Originally Posted by Joshua

This isn’t a once in a generation storm. I’m not that old and I recall winter storms that were worse - one in particular where we lost power for a whole week, had consecutive days of -20, and the county level government ordered all roads be closed.

I definitely believe the employees are doing all they can - but don’t see anyone blaming them here. The problem is there are not enough employees, particularly part time employees in reserve.

[Mod deletion: take it to OMNI]

However, a for profit airline business needs to use the money from ticket sales to hire and pay employees. Christmas travel costs more but also makes a lot more money for airlines. Airlines are free to raise fares as high as they need to, cut their schedule, and so forth.

There may be a need for holiday bonuses and also staffing up reserves so extra employers can be called in when needed. Lots of employers do this. I’d rather fly on an airline I know is doing this than one trying to squeeze every last dollar from employees they expect to work overtime and on holidays.

Originally Posted by Orange County Commuter

Could also happen if the plane has pilots but now flight attendants.


Several decades ago when the AA Flight Attendants were on strike AA did this, loaded our luggage and held the plane until the ABSOLUTE last minute (which happened to be AFTER the Delta flight left) to admit the FAs weren't showing up and the plane took off with pilots and luggage... AA then had to fly the luggage back. (But they were happy they didn't have to write us all over to Delta LOL!)

Originally Posted by halls120

But hey, your bags fly free on Southwest!