A Historical Weekend

[angela]

In case you were under a rock and didn't hear the big news this weekend, the United States Congress overwhelmingly adopted legislation late Friday to repeal the Wright Amendment! Stay tuned…we'll keep you up-to-speed on what this all means and what will happen next as the details become available.

[Mike13]

Congratulations! It's about time!

[David_Ross3]

From what I've read of it, the repeal is pure BS. What is needed is a real repeal, not something phased in over 8-10 years and not the destruction of 12 gates. In other words, ANY AIRLINE CAN FLY TO ANY STATE FROM DAL, beginning right this minute! I am disappointed that WN didn't hold out for a true repeal.

[Jim13]

Congratulations to Colleen, Herb, Gary and the entire traveling public.

[kay_mckinney]

it only took 28 years but that just goes to show you what sheer determination and tenacity will accomplish. along of course with the dedication and relentless hard work of susan goodman, director of legislative awarness and her enitre staff. not to mention the remarkable employees of southwest airlines. i am so proud to have been a part of swa and the many challenges we have experienced the last 35 years. if you ever doubt that the swa culture and spirit doesn't really exist just look at our history. that is living proof it is alive and well. congratulations to all of us on this tremendous victory!!!!!!!!!

[Tom1]

First order of Business??? Institute an LAX - DAL nonstop!

[Jim13]

I want to buy the first ticket, on the first flight ,from Love field to any city outside of the "zone" in 2014. If you want a huge publicity coup, put the first day's tickets on sale now for $20.14 each way. Special commemorative hard copy tickets (now), a special charter-member-first-day-flyer award (then), a commemorative collectable luggage tag (now - what a cool thing to show off for the next 8 years), a very special looking SWA Visa card (now), special T-shirts and cabin blankets (then) - who knows, the list is endless. But I still want to be the first person to buy a Southwest ticket (actually, I need two - I want my wonderful wife along) on the first SWA flight from Love Field to anywhere outside of the Wright amendment states.

[FriendofBlogBoy]

Congratulations to my friends at Southwest on a long-overdue and hard-fought victory. As is the case with most legislation, this is an example of compromise. The way I read the details of the new agreement, no one, including the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, nor American or Southwest, got absolutely everything that they wanted exactly the way they wanted it. But, it is a starting point, and legal hurdles are often cleared one bar at a time, just as SW was able to gradually add Birmingham and then Jackson, MS, and then Kansas City and St. Louis. I think all of Southwest's loyal passengers are pleased that we've taken this huge step forward in through-ticketing, and will begin to lobby our elected officials to chunk this ridiculous eight-year delay! Best wishes to SW and get ready, rest of the country, here come the folks from Dallas! Kim 🙂

[Drew1]

I agree with David that the Wright compromise is BS. I am still not happy that we are settling for an eight-year delay to full repeal and the destruction of transportation infrastructure. That said, Jim's idea for the 2014 flights is fantastic. If the Southwest marketing folks go for it, sign me up!

[Dustin]

Congratulation to everybody at SWA for their work on the repeal of the Wright Amendment. This has been a big battle and has taken alot of hard work. I cant wait to be able to fly the best airline in America to destinations outside of the Wright states. Thank you for being the best airline out there and please continue the good work!

[FriendofBlogBoy]

Dallas, TX -- dateline 2014 Today, local monstrosity corporation Southwest Unlimited, owner of an airline, chain of upscale but quirky hotels and resorts, a group of boutique clothing stores and hundreds of fast-food restaurants across the country specializing in hamburgers shaped like 737s, announces that the Wright Amendment is officially over. Back in 2006, a compromise resulted in an odd legislative delay of eight years to reach this day. Before he retired as a mega-millionaire in 2008, former spokesman Brian Lusk was quoted as repeating the oft-heard analogy, "there are two things you don't want to see being made -- one is sausage and the other is legislation." As part of today's announcement, current spokesman, Herb Kelleher III, grandson of legendary Chairman and CEO of the same name, informed investors that Southwest would be launching non-stop air service from Dallas Love Field tomorrow to Athens, Greece; Sydney, Australia and Beijing, China on their newly-purchased fleet of Boeing 797s. On a related business note, a local peanut company reports one of their largest customers has asked them to develop a peanut that tastes like an eggroll. In sports, the Dallas Cowboys lost yesterday's game against cross-town rival SMU, details on page C1... Kim 🙂

[David_Ross3]

I don't know why everyone is saying congratulations. It's a lousy deal. With the exception of a handful of states, you still will not be able to fly nonstop to DAL. They are condeming PRIVATE property to reduce the number of gates available by 40%f (32 gates to 20). As I mentioned earlier, and Drew agreed, this is a BS deal. I should not have to wait until 2014 in order to fly nonstop from OAK to DAL. I should be able to do tomorrow. Hell, I should have been able to do it years ago!

[FriendofBlogBoy]

David, As a frequent traveler on Southwest, I share your frustration with the way things have been and with the eight-year delay. However, having been involved for years on the fringes of the political world, I've seen the difficulty in getting things changed. By definition, every argument has people on each side who both think that their view is correct. And, in many cases, there is no true "win-win" solution that can make both of those groups of people completely happy. The current compromise is just that; a compromise. Let's try to stay positive and be glad for what "we" got as opposed to complaining about what "we" didn't get or what "they" got. Its one of those glass half-empty/half-full deals. There is nothing to say that the eight-year delay is carved in granite. Things change. Look at how the vote in the House went for this; people anticipated a tough battle but when it came to casting their votes, even normally liberal Democrats joined sides with normally conservative Republicans on this issue. Advantages on the football field are earned one yard at a time, and a march across the country starts with a single step. We've just taken several large steps and the game ain't over yet! Kim

[FF_since_89]

Congratulations to all the people who worked to make this happen. Thank you to all the Southwest employees. And congratulations to all the DAL passengers who can now skip the two-ticket routine or reclaiming luggage. This is a proud day for aviation!

[Kevin7]

It's more of a question than a comment. With all the POS. news concerning Sept. traffic #'s, Wright Amendment news, oil prices, etc.... What is wrong with SWA stock? It is tues. 10/03/06...all other airline stock are up from 3% to 11% (as of 3pm central) and SWA is -.02 or at best Unchg.....What gives? Is the stock over valued? The company is doing well, I think and all other airlines are up any wheres from .27 to 1.46. I don't get it.....Would appreciate any responses or insights Thanks, kevin

[Kadin]

I'm glad that at least the Wright Amendment has some change in it. I know when I was a reservation agent of how many times we would have to discuss about this amendment. But that will be good when 2014 comes and it will finally be done away with. Though the airline business has changed a lot and as we know when 2014 comes the airline business could be totally different by then.

[Marcus_cook]

Good job guys!! Now can you fly to Midway nonstop?

[Drew1]

In 2014, Marcus.

[Scott5]

In response to Kevin's question about LUV stock, LUV closed on Friday in the mid-16.60s. The stock did open a dime higher at 8:30 AM Monday (All times CT) and hovered a while before moving to the mid-16.90s in the 11-12 AM area. (this is in response to Congress passing the Love Field legislation). LUV stock did close at about 16.87 which was a good 20 some cent gain. On Tuesday the stock challenged the 17 mark but couldn't hang on. With regard to the Passenger numbers, the one thing that isn't released with the traffic information is how much revenue is being generated. What was the mix of fares behind the revenue passenger numbers. Traffic statistics do not show how many cents per revenue passenger mile was being generated. There was a built in expectation that the load factors would remain solid. But I think Southwest did have more fares so the number of cents per revenue passenger mile could have been a bit soft. But we will not know that until Southwest reports its earning in mid-October. The investor relations department has the exact date. Southwest always reports before the market open (not after the close) of the date listed. There was also a statement made earlier this month that LUV's revenue for the third quarter of '06 was going to be up less than 10 percent than revenue for the third quarter of '05. I think that this statement is keeping a lid on LUV stock short-term.

[Roy]

I wonder if now it will make sense for WN to fly direct from Love Field to JAN and BHM with the plane continuing on to Florida, IAD, BWI etc? I never did understand why they did not start a few nonstops to JAN and BHM when the Shelby Amendment was passed.

[mrprestonking]

With these 'inside the beltway things any victory is better than no victory at all. I suspect the letter writing campaign made a big difference. As SWA continues to expand there will be a larger number and geographical base of citizens to write to their congressional reps to get this moving faster. As more people become aware of the Wright Amendment it will become a less desirable law not to change. Just remember it is year 2006 and the good citizens have DC still can't vote for President and have taxation without representation!

[FriendofBlogBoy]

Kevin -- You've asked a great question (about SWA stock), and if I had the true answer, I'd be in high demand as a stock analyst. The Dallas newspaper has randomly carried stories for years about the puzzle behind SW's stock not doing better, and even those 'experts' disagree on the cause. However, based on what I've read, what I know about the stock market and what business analysts seem to look at, I have formed an opinion. Consider company A (or "AA" if you prefer...) -- profits are WAY down. Spokesmen for the company predict doom and gloom for the next two quarters. Stock remains soft. Suddenly, instead of losing 84 bazillion dollars as anticipated, company A loses ONLY 79 bazillion. YAY!! It is a success story! Throw confetti on the floor of the NYSE and let's watch the people flock to buy the stock, which now shows a healthy gain. All based on the news that although they lost more money than many countries entire GNP, it was not as bad as it could have been. Now, consider company SW (or "LUV" if you prefer...) -- profits have consistently been shown, each quarter, for 31+ years. Spokesmen for the company predict continued profitability. Stock remains stable. Then, profits are announced, and instead of making 82 bazillion dollars, lo and behold, company SW made 84 bazillion dollars. So what? What's an extra 2 bazillion? After all, you SAID you were going to make a profit, and you did. Big deal. Stock gains a few cents and keeps on plugging along. It is very similar to the semantic games played by politicians in Washington D.C. for years. Politico A says that with our current budget, the debt will be 256 kazillion dollars. Politico B says that he has found a way to cut some spending and instead of 256, our new deficit will ONLY be 253. Politico B makes the claim that he has SAVED 3 kazillion dollars!! Ta da!! In my layman's opinion, the Market loves "turnaround" stories and they talk up the company when it happens and investors, like sheep or lemings, flock to that stock. Even if the company is still losing money and being operated by morons, by golly, they aren't losing as much as they thought they would. Meanwhile, good, solid and stable companies like Southwest don't generate excitement because they have told us what they are going to do, and then they do it. Regardless, I continue to own and to recommend SW stock to anyone for consistent and predictable performance. I'd rather have slow and steady gains over time than wildly fluctuating peaks and valleys from a company that scares me and whose future is uncertain. Besides, I take a huge amount of pride in getting onboard one of those sleek 737s and looking down at the floor and wondering if THAT is the plane where I own one square inch of carpeting... Kim 🙂

[Jeff_Gottlieb]

Outstanding first step! I know that Delta and American are quaking in their boots. As well they should, having to compete with an actual well-managed airline. My wife and I LUV you guys! we take advantage of her companion pass often and always enjoy the time spent with your wonderful employees.

[kfrancis1]

Yes 8 years stinks! However, looking at the BIG picture, it's not so bad. It's going to happen and that is an enormous accomplishment! Thank you Herb, Ron, Gary, Colleen and all involved! -Kristen F.

[Matt]

Kim- your comment on the stock reminds me of my credit report. I was told that even though now as a responsible adult I've been making my car payment on time for over a year now I still have a very old debt on my record. They keep looking at that bad debt instead of what I have been doing recently. It makes NO sense to me why LUV is at $16+ when those awful other airlines (which I get complaints about...most recently out of PIT) are making waaaay more than we are. I really, REALLY hate the stock market. 😞

[FriendofBlogBoy]

Recommendation to my pals at Southwest -- After reading many of the news stories and the entries here in Angela's thread on the blog about the repeal of the Wright Amendment and the numerous potential ramifications of this event, I'd like to suggest that the next plane to receive one of your distinctive 'specialty liveries' should be christened... "The Spirit of Love Field" in honor of all of the effort that has gotten SWA where they are today, 35 1/2 years after taking off from your home field. And when it is unveiled, I want an invitation to be there for the event! I LUV Love Field and Southwest Airlines! Kim 🙂

[carroll4]

Ive had several senior citizens make the point they won't even live long enough to see the ammendment repealed. Now that is a DAMN shame the greatest generation not ablt to fly in and out of Dallas without restrictions. They feel as if the whole thing is a big political outrage.

[Anonymous2369]

This is a great start for Southwest to expand its business. It's about time that restrictions at Love Field are lifted. But legislation involves compromises, so at least all parties agreed on this. Love Field is quite small and even if all Wright Amendment restrictions are lifted immediately, service outside the Writght Amendment area would be very limited anyway. But it would be likely that more states would be added to the Wright Amendment area. I'm quite happy that Missouri has recently been added to the area, making it very inexpensive for me to fly from Kansas City to Dallas. It would be great if all restrictions were lifted immediately, but through ticketing alone to points beyond the Wright Amendment area will be a great benefit to all airlines serving Love Field currently. Especially since 9/11, it has been very inconvenient to have to buy 2 tickets and have to exit security to claim baggage and recheck it for the second flight.

[Paulette]

I agree that the 8 year transition from total restriction to total freedom it is not the best for SWA passengers. However, it is a start and we must work with what we've got. We, as the consuming public, MUST continue this fight to shorten the current 8 year time-line or repeal it altogether as quickly as possible. This is very much a cause worth fighting for! We must keep working at it until the entirety of the Wright Amendment is repealed, no matter how much (or little) of the 8 years it takes!!

[Aquila_Coronado]

I am flying from Dallas to Baltimore via Houston on two round trips next week..I think its great that I won't have to do THAT again. Also I was told that even though I am flying on two separate round trips..I could still get my bags automatically checked from the DAL-HOU flight to the HOU-BWI flight..Anyone know if this is true?

[Michelle111]

I heard the Pres was supposed to sign this baby this week. Did it happen and when will we be able to purchase tickets?

[John_Sandor]

Aquila Of course you can get your luggage sent through on a two ticket run. All you need to do is, when you get to the airport go inside to the ticket counter (cant do this curbside unless you have a personal relationship with the curb agent) and ask for them to override the luggage tag printer. I have done this numerous times and my luggage has always arrived without having to claim and recheck! I am a very frequent flier and my hometown curbside guys get it done, no problem. CASH also helps work magic!!!!!!!!!

[Kevin211]

I wonder if the Wright amendment was not repealed by SWA ,if the states themselves , like MO did and NE was trying to do, would have repealed it faster than 8 years?

[FriendofBlogBoy]

Michelle, You may have seen on the news by now that President Bush did sign the bill, so the wheels are in motion now for the Wright Amendment to start coming unraveled. I'd suggest you stay close to your television, newspapers, and to the official website ( www.southwest.com ) for exciting announcements which are bound to be forthcoming before too long. I've heard rumors that Southwest plans the following new additions to their schedule: 1.) Flights to Canton, TX, at the beginning of every month for First Mondays Trade Days. Specially enlarged overhead bins will be used to help you get all of your crafty purchases back home safely. 2.) Rich alumni flights down into the center of the Cotton Bowl during the Texas/OU football game. Wealthy folks who are interested will pay extra to paint over either the red or the orange portions of the plane, depending on their academic allegiance. 3.) Special tourist flights dubbed "The Spirit of the Maid of the Mist" where those familiar 737s will replace the old boats, allowing you to fly under Niagara Falls without having to wear those yucky ponchos. 4.) A new plane is being modified and will be named "The Spirit of Aviophobia". This aircraft will serve folks who have a fear of flying. The Southwest mechanics are chopping off the wings and are adding pontoons in preparation of inaugurating a new route that allows passengers to leisurely cruise through the Panama Canal, enjoying the scenery alongside each set of locks while never becoming airborne. And if you think all of that is innovative, you ain't seen nuttin' yet! Stay tuned, Kim 🙂

[Mark_Little1]

It is about time! Flying into DFW not only affects people in the Metroplex, but from all across the country, as well. It was not just a "Texas thing," as some had contended. Now, those of us who need to fly into Dallas can find a ticket on a low cost carrier.