdated IT systems strongly illustrate this.

Originally Posted by KC10 FATboy (Post 1168252)

I recently booked a business trip. While pricing tickets trying to get the best deal, I was frustrated with Southwest because the website wouldn't let me select my departure airport and then choose the destination airport.

Now I know why. I was leaving from a Southwest airfield and trying to fly to an AirTran airfield. I thought perhaps either my computer browser was screwed up, or Southwest's website was having issues. My blood pressure would have been much lower that day had Southwest's website told me this upfront.

Originally Posted by DelDah Capt (Post 1168281)

I foresee a nice big Pizza party being thrown for the Atlanta Constitution-Journal's Business section writers in the very near future..........;)

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168356)

... as well as the fact that they are sticking to using their less adaptive and outdated IT systems strongly illustrate this.

Originally Posted by shoelu (Post 1168463)

You couldn't be more wrong. Most of the problems stem from the current reservation system that is being actively dumped for a modern system to handle the new operation. You have to remember we don't codeshare in the manner that most airlines do. We don't outsource our flying the way many others do so the system is simply not set up to sell anything but Southwest flights. You can book a limited number of Volaris destinations through southwest.com, but you are still issued a separate Volaris ticket. Rather than attempt to revamp the current system, it is being replaced with a newer more modern system to serve these needs.

“We’ve got a reservation system that is unique for us,” Kelly said. “It’s worked very, very well for four decades, and now it’s time for us to prepare ourselves for international.”
Building a new reservation system is one of four major initiatives underway at the airline. Kelly said Southwest’s top priority is the pending $1.4 billion acquisition of AirTran Holdings Inc., a deal expected to close in the second quarter. “We need to make sure that we get that integration work under way, and then we’ll prioritize where the new reservation system fits into that,” Kelly said.

Originally Posted by forgot to bid (Post 1168554)

quick question, is assigned seating required or not for international?

people have said it is but others swear it's not.

anybody know? is that the hang up?

Originally Posted by scambo1 (Post 1168559)

I have also heard that assigned seating is required for int'l. I dont know if it is or not.

I know positive bag match is required for international and the assigned seat may be the system used for positive bag match.

Originally Posted by FIIGMO (Post 1168581)

Better let AT handle the bags! They do fly free on SWA but seem to go by taxi or boat or something just not on the flight, too spensive!:D

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168612)

I see your charts, shoelu, and raise you this (along with the pile of flights that you can't codeshare):

Originally Posted by shoelu (Post 1168613)

I think you are missing the point 80, I'm ecstatic we can't codeshare, you should look into it.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168614)

can't codeshare.... with who you're merging (merged...) with? I think you're missing the point.

Originally Posted by shoelu (Post 1168618)

Yes, that's right we don't know how to codeshare. Even when we attempt to provide a seamless transition to the recently acquired subsidiary we are behind the power curve concerning tying up our networks. The alternative is being so familiar with selling another airlines code that it is an easy transition. From my perspective I would rather learn a new skill than be intimately familiar with outsourcing our flying. Maybe your airline is ultimately better ready to handle another merger, but I am quite happy we are in the dark about the intricacies of selling another airlines code. As for now we will simply have to endure all our profits going to the coffers of one or the other airlines currently owned by Southwest.

Originally Posted by FedElta (Post 1168659)

Hey 80.......much as it pains me,.......point to shoelu.....but, well fought ! :D

Regards,
BG

Originally Posted by ExAF (Post 1168702)

+1...NOBODY at DAL has any room to tout their IT prowess.

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168612)

I see your charts, shoelu, and raise you this (along with the pile of flights that you can't codeshare... and that yall are still way down in the pack regardless of what chart you choose):

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168612)

I see your charts, shoelu, and raise you this (along with the pile of flights that you can't codeshare... and that yall are still way down in the pack regardless of what chart you choose):

Originally Posted by shoelu (Post 1168609)

I guess indeed it is all relative. We are definitely not by any stretch of the imagination leading the pack, but considering the fact that we do not charge for checked baggage you have to agree we probably carry more checked bags per passenger as compared to carry ons versus airlines that charge for checked bags.

Analyzing Data about Lost Baggage: It’s All Relative (Frequency) Monday, August 29, 2011 by Patrick Runkel

Notice the larger airlines now fare much better. For example, US Airways was in the bottom 5 for mishandled baggage based solely on frequency counts (top chart). But taking into account passenger volume (bottom chart) it’s now in the top 5, with one of the lowest rates of mishandled baggage for the month.You might think it’s an obvious point, yet misleading charts of frequency counts are very common in newspapers and magazines, especially in the ubiquitous “top 10” and “top 5” lists.


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Originally Posted by FIIGMO (Post 1168729)

Shoe,

When SWA drops all the bag fees from AT that are so good for the bottom line (hence the double standard) we can have an apples to apples comparison. SWA cant spin this one the right way unless Clark Howard is still in the other bathroom stall next to Kelly.:D

Originally Posted by DAWGS (Post 1168726)

I have never flown on Southwest. Is that normal? Yikes. They definitely aren't catering to the business traveler. I don't know who they are trying to attract with that rendition. Howling dogs come to mind....I was actually waiting for the hecklers.

As far as DL IT, I think they have come a long way since pre-merger. It is sad we codeshare with ease, however IT alone couldn't achieve success in our merger without all departments. Everyone did a great job, most especially flight ops. :D

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168612)

I see your charts, shoelu, and raise you this (along with the pile of flights that you can't codeshare... and that yall are still way down in the pack regardless of what chart you choose):

Originally Posted by 80ktsClamp (Post 1168225)

Southwest shifting some Atlanta service back to AirTran *| ajc.com

By Kelly Yamanouchi
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Southwest Airlines’ transition of AirTran Airways flights into Southwest service hasn't been all smooth sailing since the merger last year.

The gradual conversion of AirTran's large Atlanta operation is bringing Southwest some unusual challenges and in the latest round of ongoing flight changes, the airline is temporarily shifting some Southwest flights in Atlanta back to AirTran service.

The flights being shifted back to AirTran include service from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport to Los Angeles, Chicago Midway, Phoenix, Denver and Las Vegas.

Part of the delay is due to rebranding -- repainting exteriors and redesigning interiors -- of AirTran’s fleet to the Southwest design. The first converted AirTran plane will be available for service this month, with several more expected each month.

And the carrier still lacks the capability to connect travelers between AirTran and Southwest flights, limiting its ability to fill Southwest flights with AirTran customers. and vice versa. Though the carriers had hoped to have connection capability by the first quarter of this year, it is now not expected until 2013.

Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said the company is "looking at the networks and trying to offer the best possible schedule for each. In some cases, until we get to a point a little bit further down the road, it makes sense to transfer some of that flying from Southwest to AirTran."

All told, Southwest will operate 30 flights from Atlanta this fall, while AirTran will operate 163.

"It's just a terrible dilemma they find themselves in after not coming to grips with that IT [information technology] problem," said Port Washington, N.Y.-based airline consultant Bob Mann. "I would think that's just got to be a critically important issue to solve right now."

In markets outside of AirTran's main hub in Atlanta, Southwest's takeover of AirTran routes is proceeding as planned, as Southwest gradually converts more AirTran planes.

"It sounds to me like they're just doing what they can with the limitations," Mann said.

Complicating the situation further isAirTran’s hub in Atlanta, which allows it to fill many of its flights with connecting passengers. Southwest, which is more of a point-to-point carrier, eventually plans to dismantle the hub, which will require an entirely different business model once Southwest's transition is complete. .

Mainz said AirTran has "a very large and smooth running operation in Atlanta and that will continue to be important throughout this integration. For the foreseeable future, AirTran will have a significant presence in Atlanta."

Originally Posted by paxhauler85 (Post 1168748)

You're right, I'd rather have a crabby old ***** walk by once, offer me 2 oz of coke and spend the rest of the flight sitting in the last row eating a first class meal and reading magazines.

Suddenly, singing seems like a small price to pay for proper in-flight service.

Originally Posted by ExAF (Post 1168702)

+1...NOBODY at DAL has any room to tout their IT prowess.