Someone told me Southwest was cheaper because they weren't union.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

So, had to check that out.

Wrong.

In contrast to non-union competitor JetBlue Airways, Southwest maintains its profitability and low-fare, low-cost business model while being heavily unionized. The Southwest Airline Pilots' Association, a union not affiliated with the Air Line Pilots Association, represents the airline's pilots.[68] The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).[69] Customer Service Agents and Reservation Agents are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM). Flight Dispatchers, Flight Attendants, Ramp agents and Operations agents are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

Did find out something else about Southwest that pretty much sucks:
Lobbying Texas rail[edit]

Southwest has fought against the development of a high-speed rail system in Texas.
In 1991 a plan was made to connect the Texas Triangle (Houston – Dallas – San Antonio) with a privately financed high speed train system which would quickly take passengers from one city to the next. This was the same model Southwest Airlines used 20 years earlier to break into the Texas market where it served the same three cities.
Southwest Airlines, with the help of lobbyists, created legal barriers to prohibit the consortium from moving forward and the entire project was eventually scuttled in 1994, when the State of Texas withdrew the franchise.[72]

Interesting chart (albeit European and dated)


http://simpliflying.com/2009/why-are-cheap-flights-so-cheap-the-truth-behind-low-cost-airlines/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Airlines

[mainer]

1. I've heard Southwest was a good place to work.

I don't regularly fly Southwest (the routes don't work for me) but one thing in particular stands out for me when it comes to their management. In the weeks after 9/11, the big airlines cancelled many flights because their planes were flying empty and they laid off workers and you couldn't even get a reservation clerk on the phone. Southwest made a commitment to keep to its regular schedule, no matter whether they lost money. They flew almost- empty planes on their usual routes, didn't lay off a single worker, and showed passengers that we could count on them to be reliable. I was impressed by their choices, and I've admired them ever since.

Too bad about their anti-rail campaigns.

As for cheaper, it helps that they fly only one type of airplane. It reduces repair and maintenance costs because they only have to be tooled for one model.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

4. I have a friend who "works" for them - She took the job for

two reasons only (1) for the healthcare - since she is a breast cancer survivor and (2) to visit her kids who live in different places across US. She NEVER works - except if she wants to go see one of them.

It's amazing to me that they allow this.

[hobbit709]

2. There was a time when you could fly Southwest from Austin to Dallas for $25.

Walk up to the ticket counter, pay for your ticket, and 20 minutes later be on your way.

Now with the kabuki theater of HS and increased prices you can drive to Dallas in less time for half the cost.

Airlines are what killed passenger rail in this country to start with.

[Laura PourMeADrink]

3. I am always searching for best routes and fares and you are right

Southwest is not cheap anymore. My xmas flights out of TX were actually cheaper on Delta for once.

I hate to have to drive for flights - but you are right - it's become easier than adding a leg and a layover. Of course, you have to factor in the parking cost.

When I moved to TX I was amazed that there wasn't a TX airline that had flights between the cities of TX. And, flights to sweep you down to Galveston. You can't get to Galveston without going through the hassle of Houston traffic.