SWA culture!

[CaptWidgeon]

things at swa are changing, and fast, no question about it. what we do still have though is very good. i believe what you are seeing is nothing different that what you see in a family, i may talk smack about my cousin or uncle, but you can't. you talk smack about them and you're not dealing with them, you're dealing with the family.

i'm not a koolaid drinker but prob a sipper. i have friends at AA and delta, they don't like anyone, period. not saying everyone over there is like that, just like there are guys here that pretty much hate everyone. what other airline signed a 10 yr (or something like that, don't remember the exact number right now) contract? kelleher is no less shrewd than crandall was, except...herb's word could be trusted. hence the labor/mgmt bond was created. we don't have herb but mr kelly, i'm cautiously optimistic about how much he has our, current swa pilot's, backs. i'm sorry if you think we are just like everyone else, you are free to leave aai (i KNOW this is going to get flamed) before you come to swa, i have friends at aai right now, they are happy with the pay increase they may be getting, but they HATE their mgmt.

patiently holding my koolaid filled extinguisher.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Wow, dragontamer. You're a stud.

 

[Black Sheep]

The culture is hustling whenever possible, pulling diapers out of seatbacks when necessary to quickly clean a cabin, pushing wheelchairs to get boarding done quickly, throwing bags because the rampers got slammed with a bunch of arrivals, diverts, etc.

Wow, now that's something for professional pilots to be proud of ! Cleaning cabins, pulling diapers. Is this what you guys paid your dues for ? Served your country, invested thousands of dollars in your degrees, starved as CFI's and commuter pilots ? You will ask me "what's wrong" with an airline pilot doing the things above ? I will say A LOT ! You do it once, you do it all the time, set the example that you are willing to load bags or clean the aircraft just because your airline is not willing to staff it properly. You think you are doing your company a favor by going the extra mile ? I bet your bosses look out the window and laugh at you, seeing where they got you to and what you are willing to do with all your degrees and tens of thousand of flight hours in your log books - all in the name of "culture" and other kool aid (and this is not trying to degrade all the staff that is being PAID to clean and load airplanes). For many years airline pilots have taken and continue to take the biggest hits in this industry. We lost careers, money, retirements and in many cases the respect of the traveling public; we are nothing but laughing figures for both the management and our passengers. Pulling diapers will not get this respect back ! Btw. this is not only aimed at WN; pilots cleaning and loading aircraft is becoming a regular feature on most US airlines ! .... I am willingly accepting any bashing (take your hits).
[/COLOR]

 

[On Your Six]

crashpad you win. The southwest pilots suck! The southwest workplace sucks! Avoid it at all costs! You should quit aai and apply at delta so you can fly with truely cultured guys like oys and general lee.

+1



oys

 

[On Your Six]

I haven't flown with any other carrier than SWA. I went there straight from the military. So all I can offer is what I hear from my buds at other carriers. The following is the difference, from what I hear from them: 1. Nobody really complains much about the company or our union. We have issues from time to time, but overall, SWA and the union work really hard at keeping us (the workers) happy. Our union does not have an (us vs them) mentality. They are "in bed" with the company, and most seem to like it that way. 2. All work groups seem to get along. We chat with the rampers, ops agents, and help each other out when we can. I will push wheel chairs, carry stollers down to the baggage handlers or up from the ramp, etc. 3. We (the crew) hang out together after hours. Some pursue hanky-panky, others just like being sociable over a few beers and dinner. We usually stay until last call and some times move it to a room party if its a fun bunch. If this sounds the same as your company, then you won't notice much of a difference and the two companies should blend well.

Yes, but are you Houston based? Do you make out with the 3 G's like SWA/FO? Maybe Redflyer does? That sounds like a blast. Frat party!!!



OYS

 

[On Your Six]

This is airline #8 for me. The biggest difference that I noticed, right away and now, is when you walk into a crew room, the conversation is not about how somebody got hosed by the company etc., but about new boats, houses, cars, boobs for the wife, etc.

We've got our issues (see the latest news) but it's still a HUGE difference from everywhere else I worked.

Stay classy El Paso! You guys are so rich and awesome. It's so good you're not full of yourselves. Cool.


OYS

 

[waveflyer]

Hey black sheep- fire me when I'm "too good" or "too experienced/educated/dignified etc-whatever" to do what you listed.

If Herb, and now GK, can clean a/c and pass out peanuts and push wheelchairs and basically contribute in any way they can- while getting paid 1/3-1/2 what other airline CEOs pay themselves- - then I better be able to. It's called leadership and teamwork. God forbid.

I hate the 'it's not my job' attitude-
I just can't take a delay bc we're waiting on cabin cleaners or watch a young mom sweat holding her baby bc its not my job to run down and get a stroller. AND, I'd rather have swa pay me than inflate their payroll with cleaners we really don't need.
So I guess I'm a good fit for swa and maybe you're not. That's alright.

 

[Donald]

Hey Black Sheep,

The last time I help the secretary stuff mail boxes, my boss (chief pilot) was doing it with me.
The first time I ever carried strollers, I was doing it with "Hoot" Gibson. In case you don't know who that is, he is a retired Space shuttle commander. Also retired from SWA now. He wasn't too proud to help.

 

[scoreboardII]

I pushed a wheelchair up the ramp in DAL onto the feet of one guy named HERB. He was smiling. Yes, we suck.

I guess BS doesn't get we don't have to do it, we want to do it. Thats the difference.

 

[On Your Six]

Hey Black Sheep,

The last time I help the secretary stuff mail boxes, my boss (chief pilot) was doing it with me.
The first time I ever carried strollers, I was doing it with "Hoot" Gibson. In case you don't know who that is, he is a retired Space shuttle commander. Also retired from SWA now. He wasn't too proud to help.

Does the secretary help you do your walk arounds? Most of us don't give a hoot. Did the open mic Capt help her too? Was this in Houston? Confusing!


OYS

 

[On Your Six]

I pushed a wheelchair up the ramp in DAL onto the feet of one guy named HERB. He was smiling. Yes, we suck.

I guess BS doesn't get we don't have to do it, we want to do it. Thats the difference.

Did he hug you? That's wonderful.


OYS

 

[Black Sheep]

Hey black sheep- fire me when I'm "too good" or "too experienced/educated/dignified etc-whatever" to do what you listed.

If Herb, and now GK, can clean a/c and pass out peanuts and push wheelchairs and basically contribute in any way they can- while getting paid 1/3-1/2 what other airline CEOs pay themselves- - then I better be able to. It's called leadership and teamwork. God forbid.

I hate the 'it's not my job' attitude-
I just can't take a delay bc we're waiting on cabin cleaners or watch a young mom sweat holding her baby bc its not my job to run down and get a stroller. AND, I'd rather have swa pay me than inflate their payroll with cleaners we really don't need.

So I guess I'm a good fit for swa and maybe you're not. That's alright.

How about swa inflate your payroll with a few cleaners (I am sure they can afford) and give you a well deserved break between turns ? With the little ground time you have and with the amount of legs you fly, you would probably welcome a few minutes to relax and prep. for your next trip ? Just a thought, not like you guys need any suggestions.

And you are absolutely right, Sir. I am not a good fit for swa. Enjoy .

 

[Black Sheep]

I pushed a wheelchair up the ramp in DAL onto the feet of one guy named HERB. He was smiling. Yes, we suck.

I guess BS doesn't get we don't have to do it, we want to do it. Thats the difference.

Scoreboard,

yes, there is a difference between wanting and having to do it. But in this brutal business world, once you are willing to help once, twice, go out of your way a mile, then ten; don't you think your company does not see it, turns a blind eye to it ? Don't you think after a while they start planning their staff accordingly. Hire less cleaners, less rampers ? Doesn't your help become a part of their budget ? Do they reimburse you for the time you loose to take a well deserved break between flights or possibly have to hustle to prep. your next trip because you were busy loading your airplane ?

It all started with a bit of help and now all across America you see pilots pushing chairs, carrying strollers and cleaning cabins. My point is: this is not about helping once, but it has become a habit. And very soon to be a part of your job description (I hope not).

 

[Flying the Line]

Scoreboard,

yes, there is a difference between wanting and having to do it. But in this brutal business world, once you are willing to help once, twice, go out of your way a mile, then ten; don't you think your company does not see it, turns a blind eye to it ? Don't you think after a while they start planning their staff accordingly. Hire less cleaners, less rampers ? Doesn't your help become a part of their budget ? Do they reimburse you for the time you loose to take a well deserved break between flights or possibly have to hustle to prep. your next trip because you were busy loading your airplane ?

It all started with a bit of help and now all across America you see pilots pushing chairs, carrying strollers and cleaning cabins. My point is: this is not about helping once, but it has become a habit. And very soon to be a part of your job description (I hope not).

15 Posts by this guy? I'm sure Flightinfo is happy you spent another 10 bucks, General.

 

[Black Sheep]

15 Posts by this guy? I'm sure Flightinfo is happy you spent another 10 bucks, General.

I can assure you, I'm not the General . LOL . I've been on FI for quite a while and tend to pop a beer, kick back and get entertained. I do not post unless I feel strong about a topic or really want information. Actually I am amazed that no one has yet called me names nor got personal for my critique. Guess there are more guys on here which can have a rational debate without getting personal than I thought. Compliments. And I can assure you, I am not a swa hater either. Just disgusted with the overall state of our profession. So please don't credit the General with what's not his.