I don’t have to pay extra just to get my bags checked in 
Re: Why Southwest is king
SW is a really smart airline... one of the reasons they haven't had any job cuts or increased their passenger surcharges is cuz they've hedged their fuel at $50 something a barrel until 2012.
So they might actually just be able to ride out the industry trough while capturing more market share from those airlines that are no longer providing value to their customers.
Re: Why Southwest is king
*My friend just flew with SW and she said she wouldn't fly with any other airline but them.
I flew Midwest and they were real good.
*
Re: Why Southwest is king
Southwest operates like a bus .. hops from stop to stop, loading and unloading passengers ..
Though I dont like it, but guess, its a good way to keep the cost down
Southwest operates like a bus .. hops from stop to stop, loading and unloading passengers ..
Though I dont like it, but guess, its a good way to keep the cost down
yep prime example of hub and spoke transportation optimization - it's used as a case study in management science/optimization.
However, they do a pretty good job balancing effectiveness (doing the right things) with efficiency (doing things right).
SW is a really smart airline... one of the reasons they haven't had any job cuts or increased their passenger surcharges is cuz they've hedged their fuel at $50 something a barrel until 2012.
But the hedge wont last them until 2012. It might be $51 for 70% of fuel in 2008 but it'll be $51 for 50% of fuel in 2009 and so on. In the reports I've read it comes across as SW realizes the only thing keeping them afloat is their hedged fuel cost, the moment that goes away they'll be in the same stink hole as every other airline.
I suspect they'll be introducing cuts very soon too. Where? That's what we'll have to see. P.S. Kudos to other airlines for shaking down unions.
Re: Why Southwest is king
So, flying United from Dulles yesterday, the flight that was suppose to leave by 7:30 p.m. came in from wherever in the world if was coming from 2 hours late and then it had a mechanical problem, that made us another hour late. What do we get for the wasted 3 hours of life? Nothing. Nada.
So, flying United from Dulles yesterday, the flight that was suppose to leave by 7:30 p.m. came in from wherever in the world if was coming from 2 hours late and then it had a mechanical problem, that made us another hour late. What do we get for the wasted 3 hours of life? Nothing. Nada.
:)......Whats the matter Bhai Sahib you don't like airport Food...........:D
SW is a really smart airline... one of the reasons they haven't had any job cuts or increased their passenger surcharges is cuz they've hedged their fuel at $50 something a barrel until 2012.
So they might actually just be able to ride out the industry trough while capturing more market share from those airlines that are no longer providing value to their customers.
I thought it was till 2010. Interesting to see what would happen after that as far as their strategy is concerned. I don't think that hedging would be allowed like that in the future.
A good thing from passenger's point of view is that they let you make changes for free (you dont have to pay for changes, you just pay the fare difference).
A not so good thing is that southwest is actually pretty bad when it comes to last minute fares. You must have a lot of advance notice to get their low fares.
So, flying United from Dulles yesterday, the flight that was suppose to leave by 7:30 p.m. came in from wherever in the world if was coming from 2 hours late and then it had a mechanical problem, that made us another hour late. What do we get for the wasted 3 hours of life? Nothing. Nada.
I am sick of flying. Haven't flown Southwest yet since haven't had a chance to go to the West :D
Thought I would share my sucky airport story here for the year 2008.
our plane was in 'taxi mode' for an hour at Philly which made us very very late for our connecting flight in Charlotte. We had to RUN with a baby in a stroller from Concourse B to end of E and had to ask the lady at the gate to let us get on the plane. Of course our luggage didn't come with us and was late.
did I say I cringe at the thought of flying these days.