Integrating AAI into SWA

[Lear70]

I like that no one is taking the obvious flame bait...

However, a word of warning as a mod. There's no need to start multiple threads on the same subject. We've asked the same thing for the UAir/AWA threads as well as the TSA threads. Don't need 4 threads running on the same subject.

Please don't start another thread about the SWA/AAI SLI unless there's some major NEW development that drastically changes the playing field.

Thanks,

 

[rajflyboy]

Air Tran will be a "Subsidiary" of SWA. Nothing less. Nothing more.

The Dream continues.

 

[Flying-Corporal]

I like that no one is taking the obvious flame bait...

Well, it's not. I am really interested to see how SW airlines is prepared for a culture change.

Please don't start another thread about the SWA/AAI SLI unless there's some major NEW development that drastically changes the playing field.
Thanks,

It's not about integration. It is about SW culture. I don't mention the word seniority list once in my original post.

 

[Whataburger]

I like that no one is taking the obvious flame bait...

However, a word of warning as a mod. There's no need to start multiple threads on the same subject. We've asked the same thing for the UAir/AWA threads as well as the TSA threads. Don't need 4 threads running on the same subject.

Please don't start another thread about the SWA/AAI SLI unless there's some major NEW development that drastically changes the playing field.

Thanks,

Is FI running out of memory space or something?

 

[Lear70]

Is FI running out of memory space or something?

No, it just gets annoying for people who work at other airlines and don't give a rat's about us to see half the first page of threads about SWA and AAI.

Same thing about coming here and seeing 5 threads about TSA or 7 threads about AWA/UAir all on the front page. No reason for all the separate threads and it gets to where we will just merge the threads if they get to be obnoxiously proliferate.

/mod

On a personal note, I see no reason why the cultures won't blend well. The OP obviously doesn't work at AAI and doesn't see the countless pilots who go above and beyond every, single day, even when we've been in extended contract negotiations, to make the operation work.

Yes, we've slung bags, helped F/A's clean, made food runs for the F/A's as well as our fellow pilots, helped gate agents push wheelchairs, etc, etc. I've said it once and I'll say it again, most of us came to AAI thinking it could be "the next Southwest", and HR has done a good job hiring "can do" attitudes over the last decade.

I think most of the SWA crews will be pleasantly surprised... time will tell.

 

[Ty Webb]

Agreed, Lear. I too have done all of those things, as have most AirTran pilots. Unfortunately, being in contract negotiations for five + years tends to be somewhat anti-motivational. Thankfully, that chapter is closed.

 

[carl p]

When I came to AT in 07 the pilots had been struggling with negotiations for a couple years already. I was impressed with their attitude, dedication to the customer, and willingness to go the extra mile. Even in the face of difficult contract negotiations, pilot's routinely help with wheelchairs, bags, UMs, or whatever is required. I honestly believe this what makes AT such a worthy competitor to a great airline like SWA, and ultimately will allow the LUV culture to thrive.

I'm glad the AAI/SWA peeps aren't taking the bait.

 

[waveflyer]

And yet Lear- didn't I get crucified for asking to limit same thread starts over at the non aviation page? It was said I was trying to censor

 

[CatfishVT9]

Agreed, Lear. I too have done all of those things, as have most AirTran pilots. Unfortunately, being in contract negotiations for five + years tends to be somewhat anti-motivational. Thankfully, that chapter is closed.

Ditto. Culture is about environment. Our management has been holding this place back with their treatment of employees. It's hard to get motivated to do anything above and beyond when Crew Skeds has just found a way to steal a few hundred bucks from you or flat out lie to you so you will take a reassignment.

Now put us in an environment that is the complete opposite. I think most of us can't wait to get into the new game. Put me in, "Coach".

 

[Wesb737fo]

I've been thinking the same thing. Obviously, much of SWA secret of success is the relationship with labor. I can't see them dropping a nuclear bomb on the list by integrating AT pilots with anything more than a staple.

I heard the other rumor about the holding company being the actual entity buying AirTran, as SWA has no intention to integrate, but to run two airlines. and eventually close AirTran down. With the new crappy AirTran contract, this seems more plausible.

One last thing is that SWA could just walk away if the AT pilots don't cooperate. Since the AT pilots just signed the lousy new TA, I can't see them having much leverage to demand anything - otherwise they have to go back to their crappy new TA.

Probably when it's all said and done, AirTran pilots will be begging for a staple...all part of the grand plan.

JMHO

That's the best you can do? Wow.....you need to work on your flame bait skills....you don't impress me.

Looking forward to seeing my SWA friends at the ATL Round-Up next week!

 

[Lear70]

And yet Lear- didn't I get crucified for asking to limit same thread starts over at the non aviation page? It was said I was trying to censor

Non-av chat doesn't have the same limits as other portions of the site, you know that.

We pretty much let you guys go at each other in there with only very minimal rules in place, and I don't even READ that forum unless someone reports a post. I don't recall personally getting involved in a multiple thread issue over there recently, may have been one of the other mods.

As it is, there's a sticky at the top of THIS forum for all the TSA posts, the UAir/AWA thing has been in effect for a while now, and we're just adding this to the list; we don't need 7 different active threads that are almost all on the same topic: the SWA/AAI Merger/Acquisition. 2 or 3 is plenty.

 

[SWA/FO]

I don't think your Company had the money to pay you guys.

$500,000,000 is not a lot of cash on hand. $1,000,000,000 in debt and only owning 1/4 of the fleet. Me thinks you were running out of money to grow. Bob was $hitting himself.... and Gary showed up with the charmin, just before you guys burned the place down.

 

[Crash Pad]

To the original post. It will be the end of the world. My first day at SWA when scheduling calls I will answer with "good morning you sack of poop what do you have for me today?" when they give me my trip I'll evaluate it, then tell them I'm sick.

On the off chance I do go to the airport I plan on punching the first SWA gate agent I see in the face... Just on principal... "Thats how we rolled at the old Tranny slut face... now I'm gonna make some culture changes up in this airline".

Finally I will board my newly painted 717. I will introduce myself to the FA's by taking a dump right in the forward galley. Then without wiping, so the ripe smell can follow me to the cockpit, I'll sit down in the cockpit.

This is when the real fun begins. I'll be in the right seat next to some SWA Captain who was the last number on the list. First I will look to my left and belt the SWA ****************************** with my mag light then I'll give him the standard Airtran brief "Hey @ss face? Just so we're clear I am not going to help you in any way. I expect you to buy my food and drinks on this trip. Other than that I hope you have some NASA forms because I plan on racking up the violations."

That is how we do business at Airtran on a daily basis. The culture here is so tough most of you wouldn't make it through the interview. The ones that did would fail ground school when Bob crushed your self esteem. Yes we have a midget named Bob who comes to class to teach you how to beat your coworkers.

Suck it SWA! You messed with the wrong airlines culture!

 

[doh]

I really do not think he would handle that. I think he would handle just the list. You would get a raise either way. Good luck.

Pay is predicated on seniority. The arbitrator determines the list and the contract determines your pay. Try not to think like a d-bag.

 

[doh]

To the original post. It will be the end of the world. My first day at SWA when scheduling calls I will answer with "good morning you sack of poop what do you have for me today?" when they give me my trip I'll evaluate it, then tell them I'm sick.

On the off chance I do go to the airport I plan on punching the first SWA gate agent I see in the face... Just on principal... "Thats how we rolled at the old Tranny slut face... now I'm gonna make some culture changes up in this airline".

Finally I will board my newly painted 717. I will introduce myself to the FA's by taking a dump right in the forward galley. Then without wiping, so the ripe smell can follow me to the cockpit, I'll sit down in the cockpit.

This is when the real fun begins. I'll be in the right seat next to some SWA
Captain who was the last number on the list. First I will look to my left and belt the SWA ****************************** with my mag light then I'll give him the standard Airtran brief "Hey @ss face? Just so we're clear I am not going to help you in any way. I expect you to buy my food and drinks on this trip. Other than that I hope you have some NASA forms because I plan on racking up the violations."

That is how we do business at Airtran on a daily basis. The culture here is so tough most of you wouldn't make it through the interview. The ones that did would fail ground school when Bob crushed your self esteem. Yes we have a midget named Bob who comes to class to teach you how to beat your coworkers.

Suck it SWA! You messed with the wrong airlines culture!

ROTFLMFAO!:laugh:

 

[Ty Webb]

Pay is predicated on seniority. The arbitrator determines the list and the contract determines your pay. Try not to think like a d-bag.

Actually, Chief, pay is based on longevity, not seniority.

 

[Ty Webb]

I don't think your Company had the money to pay you guys.

SWAFO, I'm not sure whether you're flaming, or just too lazy to look up real financials, but 2009 and 2010 are two of the most profitable years in our history, so you sound pretty stupid when you claim that we were in financial difficulty.

Actually, AirTran was profitable for 9 out of the last ten years.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Actually, Chief, pay is based on longevity, not seniority.

It's also based on seniority genius. CAs are paid more than FOs.

 

[waveflyer]

It's also based on seniority genius. CAs are paid more than FOs.

Gawd- the almighty upgrade/ :-(

Regional thinking.

USAIR thinking.

Pay is based on longevity-

 

[Cometman]

It's also based on seniority genius. CAs are paid more than FOs.

I think he is correct. Seniority will get you the position but not the pay. You can get a Captain position if no body senior to you bid the position. However, the pay will be based on the years in the classification or job describtion (Pilot or whatever it is called). Your seniority got you the position your longevity gets you the pay.