Great job Gary. Keep up the good work!

Ok so thats what everyone expected but did you notice there was no REAL mention of F9 employees in his statement? Other than passionate employees. Well thats great, hopefully he will not be sending that passion to the unemployment lines.

in regards to the F9 employees i would like to reply to the comment stated up they have every right to feel the way they do lets just say what if the shoe was on the other foot how would you feel? so they do have every right to worry about losing there jobs and so what if they came to southwest with the attitude of i was an ex frontier employee the important issue here is to grow the airline in denver and to try to save there jobs!

"We don't want some of those "passionate" employees over here at Southwest who have been constantly bashing us in the blogs over the past two weeks."

They were upset and you guys did some pretty good bashing yourselves. Maybe you need to put yourself in their shoes and try and understand what I knee jerk reaction is. They are great people with families to feed just like you. Thin skin is not good in this industry.

@Joey H....Frontier was in bankruptcy...for the SECOND TIME. That is a failed airline! SWA is not!!!

RAH probably would have messed up F9 the same way that they are currently messing up Midwest Airlines. At least with SWA there will most likely be a DEN base and the employees will have a chance at a job with a company with a stellar reputation and has never been in bankruptcy. If you can't see that, you're blinded by pride.

Not All F9 employee's are upset. Sure we have a great brand here in Denver and it is sad to see it go. But most just want to get on with our lives with jobs. Once this is all worked out, I think you will find a great team here in Denver.

Joey,
Welcome to the airline business. I suggest you start reading some books about Airline Industry History. Hopefully all the Frontier employees can get a fair shake in all this. Good luck flying on United.

Say good-bye to Frontier Airlines and hello to the unemployment line. If you think SWA is going to keep anything except the gates they receive in the deal, your dreaming or smoking something or doing both. Republic is just financial help to get Frontier out of bankrupcy and the opportunity to keep the airline going. I see nothing negetive at Midwest Airlines to suggest Republic has anything except great intentions for both. SWA is a cancer and in the end, it will over take all. Then watch were your low fares go!

"Republic is just financial help to get Frontier out of bankrupcy." I didn't realize that Republic was a non-profit philanthropic agency? Since when do companies just give out money to "help."

"I see nothing negetive at Midwest Airlines to suggest Republic has anything except great intentions for both."---Ask the furloughed pilots at Midwest how they feel about this statement while Republic pilots are flying their routes in Midwest painted E170s...

"Frontier was in bankruptcy...for the SECOND TIME"

The fact is that this is F9's first time in bankruptcy. This is not the old Frontier that went out of business years ago, and Republic did not mess up Midwest they messed themselves up. Please get your facts straight.

Joey your passion is appreciated on our end but I do have to say that WN is a good company with good employees. We are just as good regardless of what is posted here. This is just business no matter how much blood sweat and tears we have poured into it. We can all only sit back and wait and see what happens and hope for the best.

"If you keep some Frontier employees they will have to pass a heavy duty interview and training to even get to hold a candle to the kind of people Southwest has"

LOL.....Like the WN employee who was texting on their phone and crashed a tug into the employee shuttle.....please teach me!!!!!! Your a Trainer right?

"We will need a chisel and hammer to brake through their bad Customer Service habits to turn them to Southwest top notch"

If were so bad ...why are we making Money in Denver while WN is losing money in Denver? and don't try saying that's not true because the info was posted in an article in USA Today...6 of your 15 most unprofitable routes are out of Denver...why...Cause Frontier has good people and run a good airline despite First Data forcing us to file bankruptcy.. If your retired..you obviously have no clue wtf your talking about so stfu and show some respect to 5,000 people who will soon be unemployed and think about what you say before you spout off about stuff that doesn't even affect you.

F9 Ramp,
Do you have information that the rest of us are unaware of? Why are you stating that 5,000 Frontier employees will be looking for a new job? And if you could refrain from using condensed expletives, I'm sure all of the adults reading these posts would greatly appreciate it. We all understand the love that you have for your airline. Unfortunately it will be auctioned this Thursday. If SW is the winning bidder I wish all of those who will join SW welcome and to those who choose not to, best of luck in your endeavors.

As a family man, I wish all the employees at Frontier the best. I have heard very good things about your airline and hope that you will find a comfortable home with your new employer. I know what it is like to need that paycheck every two weeks. Today, change is the only certainty. Give either buyer a chance.

As a loyal LUV customer, I am delighted that you are pursuing this opportunity. If successful, this paves the way toward a major expansion of your product offering and that simply has to be good for me.

As a constant traveler and Denver resident I appreciate what both airlines do for the city. Frontier has a hometown feel with great service, clean airplanes, tv, and good pilots. Southwest has low fares to almost anywhere, great service and a no nonsense approach that has worked forever.

That being said, let's call a spade a spade: Southwest is bidding for Frontier to eliminate the competition, not to help anyone. As tough as the job market is right now I find it evil that some posting on here really don't care about the employees that live and work here. I read some talking of a Denver base for flight crews if SW does indeed win the auction. That's all good and well, but there are a couple thousand employees that aren't flight crews that work at the headquarters here that stand to lose jobs. I'm already sensing the "too bad" attitude from the Southwesterners here. Think about it for a second if you were in that situation of uncertainty.

There's a post I read from a Tina Lopez, who apparently is a retiree from Southwest. "If you keep some Frontier employees they will have to pass a heavy duty interview and training to even get to hold a candle to the kind of people Southwest has. We will need a chisel and hammer to brake through their bad Customer Service habits to turn them to Southwest top notch. They will need the Over the Top Customer Service skills Southwest Employees currently have."

I'm sorry Tina but that is arrogrant, mean-spirited, and unbecoming of the folks I've encountered at Southwest. FYI from my experiences with Frontier their Customer Service, Gate Agents, Ticket Sales, Flight Attendants, heck even their Mechanics have been nothing but professional, courteous, and caring about myself and my family, and are just as good, if not better in taking care of their passengers. If your attitude represents Southwest behind closed doors, then I feel sorry for any Frontier employee who may consider making a switch there and they should look for someone else to speak for your airline.

I've always thought the world of Southwest as a company and its employees. The fact that some Southwest employees are actually hoping that certain Frontier employees are let go is truly disturbing and disheartening. I've always thought of the Southwest folks as a caring bunch, and the Frontier people as some of the nicest, kindest people I've ever come in contact with. In theory, the two are a great fit. However, it seems like the Southwest employees who have posted above have no compassion for the Frontier folks. As someone who works for an airline who recently got acquired, I can tell you, an acquisition is a very scary time. When the acquiring company's employees aren't helpful, it makes it just that much worse. I just ask that the Southwest employees take their Frontier colleagues under their wing, work with them, and take the best from two of the best airlines in the sky and create an amazing carrier. Thanks.

Anchorage, Alaska media is reporting you are coming to Alaska. Put all the 319s coming up to Anchorage!!!

Southwest Effect . GREAAAAT

Hmm... "personal and financial sacrifices"

Several questions:
Has Frontier been making money because of the "personal and financial sacrifices" while in bankruptcy?
Is it not true that Southwest has been competing with airlines that have had the benefit of operating under bankruptcy protection?
If Southwest could operate under bankruptcy protection, I believe that they would be making money everywhere they fly?
Has Southwest asked it's employees to take a cut in pay and benefits to make money or has it been able to operate without government help?
So, let's even the playing field and have the Frontier Employees at full pay and see if they make money even with a 90% plus load factor?
Which airline has to pay taxes? Has taken care of their employees? Will Republic do the same?
Debtor in possession financing? That money was coming from outside Frontier - why ?
Because Frontier wasn't making it on it's own. IF it is so profitable, then why all the help - bankruptcy, wage concessions, breaking agreement with Republic?
The company is for sale? Better said Auction. That is what it has come down to. It's a very tough industry in a very tough economy.

The truth is there... as for those willing to accept it that is another thing...

I hope that Southwest does add the Frontier Animals to it's tails.

I wish all involved well.

Profiitable?-
Yes, employees have been making personal and financial sacrifices. As far as reaping some big benefit, that you imply, i would argue that is not the case, as Frontier continues to pay taxes and bills, as well as incur additional costs due to bankruptcy such as legal, consulting fees etc., which one could argue may offset some wage concessions, so it's not like Frontier has some big advantage. Perhaps the truth you are unwilling to accept is that another airline could compete so well with Southwest. After all, Frontier's planes are pretty full . . . .

We don't want some of those "passionate" employees over here at Southwest who have been constantly bashing us in the blogs over the past two weeks. That would just ruin the culture over here. We want people who actually want to become Southwest employees rather than considering themselves as Former Frontier employees.
Anonymous — Mon, 08/10/2009 - 14:00
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People like you ruin your culture. You folks have had some major two year old tantrums of your own on here by the way. Exhibit A: CODESHARING. Don't even start with that that holier than thou attitude because you don't live up.

Why does the audio file white out so often so you can only hear bits and pieces?

Hey Gary - How many ATA employees did you hire when you bought ATA? The answer is less than 5%. I don't believe Southwest is here to help. Frontier - make them hire a certain % of employees and combine the seniority.

Paula, Ron, etc, will Lynx only operate out of Denver or will it be used all over the network and expanded to serve routes that you can't currently do with your mainline aircraft?

I see a lot of speculation and inaccurate information in the posts here. I think the employees of F9 would appreciate the answers that Southwest provided to some very tough questions from the media today at the press conference. http://www.blogsouthwest.com/files/F9BobRonConfCall.mp3 —This is lengthy, but it answers questions that I would want to know if I was an employee of F9.

To Chris B and Mike Simms - Regarding your respective questions about ATL and Lynx, I just don't have those answers for you yet...I'm sorry. I'm hoping we have a clearer picture by Aug 17. I will put those questions on my running list.

I love Southwest and I hope at the end of the bidding Mr. Kelly announces "It's on!"

Interesting conference call. You should post those more often. Quick question....What are your planes for the seat back TV's? Will that be something that you "emulate" being very popular with Frontier as well as your other low cost competitors, Jetblue and (radio in this case)Airtran?

I think the seatback tv's go with the planes when they are returned or sold.

So does this mean that we will see new flights on Southwest from Denver to Pittsburgh, Denver to Cleveland, Denver to Washington Dulles, Chicago to Atlanta, Baltimore to Atlanta and Potential entry into Cincinatti within the next year on top of picking up the vast majority of Frontiers current service?

All this bashing back and forth just shows that there are juvenile delinquents and small minds on both sides of this - Southwest and Frontier. Too bad..........I understand the passion and the fear that is out there, but I'll never understand the small minded, big mouthed morons who just have to spew forth................

If you serve Atlanta we'd love to have nonstop service from Nashville. The alternative to Delta's subpar service(especially the ASA filler between the mainline flights) would be huge for business travelers. It's no fun making a day trip for work where you take an MD80 down in the morning only to find that your ASA evening return is going to be delayed over and over until the crew times out and it gets canceled(a painfully regular occurance there). We don't have AirTran so right now there is no way around it.

I would like to share a different point of view and that is of someone who is watching her husband stress tremendously about whether or not he is going to be able to feed his family. Many of you Southwest employees have been very supportive and empathetic of the Frontier employees and their families, which is very much appreciated. However, to those of you that are not, it is almost embarrassing to read these blogs. As an outsider to this industry, I cannot believe the immaturity and lack of human compassion for others. Change is very difficult for anyone, but can any of you imagine what it is like to actually seriously be worrying about how you are going to provide for your family. My husband has been flying his whole life and works very hard. He spends time away from his family to provide and because he loves his job and working for a company which cares a great deal for its customers and employees. This is an extremely difficult time for those of us awaiting our future, which is completely out of our control. Please keep that in mind before you post such degrading and hurtful comments. It honestly makes Southwest look much less appealing. Just think about it. And thanks again to those of you that are supportive, it is appreciated!!

SkyGuy79-

What are you talking about? I have no interest in either company. If you've read any of my earlier posts I travel on these airlines I have no vested interest in either. Whether Frontier makes it or not, or Southwest makes it or not has no bearing on my life whatsoever. They are the cheapest, good quality airlines I use here in Denver. If they both go out of business I'll fly United. So this sour grapes talk you mention is falling on deaf ears.

I realize you just want to rant for your company but you don't want to hear the true reasoning behind what happened with Frontier here in Denver. You just want to blow your horn about what a huge failure it is and you aren't. As for your peers? I wasn't talking about them taking notice about whether there would be open arms for any lucky, lucky Frontier employees who may get a shot to have income with Southwest. I was talking about I hope your peers notice what a horrible representative you have been on this blog to your company. Certainly your last post was quite a tribute to your peers. Carry on.

Will Southwest with an acquision of Frontier, then return back to Houston/IAH?? Has that been discussed??? Southwest should go back, and have some service from IAH. I know they have a huge base of operation at HOU, but a return to IAH, should happen!!

Greetings Paula and fellow readers,

I thought that I would post something POSITIVE from an F9 employee. I realize that the concern and bitterness from Frontier employees is already visible in some online blogs/forums, but I want to assure you that not everyone that works at Frontier Airlines feels negatively about the potential WN acquisition. There are many folks here at Frontier that are excited about the opportunity to be employed by another fine airline - that is, Southwest Airlines, as there are those who prefer F9 to be acquired by Republic.

Before beginning my career at Frontier more than 5 years ago, I had the pleasure of flying on WN many times (having lived on the west coast) and always found your employees to be outstanding ambassadors of your company - from customer service agents, reservation agents, to flight attendants and pilots. In fact, it was because of Southwest's high-caliber group of employees that I decided to begin my own career in the aviation industry as a flight attendant (I accepted the first offer I received and at the time, it was from Frontier). I grew to love the industry, and most importantly, my company. Frontier Airlines has been a great employer - from the culture to the employees, I believe that we have A LOT more in common than most naysayers think. We all work for companies that value their employees while highly stressing customer service and value.

As much as I would be saddened to see my beloved Frontier brand to cease to exist as time progresses, I would also be just as honored to fly for Southwest Airlines as I have been for Frontier. I would be honored to work alongside any WN employee, so long as they'll have me.

My only concern right now, as any Frontier employee, is whether or not I will be able to keep my job. How will the immediate 20% Airbus fleet reduction affect me? Flight Attendants and Customer Service Agents at Frontier are not unionized and as a result, all of us are worried about our jobs. We are also concerned about rumors speculating that IF some of our jobs will still be maintained, that we would all have to compete with one another by interviewing to keep our positions. We are also concerned that not all 1,000 Frontier flight attendants will be needed. Paula - can you or any of your colleagues shed some light on how the acquisition would specifically affect Frontier flight attendants and customer service agents (our two largest work groups)? Most people think of the pilots when it comes to mergers and acquisitions, but few realize (or perhaps fail to consider) that there are MANY other employee groups that are just as large, or if not larger than the pilot workgroup. Thank you kindly for your help.

Kind Regards,

An excited yet very concerned Frontier flight attendant

I think we have to remember that it's just not between Frontier and Southwest. There is an important missing person rarely being discussed here - the local customer here in Denver. Frontier has a strong connection here in the community and has many loyal customers, some of whom can not be bought by low price alone. To assume that all of Frontier's customers will automatically switch to flying SW, as everyone seems to take for granted, probably won't pan out - some will invariably align with United. The one attraction to United that I hear from friends and neighbors is their rewards program - enough miles and you can take the family to Hawaii. That is attractive for alot of folks.

Hello All-
I am a Frontier Flight Attendant who is obvioulsy cautious, but excited about the SWA bid. I have always admired SWA for their legendary customer service, continued profitibility, and employee-oriented culture. I am also a realist. F9 is up for auction. This is something completely out of my control. SWA is a very well-run airline known for their unique brand. I would hope SWA would offer us F/A's positions. Beileve me, we have some fantastic F/A's who would compliment SWA. We had a good run with Frontier. But times have changed. I appeal to you SWA : Let us show you that we can provide the legendary customer service you are known for! Our only desire is to keep our jobs. Unfortunately, many of my fellow F/9 empolyees don't feel this way. Every WN flight that I have non-reved on has been great. Let's make DEN a profitable, viable base!!

I'm a Frontier ramper in Denver and, after reading through these blogs, I have to say that I'm utterly ashamed to be a F9 employee. It's disgusting and disgraceful the way some of our employees have spewed hate on these blogs. Hate towards people they don't even know and whom have no control over what Southwest has done in the past or is planning to do. I could have sworn we'd be better than this. I was sorely mistaken.

Character is defined as someone with "moral or ethical qualities". Sadly, some of our employees have been in short supply of this in the last few weeks. I know this is way overdue and may not mean much, but I'd like to apologize for the actions of a few of our stupid employees. I'm thinking the majority of Frontier doesn't share this same mentality (at least I hope).

The fact of the matter is, no one knows what's going to happen in the future. It's possible that this move could be a positive for Frontier employees. After nearly 14 years in the aviation buisness, the only thing I'm certain of is that nothing is certain.

"As tough as the job market is right now I find it evil that some posting on here really don't care about the employees that live and work here."

Well, then I am evil.

I am a very satisfied customer of WN. What I care about is excellent service in flying my family and me to places I want to go at a price I like. WN provides that beautifully. How they manage to do it is of almost no concern to me.

Business is not charity and it's not government, contrary to what half this country seems to think. To the extent that business tries to be charity or government, it starts to fail. You see this with GM, Citibank, and all the other "businesses" that have been taken over lately.

There are 300,000,000+ people in this country. I can't CARE about all of them. What I want is for them to CARE for themselves and let me take care of myself.

Wow...I am just amazed with how disrespectful many of your comments are on here (from both sides). It is unfortunate anytime a company that offers a great product and has for the most part wonderful employees (every barrel has it's bad apples, even you WN) falls victim to either poor management or tough economic times...but it happens and hopefully who ever does win this auction will be able to do their best to assist EVERYONE in the transition. For the poster that commented on "2 times bankfuptcy = failure" (paraphrasing) as an x-CO employee who went thru 3 (YES THREE) bankruptcy filings and ended up going from "worst to first" in the industry during the 1990's, 2 strikes does not = failure...when employees and management come together to work as a "TEAM" all things are possible.

I have always toyed with the idea of working for WN, but it just never fell into place at the right time (WN once offered a position and it was for a station 1400 miles from where I was then living). As a current F9 employee working in an outstation next door to an extremely large WN crew, although I KNOW that my excellent cs skills and work ethics would make an excellent addition to the great folks I have the pleasure of socializing with on a daily basis...odds are...they will not take us in, there will just not be the need to expand that much. :o( What a sad day and a loss to F9, WN and the traveling public, when good quality workers such as myself and the other F9 employees in my station become unemployeed in a sagging economy.

Note: Although if I was to be fortunate enough to be absorbed, I pray that I would not be exposed to fellow employees like "skyguy", there is just no need for that type of behavior towards anyone, anytime, and surprised that someone with that attitude IS employeed with WN.

I'm not a fan of blogs but I figured I'd throw my two-cents into this discussion. Whatever the reasoning behind SWA acquiring Frontier- whether it be because we cannot compete, or because we are just 'buying out' the competition, or simply to grow - it's a move that has undoubtedly been heavily studied by the SWA [financial] team and one the Company feels will benefit us financially in the long term. Folks, it doesn't take an MBA to recognize that the way the airline industry as a whole operates remains downright criminal in many ways. However, an airline is just like any other business. Business come and go. This industry has notoriously been plagued with instability and more than likely it always will be. No business is eternal without constantly changing to meet the demands of profitability. The larger a company, the more parties you have to satisfy (investors, employees, government, etc) in order to grow and provide financial returns to these organizations/groups. The status quo does not work for extended periods of time as change becomes a necessary measure in order to survive. From a personal and psychological perspective, it's always best to at least try to accept change as a positive even when one does not necessarily see the 'bigger picture' at a particular moment in time. If you are a Frontier employee and approach this entire business transaction with negativity, hate, etc., then rest assured you're probably contributing to your own demise in this industry. I truly admire the individuals who are willing to look outside his/her comfort zone to embrace the future - even if it is not meant to continue in the airline industry. I recognize how Culture plays an integral part in developing a stronger, more unified workforce. Culture, however, cannot lure investors who have the necessary capital any company needs to either start or maintain operations. Ultimately, it's all about financial returns. In closing, we should all try to make the very best out of any circumstance life throws our way. This isn't about who is better or worse, nicer or meaner, classier versus trashier, etc.; it's a financial transaction that Frontier executives, Frontier investors (Republic, Airbus, many others I'm sure), and the courts will ultimately decide upon in order to best satisfy outstanding financial obligations.

WN F/A--

WELL SAID!!!!! Two thumbs ENTHUSIASTICALLY up from me!!!!

Bill Owen

Traveler-

I have said nothing but Frontier is a failed airline..twice now...and we here at WN will gladly welcome the employees that are hired here with open arms. We can even learn some tricks from F9. Nothing bad about that. Keep chewing on those sour grapes...

Frontier would not necessarily disappear if Southwest didn't buy them. That is evident by Republic's Bid. Frontier is valuable and should be commended for their work as a carrier. I never saw at them at the bottom of one customer survey. Not One!

I understand, that for all of you employees that are part of the family, there at Frontier this is an uneasy, uncertain, scary time for you.

It is clear that you all are a part of the Frontier family, and treat each other as such.

What you should also realize, is that we are also one big family here at Southwest, and treat each employee as if they were our own family.

I believe that these two families, and their unique cultures truly can compliment each other very well. (although, the fear and uncertainty of the future, seems to have also brought out some of the worst in these boards. )

Seems there has been allot of bashing, from both sides in these posts.

I for one see that as a very poor thing for everybody involved. We do not treat each other, our family, our customers, our co-workers this way. So why would you post something like that, where your future customers could read it?

Yes, you Frontier people should be worried about future customers as well. Because regardless of who wins this auction, there will be future customers of frontier too. (customers will remember things that you wrote, while you were scared and venting. )

If you look past the type of aircraft that we fly, there are allot of similarities.
1) We both put our customers first.
2) We both treat our fellow employees as family.
3) We both are dedicated to our airline.
4) We both have a very pleased and dedicated loyal customer base.
5) We both have a very unique but similar culture.
6) We both Love the company that we work for, and are dedicated to it'.
7) We are both active in communities that we are in, and service.

All of these things, are the reason Southwest, is a "different kind of airline" and frontier refers to themselves, as a "different kind of animal".

But unfortunately one has been put into a position that it had to file bankruptcy, and will be sold as part of those proceedings.

So with all of the above in common, it would only make sense that we would be a good match to join together, If the situation came one was for sale. (put the situation in reverse and think about it)

I understand, that at Frontier you feel these are uncertain, scary times, filled with anxiety and unanswered questions. However allot of that is brought on by the bankruptcy, and are there regardless of who buys Frontier. (I know, in your eyes if we win the auction, it is kinda like joing a rival.)

But with all those core values in common, I seen several of you compare Southwest to the anti-union Walmart.

I will have you know that we have excellent customer care, we take great care of our employees, we do many things in, and for the communities that we service, as well as being one of the most unionized, if not the most in the industry.

We are THE example of how a company employees all can be union, and the company can still be profitable, and the customer still receives low fares. (unions do not kill companies, as long as them and the management have a good working relationship, and the employees are happy)

I believe that if you will just look through the anxiety of the bankruptcy, you will see that we are very similar. (we both even have unique paint on out planes even.)

All the negative posting, is not doing any of us any good, and in alot of cases only speculating, which does nothing but raise the anxiety level.

I think, that everybody should spend the time that they were going to use posting a negative blog entry, and think of one new possibility that could come as a result. (just my opinion)

That is what I came in here for, but it appears somebody already posted the idea I thought off.

Which, was for obvious reasons we cannot have animals on our tails. However dedicating a wildlife scene with animals on specialty plane, to service Denver on frontiers routes seemed like a really good way to keep your animals alive, and allow the people of Denver to still see them and our commitment to the city of Denver. (just an idea that came in my head today, by no means am I in a position to arrange, or saying there ever will be such an animal. so to speak)

I hope that we can set all the bankruptcy aside, and look at all the possibilities that would lay ahead for all of us.

Join together, and take the future to all new heights.

My new positive thought of the day, is that if we win this auction, Together Southwest and Frontier will show Denver and the whole world that Everybody LUVs animals

I don't know about SWA very well but does it seem strange SWA hase not added more flights to Dulles Airport like New low cost new destinations to compete with that huge Hub for united airlines. I am shocked that they have now given united airlines more of a run at competition!!! I am near dulles airport and I am TIRED of united when I got to go nonstop !!!

Very very very well put Dedicated SWA employee in SAT! Thank you

Let's look at the positive side of Southwest's possible acquisition of Frontier.

If you listened to the press conference yesterday, you know that Southwest has big plans and they include the People of Frontier. The "big picture" presents an amazing amount of opportunity and it will be a tremendous amount of work. The People of Frontier will be needed.

When Southwest finishes connecting the dots between Frontier's existing service and Southwest's national network, the resulting airline will be a powerhouse. For the most part, cities served by Frontier offer service to Denver. Most F9 routes originate or terminate in Denver. I expect there are many fans of Frontier in Los Angeles, but if they want to fly to a destination in California, they are out of luck. There is no service between the F9 cities in California. The same is true between most other F9 cities. The nationwide network that Southwest offers is a huge advantage and there will be many opportunities to expand service at many of the current Frontier cities.

Southwest and Frontier only overlap service in about twelve cities. I would expect most of the other airports Frontier serves have been asking Southwest to bring service to their airport for years. Each year, hundreds of airports ask Southwest to initiate service at their location. Those airports are probably very excited about the possibilities.

And don't get too hung up on the fact that Southwest's proposal initially includes 20% fewer Airbus aircraft. Southwest has a history of covering a larger schedule using fewer aircraft.

It is still too early to tell and nobody knows all the details. I simply urge everyone to keep an open mind and look for the opportunities. Change is difficult, but it can be exciting.

As a WN FA I will welcome all F9 employees with open arms. Come on over and lets have some fun.

It sounds to me like Southwest Execs are going to have to do some major damage control to win over the Denver market, after several of their "finest" gave us a taste of the WN culture through these blog posts. Nothing like insulting a city and their pride and joy hometown airline to give Denver residents, potential future passengers, and potential employees "warm fuzzies" about your company. I was extremely disgusted that WN employees could have such a chip on their shoulder, and actually feel good about themselves and their product after the way they presented their true colors and feelings in regard to this potential acquisition.

I do have to say, kudos to "Dedicated SWA employee in SAT" on your post. Thank god someone represented Southwest as intelligent, compassionate, and warm hearted. Their comments and ideas really struck a cord with me, and maybe even renewed a little of my faith in WN.

Frontier is a unique piece of Denver and its history, representing the culture, people, and the warm spirit of our city. The colorful animals on the tails say it all; it is truly "A Whole Different Animal." It is a company that taught the public to set their expectations high when choosing their carrier of choice, and not to settle for the other discounters that have nothing more to offer than a "cheap seat." I feel that Southwest has some extremely large shoes to fill in the Denver market, and they've got their work cut out for them if they think they can just swoop in and win the hearts of Frontier's loyal passengers. If they think they can accomplish this by adding insult to injury, they'd better think again.

Steve C.

I have read the blogs and comments on all the F9/WN buyout and as a 12 year F9 employee I must say that the few that are bashing on both sides need to remain quite. There is not much in our control right now and the only thing we can do is sit and wait.

If WN wins then we as F9 employees have a choice to make which is apply for a WN position or not. I personally do not want to start over but if that is what I have to do and that is what I decide to do then I give my 100% to my new employer. I know from talking to some of the F9 workforce it is not only that we may lose our jobs it is also the fear of starting all over again. We have built this airline from the ground up as front line employees and it is tough seeing something you care for so much possibly disappearing.

It is not the best of times for us right now and the bashing just makes it worse. So to both side I say please remain positive and lets all see what happens. By no means is this final yet and until it is, everyone needs to remain calm.

To my fellow F9 Employees please refrain from bashing. 2 wrongs don't make a right. Let the very very few WN employees bash all they want but we are better than that! (Please WN employees don't take that the wrong way it is to the ones that posted on this blog bashing F9 and having a "I am better than you attitude")

Paula,

I listened to the webcast but the only thing about F9 employee seniority that was mentioned was the pilots group. Could you please let the othe F9 employee groups know what if any seniority is going to be recognized.

Thanks

12 Year F9 Emp.

This is for Tina Lopez. I think it's great that you were able to retire from working at Southwest. At least for Southwest sake they were able to get rid of a mean spirited arrogant employee. Iam glad I never got the chance to work with you, or in a situation to where I had to depend on you taking care of me or my family. But I do feel sorry for the people that had to deal with you. Southwest must have felt sorry for you, and they just decided to gave you a job. Or you just lied about how much you love taking care of people. I will say for one thing is that I know you would never pass as a Frontier employee. Because they actually care about the people, hell even the traveling dog down below in the cargo hold. May be somebody needs to take a chisel and a hammer to you, and not stop untill you are changed from a mean spirited you know what, to a loving caring person. I feel sorry for the one who does this, because it will be a full time job. Hey you know what some vo-tech schools offer classes on how to be polite to others, apparently you were never taght any respect for others, or maybe your parents just gave up. Sorry for being rude but you asked for it.

You guys have way to much time on your hands. It is all a bunch of hot air until ink is on paper and the deal is done. Should the WN bid not be accepted how much time have you wasted? Go grab your children and read them a book, go talk to your grandparents. go water your lawn!

SIMPLE ASK THE EXMORRIS AIR EMP., FROM WHAT I RECALL ALL WHOM WANTED TO WORK FOR SWA, ALL HAD INTERVIEWS AND FOLDED INTO THE WORK FORCE WITH VERY FEW CASES OF NOT ABLE TO BE HIRED.

Hi Paula,

I have a couple of questions concerning the Flight Operations side of this whole deal. I know the concern has been how an acquisition will affect Pilots, but there is a whole group of folks at HQ here in Denver who are wondering as well.

I've listened to the conference call recording, and according to plan WN would phase out F9's Airbus fleet over a period of 2 years going strictly Boeing of course. That being said, the dispatchers over here have to be certified in a new aircraft type once the Boeings start arriving.

1. How will WN do this transition? Will they send trainers to DEN to get the dispatchers checked out on the new planes?

2. The recording said that if/when the deal is closed they will obviously need employees to run the operation in DEN. What will happen at the end of 2 years? Will WN use the F9 Flight Ops team to run it during this period, then at the end say "Thank you very much, we've got it from here..", and then transfer the operation to the dispatchers in Dallas? As you well know, the Flight Operations for airlines are at the HQ, so will everyone lose their job after 2 years, or will we be offered an opportunity with the caveat being moving to Dallas?

Thanks.

And note that American had an intention to cut capacity when they bought TWA. Delta has to cut when Cincy and Detroit are down the street from each other. US Airways cut before they merged and lacked the ability to do much of it afterward. United would cut but nobody wants to merge with them. Southwest, Airtan and Jetblue, on the other hand, want to grow. Southwest may grow significantly and with the potential to dominate a key market that will keep jobs in Denver for a very long time. So chill it out, OK!

"What is the quickest way for a company to boost their stock price??? LAYOFFS!! ...doesn't matter when greed gets in the way. "— Anonymous — Wed, 08/12/2009 - 14:50

In 38 years, Southwest has never had an involuntary layoff. I am glad you love Frontier and Southwest. Your comments about layoffs, greed and Frontier's People being at the "BOTTOM OF THE LIST" are misguided. The People of Frontier are deeply concerned and should not be worried unnecessarily during this difficult time.

The more the everyone learns about the Leadership of Southwest Airlines, the more comfortable they will feel. Southwest Airlines and their Leadership are studied as examples of excellence in many, many college business departments because their reputation is centered around putting its People first. I know this is true because Southwest has been putting me and my family first for many years.

I hope to meet my new friends from Frontier soon.

(KERA) - Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly says one issue could break the deal Southwest has proposed for bankrupt Frontier Airlines, of Denver. A winning bidder could be announced this week. KERA's Bill Zeeble has more:

Assuming Southwest's hundred-70 million dollar takeover bid for Frontier beats competitor Republic, Kelly says he'll stop the deal cold if Southwest and Frontier employees are in conflict.

Kelly: I won't go forward unless we have an agreement with their labor. And you see examples around the country where airlines have acquired other airlines and then left it up to unions over years to fight it out over a period of years. We're not going to do that.

When Fort Worth's American Airlines bought TWA, union groups from both carriers remained in conflict for a long time.

Kelly says Southwest employees and the corporate culture are too important to upend. He says he respects Frontier's workers but says if they end up working for Southwest, their pay would rise significantly.

If Southwest wins, I would say it is pretty much a given that the maintenance areas will be desolved and there will not be many if any job offers to those areas. I would also figure as the Airbus's leave the fleet the mechanics would be let go. I have not heard rumor or truth that SWA is planning on keeping any of F9's maintenance personnel. It would also make sence that they would not need F9's reservations, planning or office personnel do to SWA having an established group that is already imbedded into their system. I truley believe that the number of F9 employees that will be retained, I am sorry to say, will be minimal.

Lots of rumors circulating today. While the bankruptcy auction process is confidential, I can confirm that SWA is still a participant in the auction process, which continues through Aug. 17, if needed.

Dear “Anonymous — Wed, 08/12/2009 - 12:47” and "Thu, 08/13/2009 - 13:38"

I’m sorry I didn’t respond sooner. It seems that every time I sit down to draft a response I get pulled in another direction. Thank you for your patience.

As a non-pilot myself, I understand that there are many other workgroups that have questions about what a final agreement might look like. Folks from both companies are in NYC right now working through the process, so we just don’t know yet. And, we’ve been told that, if needed, that process could continue through Aug. 17. If Southwest is awarded the bid, there will be many issues to address and questions to answer. I have added yours to my list of “things my peeps want to know,” and I will try to respond as soon as that information materializes.

Hello,

Since SWA lost the bidding process for Frontier, do you think there is a chance that they will still try to purchase Lynx, as a separate acquisition? Is that a possibility? I heard that many Lynx employees were excited for the opportunity to work for SWA.

Thanks!

Ding!...you are now free to prey on another airline