Southwest's Meltdown Reminds Us We Must End Airlines' Corporate Welfare

Posted by freedomforall 1 year, 10 months ago to Politics
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Excerpt:
"Southwest Airlines experienced an enormous meltdown over the Christmas holiday week last month, cancelling thousands of flights, and losing track of—or outright losing—countless pieces of luggage. The airline was full of excuses, of course. As has become fashionable for government and corporate screw-ups, airline management attempted to blame covid for staffing problems. Southwest also blamed the weather. It's amazing they didn't also try to somehow blame "Russia's war in Ukraine"—as the stock phrase now goes—as well.

Yet, no other major airline had nearly the troubles that Southwest had in terms of either weather delays or staffing problems. Rather, the operational problems apparently stem from the fact that Southwest couldn't be bothered with spending money to improve its own operating capabilities over the past decade. This occurred in spite of the fact that Southwest—like other major US airlines—collected billions of dollars in bailout funds. The company then reported large profits thanks in part to the funds stolen from taxpayers. "
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This is not the Southwest "Love" Airline of the past. That SW became a success from providing excellent service at discount prices.
This SW is a product of the corrupt federal government and the destruction of merit based promotion by the state and its racially motivated conspirators.
SOURCE URL: https://mises.org/wire/southwests-meltdown-reminds-us-we-must-end-airlines-corporate-welfare


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  • Posted by Lucky 1 year, 10 months ago
    25 years or more ago I reached an opinion of SW airlines. The company I was with had an enthusiastic speaker from them. They were proud that during flights the captain would tour the passenger cabin glad-handing customers. I thought, That is what a captain does? All of that stuff was for smiley self-righteousness. I was wrong in expecting an earlier collapse, but it happened.
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    • Posted by 1 year, 10 months ago
      That is exactly the role of a 'leader' in any business that recognizes the importance of making their customers believe they are special to the company.
      Pilots are a respected profession and the airline should use that respect to make the business successful.
      Would that action actually stop you from flying with an airline if their service was otherwise one of the best in the air travel business?
      I think government interference and hubris are the more likely reasons for SW failures.
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      • Posted by Lucky 1 year, 10 months ago
        You are right, usually my personal buying decisions are based on value, I make spreadsheets for big purchases.
        Re SW pilots, I would think that hiring criteria would be affected by wokist displays. I would buy a ticket, I may not buy a one year contract or their listed stock.

        In rare cases, i do give weight to crackpot ideas put out or supported by the company, for example the unfortunate Gillette brand I now do not buy.
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  • Posted by mhubb 1 year, 10 months ago
    only reason to keep airlines around is in case of war

    and i no longer trust those that run our government to enter an honest war or to wage it
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    • Posted by 1 year, 10 months ago
      Are you assuming that no one ever wants to visit relatives in other states,
      that the tourism business is irrelevant? Airlines are the only efficient way
      for that very real business to operate, and it supplies a significant part of
      the 'pursuit of happiness' for millions of honest people.
      (I agree that government has no role in the operation of airlines.)
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