shoelu

I realize this is never going to happen, but if you could be granted a do-over with no repercussions would you vote to pull out of this and pretend it never happened or continue forward knowing what you know up to this point? It really is a question I am posing only to current AirTran and Southwest pilots since they are the only ones with the ability to truly answer that question.

1Seat 1Engine

In my opinion, consolidation in this industry is a given. We may all wish for the status quo and like to return to our old familiar happy place, but the truth is, change was and is inevitable. Add to that that the past is always viewed through rose colored shades. The status quo only seems good with selective memory and comparisons to our uncertain future.

There isn't a single major carrier out there that isn't the result of several mergers/acquisitions. SWA has already had two.

So my "vote" is no do over. Lets deal with reality and move forward.

I have to point out that the premise of this is somewhat fanciful. We are airline pilots, we are labor. We don't and shouldn't get that kind of a vote.

If you're taking a poll or checking opinion, sure I get it. But we don't have the authority of a ballot in this situation.

If I'd wanted that kind of influence I'd have gotten my MBA and I'd be working 80hrs a week.

forgot to bid

Can I vote?

SherpaLifter

Are you saying do-over with SWA buying AirTran or a do-over with the first stab at an SLI which the ATN MEC voted down?

shoelu

I'm saying pretend like it never happened. Everyone continue down the merry road they were traveling before a merger was ever mentioned publicly. I will take my chances on internal growth without the strife of a forced combination. No seniority bump or loss for me and AirTran can continue making a tidy profit and expand their compensation through section 6 negotiations. Obviously it can't happen in the real world but nonetheless I wonder what the players who truly have skin in this game would like to do given the chance. Call me curious.

shoelu

Only if you agree to forfeit your seniority number and join the home team at the bottom of the combined list since you will have gotten here after the snapshot date. I'm going to go out on a limb and bet you're not up for that.

Herman

Very interesting. I wonder how many others feel the same way. Good post Shoelu. Sadly...

JohnDeere

Will you give the airplanes back? You haven't hesitated to grab the AT 737 orders.

JohnDeere

1 seat said one wise thing. I have the MBA and remember the 80 hour weeks. GK can have it.

SherpaLifter

The more relevant question is, do you think Gary Kelly wants to go back to the pre -27 Sept 2010 days? Judging by his comments in the August and September editions of AirTran's GO magazine (the one in the seat back pocket), he thinks AirTran and SWA are a match made in heaven. He even praises AirTran's customer service and culture as being very much like SWA's. Hopefully his behind-the-scenes feelings and dealings match his public comments.