I don’t think I need to prove my position here as a loyalist to Midwest. Watching the changes and struggles at the company in recent years have not been easy, nor has it been easy sometimes to defend them. With the Republic sale and the likely surrender of the YX certificate, to say things are changing is an understatement.

With the Republic purchase, compounded by the failure of the unions to integrate, it seems likely that the full contingent of Midwest pilots and flight attendants will be out of work. As a result of prior downsizing, the remaining crews are the most senior, all or most of which have 15, 20 or more years of service. It’s really a shame, and I understand where the anger and loss comes from.

However, the harsh reality is this.

Do the vast majority of Midwest customers care who if their flight is flown by Midwest, Republic or Frontier pilots? Absolutely not.

Do the vast majority of Midwest customers choose Midwest because the inflight crews provide better service? Nope.

Do the vast majority of Midwest customers care what airline operates their flight? Nope.

I take absolutely no pleasure in saying any of those things. And the employees who gave it their all for years at Midwest, some of whom are or will now be out of work, don’t deserve what is happening to them. But it doesn’t change those three facts.

What are the primary buying decision factors for most travelers?

Competitive fares
Frequent flyer programs, including elite status benefits
Frequent flights
Nonstop flights
Corporate contract

The changes in onboard product which the Airbus hearken back to the first few years of Saver when all seats were coach, but with the addition of seatback inflight entertainment. I recognize that for some the lack of a premium section is a showstopper, but for the large majority of customers it is not. And I think it’s premature to assume no further onboard adjustments are coming.

Getting capacity into the bursting-at-the-seams MKE leisure routes is job one, and they are hobbling that together quickly. As such, what we see on the immediate horizon is not necessarily representative of what will be when the dust settles.

When it comes down to it, next to nobody is going to delibrately avoid Midwest because some employees are getting let go. Harsh but true.