Consider Taking Off The Rose-Colored SWA Glasses For a Moment and Discuss...

[JumpJetter]

If you fly anymore per month youll have the whole company timing out in November.

Dude, the average block hours per month at SWA is about 65 hours. I don't think "the whole company" is gonna time out. Also, you can make extra money at time and a half. Often times that includes things like deadheads and rigs. That's where the money is and it usually involves less block.

jj

 

[Dan Roman]

I don't work for SWA nor would I want to simply because I am quite happy were I am. That said, I have to laugh at the pilots bashing them. The fact is, SWA is the best run airline in the U.S. hands down. The employee's are very well compensated, most seem to really like working there. Management is very progressive and willing to think outside the box and so is SWAPA. They all benefit because of that.
If you are just starting an airline career it's your best option out there, period.

 

[satpak77]

There is absolutely no question that SWA is the best run airline that exists.

Some guys may say "I fly heavies to Europe" or "I don't want to RON in Midland, Texas my whole career" etc etc blah blah (and that's fine, different boats for different folks), but as far as the best run airline, best managed?

Southwest without a doubt, period.

 

[flint4xx]

Satpak-Almost 2100 posts in five years...push away from the PC my friend!

 

[3ds]

Productivity.....

This is actually an argument that goes AGAINST swa in the long run. Other airlines have room to maneuver if they wish to compete more aggressively with swa because they can create incentives to get their workforce to be more productive and approach the productivity levels of SWA. Pilot unions may grumble about losing the glory days but in the end, those that don't wish to fly more will stay home and create more pay opportunities for those that do.Likewise, couldn't 1 aircraft type become a liability? It must be a major scare if the FAA ever grounds the US 737 fleet for some reason. Obviously all airlines would suffer but swa most of all.

 

[Butters]

I don't even think it has to do with productivity as much as it does respect.

At SWA, it seems to me their management lives by the creed: "Take care of your employees and they will take care of the customers." Pretty simple.

Where at NWA, management lives by the creed: "Do whatever it takes to the employees to line our own pockets."

SWA and NWA are the textbook cases of how to, and how not to, conduct employee relations. Such a novel concept that an employer should actually respect the employees.

 

[satpak77]

Satpak-Almost 2100 posts in five years...push away from the PC my friend!

whats up brother! long time no Outback

 

[EMB170Pilot]

and that's fine, different boats for different folks

Who the hell says that phrase?

It's different strokes for different folks.

 

[Butters]

Who the hell says that phrase?

It's different strokes for different folks.

Hey, man... ease up. Just his opinion.

Whatever floats your stroke.

 

[Voice Of Reason]

Who the hell says that phrase?

It's different strokes for different folks.

I don't know... maybe he's drunk like the person who wrote:

God is capitalize in this country. Unless your Obama... then you don't believe in God or put your hand over your heart during the pledge of alliegence

---"Vote for Democrat?" thread

Thanks, though, for taking the one thread that had 5 pgs of intelligent, mature discussion, into your usual bs. :smash:

 

[3ds]

Hey, man... ease up. Just his opinion.

Whatever floats your stroke.

clever!

 

[jonjuan]

It's different strokes

Whatchu talkin' about Willis???

 

[waveflyer]

Dude, the average block hours per month at SWA is about 65 hours.
jj

I had always been quoted that swa pilots averaged over 70. 65 sounds more like legacy schedules.

when block hours arent' flown- that means more hiring sure-- but it also means an extra set of payroll and benefits and training costs associated. I've always thought part of the job-security at swa was that pilots were very much into timing out... IE: "when our pilots are making money, we're making money"

Have the pilots got less into productivity recently?

 

[737tanker]

Have the pilots got less into productivity recently?

It depends on the individual. We have some guys pushing the 1000 hr limit while others just fly their line. In my case on months with no training or vacation I pick up some and fly about 80 hours. On vacation months I don't pick up and fly about 50 hours. I quit doing reserve in 2002 so my monthly average since then has been 64 hours.

 

[XR650R]

All true..employee goodwill, hedges, efficient system, etc.. We have now positioned our selves where hedges will allow us to win this war of attrition. The unstated goal is to out last at least two majors. Once these two majors fail and finally go away, the market will finally support a rational pricing structure consistently- even if oil continues to climb... to a point.
The days of anyone charging $69 fares are (hopefully) over. We as an industry will carry 15% or so fewer people. The people who never belonged on an commercial jet in the first place won't be flying any more. I personally am saddened by the prospect of so many brothers and sisters out of a job but not one of you can argue that this is not what needs to be done. As a side, if oil ever reaches $500 in the short term, we ALL will have much bigger fish to fry than worry about our silly little airline careers. I'd probably be on a troop transport headed to you-know-where as a 40 year old draftee about to fight in a holy war to end all wars.