----------------
On 5/12/2003 8:07:03 PM KCFlyer wrote:
"Fine quote me some prices on UAL (mainline please - big jets are safer to me) from MCI to VPS, AVL and TRI (all cities I've had to fly to). PAtiently awaiting your reply."
OK, you asked for it. "Redneck riviara" huh? Bet you have your own table at "sammy's". I didn't bother to write the other side of the "rich guy" subsidized service. the other side is if to many pax are wooed away by lower fares at other carrier (maybe not even service from the same city, SWA pax are famous for driving hours sometimes to the nearest SWA airport), the service stops. that simple. BTW, what's the median income in VPS? Whats the median home value outside the "resort" areas? Wage growth in the 90's? 15 years ago, UAL served every state in the union, no more. Do you think it's just a coincidence that high tech employers typically cluster in certain cities? you think maybe there could be a correlation between which airlines are the big dog's in those cities? What's the median income in KC, where SWA is "King"? median home price? How does YOUR city compare to UAL's hubs? but you got cheap air fares right?!
"Ohhh what a neat question - none...are you happy? But, how many employees did they furlough? How much in concessions did they ask for? Why are they in much better financial shape than the others? If my beloved Southwest wanted to start a bloodbath, they would have struck hard and fast in Denver, Pittsburgh, and even a handful of flights out of DFW. It wouldn't have been pretty. You should thank them for showing such restraint. And how many cities that you cite as UAL cities are really "Express" cities? "
Micheal Jordan was the best basketball player I've ever seen play (with the Bird a close second). But you know what? He SUCKED at baseball (at least at the professional level). He was wise enough to figure out what he was good at and stick to it. SWA has done the same. SWA didn't come to DEN or PIT or CLT because they want to stay PROFITABLE, not because of some crazy sense of esprit de corp. You are reaching now. you are right, it would NOT have been pretty, for SWA.
"thanks to your "insights" on my work habits and your "knowledge" of my travel demands, you've pretty much insured that UAL will be my absolute LAST choice when it comes to air travel. "
First, i no longer fly for UAL, and haven't for around 6 months. I chose to walk away (at least for now) and make significantly more for my troubles, so my statement should in no way be construed as a UAL thing, second, if your choice of airlines can be influenced because somebody "hurt yours feewing" on an internet board, then I'm sure who hands out the best coloring book is VERY high in your "who to fly" decision matrix. But if you choose to fly somebody else, I'm sure UAL won't miss you. Despite being #1 in ontime arrivals and completion rate, you seem to have been on just about every single flight that was late or cancelled, or at least you squawk like it. Sometimes it is better to tell a pax to go fly somebody else (see Herbs letter to "Mrs Crabapple" in NUTs). As to my attack of your government job, i must admit, i did it on purpose to see if i could spin you up. you see, I find your "cute" little signiture block HIGHLY offensive (although I'm not boycotting Kansas (your employer) over it). to even suggest that "but for the grace of god" that I (an Aviation PROFESSIONAL) would show up to work drunk, or that I would violate company policy and the basic tenants of airmanship just to avoid going around (and BEING LATE oh my) like that worthless scab did at Burbank, is BEYOND offensive and goes WAY past accusing someone of loafing on the job (lazy vs CRIMINALY NEGLIGENT). So please, wipe away the tears, we know you worked hard for your job.
But I can't close without saying again, that it is hard for me to comprehend the audicity of some of the posts I read here (not all from you). You think you have it all figured out. You have NO IDEA what goes on behind the grey door. Your impression of an airline seems to be based on who's F/As tell the funniest jokes, and if there is trash in the seat back pocket. How many jumpseats have you rode on? how many jets have you personally inspected up close? How many pilots have you trained? how many do you even KNOW? You are like a resturant patron who loyally goes to the same Tex mex resturant oblivious to the fecal content in the refried beans. you haven't gotten sick yet, right? Does it matter to you what happens in the Kitchen? I wouldn't have the cajones to lecture a Dr on his profession (especially the high dollar Harvard grad), it's comical to see you lecture us on ours
Ignorance is Bliss