Very well said!
In fact, I'm STILL trying to figure out what "full service, low cost carrier" means around here! I know what "low cost carrier" means now, but what the heck does "full service" mean? I think our service levels have fallen off the map! :down:
Ok, if you can't figure it out, I'll explain it. US Airways is slowly becoming an expanded "america west". Which in it's 22 year history has been a low cost carrier. Those same ideals are being applied to a bigger airline now.
What does "full service, low cost carrier" mean? It means, that you there are first class cabins, assigned seats, meals offereed in both coach and first class (not a gourmet meal, but a meal) a frequent flyer program that shares with others and service to numerous domestic and international destinations.
US Airways see the quality of the product declining (ie, powerded cream in coach, simple first class meals, small bottles of water go away, etc.) These are result in cost. Unecessary cost? possibly. With bottled water, the cost of the water was pretty high on America West when they offered small bottles of water, lots waste, pax taking them with them, etc,...wasted revenue. You can still offer them water, but it's poured in a glass. There is more water on the a/c now then ever before and crews are welcome to drink it as they wish, but if you give the first class passenger a 'big bottle" you will run low on water.
Bottom line is that the company is has tried to consistently position themselves for the next "downturn" or "event" that none of us can predict that would have airlines teetering on the edge again. Most America West employees were tired of "living on the edge" everytime the industry had a problem, particularly post 9/11, with higher costs in fuel, security, etc. Quite frankly I'm certain that employees of US Airways were also tired of the same, having had financial difficulty as well for many years. This change may not seem like it works, but it does and in this business of small profit margins, this change is necessary to be a long term player.
Before you compare, Contintental, American etc, and their products, take a look at the balance sheets and the revenue generated on a quarterly basis and some carries can afford more than others. As far as Southwest is concerened...no comparison..nobody ever complains about their "lack of amenities"..but they always praise them, including on this board.