It isn't my theory. The basis of my words are predicated on the theory of Andrew R. Thomas - Soft Landings - Airline Industry Strategy, Service & Safety (Apress, 2011) Chapter 2 "The World's Greatest Loss Leader" Page. 17 - 35.

http://www.amazon.com/Soft-Landing-A.../dp/1430236779

Here's the guys CV...

http://www.ism.edu/images/stories/fa..._Andrew_CV.pdf

Other than writing a lot of books, I don't see much real world experience. Which leads me to believe that while he may have lots of classroom sense, he has no real world experience in the industry whatsoever.

In reading your posts, it reminded me of my college days where my airline industry professors were all recent retired ex USAF Majors and Colonels (no flaming on the USAF or military here), who had never worked a day in the industry and pontificated on the glories of Frank Lorenzo and his non union theories and the absolute value of union busting. Which makes me somewhat curious about your level of experience, given your newness here (welcome!) but your strangely missing references to your experience.

The book makes similar references to how the "Flying Cheap" system is the only way for the airlines to be healthy. A concept I am not a fan of by any stretch of the imagination.

Can I presume you don't go to sales or look for bargains? Buy always at the fancy department stores for shirts?

Everyone looks for bargains, even rich folks.

GF

Yeah, but unlike "the rich", I find buying soccer balls from a company that uses 9 year old girls in Cambodia to assemble them, morally unacceptable. It's a question of what kind of morals the rich wont stop at to look for a bargain. Let's face it, they don't "look for bargains" like the rest of us do. Greed tarnishes the soul.

Very altruistic. However, you have yet to enlighten us about your level of industry experience...funny how when you are asked, you tap dance and start new threads.

So...enlighten us. What is your experience? Or are you doing research for a new book and need references you can quote?

I agree with you that it is not fair for such small children to work but Perhaps there is another reality that you seem to overlook.....

The 9 yr old who is making those soccer balls has 4 siblings to feed.... That 9 yr old provides for the entire family.

If you (read the western world) doesn't buy that soccer ball, those 4 siblings will most likely starve to death....

Since this conversation has for all intent and purpose strayed far from the OP's subject, and perhaps I played a partial role, I will post only the following and then resign from it.

In response to your last 2 paragraphs, that is EXACTLY the attitude I'm describing. Wanna help humanity? Give them the tools for a better future, instead of justifying their enslavement through condiscending implications of proxy gratitude for it. Out.

What is condescending is telling Third World countries how to manage their affairs; to impose our standards on them. You might note every one of those countries strongly oppose the imposition of Western standards on them.

GF

Love my country, despise my government. Will we EVER love them both?