News for hackers. Stuff that matters.

A comment on Southwest operational meltdown as hundreds of flights canceled or delayed. Parent comment

Re:Southwest operational meltdown as hundreds of flights can... by listenallyall on Monday October 11, 2021 @01:33PM (#28830773)
Your anti-MBA, anti-profit-maximization rant misses one thing: Southwest is the only major US airline with zero bag fees (for the first 2), no business or first-class cabin, no seat upgrade charges, and until recently, the only one with no change fees (other airlines backed off change fees during the current pandemic). It doesn't chase major international routes, partner with 3rd party booking engines, or fly overnight/redeyes. LUV has consistently, for 40+ years, optimized its culture over profits.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Southwest operational meltdown as hundreds of flights can... by EricE on Tuesday October 12, 2021 @10:14AM (#28839929)
>LUV has consistently, for 40+ years, optimized its culture over profits

Something has changed in the last 10 years - the last five in particular. I obtained my frequent flyer number from them in 1985 and have flown them hundreds, if not thousands of time so yeah, I have a LOT of experience to draw from.

A great overview of how they have optimized to the extreme to their detriment is by Juan Browne: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO39nIcuPhQ

If HK were still alive I sincerely doubt they would be operating the way they are today :(

Luckily I'm getting ready to move back to the west coast and shouldn't have to fly regularly again - thank god!

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Southwest operational meltdown as hundreds of flights can... by watersb on Tuesday October 12, 2021 @07:41PM (#28846473)
HK = Herb Kelleher, founder and CEO of Southwest Airlines

He stepped down just a few years before his death, in 2019.

A colorful character and legendary driver of the culture at Southwest.

[ Parent | on HN ]