jayme

I thought by adding my text in a different color and size, it would be pretty clear that I had made the change. Do you really think I was trying to be sneaky?

I don't believe that SWA pilots did have anything to lose in the deal. If they voted NO, what negative repercussions did you anticipate? The only threat from your CEO was against the FL pilots. Remember, the one where he said he'd dismantle AirTran, and all those pilots would lose their jobs? And SWA pilots would gain all the seniority and upgrades?

I'm glad all the uncertainty is over, but you SWA guys acting like FL pilots were done a favor are really coming off like arrogant jerks. They voted yes because they were forced to. You voted yes because you wanted to.

jayme

The AT guys were pressured to vote that way.

forgot to bid

It's good but not as good as it could have been. By not putting 717 pilots on pay parity and instead keeping it at FL rates does not help our cause. Our hope was to point and say, SWA is paying DC9-30 pilots more than we pay our 747 pilots.

And let's be honest, replacing FL with SWA is something both companies have no problem with. The fewer airlines to compete against the better, especially when the replacement has higher costs to cover. It's a good thing for Delta. Not to mention competition, especially a loud one like SWA, will force Delta to do somethings people have been begging them to do for years. Notice fewer RJ's in ATL recently?

It's still very good though. It's been really a good thing since it was announced but we did have to throw the yellow flag personal foul on the SLI. But FL pilots get the final say. As my FL 737 buddy said:

It's bad but we really have little choice but to vote for our job.

^^^^ I guess they should've waited to put that on the trucks on the 71st year since making ATL home?

As to Clark Howard. He flies on Delta. Had him on my flight. I heard once that United told their pilots to mention when they were early because passengers don't realize it. You land 30 early and stop on the taxiway to let another airplane go by and park 20 early and passengers think you were 45 minutes late and they won't make their connection.

So we left 5 early on a full flight and arrived 25 early. I mentioned it over the PA. He got off, was very nice and of course he had his SWA tags on his bag.

What I don't get was on the drive home he was on the radio... I guess they tape his show? I mean we weren't due in before his show started. Oh well, I turned it off like always.

I'm sure he'll be back on SWA in no time, but I don't think it's going to be $19 tickets to LAX.

SlipKid

Maybe, but they weren't pressured to turn down the first offer, in fact, Gary kept throwing more stuff at them to get them to bite.

Their MEC messed with the bull, and got the horns. Welcome to OUR world......

tsquare

As much as I dislike CH, he DOES shop around. That might be a nice litmus test to see who he actually flies on. I can't stand to listen to him though. It seems that every time he talks about airfare he is badmouthing the legacy airlines. And especially if he then turns around and flies on one that seems a little hypocritical doesn't it?

forgot to bid

Especially on the route I did. FL does it too.

What would be funny is seeing his reaction when SWA and DAL total ticket prices are identical.

You can't mistake his voice. Singers and radio people just have voices that travel. I once sat next to Jeff Foxworthy at a church event and he laughed and I swear it was easily recognizable as him just given how far it projects clearly. People turned their heads because they recognized his laugh.

Do I get points for name dropping? Or should I admit my wife knew he was sitting there and snagged a space next to him?

forgot to bid

I'm intrigued. More stuff... as in better stuff?

Welcome to OUR world... good or bad?

Justdoinmyjob

One of the best Howardisms I heard had to do with saving about $300 flying to Europe. Instead of paying Delta to connect through New York, he suggested flying AirTran to LGA, then connecting to Delta at JFK.This would save you the $300.

He failed to mention the fact that you would have to figure out how to get between both airports on your own. The $300 premium was for not having to do the bag drag.

SlipKid

Yes.

That depends on whether you think the first (and final) offer is good.

shoelu

You would be the authority on that.