Heading North by Southwest

Hi and thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

This past Monday, Sept, 15, I had reservations on Southwest Airlines. It's been some time since I actually flew the airline and to tell you the truth I can't really remember how many years ago it has been.

As you can probably guess by my blogs title it's all about what may go on in an aircraft or the industry in general.

Anyway, I had a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Orlando at my company's expense. Generally, I fly for free on pretty much any domestic carrier. This time it was for business. This month marked my fifth year anniversary as an inflight crewmember......big pay raise that's all I have to say.

Well, I was quite impressed by Southwest and their efficiency at operating business as usual.

Now, working for an airline myself and flying everywhere around the country I am witness to numerous things. This particular time I was impressed by Southwest's boarding process.

Like I said earlier, I can't really remember the last time I flew the airline, but I was aware of their boarding procedures. I guess I never really took the time to pay attention.

All-in-all, I pay attention to everything and that mainly comes with the territory, more-or-less, surrounding the 911 attacks on our country.

The boarding was flawless and the customers followed protocol.

Generally, though, customers flying short routes like Fort Lauderdale-Orlando, New York-Buffalo, or New York-Boston, for example, are business-suite types who fly several times a week. They're repeat customers racking up flying miles and due this sort of thing in their sleep.

Really, though, the company I work for has tried several approaches on aircraft boarding. We just can't get it right.

I'm not knocking my company or any other company, for that matter, its just that I have experienced the process first hand time-and-time again.

It's important to remember, however, that where there is credit due it's OK to express your thoughts.

Goodnight :)