I agree, to a point. One of the side of effects of Southwest's metoric rise is that the company "culture" has reached nearly mythic proportions. Make no mistake, this is a great company to work for but, in the end is still just a company.

I think you overestimate our influence as rank and file employees and you underestimate yours as a consumer. Nothing, NOTHING holds more sway than a Customer's ability to vote with his wallet paired with a willingness to do so. Nothing.

I don't doubt that the door is open. Input is always encouraged but, in the end...the bottom line prevails. I have said before and I will say again and for the last time. My experience with this airline is that decisions such as this are not taken lightly or entered into in haste. The only logical explanation for such an inflammatory change is that the alternative was simply too expensive. Southwest has historically avoided the temptation to be penny wise and pound foolish. But even Herb himself would not hesitate to flip the switch and nix the bonus if it is putting Southwest's profitability is at stake. We can guesstimate the impact this will have on the Customer base but, until we have several quarters of 'post-bonus' financial data to bolster the argument...all any of us can do is guess. Many on this forum are of the opinion that rescinding the bonus will hurt Southwest's bottom line. Southwest senior management(whom I trust) is obviously of the opinion that it won't. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.


I return to my postion that ultimately it is you, the Customer who holds all the cards. You don't have to look any further than the cockroach campaign at USAirways. The company proposed changes that impacted the FF group, the organized, made themselves heard and effected change. It wasn't the employees, it was the Customers that made the difference. When all is said and done, we are not wishing you goodbye...we simply wish you well.