SWA is in position to dominate ATL

[BOX OFFICE]

You honestly think that the busiest airport in the world will cater to dedicating 10/28 to SWA, thus disrupting the flow of traffic? Seriously, you honestly think a MDW flight is going to be given 28 on a routine basis?

Good luck with that dream, but it ain't happening.

Then why did they clear the land over there? Apparently Airtran considered it at some point. And in case you haven't flown to a lot of SWA cities like we do on the 88, ATC generally lets SWA do whatever they want. Watch them get assigned the 10/28 transition even from up north. What you don't understand about ATC is that if they're using a "trip" configuration, ATC doesn't really care who gets assigned what, they just randomly assign SOMEBODY the transition. If SWA requests that most of those transitions go to them, they'll probably get it, because ATC DOESN'T CARE WHO DOES IT AS LONG AS SOMEONE DOES IT. Get it?

She doesn't? She told me she was a Delta pilot? Oh, right, that wasn't the truth.

Bye Bye--General Lee

Keep living the dream, General. I think they're missing you over on the regional forum... you might need to go slumming again and "impress" them with your amazing wit and sense of humor.

 

[redflyer65]

ATC really knows that SW is mission oriented, get the job done. Most legacies are interested in slowing it down and padding the paycheck. Two completely different ways of operating.. and they understand that.

I rode on DL not too long ago and there was a slight delay at the gate for a mechanical. 15-20 minutes. No big deal right? Once taxing out, the CA was moving at 1mph for 25+ minutes to get to the runway....AFTER the delay at the gate. (and no, there was no traffic or flow time) His goal was to maximize his paycheck and could careless about the people behind him. Just one example of the stuff that happens everday.

 

[PapaWoody]

ATC really knows that SW is mission oriented, get the job done. Most legacies are interested in slowing it down and padding the paycheck. Two completely different ways of operating.. and they understand that.

I rode on DL not too long ago and there was a slight delay at the gate for a mechanical. 15-20 minutes. No big deal right? Once taxing out, the CA was moving at 1mph for 25+ minutes to get to the runway....AFTER the delay at the gate. (and no, there was no traffic or flow time) His goal was to maximize his paycheck and could careless about the people behind him. Just one example of the stuff that happens everday.

C'mon Red...he was just trying to safely taxi the aircraft. Everyone knows you can't taxi faster than 1 mph and still be safe. It's impossible. Safety is paramount to Delta, that and the customer service experience.

PW

 

[PuffDriver]

Then why did they clear the land over there? Apparently Airtran considered it at some point. And in case you haven't flown to a lot of SWA cities like we do on the 88, ATC generally lets SWA do whatever they want. Watch them get assigned the 10/28 transition even from up north. What you don't understand about ATC is that if they're using a "trip" configuration, ATC doesn't really care who gets assigned what, they just randomly assign SOMEBODY the transition. If SWA requests that most of those transitions go to them, they'll probably get it, because ATC DOESN'T CARE WHO DOES IT AS LONG AS SOMEONE DOES IT. Get it?

As I thought, you have no idea how ATC works. No pretending needed.

 

[PuffDriver]

ATC really knows that SW is mission oriented, get the job done. Most legacies are interested in slowing it down and padding the paycheck. Two completely different ways of operating.. and they understand that.

I rode on DL not too long ago and there was a slight delay at the gate for a mechanical. 15-20 minutes. No big deal right? Once taxing out, the CA was moving at 1mph for 25+ minutes to get to the runway....AFTER the delay at the gate. (and no, there was no traffic or flow time) His goal was to maximize his paycheck and could careless about the people behind him. Just one example of the stuff that happens everday.

I don't know where you get the idea that "most legacies" are interested in slowing down ATC, but this "legacy" captain isn't. Don't get me wrong, I don't taxi just under rotation speed like SWA, but over 20 kts on straightaways is pretty routine for me.

Seems as if SWA pilots are the arrogant ones around here to me.

 

[redflyer65]

Puff,

Maybe I painted with too broad a brush...but I do see it very often. If you are one of the guys that uses his head with taxi speed and time management for the customers, then that's awesome. That's what you should be doing.

There are plenty of others that are in it just for themselves. It's sad.

 

[Flopgut]

Red: What you don't understand is that, at least at a certain level, you have to share the airspace. But you're going to fugure it out someday. The SWA, road rage taxi mentality is not going to suit you flying international. You start flying places with one or two runways that have a lot of arrivals at once and ATC isn't going to let you pull the crap. And you are painting "with too broad a brush" and it shows a real lack of SA on your part of what goes on at other carriers. When your FAs have to start doing a longer demo (over water) and they have to do it in two languages your taxi will slow down. Think dude. It's kind of like when Chase got on here and started asking etops questions.

 

[Noserider76]

Seems as if SWA pilots are the arrogant ones around here to me.

Yup. Think it's the more recently hired ones. Pretty sad bunch.

 

[Ty Webb]

Yup. Think it's the more recently hired ones. Pretty sad bunch.

Yup . . . . and they're the same ones that somehow feel entitled to the Captain seats in the planes AAI is bringing to the merger. . . . . . and are threatening to stink up the place if they don't get their way. :erm:

 

[GuppyWN]

Yup . . . . and they're the same ones that somehow feel entitled to the Captain seats in the planes AAI is bringing to the merger. . . . . . and are threatening to stink up the place if they don't get their way. :erm:

If you could explain how that is Fair and Equitable to me then maybe I'll agree with you.

Gup

 

[Dan Roman]

I'm still trying to figure out how anyone could perceive that the article in the beginning of this post alludes to anything about SWA dominating ATL????? It seems to say the opposite to me. This could also be their Waterloo.

 

[Dan Roman]

And yes there are SOME SWA pilots that do taxi way too fast and it's at the very least unprofessional and identifes them as second rate pilots. But not all of them by any means. Yes there are some legacy pilots that taxi too slow, again very few. Also as Flopgut said, legacy pilots in widebodies usually have longer PA recordings and they have to plan for that. I would guess it's about the same number of legacy pilots that drag their feet as there are Danica Patrick wannabees at SWA.

 

[Ty Webb]

If you could explain how that is Fair and Equitable to me then maybe I'll agree with you.

Gup

Not sure what you mean, Gup. Obviously, I don't think that scalping AAI Captains is "fair and equitable" . . .

BTW, determining what is "Fair and Equitable" requires a high degree of objectivity . . . I doubt any of us are really able to be that objective, myself included.

 

[redflyer65]

Yup . . . . and they're the same ones that somehow feel entitled to the Captain seats in the planes AAI is bringing to the merger. . . . . . and are threatening to stink up the place if they don't get their way. :erm:

I could careless whether you keep your seat or not, but it would be nice if you could explain why a 12 year Southwest FO could be jumped over by an 8 year AAI CA that is getting ready to obtain a windfall. It's not even close to reality...and most of the AAI guys understand that. Except for a few on FI.

Arrogant? Do all of you have General and OYS on ignore? That's apples and organges as well.

 

[GuppyWN]

Not sure what you mean, Gup. Obviously, I don't think that scalping AAI Captains is "fair and equitable" . . .

BTW, determining what is "Fair and Equitable" requires a high degree of objectivity . . . I doubt any of us are really able to be that objective, myself included.

Thanks Ty,

So you're saying that it MIGHT be Fair and Equitable for a 7 year Airtran Captain to lose "his" seat if he gets compensated FAIRLY and EQUITABLY?

Gup

 

[Lear70]

If you could explain how that is Fair and Equitable to me then maybe I'll agree with you.

Gup

I'm still trying to figure out how taking a Captain's seat away from him is "fair and equitable", since no one else has been able to explain how it's fair, more of an argument about comparable money than how it's right to take someone's seat away. Hell, even RAH/F9 didn't displace Captains, and F9 was in bankruptcy!

Not to mention the training involved in displacing 200 or so junior CA's into different aircraft. Potentially 600-800 training events at $25k or so a pop? You know SWA management wouldn't appreciate that kind of wasteful money spending (which is why fences are historically put in place).

Just a thought...

 

[Ty Webb]

I could careless whether you keep your seat or not, but it would be nice if you could explain why a 12 year Southwest FO could be jumped over by an 8 year AAI CA that is getting ready to obtain a windfall.

Your question suggests you haven't read the definition of "windfall" in regards to M-B/ Allegheny Mohawk, etc.

"Windfall", in the context of SLI involves a "taking from one party" and "giving to another". Being on the same hourly pay is not a "windfall", since it doesn't take away from anyone.

Taking a Captain seat from one, and giving it to another would be much closer to the meaning of "windfall".

It's not even close to reality...and most of the AAI guys understand that. Except for a few on FI.

Actually, if you strike the responses from both AAI and SWA guys, (and the General and OYS) you'll find that most pilots on here are telling you that all that really matters in the end are seat, equipment, and how long you anticipate being in that seat for until you retire.

Hourly pay rates, drink specials, and friendly management aren't going to replace those constants.

 

[miles otoole]

Jeez-just let a neutral unbiased arbitrator decide and then move on, all toward a better COMPANY. Plenty of $$$ to go around (especially with people flying 200+ TFPs/ month.

 

[GuppyWN]

Lear,

I'm not going there!

I'm simply saying there are two sides to every coin.

Gup

 

[GuppyWN]

Jeez-just let a neutral unbiased arbitrator decide and then move on, all toward a better COMPANY. Plenty of $$$ to go around (especially with people flying 200+ TFPs/ month.

A neutral unbiased arbitrator that doesn't fly airplanes for a living and doesn't understand the nuances of our business?

I'm holding out for a negotiated settlement. It WILL be better for all of us.

Gup

 

[Ty Webb]

Thanks Ty,

So you're saying that it MIGHT be Fair and Equitable for a 7 year Airtran Captain to lose "his" seat if he gets compensated FAIRLY and EQUITABLY?

Gup

If oil hits $200 a barrel, and there are pay concessions, and now he's making less than before AND has lost his seat, you going to give his seat back to him? :erm: Or just tell him "oops, my bad"?

 

[Lear70]

Lear,

I'm not going there!

I'm simply saying there are two sides to every coin.

Oh I don't disagree with that at all. Your senior F/O's have one thought about it and our junior CA's have another thought about it. Getting something that satisfies both parties is likely going to be one of the more difficult parts of finding a negotiated solution.

A neutral unbiased arbitrator that doesn't fly airplanes for a living and doesn't understand the nuances of our business?

I'm holding out for a negotiated settlement. It WILL be better for all of us.

Gup

Can't argue with that...

 

[PapaWoody]

Your question suggests you haven't read the definition of "windfall" in regards to M-B/ Allegheny Mohawk, etc.

"Windfall", in the context of SLI involves a "taking from one party" and "giving to another". Being on the same hourly pay is not a "windfall", since it doesn't take away from anyone.

Taking a Captain seat from one, and giving it to another would be much closer to the meaning of "windfall".
Actually, if you strike the responses from both AAI and SWA guys, (and the General and OYS) you'll find that most pilots on here are telling you that all that really matters in the end are seat, equipment, and how long you anticipate being in that seat for until you retire.

Hourly pay rates, drink specials, and friendly management aren't going to replace those constants.

Ty - Believe it or not, I actually agree with you that a lot of SWA guys on here don't seem to understand the discussion of "windfall" as it pertains to A/M and B/M. The law states that no party will receive a "windfall" at another party's expense - AAI guys falling under our contract and reaping the benefits of such, although maybe a windfall, doesn't come out our expense.

However - comma - we are talking about seniority, and by its very definition, seniority (and exercising it) will always come at someone's expense. So when considering how to mesh two groups that have such disparate career paths and expectations, we at SWA expect that those differing career expectations, that include more than just the seat you sit in, should be used to make the determination of "fair and equitable". I'm not saying that anyone should or will take your seat away from you. However, expecting that your seniority on a combined list at this more mature carrier (with all that entails, including pay and job security) should disregard our longevity at SWA would be not fair nor equitable, especially when the airline industry operates under a tenure based seniority system.

In summation, although I'm not so much concerned with whether or not you keep the seats that you bring to the combined list, I am highly concerned that your system seniority on that list not disregard my longevity and the disparate nature of our respective careers. To do so would be a windfall at my expense.

Respectfully and Fraternally,
PapaWoody

 

[Secret Squirrel]

A Very articulate and well thought out response. It has no swear words or condescending tone. It is so out of place on this web board that it should be deleted.

 

[Lear70]

A Very articulate and well thought out response. It has no swear words or condescending tone. It is so out of place on this web board that it should be deleted.

LOLOL so true!

Thanks for the well-spoken response, PW. :beer:

 

[dicko]

Ty - Believe it or not, I actually agree with you that a lot of SWA guys on here don't seem to understand the discussion of "windfall" as it pertains to A/M and B/M. The law states that no party will receive a "windfall" at another party's expense - AAI guys falling under our contract and reaping the benefits of such, although maybe a windfall, doesn't come out our expense.

However - comma - we are talking about seniority, and by its very definition, seniority (and exercising it) will always come at someone's expense. So when considering how to mesh two groups that have such disparate career paths and expectations, we at SWA expect that those differing career expectations, that include more than just the seat you sit in, should be used to make the determination of "fair and equitable". I'm not saying that anyone should or will take your seat away from you. However, expecting that your seniority on a combined list at this more mature carrier (with all that entails, including pay and job security) should disregard our longevity at SWA would be not fair nor equitable, especially when the airline industry operates under a tenure based seniority system.

In summation, although I'm not so much concerned with whether or not you keep the seats that you bring to the combined list, I am highly concerned that your system seniority on that list not disregard my longevity and the disparate nature of our respective careers. To do so would be a windfall at my expense.

Respectfully and Fraternally,
PapaWoody

Nice Job PW. Nice job.

I think you'll find that we have a great deal of empathy for your position. Well said.

 

[400ADude]

Let them keep their seats at there ch!tty payrates and domicile of ATL.

How about relative W2's???? That is fair isn't it??? Rack and stack according to your payrate and minimum gurantee. Bingo it's done1

 

[Ty Webb]

Ty - Believe it or not, I actually agree with you that a lot of SWA guys on here don't seem to understand the discussion of "windfall" as it pertains to A/M and B/M. The law states that no party will receive a "windfall" at another party's expense - AAI guys falling under our contract and reaping the benefits of such, although maybe a windfall, doesn't come out our expense.

However - comma - we are talking about seniority, and by its very definition, seniority (and exercising it) will always come at someone's expense. So when considering how to mesh two groups that have such disparate career paths and expectations, we at SWA expect that those differing career expectations, that include more than just the seat you sit in, should be used to make the determination of "fair and equitable". I'm not saying that anyone should or will take your seat away from you. However, expecting that your seniority on a combined list at this more mature carrier (with all that entails, including pay and job security) should disregard our longevity at SWA would be not fair nor equitable, especially when the airline industry operates under a tenure based seniority system.

In summation, although I'm not so much concerned with whether or not you keep the seats that you bring to the combined list, I am highly concerned that your system seniority on that list not disregard my longevity and the disparate nature of our respective careers. To do so would be a windfall at my expense.

Respectfully and Fraternally,
PapaWoody

I think I just heard him say "Hitler". Did you guys hear it, too? :laugh:

Just kidding. Thanks for an articulate post, and I think I actually do understand where you're coming from a little better.

I'm not sure that I understand your statement that " . . . by its very definition, seniority (and exercising it) will always come at someone's expense".

If you are adding employees without the airframes, yes, but we are adding employees and the airframes. How does that move you up or down a single number?

Regards,
TW

 

[Ty Webb]

Let them keep their seats at there ch!tty payrates and domicile of ATL.

How about relative W2's???? That is fair isn't it??? Rack and stack according to your payrate and minimum gurantee. Bingo it's done1

PW's post made sense. Yours is just more stupidity and insults.

Welcome to my ignore list. You should have been added a long time ago. You add nothing to the conversation, and never have.

 

[PapaWoody]

I think I just heard him say "Hitler". Did you guys hear it, too? :laugh:

Just kidding. Thanks for an articulate post, and I think I actually do understand where you're coming from a little better.

I'm not sure that I understand your statement that " . . . by its very definition, seniority (and exercising it) will always come at someone's expense".

If you are adding employees without the airframes, yes, but we are adding employees and the airframes. How does that move you up or down a single number?

Regards,
TW

I understand that you are bringing airplanes with you, and I understand that taking you guys out of your Captain's seats could be (let's be realistic, probably would be) a windfall for our senior F/O's at your expense. However, as stated my concern is and always has been system seniority and a fair and equitable rendering of that. IMHO, putting an AirTran pilot on the combined list senior to a SWA pilot hired at or before him/her would be unfair to the SWA pilot. Every pilot senior to you on said combined list will exercise that seniority at your expense, which doesn't make it unfair - that's just the nature of a seniority based system. I am just trying to point out that our industry has always employed a longevity-based seniority system, and to disregard that in this case would unfairly harm our pilot group in a demonstrable fashion.

Cheers,
PapaWoody

PS Thank God we have a seniority-based advancement system. If we had a performance-based system, I'd be screwed! :beer: