Any projected/suspected changes (additions or removals) to the existing 11 pilot bases? Long term WN hopeful just curious what possible changes those of you currently in the thick of it may see coming.

 

We’ve never closed a base so one disappearing isn’t likely. Also very conservative on adding bases (which is probably a good reason why one has never closed down). So I’d guess it’ll be awhile for a new base....or not. They don’t tell us.

 

There are always rumors of new bases but there are very few rumors of closing bases.

Latest rumored future base locations I’ve heard about were LAX (came true), STL, MCI, and FLL.

I would speculate the possibility of small domiciles in the future.

 

SMF for sure is what I’ve been told.

*I started this rumor.


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I rode the jump seat yesterday and the Captain said he heard STL is off the table. Growth is not there. He mentioned BNA. With all the new construction. But remember, believing a rumor from a pilot is the same as taking investment advice from a pilot. You will probably be let down with both. Now when does the B787 show up on property??


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That's unfortunate if true. There are many in the STL community who would LOVE to see a Southwest HUB.

 

Interesting considering how many gates we are getting there.

 

I highly doubt that that Captain had anymore idea what the next domicile will be than any other pilot. I personally think that STL has just as good a chance of becoming the next domicile as BNA. Did you ask that Captain if he was a BNA commuter?

 

Pilots are so full of $hit when they talk about base rumors. I highly doubt Mr Nashville had any better intel than anyone else on the line.

The facts:
LA is growing to over 500 pilots by the end of the year. So far the growth there has been steady and drawing from mainly western bases. It is starting to go junior.
STL and BNA are and always will be rumored bases because they are mega stations without a base. The people who decide such things don’t post on these forums. BNA was all ready for a big base opening celebration a few years ago and it turns out that our illustrious leader is a budding musician and just wanted to have a rally at the Ryman because he thought it was cool. When asked about a base opening at the event, he tilted his head like a Labrador and shrugged his shoulders.

If anything, I would look for satellite bases and/or mini domiciles to become a thing. It saves the company money and doesn’t require the infrastructure footprint of a brick and mortar domicile. Of course, there is that pesky contract to contend with.

I am glad that swa takes base openings seriously and doesn’t just do it on a whim. The last thing anyone here wants is them to start opening and closing bases as a short term solution. 11 bases is a lot. I would rather them just grow what we have.

 

Understood completely - just curious if everyone’s brand of grunt byproduct smelled the same or different! All kidding aside, thanks to all for weighing in - this is/has been helpful and it sounds like SWA manages bases well (no closures is impressive).