Southwest purchases LaGuardia Slots

[PropPiedmont]

Yeah, they didn't even need to borrow money from Republic and Air Whisky.......Oh wait, they did.

 

[Benjamin Dover]

That's because you just sat there with your jaw open in awe of the company. Either that or you thought I'd bitch slap you if you said anything.

Thanks for ONCE keeping your mouth shut.

Gup

Gup,

I know you're just taking a swipe at the General - and he needs many - but posts like yours are what give Southwest a bad name on message boards for "we're the best" arrogance. I hate to say it, but in this case GL is correct. I used to fly for Delta and numerous times we waited for SWA crews before heading to the hotel - one of my last months there had BDL "pm's" all month and we waited 15-20 minutes each night for SWA and then made the long trek to Springfield. We didn't bitch - just the way it was and SWA crews were thankful for us waiting.

So a few years ago when I came to SWA I can't tell you how much sh!t I've taken for "Delta guys don't share the van". Maybe it has happened, but not to me in my time there.

And BTW, dedicated van is in many hotel contracts, not for crew comfort but for previous histories with crew rest issues. Delta (domestic anyway) doesn't have the lengthy layovers that we do. Some are scheduled less than 10 hours and with delays, you know how that goes. Also, especially in old days of FE's and extra FA's, crews were larger and space could be an issue. So, dedicated van - not necessarily to not share with other airlines, but mostly not to have to worry about full with pax and no space for crew, wait 30 minutes for next one, etc. - was put in contract. If our hotels blew off the "1,2,3" and just told our crews we're just getting the standard airline discount, would there be any issues??

So, not sure the current state of these contracts, but the urban "no share van " legend lives on. I just had two SLC layovers last week and shared the van with DAL both times. All was well. Their FA's were even all girls!

So, hate to burst your bubble, but van issue is no issue IMO. So, is the "we're the best and the coolest" self promotion at SWA. Same mix of pilots at both airlines, mostly good guys and the handful of as$holes mixed in.

So, I'm sure you will completely disagree with all of the above, but I am not alone in my observations. Time to give the other airline bashing a rest. We have much to learn ourselves.

BD

 

[Chest Rockwell]

I have been told "this is the Delta van" twice in 16 years. Not enough times to cast a shadow upon the entire group of Pilots or airline. If it is part of the contract, fine. I guess they had good reason for negotiating it that way.

Safety is an issue with the hotel vans, also. It is nothing short of stupid, IMO, to have people sit on each others lap just to get to the hotel 10 minutes sooner. Most dangerous part of the job is getting to and from the airport.

 

[Bringupthebird]

How does LGA figure into productivity - LUV's lifeblood? Are they really deciding to give up and be like every other crippled airline?

You have (in many cases) beaten them. You don't need to join them.

 

[RedDogC130]

My bet is that they dedicated the aircraft to LGA and the routes they serve. They will be going through at least 2 bases on the East coast to swap out people. The dealys will not affect a/c swaps but just the people. They will built enough fudge time in the schedule like they do in PHL. Take PHL-RDU blocks 1:50 per the schedule.....you are in the air 0:40-45. The shuttle will be like the Texas 2 step. PVD-LGA-PVD-BWI-LGA-BWI-MDW-LGA-MDW...so on so forth.

 

[GuppyWN]

Gup,

I know you're just taking a swipe at the General - and he needs many - but posts like yours are what give Southwest a bad name on message boards for "we're the best" arrogance.

Time to give the other airline bashing a rest. We have much to learn ourselves.

BD

Ben. I'm not bashing Delta. I'm bashing the General. Two totally separate things. imp: I love Delta. Who can't love a bunch of rednecks that fly jets. Seriously. I know rednecks because I am one. Hell, I was hired to wear that double breasted chick magnet.

If I offend you, sorry about that. Not trying to make WN look bad in the least. Gary's got that covered that past couple weeks. If I offend the General, he'll just fire back about Rio or Rome or some sh!t and we'll all have a chuckle and start the cycle over. He digs me - in a weird kinda way. I know it.

Gup

 

[CHQ Pilot]

The shuttle will be like the Texas 2 step. PVD-LGA-PVD-BWI-LGA-BWI-MDW-LGA-MDW...so on so forth.

Red,

You mean we're going to add another NE 2-step?? MHT-PHL-PIT-PHL-MHT-PHL-PVD isn't enough? I can imagine trying to point out what the landmarks are when ATC asks us "Do you have the bridge in sight?" and Captain looks dumb founded. I may not be worth much cross cockpit on the circle at MDW, but I'm sure I can keep up at LGA. Ah..forget it...I'll just bid LBB instead. I'm sure the revision(s) for LGA will give me enough headaches.

 

[General Lee]

Ben. I'm not bashing Delta. I'm bashing the General. Two totally separate things. imp: I love Delta. Who can't love a bunch of rednecks that fly jets. Seriously. I know rednecks because I am one. Hell, I was hired to wear that double breasted chick magnet.

If I offend you, sorry about that. Not trying to make WN look bad in the least. Gary's got that covered that past couple weeks. If I offend the General, he'll just fire back about Rio or Rome or some sh!t and we'll all have a chuckle and start the cycle over. He digs me - in a weird kinda way. I know it.

Gup

Hey, I can take it. This board is mostly for entertainment, and sparring with you guys about LBB and ELP is fun. While you guys do unbelievable 3 and 4 days worth lots of time, I continue to work on my tan on 37 hour unproductive layovers in Buenos Aires, or drink disgusting German beer, IN GERMANY. But it sure doesn't beat the Mexican food you get in the El Paso airport I bet?

And, I do dig you guys, but not in a weird way. If you thought otherwise, I suggest "don't ask, don't tell." Hasta la pasta!

Bye Bye--General Lee

 

[GuppyWN]

I rest my case. :beer:

Gup

 

[satpak77]

Hey, I can take it. This board is mostly for entertainment, and sparring with you guys about LBB and ELP is fun. While you guys do unbelievable 3 and 4 days worth lots of time, I continue to work on my tan on 37 hour unproductive layovers in Buenos Aires, or drink disgusting German beer, IN GERMANY. But it sure doesn't beat the Mexican food you get in the El Paso airport I bet?

And, I do dig you guys, but not in a weird way. If you thought otherwise, I suggest "don't ask, don't tell." Hasta la pasta!

Bye Bye--General Lee

you gotta hand it to the General, he actually is pretty funny.

with that said (and I am a fan of SWA), everyone has to agree that SWA's entry to LaGuardia is going to be interesting to see how it plays out.....