Management is Ignoring the MAIN Problem

[AOG-N-IT]

Art, Bless you for your comments and intelligent observations as always.

It's the Revenue Model stupid !!! That should be the corporate mantra , just as Clinton used the coining of the phrase of It's the Economy stupid to un-seat what was a very popular president in the post Persian Gulf War economy era.

FAA Director Marion Blakey was on MSNBC just a few minutes ago..and she was questioned about the increased ridership that most carriers are seeing during this turbulent holiday season. The interviewer lamented that people are obviously getting past thier fears...thus flying is increasing...but of course this is a seasonal trend as we know.

The point being...Fear is no longer the limiting factor..It's fear of being taken for a financial ride..instead of a pleasant and affordable flight. Even oil prices are down now, lending to our financial favor too...my recent trips to the pump are much lower than what they were even 60 days ago , so that excuse is somewhat floundering.

People need to be made to feel good about thier purchases...and seeing or hearing the different levels of pricing that you mention..Does not breed confidence in those ticket purchases. I wonder why they opt to drive on the shorter routes we tend to serve?
Fear and Security waits are becoming less of a bonified excuse...so that goes back to marketing and fare structure again.

No Unionized Employee has any connection to that aspect...So maybe that lends credence to the fact that the wrong people are being escorted out this holiday season.

Thank you again for your support of our company...and thank you again for being a thinking observer of the real issues..and with a tremendous grasp of the principals of Right Vs. Wrong ...and seeing the difference.

 

[oldiebutgoody]

Thanks ART. U needs more caring customers like you. Even I, a U employee, often wonder why folks fly us, since we don't even serve places they want to go. U, Piedmont and PSA all built their business by serving small communities with large jet service, something the larger airlines were reluctant to do. Now U management only wants the mainline jets in the large markets, where we are forced to compete with carriers which have much better network structures, something U simply cannot do (since we no longer have any real network). If management thinks that the RJ will save us, I'd better get a new career fast, because I just don't think so. Why would a business traveller or anyone else fly on one when the competition will be flying 737s, 717s and even 757s? I guess Dave is the RJ guy, and wants to do here what he did at CO, but even they aren't out of the woods yet. I also wonder how long before the labor groups just say enough is enough and just say no. Maybe for Christmas Dave can use the fake teeth and hair to dress as Ebineezer Scrooge, he's already a shoe-in for that part!

 

[Art at ISP]

First I would like to offer my thoughts and prayers to all of my friends at US who were affected by the latest round of cuts. I was shocked at the way managment dealt with TPA and I feel terrible about MCO.
In the past, I have been supportive of the company and its people, although I am definitely anti union in general. I am very disappointed that management has made moves like this WITHOUT addressing the major problem--REVENUE (FARES)!
We have been saying all along that the entire fare system is broken, and no one will address it. It''s time to forget the $99 specials and rationalize the fares--cut from 22 fares in a market to 5....and although you will lower the top end, you will shift the average higher, and have a better shot at breaking even at least. I don''t think you have to match WN in a market-you have a value add-and you probably don''t need the passenger who doesn''t see that.
For the first time since the difficulties began, I am now questioning the survival of my favorite airline--this latest move has demoralized even me.....and there''s a letter going to Dave as well.
I wish you all the very best, and if there is anything I can do as a US1 please let me know--for the record I am continuing to fly--I''m at ROC right now catching my flight home, and have at least 1 more trip booked before month end.
No matter what happens, remember you guys are the best....

 

[MCORORES]

Art...thanx for your kind words....still in shock to say the least. Guess my choices I need to make are cut and dry. I can either transfer to INT or PIT if the company deems there are postitions opened. Or I can take the furlough. I do agree that the problem is the fare structure not the employee count. But that would mean that management would have to admit to making a mistake which is something that in all my years have never seen them admit to. You know the old saying in what slides downward. In all my years with this company that is a true statement. The way I look at what happened yesterday is that for myself and my fellow MCO employees and also TPA mait. our bonus has come early. There is never a good time for that type of news but the timeing was not good at all. I loved how Dave has stated that this is one of the final steps for the company to emerge from bankruptcy and secure the ATSB loan. I hate to ponder what is the final step. To be honest I have lost all faith in Dave. Think he is no more than a sheep in Wolfs clothing if you get the play on words.

 

[diogenes]

I just love the Orwellian, facist language U evokes!

Remember excellence thru compliance? Sorta has the ring of Arbeit Macht Frei, doesn't it?

And now we are approaching the final step - sounds like the corporate version of the final solution. Appalling, but probably accurate.

 

[diogenes]

Sorry - I double clutched the submit routine!

 

[Art at ISP]

Thank you all for your kind words...Oldie the reason I continue to fly U is the people!!! You folks are the best in the industry, and I always take a moment to remind Consumer Affairs and management of that fact. I am just sorry that it appears my words are falling on deaf ears (management at least).

This morning as I checked in for my ROC-LGA flight, I dealt with a nice agent at the Preferred/First counter, but I could see the look of defeat in his eyes. He asked me why I didn't use the kiosk, and I said I am trying to help him and his colleagues keep their jobs--he smiled and thanked me, but I could see the hurt in his eyes.

I thanked him for his and his colleagues service and wished him the best as I always do, but I left the ticket counter kind of sad after noticing the morale change.

I don't know what else I can do as a customer to drive the revenue point home--other airlines (AA and DL) are toying with fares in a couple of markets; perhaps we need to do that here as well--I fear thought it may be too little too late. I will continue to fly with you until you no longer go where I need to go.

Again my best to all my friends at U, and I sincerely hope that things work out.

 

[fr8tmastr]

Art, Thank you for your thoughts, I just wish we could get management to listen. I work for ALG and I hope to be able to take you out of ISP a few more times before the hammer drops. It's nice to know that there are people like yourself onboard!

 

[AOG-N-IT]

Here ya go folks..Give him an ear full!! We appreciate you!!...If the wheels don't?

[email protected]

 

[trvlr64]

Art,

I think the US1's should band together and send a letter to the BOD of U and Dave, letting them know that we know they are killing this great airline. I get to be greeted by fantastic people in the main USAirways Club in PIT every week and last night on my BVT to PIT flight we had the greatest F/A (thom) that I've ever had on any flight.

I've been flying NW for the last month because I've had to work a lot in Michigan. I can honestly say, I would rather drive from Pittsburgh to Detroit than fly NW ever again. The gate agents and flight attendants are some of the nastiest people I've met in a long time. My DTW to PIT flight last Friday was my last on NW. The F/A's on this flight were extremely rude to 2 PAX. I was appauled.

I have 9 more flights on U till I'm done for this year. I hope U is still around for me and all of us next year.

 

[callgirlcindie]

I do not know if I have had the priviledge of speaking to you personally, I work in International res and we handle International Chairman calls. Just wanted to let you know how much your kind comments mean to the front line employees. The majority of my co-workers are loyal and hard working. We would love the opportunity to really provide customer service but that is not an option for us in the current environment. Sad for customers and employees. Thanks again for your words of encouragement. They mean more than you know. I am leaving on vol furlough and I really feel empathy for my co-workers and friends. But there is so much to be thankful for in the big picture. Happy Holidays.

 

[N513AU]

[blockquote]
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On 11/27/2002 128 PM diogenes wrote:

I just love the Orwellian, facist language U evokes!

Remember "excellence thru compliance"? Sorta has the ring of Arbeit Macht Frei, doesn't it?

And now we are approaching the "final step" - sounds like the corporate version of the final solution. Appalling, but probably accurate.
----------------
[/blockquote]

I am laughing so hard, I'm crying. Heh, when Herr Dave starts bringing up relocation to work centers, it's time to find work elswhere.

 

[Oliver Twist]

Art, I believe we are in agreement on the fare issue. It's broken and needs fixing. Trouble is, the ones who can change it are NOT listening or don't care.