SWA Rumor Mill
 

I got a call from an ops agent in STL and rumors flying that STL could possibly be a Crew BASE. Has anyone hear anything on this. I know alot of pilots and FA's that would love for STL to become a base. Currently running about 100 or more flights per day.

It's certainly feasible, but I believe the trigger for a base is overnighting airplanes. Wouldn't BNA be just as likely of a candidate?

It seems that the Saint Louis base will likely lose some departures in 2014 as the Wright goes away. Currently it is a large stepping stone for Dallas flights to reach the rest of the country. What will flight frequency be in 2014 when Love begins non-stops to any destination in the system?

I agree with the fact that the Wright Admendment will make some changes. the current gate changes shows how fast things can happen. Delta is getting Greedy, they want to fly out of LOVE and want gates. AA to my understanding just gave the two they had to SWA does that not give SWA 18 gates in DAL.

Another article just surfaced that MCI is considering a new terminal. The round terminal was great back in the 70-90's but A terminal will be empty with US move over to the AA section. MCI airport board is discussing a new terminal and SWA has indicated they would like to be in volved with construction at MCI.

Back to DL they also made public that they wanted DCA gates and some at LGA, Did they just not complete a swap with US Airways... gave up alot of gates in DCA for more in LGA. Now they want those back. The lead attorney in the suit DOJ vs AA/US indicted that he wanted those slot controlled gates as well as the gates at DAL, ORD, BOS and MIA to go to carriers other than legacy mentioning Delta by name.

I guess we will see shortly what DL gets. I assume that SWA will be inline for DCA and LGA. Wonder if they will go as high this time as JETBLUE paid last time, if memory is correct in the neighbor hood of 42 Million US DOLLARS for 8 slots in DCA alone. Not sure about the LGA. prices.

Delta is greedy because they want to fly out of Love, but SWA isn't greedy because they want 18 of the 20 gates available there? Seems that Delta is no more or less greedy or aggressive that SWA nowadays. The days of the "SWA Effect", low hanging fruit, and everyone pulling out of a market that SWA wanted in on are gone.

Like it or not, SWA has lost the cost advantage they enjoyed against other carriers and it's now gonna be a cage match for yields between the big 4, (American, Delta, Southwest, and United.)

Where to even start with this........?

Well, gotta start somewhere.

Oh that's just pure greed isn't it! Wanting to fly out of LOVE and wanting gates! I guess we should be OK with air dropping our passengers into Love Field.

You're going to have to get used to some well run competition Gizmo. We have a very different product to offer than what you offer. Plenty of room in the marketplace for everyone while letting the customer decide...kinda like how they're deciding in Atlanta.

Why yes, yes it does. SWA=18 gates out of 20.

Don't you just hate greedy people? ;)

Carl

A few months ago I heard that WN was increasing the numbers of gates in STL and two would be international. Another rumor was that as soon as they announced ATL for flight attendants (May 2014) the company was going to announce BNA and/or TPA as satellite bases. Just a rumor though. ;-)

The AA merger divestments are intended to increase competition. If SWA gets the AA gates at DAL (that are currently being used by Delta) then competition is decreased. Seems like even our government could figure that out.

My God! Tsquare and Carl in actual agreement about something. Amazing how SWA has the power to unite foes. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Or some such.