SWA DB- DING You suck!

[BenderGonzales]

I'm not a big fan of Southwest -- in fact it's not likely you'll ever catch me on one of their airplanes -- but, I think that the stuff you see on "Airline" probably occurs on just about EVERY airline.

As airfares have fallen and with the onset of internet booking engines, it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population. Flying has become more like a Jerry Springer audition than a dignified means of transportation.

Regardless of whether you fly SWA, JetBlew, AirTran, United, Northwest, Delta etc... you're going to find the same morons that you see on "Airline" who should probably be removed from the gene pool for the greater good.

 

[SWA GUY]

Quote by Bender Gonzales "As airfares have fallen and with the onset of internet booking engines, it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population."

I'm not sure where you've been, but WN has been providing travel at rates this low for the last 34 years....

 

[NEDude]

Quote by Bender Gonzales "As airfares have fallen and with the onset of internet booking engines, it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population."

I'm not sure where you've been, but WN has been providing travel at rates this low for the last 34 years....

While SWA has been, other have not. I think that was what he was refering to - the growth of the low fare carriers and the Pricelines and Travelocities of the world have made finding the "super saver" fares for all airlines easier for the general public than it has been in the past.

And yes, you will find those people on all airlines. I have run into plenty of low class passengers in the CAL system (mainline, express and connection).

 

[jetalc]

Gatorade,

Here's the deal:

- There are 10,000 qualified guys on the street.

- SWA interviews as many as possible.

- They choose who they want.

If that's 1% or 90% that's THEIR BUSINESS.

Typically, I believe, it's less than 10%.

Get over it.

Try again.

Lose the attitude.

WL

Whine Lover - how very original...have you read the previous posts? I believe your "facts" are overstating the obvious. You're assuming that Gatorade has some sort of attitude, and also assuming that somehow came out in the interview - neither of which is necessarily accurate. I've seen so many networking "tools" get hired at SWA that it makes me sick...they can have 'em!

 

[Mr Hat]

As airfares have fallen and with the onset of internet booking engines, it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population. Flying has become more like a Jerry Springer audition than a dignified means of transportation.

I couldn't let this one pass.....Are you suggesting that the lower middle class people stay home and leave the airlines for more "dignified" passengers? Money doesn't give you dignity dude.

 

[MarylandONE]

Gatorade has some sort of attitude,.....

I don't think he is assuming. It's pretty obvious from the first post.

 

[AA717driver]

SWA will pick the right people regardless of their background.

I think that's a little naive. Once HR gets involved, all bets are off. I would have more respect for anyone's hiring process if a random selection of line pilots took interviewees out for beers and wings and had them ride around on the jumpseat for a couple of legs, shooting the $h!t during cruise.

Oh well, in a perfect world, I guess...TC

 

[Jetjockey]

"it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population."

Isn't that the goal of Southwest, hence the freedom part of the ad mantra? Call thier passengers what you'd like, they love Southwest. Legacy airlines for years would price gouge thier passengers making flying unaffordable for most of the population. I have no travel benefits since I'm furloughed. All 3 times this year I've traveled to interviews, I've used Southwest. You just can't beat thier fares, and I love thier service. I've been in the airline industry for 15 years, and have used just about every major airline in the US and a few overseas. When it comes to my money, I'm using Southwest.

 

[MarylandONE]

I think that's a little naive. Once HR gets involved, all bets are off. I would have more respect for anyone's hiring process if a random selection of line pilots took interviewees out for beers and wings and had them ride around on the jumpseat for a couple of legs, shooting the $h!t during cruise.

Oh well, in a perfect world, I guess...TC

It's not just a personality check. They want people who will go out of their way to help the customer. Not just be a bump in the cockpit before push when all your checks are done. Look at any of the captains we have and you will see them helping people all the time while the FO is usually getting the deck ready.

The PD has done a great job and I commend them for it. Every FO I have flown with has the SW stuff and that's why SWA has kicked the sh!t out of every other company for the last 30+ years.

 

[capt. megadeth]

Got to keep and eye on what is going on with the competition.

FJ

Ha ha.....no doubt. I got my eye on you too

Hobie,
Thanks. Yes, I feel extremely fortunate. Now I just have to work on getting all my buds hired.

 

[Juvat]

I'm not a big fan of Southwest -- in fact it's not likely you'll ever catch me on one of their airplanes -- but, I think that the stuff you see on "Airline" probably occurs on just about EVERY airline.

As airfares have fallen and with the onset of internet booking engines, it has become cheaper to fly than drive for a whole new segment of the population. Flying has become more like a Jerry Springer audition than a dignified means of transportation.

Regardless of whether you fly SWA, JetBlew, AirTran, United, Northwest, Delta etc... you're going to find the same morons that you see on "Airline" who should probably be removed from the gene pool for the greater good.

Holy smokes! In one part of your post, you sound like an elitist snob who thinks that the only people in the air should be wearing expensive suits, sipping martinis, riding in their Yankee Clippers. Just curious, are you one of those people who wears an ascot? Did you get beat up a lot in school?

Then in the next part of your post, you seem to be in favor of some bizarre form of airline passenger ethnic cleansing "for the greater good." Would you mind defining what the "greater good" is in your world?

Where I come from, the greater good is in giving everyone the Freedom to Fly.

 

[BenderGonzales]

If you guys could look past your "rah rah" BS for a few minutes you might see that I was defending you.

I was responding to a thread in which someone said that he wasnt sure he wanted to work for Southwest due to what he sees on "Airline".

I told him that, although I personally dont care for flying on Southwest, that behavior can be found on any airline.

My reason for saying that is simply that airfares have come down to a level (industrywide) when ANYONE can afford to fly rather than drive.

If you've ever been to an Amtrak or Greyhound station you know that there are a few people who just don't know how to be civilized. The airlines are beginning to attract the same type of people. It's the 10% rule.

Look, Southwest does a lot of things very well. Personally, I choose to spend my air-travel dollar elsewhere. I prefer assigned seating. I don't care for the song and dance silliness. I like the ability to fly first class. I like the airline lounges.

As a frequent flier, I enjoy some of the perks that go along with having to fly as much as I do.

That doesn't take away from SWA's success.... certainly you must realize that you cant be all things to all people! And I hope you realize that not EVERY pilot in the industry wants to work for you.

 

[Juvat]

If you guys could look past your "rah rah" BS for a few minutes you might see that I was defending you.

I was responding to a thread in which someone said that he wasnt sure he wanted to work for Southwest due to what he sees on "Airline".

I told him that, although I personally dont care for flying on Southwest, that behavior can be found on any airline.

My reason for saying that is simply that airfares have come down to a level (industrywide) when ANYONE can afford to fly rather than drive.

If you've ever been to an Amtrak or Greyhound station you know that there are a few people who just don't know how to be civilized. The airlines are beginning to attract the same type of people. It's the 10% rule.

Look, Southwest does a lot of things very well. Personally, I choose to spend my air-travel dollar elsewhere. I prefer assigned seating. I don't care for the song and dance silliness. I like the ability to fly first class. I like the airline lounges.

As a frequent flier, I enjoy some of the perks that go along with having to fly as much as I do.

That doesn't take away from SWA's success.... certainly you must realize that you cant be all things to all people! And I hope you realize that not EVERY pilot in the industry wants to work for you.

And you, sir, did not even come close to comprehending the two points that I made in my previous post. My comments are aimed squarely at your own words, and have nothing to do with the historical context in which you strain to place them.

Allow me to reiterate my points in summary fashion:

1. You are an arrogant, elitist--much like Mr. Howell on Gilligan's Island, and
2. You think that people who do not meet your socioeconomic, frequent first class flyer status should be somehow eliminated.

How very sickening indeed.

 

[canyonblue]

much like Mr. Howell on Gilligan's Island

As long as it is known that I am the Skipper!

 

[canyonblue737]

I really hope for all my friend's sake that it stays that way. You are right. I would love work there to if it wasn't for all those people in the back.
You can put a lot more revenue on a cargo plane. Aw, $hit, it's a long story but I used to really want to work there.

but capt. megadeath you and i both know the scholarship is such a 1 in a 1000 type of thing. when you set such a thing up it is inevitable that 999 will think they got hosed.

i too am the type of person that can get pissed and think, "why not me" when i get passed over, but with a scholarship like that one it requires a bit of luck too, although i am sure the winners are all very qualified, we both know one. i wouldn't feel wronged.

 

[BenderGonzales]

Stick it in your Canyonblue, Juvat.

 

[SWA tech]

Just watch that show "Airline" on A&E. It cured any desire I had to drive I mean fly a greyhound bus for SWA.

No thanks!

We give people what they want the freedom to fly. And for the people that work here we get a pay check when they tell you are getting paid and have a job for more then 6 months. We all have been
at other places with no job security and pay checks that bounce. SWA you get job security and good pay and the best people to work with all the way from top to bottom. If you don't get in try till you do but if you dont like swa then don't apply here. So all SWA haters get a life and no I don't drink the kool-aid

 

[SWA/FO]

You guys, that hate SWA have another plan? Waiting for the big 3 to start hiring again?

Would you rather roll the dice then look at facts? Why wait for someone to die or retire for your upgrade when you can look at firm aircraft orders.

 

[capt. megadeth]

but capt. megadeath you and i both know the scholarship is such a 1 in a 1000 type of thing. when you set such a thing up it is inevitable that 999 will think they got hosed.

i too am the type of person that can get pissed and think, "why not me" when i get passed over, but with a scholarship like that one it requires a bit of luck too, although i am sure the winners are all very qualified, we both know one. i wouldn't feel wronged.

I don't feel wronged. I used to, but I am really glad that I got turned down. Look where I am at now.

 

[capt. megadeth]

SWA you get job security

There is no job security at an airline unless you are the C screw everyone over for a $6000 shower curtain EO.

 

[English]

What is job security?

 

[MarylandONE]

What is job security?

Southwest Airlines

 

[LUVChild]

I would say that SWA has better job security than almost any other airline out there right now, but I'd also say that could change in a very short time if we don't keep our wits about us.

Part of the beauty of SWA is that management and labor genuinely do try to work together. Not to say that it's always rosey, but both sides generally put forth an effort to understand each other and work towards the overall health, stability, and profitability of this airline. I truly believe that the day we lose that is the day that will be the beginning of the end for Southwest...which means that both labor and management bear equal responsibility for our continued success. One side can't do it without the other.

As far as references to "Airline", keep this in mind...it's a show for entertainment. They film for days looking for one scenario that might be meaty enough to capture the viewers' interest. I've actually talked to the flim crews from A&E, and they've told me that, most of the time, their job is pretty boring. They sit around, waiting to hear over the radio that something juicy is happening. More often than not, they spend quite a few days with no real events. The 1-hour show that you see is often the result of several days of filming at three or four different stations. From what I've seen, our Customers are no better or worse than any other airline's. I hope that puts it in perspective.

So while I'm fiercy proud of my airline, I will also say this: let's not get too cocky with ourselves. Our $hit stinks just like everybody elses. Company pride is great, but arrogance will ultimately be the end of us. If you want to see where arrogance will land you, you need look no further than some of the airlines that came before us. Confidence and humility can be gracefully paired together

 

[MarylandONE]

I would say that SWA has better job security than almost any other airline out there right now, but I'd also say that could change in a very short time if we don't keep our wits about us.

Part of the beauty of SWA is that management and labor genuinely do try to work together. Not to say that it's always rosey, but both sides generally put forth an effort to understand each other and work towards the overall health, stability, and profitability of this airline. I truly believe that the day we lose that is the day that will be the beginning of the end for Southwest...which means that both labor and management bear equal responsibility for our continued success. One side can't do it without the other.

Amen.....I believe most everyone at our airline understands this and is why no other airline will touch us. I have never seen management and employee groups work with such coordination and mutual respect. No other company, let alone airline, has what we have.

For anyone to compare any other airline to us is ludicrous.

 

[waverunner]

Luvchild is right on the money. Finally a meaningful, insightful, and intelligent post! I've sifted through a bunch of mudslinging and wasted 20 mins. with this thread. Man O Man, you guys. All started with Gatorade. Gatorade: Things don't always happen in life the way you want them to happen. Things happen for a reason. Go do something else or keep doing whatever you are doing and if in a years time or whatever SWA still puts a gleam in your eyes then give it another whirl. You'll be even better next time with more of life's experiences to share wherever you interview. Yeah SW is a great place to work, but it ain't the only game in town. Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off and "get 'er done". Peace out! May this thread die a rapid death!

 

[mach zero]

There is no job security at an airline unless you are the C screw everyone over for a $6000 shower curtain EO.

Let's talk about job security at the Brown. I have talked to more than one management type at UPS at separate times. They all say they avoid flying as much of the freight as possible. They also talked of an initiative being evaluated to start double-crewing the trucks to run them non-stop on the long legs to replace the planes as much as possible.

The other question you have to ask is how much are they getting the freight charter flown for? Take a look across the ramp before X-mas at all those Gemini, Capital Cargo, Custom Air Transport, and other freight non-scheds. If UPS could fly the stuff cheaper on them then rest assured they will. UPS freight was originally flown by Orion and I believe could easily go back to a sub-contractor if your Brown pilots and planes were to expensive.

Nobody has complete job security in the flying game...not even you.

 

[capt. megadeth]

Let's talk about job security at the Brown.

Nobody has complete job security in the flying game...not even you.

Um.....what's your point? Where did I say I had job security?

I said there is no job security at an airline. I would include FedEx, UPS, Astar, etc. as airlines.

 

[MINIME]

Nice...I like it. That was funny. I know SWA does not hiring military guys only. I said "It seemed for June" rather my interview group. I'm no Ben Matlock. My posts arent the facts, just CHEAP THERAPY. That's all. Thanks for all the posts. Enjoy the weekend.

I'm truly sorry about the outcome of your interview. I haven't even been called for one yet. This I say as food for thought for your next round, I truly believe there's a formula to their system. I've commuted almost 5 years on SWA up to now. I'm truly amazed at how welcomed they make me feel everytime I JS. Sometimes 3 roundtrips a week with some of the same pilots. NO other airline even comes close! I believe that this is no coincidence. It's the system they use to screen the individuals they hire to the teeth. In today's world more than ever, I believe you have to try to form yourself to that mold in order to have a fighting chance. Sounds a little unfair, but I think that is one the keys to their success. And they ain't about to give it up now!

My humble advice from talking to some of the LUV boys, is to not give up rather learn from this experience so that you could be in a class next year. Who knows we might be in class together!!

 

[Capt1124]

I'm glad so many people, particularly Southwest pilots, have been able to maintain the belief that life is fair and everybody gets what they deserve. That's easy to do if things work out they way you planned.

In the end airlines hire who they want to hire. To even get to an interview requires a statistically improbable run of good fortune on top of the effort involved.

They invite lots of people to interview so they can be very selective and hire the people they really like and they think will be ideal employees. And pilots want to work for Southwest bad enough that many (I don't know the percentage) will go out and pay for the type rating just for the chance to go to the interview.

They make the interview "friendly" and "positive" so you will let down your guard and they can examine you more closely.

If you get the job, you can maintain and strengthen the belief that you're one of the special, chosen ones and you really are better than everybody else.

If you don't get the job you make other plans for your life.

 

[P3 Tweek]

3 years - No call

"Now, it would appear that the PD has changed. Instead of hiring the overachieving underdog, SWA wants to hire the same politically savy, a-hole kissers that were in such demand at places like DL in recent years. \

Hey SWA I've got a tip. Just hire like you did fifteen years ago.

The pilots you hired then have been an integral part of your success. Why have you replaced your proven formula with the formula used by now failing airlines? (BTW, this is rhetoric, and not intended to imply that pilot hiring has anything to do with the failure of any current airline)"

Cal

-------------------------------------------

Cal is on the mark in my opinion.

SWA has always had `high' qualification standards, ie. type rating, turbine PIC, etc. to make an application with them. Generally, only the very motivated people (like me and others) had applied.

Remember the FIFO (First in - First out) paper apps of the past? If SWA needed 100 applicants for interviews back then they took the top 100 on the pile. It didn't matter if you had minimum hours or 20000+. If you had the quals you got called. It was FIFO. They hired almost entirely by `attitude and personallity' because everyone interviewing was well qualified.

The hiring process and attitude at PD took a whole different direction when the `on-line' applications came about in Jan 2004. Like `Cal' I believe the hiring philosophy at WN likely may not be for the airline's betterment in the longterm.

I fear that 10-15 years from now SWA will resemble DAL, UAL, and NWA of the past in too many ways. SWA is `The Best' and I'm hoping it will always stay that way even though I will surely never get the opportunity to be a member of their team:

4650 TT
2050 PIC Turb
50 y.o.

Tweek