Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Southwest Airlines to buy Airtran Airways...

My prayers have been answered....After 15 years off PPM (P*** Poor Management)here at Airtran, the news could'nt be better for me...Simply Elated!!!!!!

Mark, glad things are working out for you!

Air West
Southtran
Trans West
Sou'Wester
Westran

They can choose just one of these .

I called Bob Fornaro to see why he sold,
and all he would say was to mutter:
"that f'n guy in GA."

Well, welcome to the wonderful world of airline mergers, Mark!

Went through a few myself during my airline "career". Hughes Airwest with Republic. Republic with Northwest.

And, the wife went through all of the above including the latest one; Northwest with Delta, until she too retired this past year.

(oh yeah...those mergers are always interesting, alright...one company's work force suspiciously eying the other for months before things settle in place...oh yeah, LOTS o' "fun", alright!...good luck!)

Looking like a big pay raise (according to their contract) if we get implemented into their AMFA contract...Not sure how they're going to integrate the 400 or so mechanics at Airtran. I'll have 15 years invested in this Airline, and from the way I've been treated, I DONT CARE!!!! I would start at the bottom with Southwest, given the opportunity...Rumor control says they will keep the 80 or so Boeing 717's we have, hire even more mechanics, take on the Southwest paint schemes on all aircraft, and take those awful "airtran.com" letters off the top of the hangar. All upper management will be replaced, and there won't be a sign of Airtan ANYWHERE by the summer of 2011...I could'nt think of any better scenario that could happen to me and my career, the one I was contemplating ending just days ago...

I can certainly understand your joy at hearin' this news, Mark. Southwest Airlines has had a pretty good reputation among not only the public but also among those in the airline industry since Herb Kelleher started up the carrier decades ago.

well Mark, I told you a while ago you should think about switching, looks like they brought the switch to you! Sounds like good news!

I used to study the science of business management. When I was doing that, Southwest was considered to be among the best at open and collaborative practices. In these times when a lack of covenant is generally felt by those of non-management positions, it is often believed that the best companies hold no secrets from their people. Everything including salaries and plans for the future is out in the open for all to see.

I hope your position survives Mark, for they are thought to be an excellent company that values constructive and useful input from all levels.

http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?cat=106&isbn=0071428976

I unintentionally left this book on the seat of another airline. Must have been a power greater than I that caused that?

That sucks. I really like flying Airtran. Upgrade to first class for 50 bucks = sweet. I don't like southwest at all. I like having a reserved seat, don't like the cattle call, and if I can't get online the exact minute 24 hrs prior to flight time I'm going to get a crappy seat? Bogus. I have flown Airtran exclusively for the past 3 or 4 years and will be really disappointed if I have to fly southwest now, or god forbid go back to flying United.
On the other hand I've heard they're a great company to work for, for those of you on that side of it. Good luck!

Been flying Southwest almost exclusively for years. During my son's time at college we always used Southwest for his back and forths across the country. Never had a cancellation or bump, they were always on time and if you get A (which he always did) or B boarding you'll get an aisle or window.

If you can't get online, get someone to do it for you. All they need is the confirmation number.