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Air fair? Why low-cost carriers can’t overcome Delta’s dominance
Hold up—weren’t we supposed to already have all that thanks to Southwest Airlines? When the Dallas-based carrier gobbled up AirTran Airways for more than $1 billion in 2010 and started its own service at Hartsfield-Jackson in 2012, hoopla ensued. Experts predicted the “Southwest Effect” would push all airfares down and make hometown heavyweight Delta Air Lines sweat. With the Southwest and AirTran merger complete, it’s time to take stock. Did fares drop? Did we get more flights to more places?… (www.atlantamagazine.com) More...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I fly Southwest exclusively now days. I fly out of RDU to BOS and go through Atlanta both ways because I chose to. I can't beat their prices and I don't have to worry about baggage and unlike some idiots, I don't try to carry everything I own into the cabin. Some women carry on bags they can't lift to get in overhead bins and look at you with those please help me eyes. Hell no I won't.
My sympathies too you... Sorry to hear it... Sure their price is cheap, but I don't trust them.. I used to work for them and I left because they do not meet my standards for maintenance, and I am not going to do maintenance at what I call substandard levels because the plane has to make schedule.... If a plane has issues, it should not just be pushed out the door, or mechanics pressured to sign it off.... I can not speak for other Low Cost Carriers, but SWA has had many maintenance issues over the years... Fuselage Panels blowing out at the tear strips due to fast, poor, and not taking the time to do proper inspections, 10 minute tire changes, and more....
Then how do you explain the no fatalities on SWA vs Delta during their same operating period? I'll take my chances with "shoddy maintenance" of LUV anyday.
Shear Luck... Just a perdiction... "One day they are going to have a big let down, and A LOT of people are going to pay the Ultimate Price, and it will be because of maintenance"... I have had that posted for a very long time.... It will come....
How long does it take you to do a tire change on a 737?
30 min... Once you have the tire.. That is backing, removing, installing new wheel assy, and torquing. These tires are over 100 pounds and have to be lined up on a spline which is actually the multi-disc brake pack.
Sparkie..curious too read your reply to Sweatin's question. As a stockholder since IPO I have followed every aspect of SWA. Having a number of friends who have Worked for SWA 30+ years and listening to them share their stories of how there is a family culture among employees and management. SWA has the highest paid pilot, flight attendant and maintainece people in the industry. SWA has always operated with a profit...never a losing year. Having said this it is difficult for me to entertain the thought that SWA would intentionally cut corners on maintenance.
You listed the biggest problem in your replay and that is simple... It is the Family Culture that has created the pier pressure problem. I have friends who work for them for 30+ years as well... The problem that I have with them is the Pier Pressure to get the job done and done fast. Make the schedule at all costs. Never take a delay for any reason....
The crew that took out of LGA with a cargo door caution took off because she thought it was an indication problem and then could not pressurize, The captain who landed on the nose gear and put it into electronics bay was heard on the CVR saying that she would do the approach because if they did not make it that time they would not be able to make schedule.
It is the internal company family culture that creates these Pier Pressure Problems.
The crew that took out of LGA with a cargo door caution took off because she thought it was an indication problem and then could not pressurize, The captain who landed on the nose gear and put it into electronics bay was heard on the CVR saying that she would do the approach because if they did not make it that time they would not be able to make schedule.
It is the internal company family culture that creates these Pier Pressure Problems.
peer..
You fish from a pier
You fish from a pier
Spelling has never been my strong point. :) Aircraft maintenance and computers are my strong points
Another note on that subject... All of the 737 Panel Blow outs due to metal corrosion was because of FAST inspections that missed critical areas... Other airlines have the same inspections and did not have this problem... SWA has just been lucky.