What Airtran brings to the table

[Crash Pad]

There has been some discussion on this board that assumes SWA gets nothing and Airtran gets a "windfall". So I thought I would start a thread that explains what Airtran can do for the SWA pilot group.

Here is my short list:
1. Of all the airlines based in Atlanta we have the hottest flight attendants. This is undisputed (ASA: Fail, Delta: would have won in 77' with there current group)

2. Overnights: SWA has a world renowned reputation for being a rolling frat party. To the point they have gotten soft. Take away the 1,2,3 rule and SWA folds like french prize fighters. We can teach you skills like: giving your FA herpes, getting onto your FA's balcony when she locks you out of the front door, and what to do with 18 hours in CAK (that last one will save your life).

3. Security: Per capita Airtran has more FFDO's than any other airline. We already have gunracks in the cockpit. What do we bring to the table you ask... peace of mind.

4. Financial planning: Do to your pay you most likely have piles of money sitting in your mattress. We have a group of pilots who have great opportunities for you and your money. See once you get a few people below you...
See we have had to be crafty while you have been sitting fat, dumb, and happy...
seriously think about it, if you only had 20 people below you that would be 100K for doing nothing!

Those are just some quick thoughts... Other Airtran guys can chime in.

Note to SWA guys: we got it. You're bringing free bags, money, work rules, bla bla bla...

Let me handle those one at a time.
Money: How much do you need? Answer: More

Work Rules: Hey I came to Airtran for one reason. Atlanta base. That is all the work rules I need. Spend most nights at home. As I said earlier you always need more money. I'm sure your Captains complain about taxes and how they are barely getting by with the ex-wife, taxes, child support, yacht payment etc...

Free Bags: Yeah some may have forgotten but I haven't. SWA ruined a monday night game by showing that commercial with Airtran every five minutes. BURN IT DOWN! My pride is worth something.

 

[SWA/FO]

Welcome to the best Airline in the World! I'd like to add that our training center is not a "house of pain" like the one in ATL.

 

[asaflyer]

Well as another side note. AirTran is bringing one FO thats happy to be part of a combined team that will be able to take on any airline that challenges us. Together we're going to be great and I look forward to being a part of it. Bottom line is that both sides have their "tools" to deal with, but after all is said and done 99% of us like to work hard, do a good job and go home to our families. If we both agree to take the SLI as it is done and move on then all will be good. Lord knows we have examples of how not to do it. Happy flying to all.

 

[CMonBoard]

Someone's been drinking a little too much Wild Turkey...

 

[slaquer5]

Someone's been drinking a little too much Wild Turkey...

I am thinking a lot more on this board need to follow that lead and do the same. We are all on the same team now, like it or not. JMO

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Hopefully some of our key management is left behind or it would be like infecting Southwest with Herpes. You guys will hold it over our head forever!

 

[Mongolikecandy]

I am thinking a lot more on this board need to follow that lead and do the same. We are all on the same team now, like it or not. JMO

Hear Hear! I know there are going to be guys on both sides who are pissed about how the SLI will go down. Not everyone can be happy and someone is going to have to take a turn in the proverbial barrel. But when all is said and done, we are only going to be great if we push together rather than pull apart.

 

[ASADFW7]

Airtran brings airplanes that have the ability to earn the same revenue as any Southwest Jet. They have crews that are trained to fly into any cities that SWA operates into and more. They are established in more cities and are ready to add to the 800 lb gorilla, it should be at least 968 lbs after the integration of companies. I look forward to getting to know the Airtran crews and working together.

When I got hired at SWA I was excited. I am excited for the Airtran folks, and excited to get the opportunity to put our operating efforts together on the same team.

 

[Critter717]

Only the GECAS airplanes have gunracks.

 

[texman]

Well as another side note. AirTran is bringing one FO thats happy to be part of a combined team that will be able to take on any airline that challenges us. Together we're going to be great and I look forward to being a part of it. Bottom line is that both sides have their "tools" to deal with, but after all is said and done 99% of us like to work hard, do a good job and go home to our families. If we both agree to take the SLI as it is done and move on then all will be good. Lord knows we have examples of how not to do it. Happy flying to all.

Bingo!