Southwest Airlines Community

Bill, I couldn't agree with you more. People are going to hear only what they want to hear. Our airline did the best in a situation that was dismal. And for those of you who stated that we should have known about ATA's finances, well folks, any airline is up in the air at this point. Are you going to fly United to Hawaii who just lost 537 million dollars or American, who lost 328 million dollars in just one quarter? No one has a crystal ball. No airlines are safe from peril. When all the airlines finally get their act together and raise fares tremendously to offset fuel costs, then there is a topic for your debate. But you cannot have your cake and eat it too. Fares that are conducive to cover wages, benefits, and especially fuel equals a successful airline. Fares that warrant thrifty passengers that aren't willing to pay higher prices, well, just drive then. ... View more

As in my previous post...Has anyone addressed Global Aero Logistics, the holding company for ATA who is STILL in business. ATA Holdings changed their name to Global Aero Logistics and purchased World Airways and North American Airlines. Mattlin Patterson is a firm who gave Global Aero Logistics the capital to run all operations. Mattlin Patterson decided to cuts its losses in ATA, and still keep World and North American. Southwest can only do so much. When you code share with a company, you are not obligated to share all financial information with another company. With Global Aero Logistics and Mattlin Patterson providing capital, ATA was much more stable than a standalone entity. As for all the passengers, yes, I would be extremely frustrated. But Southwest cannot pay for nearly 40,000 people to take United or American for $1000 a ticket. Its just not feasible. Southwest did give anyone affected travel vouchers on top of their refund. Unfortunately people, we are beginning to see pricing in the airline industry at where it needs to be. If you got tickets for $300-$600 roundtrip, that was great. But thats the reason everyone will go out of business like ATA. Its not your fault, but the airlines need to charge much higher fares to cover costs. Everyone is so used to flying for thrifty fares and expecting the world. Well the airlines need to charge 3 times the amount that they are charging now, and maybe everyone wouldn't get nickled and dimed for amenities...and we wouldn't have to worry about failing airlines. ... View more

I completely understand everybody's frustration whether you were going to Hawaii or stuck there. I am a Southwest Flight Attendant based in Chicago. I am quite frustrated with the holding company of ATA, Global Aero Logistics, who also owns World Airways and North American. The holding company did not go out of business and should be held liable for their decision to just close the doors without assuring that passengers could at least get back home. As for Southwest, I love my airline. We treat the customers like gold, as we should. I work my tail off on every flight to ensure that passengers have a great experience. When Southwest decided in 2005 to codeshare with ATA, I had my doubts. I worked at ATA as a flight attendant and was laid off after 3 years of service. The airline was ever far from stable to begin with. The combination at the time was very beneficial to Southwest and their customers because ATA was basically our void where needed. Although Southwest may have made promises, I truly believe our company did the best that they could given the circumstances of Aloha also going out of business. No other airline is going to put you on their flights for free, but they made sure they raised those fares real fast...I think that Southwest made the best decision by refunding your tickets plus giving you a travel voucher for your inconvenience. They have nearly 40,000 passengers to deal with due to the demise of ATA. And we are truly trying folks. There are no flights to put you on in the near or even mid-long term future. I am giving free drinks on the plane for folks who were abandoned by ATA. We are doing our best in a situation that created turmoil for Southwest, the poor employees of ATA, and most of all, OUR CUSTOMERS! We do care and I really hope you all give us another chance. Unfortunate things happen, but for the most part, Southwest has truly given this country the opportunity to afford to fly. So on behalf of myself and my company, I truly want to apologize and look forward to meeting and conversating with many of you on my future flights. ... View more