NewSWAguy
Check your PM, things will work out!
A brief but true story that occurred several months ago on a trip out of SMF. I tell this story when talking to the folks during my PAs. The gasps from folks or applause I receive at the end of it demonstrate nothing about my PA abilities but everything about what a unique story this is & how it positively reflects on our FAs, pax & pilots. It came from an FO who wrote up the female FA & the passengers for a job well done.
Once upon a time....
A male pax realized he had lost his wallet just prior to coming on board. The plane was 5 minutes from pushing. He told the FA & they together dashed out to the lounge to look for it...no go..she suggested checking security...they both ran & found the wallet there...bad news, no money or credit cards. Pax was obviously distressed & as they hustled back to the plane he told the FA this wasn't the low point of his day!! He had just been laid off & was flying back to his hometown to tell his wife. A double whammy with the lost wallet. Believe it or not by the time the plane lands there is good news to this man's story.
After getting on board & airborne the FA got on the PA & on her own explained the events that had ouccurred to this young man (without identifying him) & what type of day he was having. She merely mentioned if anyone was willing to help it would be appreciated. By the time the plane had landed a total of $440 had been collected and 3 business cards were placed in the young man's hands with job offers!
This generosity came about for 2 reasons IMHO...we have many great FAs (all employee groups actually) who do genuinely care for our pax & are willing to help folks well beyond what the FOM states is "their job". Secondly, we have super passengers who genuinely believe that SWA is a different airline & flies us above others out of a sense of loyalty which is returned to them in the form of good service, low prices & safe operations (not necessarily in that order!!). The story wouldn't have been told if an FO hadn't taken the time to write the story up. This is one of many and certainly one of the more unique letters that are published every month by headquarters illustrating what makes SWA a little different. One can usually find them in the CSA or Ops break rooms. I've never noticed themi in the pilot lounges.
I'm sure SWA resources will be found to help you out & while bankruptcy may be inevitable, it won't be something that will occur without many folks at SWA helping you through it. Look forward to hearing from you.