I Only Wanted My Diet Dr. Pepper

HaH... ... the number of times I've been tempted to stick my hand in our vending machine in the office... it has a double flap system that often goes wrong, and your chocolate bar just sits there staring at you through the perspex... *sigh Dave, thanks for proving to me it's a bad idea... as I would probably have risked it myself one day! :o) Raphael File this under "only at Southwest." A few days ago a bunch of Employees faced that awful vending machine problem: their drinks were stuck. Categories: Nutty stuff, Working at Southwest Posted by: Mallory Messina | Nov 14, 2008 at 10:40 am

Viva Mexico

Paula, Brian and the Blog team, WoW... I'm impressed by you guys and girls! managing the blog over the last day must've been mayhem! :o| To all the posters, do bear in mind that the Blog is moderated for unsuitable language, outside of that, I've never seen any negative comment not allowed though in the last two years, so there is no doubt as to the integrity of what the blog team is doing, they're letting all comments (aside from downright abusive and inappropriate!) through! If your comment doesn't go through immediately, it is because the team have to give it the once over to ensure it is not grossly inappropriate... imagine how much work that's been! (AND the team also has other jobs to do at the same time... WoW! I guess that's multitasking for you!) Ref the SWA codeshare with Volaris, I have to say that: a) I'm initially rather happy to see that SWA will be able to offer flights to Mexico, even in a codeshare b) I'm surprised at the number of concerned posts by SWA employees I guess there isn't quite enough information out there to really make my mind up, although it seems logical today to consider a codeshare with a Mexican operator that can provide a large number of destinations and routings that interconnect with the SWA network, much like the WestJet partnership. I will follow what comes out closely over the next few days before deciding wether there's any reason to feel cautious or concerned about this news! :o) Raphael     We're codesharing with who...or is it whom...I always forget, but who cares? I should be writing this in Spanish...do you write in Spanish? Wow, I'm struggling today with what few writing skills I have,  probably because I'm so excited about the announcement of our second International codeshare partner - Volaris.   Categories: Airports, Flying, Under the hood Posted by: Richard Sweet | Nov 12, 2008 at 9:53 am

Las Vegas Runway Closure

hmmmh that reminds me of the old joke... it's not the plane's fault, it's not the pilot's fault, it's not the airline's fault... it's the... asphalt (sooooorry... I tried to resist but couldn't!) :o| Raphael One of the runways at Las Vegas (LAS) is going to be closed awhile for resurfacing, and it may affect our operations there.  Mark Monse, one of our Dispatchers, explains the circumstances: Categories: Airports, Flying, Under the hood Posted by: Mark Monse | Nov 04, 2008 at 10:14 am

A Sharp Dressed Man

WOW I LUV it! :o)) Just in from SWA Universe Headquarters.  Our sharp dressed CEO, Gary Kelly, is spotted wandering the halls with guitar in hand.  This year's pop culture sensation is Gary as Billy Gibbons of the legendary Texas band, ZZ Top.  On the left is his Executive Assistant, Gillian Kelley (no relation), and on the right is his Chief of Staff, Nan Barry.   Categories: Nutty stuff, Southwest Culture Posted by: Brian Lusk | Oct 31, 2008 at 9:18 am

Fast approach in gusty weather...

Also, modern aircraft have safety systems to prevent spoilers/thrust reversers from inadvertently deploying in flight. A "firm" landing allows the aircraft systems to identify that it is on the ground, enabling optimal braking/thrust reverser/spoiler deployment. A firm contact will also mean optimum grip on the runway, which in contaminated conditions (such as standing water) will help prevent the aircraft from aquaplaning. If the correct conditions are not met, the pilots will choose to "go around". The crews will have briefed the procedure during the approach, and it is the "failsafe". A lot of pilots actually refer to a landing as a "rejected go-around"!. hence, if you go back up, you should not be worried :o) (personally, I see it as a second opportunity to check out the scenery!) :o)) Fast approach in gusty weather...  From a frequent flier: While landing in gusty winds it looked like we were going way faster than normal. We floated way down the runway and then pounded on the runway after which the pilots slammed on the brakes! Why would this happen? Categories: Flying, Under the hood Posted by: Ray Stark | Oct 21, 2008 at 10:35 am

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