SWA In PIT!!! First Day

[chase]

Doesn't hurt to know at the interivew what is happening around our system....good luck to all the May interviewees!!!!

Southwest Airlines Touches Down at Pittsburgh International Airport
Wednesday May 4, 10:00 am ET

PITTSBURGH, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV - News) scores big today in Pittsburgh! The carrier celebrated its first flights at Pittsburgh International Airport with a Southwest Airlines sports-themed pep rally. To book a flight to Pittsburgh or to any of Southwest's other 59 destinations, visit: http://www.southwest.com/jp/luvhome.shtml?src=PR_PIT_050405 .

"Pittsburgh is one of the best airports in the country, and Southwest Airlines is proud to be starting service here today," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Officer. "Now our Pittsburgh Customers can experience the convenient, high-value flights Southwest offers at such low fares."

Southwest begins its Pittsburgh service today, with ten daily nonstop flights to the following cities: Chicago Midway (four daily), Las Vegas (one daily), Orlando (one daily), and Philadelphia (four daily). The airline will offer direct or connecting service to 37 other destinations, such as Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles, Oakland, Houston, and Seattle/Tacoma. Connecting destinations also include cities such as Denver and San Francisco -- via a codeshare agreement with ATA Airlines.

Southwest Airlines, long known as the low-fare leader, brings long-awaited discount fares to the Pittsburgh area. In addition to low advance purchase fares, Southwest offers inexpensive unrestricted fares to and from Pittsburgh. The airline's walk-up fares start at a mere $79 one-way between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia or between Pittsburgh and Chicago Midway. This low fare is available on every seat, every flight, everyday. And that's not all: Southwest's fares top out at only $299 one-way for cross-country flights to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and destinations on the West Coast. No advance purchase or overnight stay is required on these unrestricted fares. (Fares do not include a $3.20 segment fee per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges of up to $9 one-way and federal September 11 security fee of up to $5 one-way.)

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato and Allegheny County Airport Authority Chairman Glenn Mahone joined Kelly in the welcoming festivities at the airport. Additionally, Kevin McClatchy, Pittsburgh Pirates Chief Executive Officer and Managing General Partner, celebrated Southwest's arrival in Pittsburgh with airline and airport officials.

As part of the inaugural ceremony, Kelly passed a football to Steelers legend Jerome Bettis as the football player celebrated the day with Southwest. Later in the event, Bettis and Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Dave Littlefield doused Kelly with peanuts in celebration of Southwest's inauguration of service. With the addition of Pittsburgh, Southwest now offers nearly 3,000 daily flights to 60 cities in 31 states. Southwest Airlines employs 41 local Employees and more than 31,000 Employees nationwide. For Southwest Airlines lowest fares, visit http://www.southwest.com .

 

[Flechas]

We were taxiing into PIT last night and saw two SWA planes.
Interesting how the very first flight goes to PHL, talk about a poke in the eye, and if I'm not wrong the tickets were selling for $30.

 

[say again]

We were taxiing into PIT last night and saw two SWA planes.
Interesting how the very first flight goes to PHL, talk about a poke in the eye, and if I'm not wrong the tickets were selling for $30.

OUCH!!!

 

[Flechas]

OUCH!!!

I know, that was hit under the belt there, SWA is really determined to take US Airways out of business.

 

[chase]

Southwest no doubt has excess capacity right now but as they say in a lot of life, timing is everything.

Avg fuel prices at the pump last summer this time was around $1.80 or so....this summer it will be around $2.30 or so....a dramatic rise. With Dad trying to figure out if it is better this year to fly vs. drive the difference between this summer & last is significant in cost differential. The "hassle" factor that many have complained about while still there at some airports may be bearable when compared to the time & cost savings this year against Southwest's primary competitor....the car. Southwest I believe had the 2nd lowest LF in 1Q05 and add to that the increase coming from other flights this 2Q there are more options for buyers who are ready to get back into the air....more options vs. fewer options at other carriers who have cut back some capacity (just slightly though). Employees have only increased slightly with new hiring in MDW & a few other spots but overall the costs to add these airplanes (fuel is a big cost yes) to an existing system will be minimal....if an airline(s) were to stumble then this excess capacity Southwest has is there for others to take advantage of as well as the low prices are always a lure....not to mention some good customer service & customer loyalty.

BWI opens up mid ot late May with all flights consolidated on A & B concourse minimimizing the hassle factor for changing concourses that currently goes on...that will be a huge plus as the summer rolls around. The MDW flights are higher generating revenue than other areas & the huge increases there will also add to the bottom line.

No doubt there are challenges ahead for Southwest but PIT will be another success story & we're very thankful that PIT has welcomed Southwest into the neighborhood!!!! Looking forward to my first PIT overnight soon.

 

[say again]

No doubt there are challenges ahead for Southwest but PIT will be another success story & we're very thankful that PIT has welcomed Southwest into the neighborhood!!!! Looking forward to my first PIT overnight soon.

I'm sure you guys will be a success. It's been proven already!!
Good luck guys, hopefully within the next 10 years, I'll be there too!!

BTW- I hate PIThole!!

 

[ATRedneck]

We were taxiing into PIT last night and saw two SWA planes.

You must have been flying with me!

We turned off the runway last night and saw 'em. Didn't realize until my 0610 push (and de-ice... in May! WTF!) and heard the newschoppers jockeying for position over the airport that it was their first day.

I bet USAir's hearing some serious footsteps!

 

[Flechas]

You must have been flying with me!

We turned off the runway last night and saw 'em. Didn't realize until my 0610 push (and de-ice... in May! WTF!) and heard the newschoppers jockeying for position over the airport that it was their first day.

I bet USAir's hearing some serious footsteps!

That was me!

 

[herc17]

Chs

Hey Chase,
A buddy of mine that is currently at Higher Power asked HR what they thought about future service into CHS. They replied, "We actually considered CHS around the same time as PHL, CHS is definitely a near term possibility." What have you or anyone else heard about this potential rumour?

Herc17

 

[chase]

There are several cities on the east coast that would fit it well with our system, certainly CHS is probably one of those....CLT is popular among the rumor tree but SWA has a tendancy to surprise folks....where is the highest competition? East coast? Where are the higher yields right now? Midwest & out west.....does that mean we'll go there? Who knows but it makes one wonder.

PHL was completely out of the blue last time...PIT was little more predictable....CHS may not have enough O&D traffic annually to justify opening it up but RIC at one time was promised "it would be next" (after ORF opened)....AAI just opened up there but the guessing game will continue.....if another new city is to be opened this year the announcement should be coming soon since we usually do it 5-6 months in advance.

Tomorrow will be a big announcement for the company but it pertains more to the Wright Amendment...."unleash the hounds"!!!! It will take more time & effort but the change will allow lower airfares for not just North Texans but all passengers to & from North Texas via Love.

 

[jdru25]

Chase,

When you get your first PIT overnight make sure you check out Primanti Brothers. They make the infamous sandwich PIT is known for. Don't forget to drink some Iron City or Penn Pilsner if you are in the mood for an adult beverage. The South Side and the Strip District all always a good time. I think that you and your co-workers will enjoy the city!

 

[chase]

Thanks for the tips....sounds like you know the lay of the land....do you tour guide also? I hope the crew hotel is near the baseball stadium!!!!

 

[sgu]

Chase,

When you get your first PIT overnight make sure you check out Primanti Brothers. They make the infamous sandwich PIT is known for. Don't forget to drink some Iron City or Penn Pilsner if you are in the mood for an adult beverage. The South Side and the Strip District all always a good time. I think that you and your co-workers will enjoy the city!

Lift an Iron with Myron.... PIT is a cool place...

 

[Steeler Fan]

Chase,

When you get your first PIT overnight make sure you check out Primanti Brothers. They make the infamous sandwich PIT is known for. Don't forget to drink some Iron City or Penn Pilsner if you are in the mood for an adult beverage. The South Side and the Strip District all always a good time. I think that you and your co-workers will enjoy the city!

Rolling Rock works too.

South side, Strip District, Station Square--all well worth it--Don't do Primanti's unless you've had a few, because they only taste great when mixed with beer--For you newcomers to PIT, the Cheesesteak is NOTHING at all like the Philly Cheese Steak--but it's something you just gotta have.

Wings Suds and Spuds is across from the LaQuinta (which is Spanish for "close to Denny's")--just in case you stay aht near the airport.

I hope your overnights are longer than the ones we have at AirTran. Hopefully you're staying in a better location than we do. (Nice hotel, but nothing close by).

 

[jdru25]

Chase,

There are quite a few hotels down town. Public transportation is good so you will have no problem getting to Heinz Field or PNC Park for a Steelers or a Pirates game. Southwest coming to PIT is good news for us SWA wannabes. Getting to BWI and MDW just got easier. Have fun and PM me if you have any other questions about the city.

 

[jdru25]

SGU,

I gotta agree with you lifting an IRON with Myron! Pit is a drinking town with a football problem.