KEEP F9 MY F9!

How can an only B737 airline like Southwest purchase an A318/319/320 airline like Frontier?
It sounds unbelievable to me.

Aren't we concerned about our unique culture that begins with the hiring process? Seems to me trying to integrate Frontier employees, who may not believe in our Golden Rule, will destroy what we have built over 30+ years.

I'm worried about our culture going away.

Good point about the aircraft. We do not intend to integrate the Airbus into our fleet. As we would be able to retire Airbus aircraft from the fleet, we would add Boeing 737 aircraft.

Dear Concerned SWA Employee - Agree that our Culture needs to be protected - it's what makes working here so special. As someone who spent seven years living in Denver, I can tell you that Frontier has a very strong Culture, similar to our in its commitment to Customer Service and the genuine affections it garners from its Customers. I think their Employees would actually mesh well with our Culture.

Very interesting. The one thing I don't get is, how does this "boost low-fare competition...in the Denver market"? It seems to me that eliminating one competitor would in fact decrease competition. Or are the execs anticipating that this would create a vacuum in the DEN market, which would prompt other LCCs such as FL and B6 to expand there? Wouldn't the latter simply prompt a defensive response from WN/F9?

Other airlines, including Frontier for several years, have made a combination of Boeings and Airbuses work. Eventually the 737s would probably win out, although it might be to Southwest's advantage to replace its -300s and -500s with Frontier's newer Airbuses.
This would give Southwest a little more service to LaGuardia and open up flights to Washington National, assuming it wants to go there.

I AM EXCITED! As an Employee of WN I think it's a great opportunity! The message that's been conveyed (and rightly so, due in part to our "turbulent" economy) to all Employees is to be as efficient, productive, and SAFE as possible while still delivering the Customer Service that should be synonymous with Southwest Airlines.

In a nutshell, I'd summarize it as: Come to work. Be safe. Be productive. Have fun. :D

As an Employee of SWA, This is very exciting, also a little shocking news, But I completely trust our leaders that this is a great opportunity, and will work out best for SWA and Frontier employees.

Regarding fares, Southwest lowered fares when it entered the Denver market in 2006, and it continues to be the low fare leader. Our low cost, high efficiency model helps us maintain low fares across the nation.

Exciting news! Two strong brands and great cultures coming together as one. Good news for the industry and the flying public. I will be keeping a very close eye on this one.

With so much route overlap between F9 and WN I am curious to know exactly what WN gets from the deal.

Frontier was strong in the West were Southwest is already very strong. Usually when an airline takes over another they are looking for route compliments. And airline that has a strong presence where you are weak. Because F9 has so much route overlap wouldn't it have been to WN's advantage to simply allow the weaker airline to file for Chapter 7 and disappear? That would mean fewer seats chasing after a depressed pool of customers. Keeping F9's planes and routes that WN already flies, will simply keep downward pressure on the price WN can charge. Too many seats chasing too few butts to fill them.

I hate Southwest! They suck! Customers hate flying on Southwest that is why they pay more to fly on Frontier Airlines. Keep Frontier Alive!!!!

This is the worst possible thing for passengers. Look at what happened in Chicago. Southwest goes in with low fares and runs out the other airlines and then once they hold the market share they raise the prices because the passengers have no other choice but to fly them. They are doing the same thing in Denver right now but they have run into a company that can compete with them and still make money in Frontier. So to deal with it they will buy Frontier and watch the fares raise in Denver...Yeah that is passenger friendly. As far as the culture goes...without a doubt Frontier has a better culture and their loyal passengers will not see any of Frontier in Southwest. Sad Sad day :(

To the Customer who hates Southwest – I’m so sorry that you don’t enjoy flying with us. We carry over 100 million Customers a year and manage to maintain some of the best Customer Service statistics in the biz, suggesting that many Customers do enjoy flying with us.

In fact, Southwest Airlines has consistently received the lowest ratio of complaints per passengers boarded of all Major U.S. carriers that have been reporting statistics to the Department of Transportation (DOT) since September 1987, which is when the DOT began tracking Customer Satisfaction statistics and publishing its Air Travel Consumer Report.

Perhaps you’ll give us another try someday.

For those of you concerned about the Southwest fleet and "trashing" the Airbuses inherited from Frontier:

All of Frontier's birds are leased. They will simply be returned to lessors and replaced with 737's that are most likely already on order or can be ordered. I highly doubt those planes will get painted into the canyon blue so its really not that big of a deal.

To the anon poster who hates Southwest:

A) Grow up.
B) If people were flocking to Frontier to avoid Southwest, why is Frontier bankrupt?

"B) If people were flocking to Frontier to avoid Southwest, why is Frontier bankrupt?"

Because the previous management made poor decisions, fuel prices were going up, and their credit card processor demanded a whole bunch of cash they did have pretty much over night. It had nothing to do with either company's customer service or product.

If anything, the one loosing passengers in DEN is UA, not WN or F9.

Frontier is an airline that gives really good service and cares about its customers. In this respect it is a lot like SW.

A few quick reactions to the story, some already discussed: 1) The Airbus/Boeing integration just won't work. Frontier in bankruptcy probably means that aircraft leases & orders can be easily terminated, so not a big problem. 2) Does SW really want Frontier, or is this just a strategic move to make sure that Republic has to pay a higher price than the sweetheart deal they have previously negotiated? 3) Is this an entree into Mexico? F9 flies there now, so SW can fly their own planes there in the future without having to establish Mexican infrastructure from scratch. 4) Frontier code shares with AirTran, another fine airline almost as good as SW. What would be really great is for SW to acquire AirTran. Alas, they are not for sale, as far as we know.

Wow!! Big News!!!

I have been through too many of these to try and out guess the front office! Lets hope for the best. Is the regional a good idea or bad?

To bad greed and the need to eliminate a better airline carrier may be the end of the best airline in Denver. I hope Republic is able to out bid Southwest and keep the quality, service, value and integrity of Frontier Airlines intact. If Southwest becomes the the "low cost carrier" in Denver, I will pay more to fly another airline.

I love the Frontier Airbuses! I wouldn't be so quick to get rid of them if I were you... why not run a survey and see which one the traveling public prefers? The merger of Frontier and Southwest is very exciting news and will be absolutely great for Denver!

Could F9 become WN's "international" carrier...? Operate them side-by-side? I really thought that WN should have done that with TZ...

I think this bid would be a massive loss for the state of Colorado and the people of Denver. Frontier is our home airline, with is headquarters and employees based out of Denver. Southwest does not offer near the ameneties that Frontier does and really only looks to clear out some competition in Denver.

We, people in Colorado, lose jobs with this proposal and a great company from our state. I guess it would mean fly United, the only other airline that is committed to Denver and has been for decades.

What a bunch of blowhards your employees are!
You're worried about Frontier employees not fitting into your "cullture?"
What kind of culture is that, anyway? A snobby, exclusionary culture?

Frontier is by far my favorite airline. And I agree that Southwest is one of the best in the business when it comes to customer service. Both are great low cost carriers, but there is one thing that Frontier has that Southwest doesn't, class. Southwest flights are like the Greyhound bus of the skies. Get them in, get them out. No frills, no amenities, no fun. I avoid flying SW as much as possible. Once I'm at the gate, I'm only a number not a passenger.

As a passenger on Frontier, I enjoy my DirecTV and movies. I think Frontiers Airbus fleet is far nicer than any of the 737 fleet operated by SW. Quieter, more comfortable and more leg room. Plus I get a reserved seat when I book instead of having to check-in online 24 hours before to guarantee an "A" boarding group.

I also don't see how SW buying Frontier will increase competition in Denver. SW would become the only low cost carrier in DEN. This will give SW the freedom to increase fares out of DEN as they see fit. Competition by definition requires more than one player in the field.

I truly hope that Republic will come back with a counter bid to avoid a SW take over of Frontier.

Let's be honest here. This is an amazing opportunity for Southwest to eliminate a competitor in a market they want to control. This is no different than what they did to ATA at MDW, no different than what American did to Reno Air. If you are feeling pricing pressure and your own low costs, aren't the lowest and you can't dictate market fares anymore - you find out ways to do it. Taking out Frontier is the easiest way to make it happen. The two products are totally different. Frontier provides a much superior product to its customers than Southwest has ever done, similar to the way JetBlue does. Frontier also typically, in markets I price, beats Southwest every day of the week in fares. Don't give me this "we are always bringing new low fares to cities"...stop drinking the kool-aid. There are MANY markets you can price out and Southwest is in the middle to higher level of fares...usually never near the bottom anymore. Yes on walk up fares they still hold pricing advantages, but they are NO WHERE near where they were of years past.

To sum it up, Paula can be here telling us how great this is for people and for new competition and lower fares - but it is just flat out lying. Don't take your customers and the customers of Frontier to be mindless morons who can't think and use common sense. This will eliminate competition, just as if AirTran or JetBlue make an offer, and it will likely end up resulting in job losses and and several cities to be cut that don't fit the Southwest route structure. Do we honestly believe they are going to keep flying to places like Akron-Canton when in WN's mind...they serve it just fine through Cleveland? Hardly. Then you just need to take a look at routes where F9 and WN overlap...and if you think they are going to take their flights, plus F9s and keep the same frequency...sorry try again.

If we want to keep fares low and offer more competition, the acquisition of F9 by WN should be rejected as it won't do those two things. This is just competition elimination and nothing more. Anything else being fed by the propaganda machine of the Southwest PR department is just them thinking the public is too stupid to use common sense and think for themselves.

Ms. Berg

As a SWA management spokesperson, I can tell you are very enthusiastic about this acquisition. As a Frontier pilot, with quite a few years of service and longevity with Frontier I am not sure that I share that same enthusiasm. SWA has stated that the Airbus aircraft that I operate is going to be "phased out". Could you provide some reasons for me to be enthusiastic about this possible acquisition and the potential loss of my job. SWA's stated plan that "Frontier Employees would be hired into Southwest as needed...." does not seem like any type of commitment, nor does it address how my seniority would be honored. How does SWA envision my longevity, position, seniority, and future career are going to be secured by this acquisition? The currently proposed Republic transaction states they plan to continue employing me as a pilot and operating the Airbus. I do not sense the same level of security from the SWA transaction.

Thank you in advance for you reply.

As a Frontier employee with more than a decade at F9, I have to wonder about WN's real motives here.
We'll buy out the competition and only have to fight UA for market share ? Where's the loser here ? The passengers, of course ! Our passengers support us because they love our airline !
We work for F9 because WE LOVE our airline ! I can't say I'd work for a company that came into DEN day one and stated their main objective was to drive F9 out of business !
As far as why F9 is in Chapter 11, may I point you squarely in the direction of First Data ? First Data sought to keep 100% of F9's credit card transactions, leaving F9 with little choice to file Chapter 11 or lose all liquidity, close our doors and force 6,000 hard working employees out of jobs.
Good for WN ? Sure
Good for F9 ? I don't think so.
Good for the passengers of Denver ? I can't possibly see how.

One more comment before I go... this will increase competition ? Seriously ? Taking over a competitor increases competition ? That's hasn't happened in all my time in the airline industry.
Besides which, have you even considered DOJ Anti-Trust rules when it comes to airline mergers and acquisitions ? Too many overlaps between WN and F9 should get their attention.

As stated above, nothing more than competition elimination in DEN nothing more. I feel sorry for all the Frontier employees who lose they're jobs if this happens. But what's the consequences of losing 4500 jobs in DEN, to WN nothing!

Ask the employees of Morris Air and TranStar just how well it went for them when Southwest bought their companies out to eliminate competition. Oh ya...reinterview for their own jobs, if they were lucky, but most got put out on the street. Sorry no thanks. Don't treat us like idiots.

All the A319s coming to Anchorage Alaska at night and put Alaska Airlines to shame! ITS $700 FOR A 3 HOUR FLIGHT TO SEATTLE

We need the Southwest effect in ALASKA!

I have worked at F9 for 7 years and I am afraid. I do LOVE F9, but I can honestly say that in the last 2 years the company has made some changes that have made me cringe. Growing too quickly too soon ultimately placed us in the position we are in at this time and I can certainly say without a doubt that the front line employees are the ones who have had to pay for that mistake.

I admire Southwest Airlines and I believe their employees are some of the best in the industry, usually always smiling and very energetic. That's how I think all employees in our industry need to be.

I am encouraged by this news and I hope Southwest is committed to ensuring that the front line employees of F9 are not left behind, as we have committed so much of ourselves to our beloved Frontier and if need be I do think most of us will provide that same level of commitment to Southwest.

I hope Southwest looks into the Lynx Q400's, inter-california, intra-texas routes....I understand the benifits of having an all 737 fleet, however the q400's could be used to southwest's advantage in certain markets.............be flexible southwest, you can do it!

This is wonderful news, if it does come into fruition. We are faced with an airline industry that has literally taken the "fun out of flying". Sadly people are greatly depressed at the thought of flying these days due to all of the hassles, fees, and poor customer service. I think that the idea of Southwest Airlines purchasing Frontier Airlines is a great win for the economy of Colorado, and existing Southwest Airlines flyers across the nation.

Sometimes even the best of airlines cannot survive on their own, and stronger airlines come into and revive whatever life there may be left. I commend Southwest Airlines for seeking to acquire Frontier Airlines. As can be made more than clear, Denver has been very good to Southwest Airlines. It would be only natural that Southwest Airlines would want to further their foothold in the market to maximize their market share in Denver.

For too many years Denver has suffered under the oppressive umbrella known as United Airlines. Yes, United Airlines was once a great airline, however today it is a terrible airline from top to bottom. Denver needs a stable airline to call it home. Denver cannot continue to bank the expansion of the airport on an airline such as United, who frankly can’t get their act together, even after bankruptcy. I am more than happy to see Southwest Airlines acquire Frontier Airlines, and further erode the United Airlines Denver market share.

Bravo Southwest Airlines! Bravo!

This is wonderful news, if it does come into fruition. We are faced with an airline industry that has literally taken the "fun out of flying". Sadly people are greatly depressed at the thought of flying these days due to all of the hassles, fees, and poor customer service. I think that the idea of Southwest Airlines purchasing Frontier Airlines is a great win for the economy of Colorado, and existing Southwest Airlines flyers across the nation.

Sometimes even the best of airlines cannot survive on their own, and stronger airlines come into and revive whatever life there may be left. I commend Southwest Airlines for seeking to acquire Frontier Airlines. As can be made more than clear, Denver has been very good to Southwest Airlines. It would be only natural that Southwest Airlines would want to further their foothold in the market to maximize their market share in Denver.

For too many years Denver has suffered under the oppressive umbrella known as United Airlines. Yes, United Airlines was once a great airline, however today it is a terrible airline from top to bottom. Denver needs a stable airline to call it home. Denver cannot continue to bank the expansion of the airport on an airline such as United, who frankly can’t get their act together, even after bankruptcy. I am more than happy to see Southwest Airlines acquire Frontier Airlines, and further erode the United Airlines Denver market share.

Bravo Southwest Airlines! Bravo!

Didnt swa just buy out 1400 of their employees now their talking job opputunities for frontier, is just me or is that a slap in the face to the 1400 who took it.

Frontier is also a profitable airline. If I remember correctly even during a period of time when SWA was not in 2009.

To the person who said they wished U.S. air took over southwest, I say are you serious us scare cant even pay there own bills much less anybody elses if wasnt for general electric they would have been out of buisness years ago. Unfortunately someone to needs to go under theirs to many seats and not enough passengers. Think before you speak.

F9 is done. They are in bankrupcy. Southwest would be foolish to pass up an opportunity like this and I am glad we are not!
Southwest did not put Frontier out of business...did not drive them into bankruptcy. If someone wants to spend more money just to avoid Southwest then they are just as foolish as the decision makers in Frontier and may, in today's economy, find themselves in bankruptcy as well.....throwing away good money to avoid an OUTSTANDING airline. Idiots.

I commend Southwest for posting opinions both positive and negative. You're taking a pretty good bashing! (If I were Southwest, I'd try to buy Frontier. But I'd try for AirTran first. They have the latest 737s, and the 717s might work at least for a while. Not sure what I'd do with Lynx).
BUT HOW ARE YOU GONNA HANDLE THIS ONE:
Frontier has managed to build a loyal following on its Denver to DFW route, as evidenced by the number of NONSTOP flights. Will Southwest try to move that traffic to its one-stops that go to Love Field via stops in Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa (and Albuquerque?)
Or will you swallow hard and start landing some of those 737s at the great aviation sprawl known as Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport? As a native son of the Great City of Fort Worth, I deserve an explanation!

Bottom line WN aquires F9 most of the 4000 employees are out of work. Bad for DEN, bad for employees, and bad for the economy.

What happens to Larry and the other animal tails that are so much a part of the Frontier? The funny commercials, the well maintained aircraft and the staff that maintains them? Recently SWA has been far from golden on their maintance...

Is SWA going to simply throw away Frontier's very unique culture?

Hopefuly the Republic wins this war for the sake of employees, culture, and Frontier. It is not just another airline, it is a whole different animal.

The languge used in this release is classic...lets break this down.

"We believe our bid proposal will allow Frontier to emerge from bankruptcy. Frontier would continue to operate independently and separately for a period of time with its Airbus aircraft and personnel."

Meaning WN will dump the Airbus fleet in time.

"Over time, Frontier Employees would be hired into Southwest as needed to support our fleet growth and expanded operations."

They won't be guaranteed a job and will have to apply just like the guy off the street, and if you’re not needed you’re going to lose your job.

"We believe the acquisition will boost low-fare competition across the country and certainly in the Denver market. And, again, we believes our bid will be seen as the strongest bid by all interested parties, including Frontier Employees, management, and its creditors."

Basic math tells us this...right now DEN has three major carriers that have a hub or focus on DEN, UAL, Frontier and Southwest...take away Frontier and replace it with an expanded Southwest seems to me we now only have two carriers with a large presence at DEN, not sure how anyone can call that more competition. Its less choice in the consumer market.

"A. As part of our overall due diligence, Southwest Airlines will study Lynx. Until a bid is finalized, it’s too early to say."

Much like the Airbuses Lynx will go away as well...along with service to cities that will never see the light of day from WN.

If anyone believes a word of what WN is saying there's a bridge I can sell you in Brooklyn.

WN had no intent of looking at Frontier until Republic decided to bid on them, they want Frontier gone plain and simple. A Frontier backed by Republic is a real threat to WN at Denver and much like WN's reasons for propping up ATA was so that AirTran didn't establish a foothold in MDW like they wanted to. Its business and it's perfectly legal but WN needs to drop the facade that they are somehow different then any other large corporation in the U.S.

I really want to see another airline take out the lowlife sharks known as Southwest one day.

I know mergers/acquisitions are emotional times, and I lived through two of them at another airline. I am surprized by the tone of some here. I have yet to hear a negative word about Frontier or it's employees during all of this, yet there has been a lot of SWA bashing. Bottomline is that Frontier will be sold at auction. Republic obviously has business decisions that led them to place a bid, and we do too. If we win, it will bew exciting to have new Coworkers with us.

Um, hello folks ?

Frontier has been profitable for eight consecutive months and three consecutive quarters.

How many airlines can say that ?

By my count - less than half a dozen; and WN is not one of them.

Sorry everyone - I'll keep my faith in Frontier Airlines.

We all know this is to keep competition OUT of Denver.

For those of you that don't - may I point out that F9 has SUCCESSFULLY competed against WN ? F9 also competed SUCCESSFULLY against UA - even while UA was in Chapter 11.

The only true losers here will be the employees of Frontier and the passengers of Denver and all of Colorado and the other markets F9 serves that WN doesn't -- if WN is allowed to gobble up F9 and L4.

I can think of nothing worse for Frontier than to be associated with Southwest and it's shoddy maintenance program and poor regard for passenger saferty.

i am currently an employee for southwest working in iad. i'll be interested to see if wn keeps dca open, my thoughts are no since we already have operations in iad and bwi. as to all the people who are bashing this. i see this as a great opportunity. bottom line is frontier is a bankrupt airline. regardless of how they got there, first data keeping credit card transactions. frontier should have never allowed itself to be put in that posistion in the first place. like i said, bottom line, frontier is a bankrupt airline and will be auctioned off. yes, some people will loose jobs, and i agree, that is sad, but at least some won't.

I think that Airtrin airways sould by Frontier Airlines

KEEP F9 MY F9!
Anonymous — Thu, 07/30/2009 - 12:30
----------------------------------------
Ditto

Competition will improve with an WN acquisition, just not in DEN. WN would like F9's slots at DCA and LGA plus access to ATL and higher cost traffic to ANC. I just don't see how the second ring cities like DAY and CAK would fit in the acquisition since WN flies to nearby CMH and CLE. The ANC flight is a red eye, which AFAIK, WN just doesn't do red-eyes, but this would help with utilization so it will probably stay. Plus the ANC flights can be bundled with cruises/ and vacation packages. But 5+ hours with no in-flight entertainment.

I believe the Airbuses would be gone over time. There's no way WN is going to double up on aircraft types/parts over the long haul since it doesn't fit with their core business model of standardizing on one aircraft and engine type. F9 pilots and mechanics would be the first to go, unless they are certified for 737's too. Lynx may not be totally dead under WN since much of DEN's "home traffic" is from the region including COS, DRO, GJT, etc.

@Myles Barbula, I've never flown Frontier.

I fly about 8 times a year, if not more, and I ALWAYS get better service and have a better experience on Southwest than on any other airline I've flown for years. TV might be important to you, but I'm not willing to pay an extra $100 for my ticket so I can watch TV on an airplane. (I might pay for WiFi, but that's another issue...) I'm not willing to pay an extra $25 for baggage. FYI, I have to drive to CMH to get a Southwest flight (about 90 minutes one-way, more during rush hour). And I live 15 minutes from my local airport. That's how much I love Southwest!

It is a real shame for a company's employees and customers when that company goes out of business. But making Southwest out to be the bad guy because they see an opportunity to grow by buying Frontier...that's just not fair. Frontier apparently can't survive on its own. At least this way, some employees will have a chance to remain employed, and I assume shareholders won't be left holding worthless Frontier stock.

some of you arnt geting it . F9 is hurting big time even if they made 8 mth of profit,how long can F9 stay afloat, be glad a fortune 500, 5 time triple crown wining,36 out of 38 yrs of posting profits airline is showing interest in throwing F9 113.6 Mil. dollar life raft.

We don't like you, we don't want you.
Go away!!

I Think some of you people are Stupid.... SWA is the best most well run airline in the world with the best balance sheets And to all F9 emps, you are lucky that you have the chance to get in with SWA!! As far as helping the CO economy , now F9 emps will have a chance to get livable wages with a stable company!! Be thankful when you pay your house payment each month!!! GO SWA!!!! P.S. GO read NUTS!!

Speak for yourself. The cultures of the company are opposite. Southwest's employees contribute solidly and are team oriented unlike the many individualists at Frontier. They go the extra miles every day. Have you ever seen ramp people or agents act like they don't want to be there? Never!

Unfortunately, even with some good employees at Frontier, many of the ramp personnel and agents don't seem to posses the same spirit They act like they're doing the company a favor by showing up.

Us armchair QB's might wonder about this, but the folks running Southwest are sharp. This might be the time for organic growth to give way to growth by acquisition. There are more than a few folks hoping that Denver-Manchester comes along for the ride.

As a Frontier employee and someone who has been in the industry for 18 + years and 3 carriers later. Frontier by far is the BEST AIRLINE out there!! I PRAY TO WHATEVER GOD OR GODDESS WHO IS LISTENING that SouthWest NOT be allowed to buy Frontier.

Please tell me how can anyone sit here today and tell me that this is a GOOD idea for anyone? Where does the competition come from?? Let's get real Frontier is the Airline to beat in Denver the numbers prove it day in and day out. In the blogs written today no one has yet to prove how taking out the competition creates healthy competition. When you have no competition there is NO need to compete against yourself! I am proud that WE (every employee who have PROUDLY and WILLINGLY sacrificed and given to our company over the past year) ARE THE AIRLINE that is a threat to Southwest (let's be real if we didn't have what they wanted they would not look twice at us!

To our Pilots, In-flight crews, our MX department, Especially Customer Service, and everyone in the Frontier family--- I am proud to be apart of our team that works together on a daily basis - YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! I am proud to see a Pilot standing up and speaking the hard truth. Where will our crews go???? Where will our wonderful Mx employees go? How many Diamond awards do you have WN?

For those who don't know us Frontier is strong, Frontier is a survivor proven over and over again. Yeah there were issue that put us in Chapter 11, but let's not put all on Frontier, things happen when companies loose money from other companies who go out of business and take a knee jerk reaction with current customers to make up for losses. Point proven look at your monthly credit card statements why would your interest rates go up if your paid on time yet they still go up because of losses in other areas of business. Don't blame Frontier wholly!! LOOK who's fixed their problems and Look is making money - Frontier!!

Yeah Frontier employees are worried but we also believe that our Leaders will do what is best for us! Let's make no mistakes I will be very proud to work for Republic who has stated we will stay Frontier and Lynx we are all very excited about this because at least there is job security for us. Southwest can not and has not guaranteed us anything... How many people do you really need to board an airplane???

Yeah we may take delays from time to time but guarantee you; if you look at most of the reasons a delay is taken it is because we put our Customers First. What about that family that may have taken a little longer getting through security do we leave them behind or do we wait a minute to get them where they need to go?? hummm We wait and get them where they need to go!! Look at our flights on a daily basis we obviously have people who love us! Our bookings have soared since April 11, 2008 does that sound like an airline that is second best to SouthWest?

To Our Loyal Passengers and the new ones we get daily, please know that WE at Frontier appreciate you daily and do not take you for granted. Thank you for believing in Frontier!

PROUDLY AND HOPFULLY A FRONTIER AIRLINES EMPLOYEE WHO WILL WORK UNDER THE REPUBLIC UMBRELLA!

Face it, as unfortunate as it is, F9 is ka-put no matter WHAT happens. Quit blaming WN, as there is no way Republic will keep F9 the way it is either. In fact, republic will probably return the airbus' to their lessors, and continue to grow their E-jet fleet in response. Plus, they would have to massively downsize their DEN ops in order to keep enough E-jets around for other ops. Its just not a good future for either way. I feel WN will do their absolute best to integrate F9's friendly employees into the airline, and do their best to serve the citizens of Denver well. If any airline is in GOOD fiscal shape to be acquiring F9, the best choice is obviously WN. Sure, F9 has had 8 profitable quarters in a row, but lets face it, they are bankrupt, and up for sale. It doesn't matter how the quarters went, because they are now up for auction, and the highest bidder takes all. So WN is not the death of your airline, Republic is just the same. Plus, Republic will most likely do to F9 what they've done to Midwest, outsource mainline employees in favor of their own lower-wage employees. Plus, Republic is a small company that already has its hands full with Midwest, and this would just add to the giant mess they have accruing over there. If I worked for F9, I'd rather my airline be in the hands of a successful, proven airline who is here to stay and has smart leadership at the helm.

Also Paula, thanks for putting up with this and providing us with well rounded answers on the issue at hand :-)

Shannon (Loyal WN flier from AMA)

Keep your hands off my F9!

I am a current F9 employee and I would like to apologize for some of my co-workers comments. You need to understand that we have put our all into F9 and have made sacrifices to "extend the runway" for our great company. It is understandable that we are upset that all of that hard work may end up without the F9 brand. I respect SW for your culture and ability to run a very good airline. I would most assuredly like to see F9 fly under our own colors long into the future, however if that is not possible, I would be happy to belong to a team such as SW's.

Current Frontier Employee

im still allergic to peanuts. I cant wait until we have one phone company again also. Southwest should make a monopoly game.

Great business move for WN!!!...if republic gets lucky enough to win the bid you'll see them in chapter 11 in the not to distant future anyway....WN should have bid for Midwest Express as well after they gaffed on the Airtran buyout....its all about taking seats out of the market right now and this is a great way to do it

For the f9 employee above who is completly sucking up to southwest for a job it seems. I know your name and its JUDAS! Sheesh dont you have any dignity. If this goes through you wont be joining WN as part of a team, you will be joining the rest of us at the unemployment office. For southwest to open up the operations they would want in denver it would cost them more money than to buy us at a discounted price at some sad... sad... Auction. I dont know about you but ive started looking for work outside of the airline industry which is the most unstable enviroment out there. As you recall the airlines were the first to go through this economic crisis that the world is in and will most likely be the last to emerge. Before we know it we will all have the option of WN or WN. And only then will we all see how low their fares will be when they can charge whatever they like. Sheesh i feel like my favorite team is leaving and im stuck watching the cowboys every sunday. YUCK! The Court should not allow this type of strong arming in the industry, hopefully they make the right choice so they dont have to correct their mistake later. And to all the F9 and WN employee's this is something only a handfull of people know whats going on. But even they still have to wait and see what will happen. Quit assuming you know whats going to happen or whos a better airline. It sounds like a bunch of 3rd graders fighting over the green playdough.

I am sure this is a very difficult time filled with uncertainy. If it means anything, I know that the Employees of Southwest are thinking of you, respect your concerns, and truly want the best for all of us.

i use to work for southwest and i left from injury...now im working for frontier so what do you think well happen to me!!!!!

There is a lot of misplaced anger here. SWA is not doing anything TO Frontier; Frontier put themselves in a position to be acquired and that's what's happening. SWA is making a business move and it certainly is not personal. Who knows who else might bid on Frontier, but it certainly does not make SWA the bad guy because they happen to be in a position and have the funds to buy Frontier.

SWA is a great company and their employees enjoy working there. If Frontier employees want to be mad at someone they need to look to their Executive Board and how they mismanaged the airline and ended up in this position with their jobs in jeopardy.

If SWA does end up the highest bidder they will do what makes good business sense and again it won't be personal, just business.

Just wait until this happens and you'll see a MAJOR "ghettoization" of Frontier. They'll get rid of their wonderful planes, TV's, 3 lavs, etc. and then cherry pick the 3 or 4 F9 cities they can connect with their redneck destinations ad nauseum, shut down their wonderful Costa Rica and Mexico routes (we all know their IRRATIONAL-DUMB-REDNECK fear of overseas flying) and just destroy what is left of a remarkable little airline. SOUTHWEST PILOTS AND FLIGHT ATTENDANTS: Don't get too excited! Don't picture yourself in Mexico or Costa Rica! If you thing that your management is going to trust your ill qualified - redneck/ignorant behinds to work those flights y'all are on crack. I guess that Jetblue, Spirit or Airtran eventually will pick those routes, they know how to do it and how to do it well.

For the employees of Frontier, I am sure this is a scary moment. But trust me, Southwest knows how to take care of its employees. As a consultant who has worked for dozens of "household name" companies and recently did work at Southwest, I can honestly say I have never seen a culture as unique, friendly, fun and caring as I witnessed at Southwest. There is a reason they are consistently rated as the one of the top places to work!

I think many of the posters are missing the big picture here. Yes, WN would be taking out a competitor but F9 and WN only seriously compete in the Denver market - its just one city of many and not going to drastically affect WN's bottom line as F9 is only about 1/10th the size of Southwest. In fact, F9 and WN together still don't equal the foothold that United has in Denver.

Instead, for just over $100 million, Southwest will be acquiring gates in many key cities where it doesn't already have a presence, including ATL and several international cities.

They would also be able to leap into the international market - not just with flights but with systems based on the SABRE platform that support international travel. Implementing this at Southwest would be a huge effort and would probably cost more than half of the cost of the merger alone.

Plus, F9 has code sharing and marketing relationships with other airlines that Southwest may be able to inherit.

Sure, change is scary and in this economy, everyone is and should be worried about their jobs. However, the airline that should be worried is United and its dominance in Denver, not F9 and the employees that would be cared for and nurtured under Southwest's wing. Plus, the unions will not let any employee be taken advantage of.

Remember, the predicament that F9 is in was not initiated by WN. F9 put itself into bankruptcy and put itself up for sale. It's in the best interest for every employee and stakeholder at F9 to have competition in the sale.

My two cents.....and congrats to WN if they actually make it through the many hurdles that will exist in this process.

F9 fans have got to get a grip! What happened to ATA, Aloha Airlines, Champion Air, and Skybus Airlines in 2008?
Poof. Gone.
Be thrilled that anyone is willing to take on the bankrupt airline. And why not WN? At least they are offering a glimmer of home.
And when ATA folded and stranded all of their passengers all over the place, Southwest took on every single stranded passenger they could to get them home.....for free. Did Frontier step up at all? Nice culture.
(Actually, in all honesty, I don't know for a fact what Frontier did in this case...it is only what I have heard from people.)

I wish SWA management would quit the B.S.,,, "we will hire f9 employees as we integrate'.? SWA's way of hinting to this "preferential interview" crap?? ATA is only a most recent example of SWA's raping and pillaging of the industry. If they don't integrate all of us pilots fairly and equally,, I hope FAPA and the F-9 crews will have the courage to walk,, leaving 50 airplanes rotting on the tarmac and let SWA eat it,, Make no mistake, SWA will hang us to dry if given the chance, I just hope no one is dumb enough to listen to the politically correct tap dance,,, but we did elect Oprabama as a nation,, so we may just be that stupid,,,,,

,,, this is all bunch of B.S.! SWA keeps dancing around the subject of employee integration. "preferential interview" nonsense is a politically correct way of pillaging what hey need and dumping the rest of us into the unemployment line. I hope FAPA and the the rest of us stand strong and ground everyone of our airplanes until we get a fair and equitable deal.

Hey Fabio, we sell the garbage airbus back to airbus!

My vote is for Southwest to buy Sun Country Airlines.

Sun Country Airlines flies 737's.
Sun Country is based out of Minneapolis which will grow their operations there.
Sun Country flies to many locations that will be great to add to their rapid rewards program.

It's inevitable, WN can't compete against F9 in DEN so just eliminate the competition by buying them up (preditory as usual). I just hope that WN management gives the F9 employees plenty of warning as to when we'll lose our jobs. My hunt for future employment started yesterday!

I have a somewhat unique perspective in that I was in management of the original Frontier and also at Morris and America West. All three airlines had very strong cultures and employees who, for the most part, felt a genuine loyalty to the company. There is a lot of emotion in this and probably rightfully so. Frontier has a long history with the people of Colorado and a brand that has very positive connotations. The current edition of Frontier has become, in many ways, a twin of the old one. It has fought against long odds and established a strong niche, a very positive and interesting brand and a relationship with Colorado and Denver. The current Frontier also shares a downside with its original. It has been squeezed hard by two strong competitors. History has shown that no market successfully supports three hub carriers. Despite SW's claim to the contrary, it is a hub operator. The difference this time around is Frontier has a very strong product in the face of other airline product that is becoming a race to the bottom. jetBlue, AirTran and Frontier have all retained at least some level of cabin service that does set them apart. Continental remains the only "network" carrier to at least attempt to keep service levels onboard.

At this time, FL is in a no win situation. Republic is not so much of an airline as it is a franchisor. The management has a long history in the business, principally at Mesaba, and things did not turn out too well there. It is very unlikely republic will retain frontier's culture or brand simply because they have no experience in doing so. They may initially keep the status quo but I guarantee that over time, the head shed in Indianapolis will take over and , having no sense of brand etc., FL will morph into another republic "franchise".

One the other hand, SW has a great employee culture and a unique brand. For the most part, the brand is efficiency. SW has the benefit of not having to "downsize' a brand image because the bar was never really high. That is not a knock. It merely means they are not having to explain the discontinuance of meals, charging for a pillow etc. "upsizing" the brand will never occur in this economic environment so Frontier's brand and culture will disappear over time. I'm sure Paula Berg is a very nice and knowledgeable person but there will not be a mesh of cultures. Frontier's will go away. It is also true that FL employees will likely lose a lot of jobs, seniority and self esteem. I saw that first hand with Morris. I did not want to transition to SW from Morris as I worked with other David Neeleman stuff including the JB idea. But I can tell you the Morris people were not handled well and many just gave up. Morris, like Frontier, had a very strong and participative culture, probably the strongest I have ever seen. They were put through, unnecessarily, a gauntlet of rehiring processes at SW that tore that pride up very quickly.

My own opinion is that FL would be a better fit for jetBlue AirTran or even Virgin America. Virgin is probably not in a position to do anything but JB and AT would open up interesting possibilities. But make no mistake, even those entities would mark the end of FL; just not through the same process as Sw has demonstrated over the years. The only way to preserve it all would be independent investment. Possible, but in today's environment, financial buyers in this industry are virtually non-existent. A group I advised thought about looking at Fl a while back but concluded early on that strategic buyers are more likey to emerge with this. We did, however, feel FL could successfully operate stand alone and if the markets weren't so screwed up, financial buyers like the group I advised would strongly consider this.

I flew 90,000 miles in the 1st. 6 months of 2009. Most of this out of DFW &, therefore, on American. For trips to Denver I always flew Frontier - the service is better, the planes much, much more comfortable than the tired MD80s of American. Given the choice, I would fly the small Airbus' over their Boeing equivalent, even the 737. So, that part of the proposed deal is a loss, to me. The other intriguing issue is whether this will bring Southwest into DFW. I live nearer there than Love Field, but actually prefer the latter. However, the Wright Amendment means that travel out of Love is really out of the question except for intra-Texas & similar routes. So, still plenty to ponder.

This can only be bad for the employees of Frontier, many will lose jobs in an already tough economy. All the WN employees who think this is great. What if it were you losing your job and your friends and co-workers over the last 15 years. You don't seem to think about that. At least the Republic deal will let Frontier continue to be Frontier and not be merged into the WN name. Competition is good and by taking out the competition, you know as well as I that prices will go up. Look at WN cites on the east coast, most prices are sky high, not like out here and that is because of the competition both Frontier and United give Southwest. It has been stated in the news that WN is losing money in Denver and has been since the beginning because of the competition. You really think prices will stay low? I am sorry but i really don't think so, they will go up so WN can start making money in Denver. I really hope Republic wins the bidding war as it will be now and the employees keep their jobs. 5000 people of which maybe 500 will keep jobs with WN, that doesn't seem like a very nice thing to do to people.

"As Paula said, there are people here thinking positively of you, in this time of change."

Great....Every day I think positively about the homeless, hungry, and unemployed but that does not house, feed, or provide them work. Let's move on from the SWA Corporate pablum and platitudes. As a Frontier employee, I have no problem with joining SWA and being treated as an employee. Only apparently, in their minds I will not be one of their employees if they acquire Frontier. I have a huge problem being told they will become owners of my company, take the profits my efforts and contributions generate, but that I do not really work for them. Maybe, just maybe, after they are done winding down the Airbus fleet and they do not need me for that work anymore, they might, just might if they need me then, give me a chance to interview for them. Wow...that is some employee based culture.

How about just being honest with everyone?

Anyone in Corporate Communicatioins at SWA have any comments?

Your right I don't want to leave Denver. I made this my home FOR THE LAST TIME! I hope there is some other opportunities here.

Seeing F9 merged into WN will be a very very sad day.

I have nothing against WN, but I really loved F9 - as a previous employee and as a customer.

I'm not sure how WN acquiring F9 would "boost low-fare compettion across the country". That is pretty far fetched...

This is the game WN always plays. Move into a market, drop prices as low as possible to drive out the competition, and then raise prices. It is a documented trend, and in all fairness to WN - it's a smart business strategy.

I just hope that it all works out for the awesome F9 employees out there....

Good Morning,

Lets all just slow down and take a breath. I have worked for 5 airlines in the over 20 years I have been in this industry and one thing I know for sure is that there is very little any of us can control other that how we react and act when under stress. The airline industry is a service industry Regardless of if you are WN or F9 it is customer service. Continue to do what is best for the customer so that the customer continues to choose you over the competion. This is something that you have some control over.

If you are a good employee for either airline you will find a way to keep your job. If you are not so good, maybe you should focus on changing that. This is something you can control.

Do not panic and do not start or spread rumors. Look for facts and ask direct questions. Rumors and assumptions distract from where your focus should be which is back to customer service.

Most of the other things will work themselves out regardless of how much worry you or others decide to put into them. Remember to focus on what you can control you will make you day be what you need it to be.

As a former ramp service agent at Frontier, and as a pilot at large regional carrier, I am following this bit of news with great curiosity. I think the Denver market will be one in which Southwest will thrive, but I was sad the see the financial damage that they inflicted upon Frontier. If only they both could have thrived!

F9 is such a great company, with all the new planes, the customer service, and the great corporate culture. I was very sad to hear of its bankruptcy. However, as with all events like this, it is a great opportunity to see something great happen.

A few questions - Will Southwest in fact retire the entire Airbus fleet and keep with the sole operation of 737s? And when will Denver become a Southwest hub? With all of the flights leaving and arriving in Denver every day, is DEN considered a hub already for Southwest? Do flight sequences originate and terminate in DEN, or is DEN still considered an "outstation?"

I am happy to hear that there is competition with Republic on the bid to buy Frontier. And I am very pleased to hear that Southwest is that competition. I think it's good for the people of Denver, and I believe that it keeps with the legendary culture of the entire city of Denver. Whatever happens with the bid, I hope that an airline worthy to own Frontier wins the bid, and not just the company that has the most money (but they could be one and the same). May the best company win! (And I personally hope that it's Southwest!)

I have always know Frontier to offer a great product delivered by great People. I feel bad for the employees of Frontier because in spite of their dedication and hard work, the airline is on the action block in bankruptcy court. Yes, they have been profitable over the past months, but Frontier's costs were simply too high and their balance sheet was not strong enough to sustain their operations. Frontier stock has not traded above one dollar in about 16 months. Times are dire in the airline business and even more dismal for the people of Frontier. F9 has few options.

Republic Airways has an offer on the table for F9, but there is a serious problem with it. Republic Airways operates commuter airlines for American, Continental, Delta, United and U.S. Airways. Are these airlines going to tolerate Republic becoming a direct competitor? I seriously doubt it. Republic may be able to keep Frontier in the air and salvage the Frontier Brand for a while, but I don't think they are in a position to offer a long-term solution.

If Southwest is able to move forward on their bid to purchase all or part of Fontier out of bankruptcy, I hope the best and brightest People of Frontier and the People of Southwest are able to work together to build a stronger airline that can offer low fares AND maintain a balance sheet strong enough to sustain operations while returning a reasonable profit for investors.

L Moody

Ms. Berg:

Southwest has been one of my favorite airlines for a long time - as a Dayton resident we have had Frontier service to Denver for 4 years now and its always been great to fly them to the Rockies and beyond. Flying on SW means a long trek to Columbus but is still worth it.

Maybe you don't know all the answers yet, but will Dayton become a de-facto "new" city for Southwest? Expanding at DAY would be a great way to serve the Cincinnati market, since the Dayton/Cincy region is becoming a metropolis much like Dallas/Ft Worth with a lot of population growth occuring north of Cincinnati. That's why DAY has been doing so well for Frontier and Airtran, with a pool of 2 million residents that are between Dayton and 1/2 way to Cincinnati. The airport is becoming more attractive with a parking garage under construction, new restaurants within the airport and a new hotel on-site being constructed soon.

Please convince your powers-to-be that if you purchase Frontier that you intend to keep our flights to Denver and expand with your traditional model to serve your major cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Baltimore, etc! Dayton has not had service to Midway since ATA went out of business, and only United is serving Chicago at all. American dropped service to ORD, and also St. Louis, and serves only DFW. A direct link to San Antonio would be great too due to all the military jobs moving to Wright Patterson AFB which is growing from base realignments. WPAFB is the largest single employer in the state of Ohio. There is a lot of flying from here to Baltimore by Air Force personnel.

I'm sure the focus for awhile will be on absorbing the Frontier transaction if you win the auction and taking advantage of possible new destinations such as Mexico, Atlanta, etc.

Just remember that without Dayton and the Wright Brothers from here, that we wouldn't even have airplanes and airline service in this world at all - and we would hate to be lost in the shuffle and lose Frontier going to Denver and end up with nothing!

Cool move! I would love to go to Mexico and Costa Rica on SWA. I think their brand of service is needed. It might shake up that stodgy, stale attitude over at US Airways, who has good routes and connections to Mexico. I think to operate flights to Mexico, you almost need a hub-spoke model to gather enough passengers, so I don't see those flights leaving DEN, but predict some may eventually leave from PHX. I can't wait!

The fact of the matter is, there is no blending of cultures. Could/would we work well together? Probably. Can F9 and WN Dominate the Denver Market? Yes....hands down.

The problem is...Most (if not all) F9 Employees are going to be jobless. In a statement made by a WN exec "Southwest believes our bid ultimately will be seen as the strongest bid by all interested parties, including Frontier Employees, management, and its creditors".

As a 9 year F9 employee, how in the hell will I see being unemployed after WN can sell off our aircraft as a happy thing? Republic will allow F9 to continue on as F9 and even better, I'm still employed..Yay!!!

WN winning means I am a lame duck employee with no job security who from the looks of it will possibly be given a charity interview to start over as a new hire with WN making $10/an hour if I win the lottery and get selected. Wow...such a deal.

Now if WN is going to work with F9 employees and merge seniority and guarantee jobs, then I can live with it and give WN the same dedication I did to F9. Considering I have seniority on 95% of your DEN staff...do you WN employees really want me there? Will your loving family culture embrace me if I were able to come over and bump you? Hell no, and you all know it.

All this does is take income from my family and I and all of you know it. Quit BS'ing. Quit giving Politically correct answers. This is a hostile takeover that liquidates F9 over a year or so leaving 5,000 humans w/o jobs.

WN wants our market share and our gates, not our people, planes, or our culture. Please WN, prove me wrong....offer us jobs, offer to give us half credit for years served for seniority and pay purposes. Because I would really like the certainty of paying my mortgage and feeding my 2 year old.

LOL...it's not going to happen. F9 and your employment die if WN buys us....and granted..it's not the WN employees fault, yes F9 is a profitable company now...but many bad decisions led to us being where we no longer control our destiny...LAX focus city over and over anyone? GG.....but quit putting a happy spin on this....WN will negatively impact 5,000 people in a horrid economy and job market....don't tell me I will want this...cause none of us do.

“The Southwest (bid) could be the best thing since sliced bread. Or not,” John Stemmler, president of the Frontier Airlines Pilots Association, said today in a telephone chat. He says many Frontier employees are weighing the bids with a mindset that Republic would likely keep a full operation, while Southwest is more likely to scuttle much of Frontier’s domestic capacity out of Denver and eliminate redundant administrative jobs. But that may not be the case. “It’s so hard to tell right now because we don’t know what Southwest wants,” Stemmler says. To gather some answers on that front, leaders of Frontier’s pilot union are meeting with Southwest executives, including Kelly, and Southwest pilots’ leadership Monday and Tuesday in Dallas. Frontier’s 718 pilots have a spot on the airline’s creditor committee, as well as an unsecured claim in the bankruptcy, giving it some voice in the Aug. 11 auction. “As far as frontline people go, it’s all a matter of how much growth they want and how much they’re willing to keep on,” he says. The hope at Frontier is that Southwest is “not just buying the airplanes to get rid of a competitor,” Stemmler says. “We actually do what we do quite well.”

http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/travelers_check/archives/2009/07/s...

Frontier is my favorite airline, and it is my dream to be a pilot for them one day. A combination of Frontier and Southwest makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE!! It would ruin an absolutely wonderful airline. I can see exactly what is going on here; Southwest wants control of Denver. PLEASE REPUBLIC OUTBID SOUTHWEST!!

I would like to say that I am an employee of Frontier and enjoy what I do. I am not at the upper end of the salary scale rather I am one of those that are at the bottom end of that scale. There are great employees associated with our airline and I know there are great employees associated with Southwest. I consider a great employee to be one that truly cares about that passenger on the other side of the aisle, counter, or whatever from them. This greatness shows from the moment the passenger approaches their area to the point their travel ends. They take the time to talk to the passengers as a valued customer instead of as a number. They do not act like they are doing the passenger a favor by allowing them on their planes rather like an opportunity to make a new acquaintance/friend that they can make a trip memorable for in a positive way. They are more than willing to go the extra mile to help the passenger because of their genuine belief in CUSTOMER service. This is not a CULTURE that a company regardless of whether it be Southwest or Frontier creates....it is either in the person before they are hired or it never will be. These great employees are the heart and soul of both airlines and are to be commended. We would also have our heads buried in the sand if we did not recognize the fact that both companies also have those paycheck people that look at their role strictly as a job and do absolutely nothng to make the travel a pleasant experience for the passenger. It does not matter WHICH company eventually wins the opportunity to gain Frontier because there WILL be changes whether it be employee job status, expectations, or whatever. It does not do any good to make harsh comments towards Southwest or Frontier because don't look now but you might be working elbow to elbow with the very person you were bad mouthing when the changes are complete. We can only hope that it be the great employees from each company and not the others who are left standing when all is done for the sake of the passengers on both carriers. This is the real world and real world economy we are operating in. The only certainity in life is death and it does not matter whether a person has been in a position for one week or thirty years you are assured of nothing. The fate of our company is out of our hands and there is nothing we can do to alter what will happen other than to keep providing the great customer service we are known for as long as the DIFFERENT ANIMAL is flying through the airways.

I'm still curious how this will affect the seniority for both parties. Paula....please let us know.

As a Frontier employee and someone who has been in the industry for 18 + years and 3 carriers later. Frontier by far is the BEST AIRLINE out there!! I PRAY TO WHATEVER GOD OR GODDESS WHO IS LISTENING that SouthWest NOT be allowed to buy Frontier.

Please tell me how can anyone sit here today and tell me that this is a GOOD idea for anyone? Where does the competition come from?? Let's get real Frontier is the Airline to beat in Denver the numbers prove it day in and day out. In the blogs written today no one has yet to prove how taking out the competition creates healthy competition. When you have no competition there is NO need to compete against yourself! I am proud that WE (every employee who have PROUDLY and WILLINGLY sacrificed and given to our company over the past year) ARE THE AIRLINE that is a threat to Southwest (let's be real if we didn't have what they wanted they would not look twice at us!

Cont.
To our Pilots, In-flight crews, our MX department, Especially Customer Service, and everyone in the Frontier family--- I am proud to be apart of our team that works together on a daily basis - YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! I am proud to see a Pilot standing up and speaking the hard truth. Where will our crews go???? Where will our wonderful Mx employees go? How many Diamond awards do you have WN?

The employees at SWA are just excited to staple the F9 employees to the bottom of the list.

Sorry Frontier folks, you're going to be losing out on this one.

I am a 17 plus year employee of wn. Before coming to wn I worked at Midway Airlines in Chicago. When Midway went out of business and Southwest went into a bidding war with Northwest for the gates at Midway Airport no one at Midway was promised a job, we interviewed and were hired because of our qualifications and the possibility of a good fit with the Southwest culture. (yes that word again) I interviewed and was hired at United also, who would have ever guessed back then how blessed i was to make the decision to go to little Southwest not big United. It is horrible to loose your airline family, (because that is what we all are no matter what airline) but a new family can be just as great if not better. I only hope the good people of Frontier give Southwest the benefit of the doubt , as well as most of the passengers. I dont know how anyone can say they just hate Southwest or any airline, even as employees we dont hate our competition, and we hurt just like they do if there is ever an accident , layoff or loss of any kind.

Cont.
To our Pilots, In-flight crews, our MX department, Especially Customer Service, and everyone in the Frontier family--- I am proud to be apart of our team that works together on a daily basis - YOU ARE THE BEST!!!! I am proud to see a Pilot standing up and speaking the hard truth. Where will our crews go???? Where will our wonderful Mx employees go? How many Diamond awards do you have WN?

Cont.
For those who don't know us Frontier is strong, Frontier is a survivor proven over and over again. Yeah there were issue that put us in Chapter 11, but let's not put all on Frontier, things happen when companies loose money from other companies who go out of business and take a knee jerk reaction with current customers to make up for losses. Point proven look at your monthly credit card statements why would your interest rates go up if your paid on time yet they still go up because of losses in other areas of business. Don't blame Frontier wholly!! LOOK who's fixed their problems and Look is making money - Frontier!!

Cont.
Yeah Frontier employees are worried but we also believe that our Leaders will do what is best for us! Let's make no mistakes I will be very proud to work for Republic who has stated we will stay Frontier and Lynx we are all very excited about this because at least there is job security for us. Southwest can not and has not guaranteed us anything... How many people do you really need to board an airplane???

Yeah we may take delays from time to time but guarantee you; if you look at most of the reasons a delay is taken it is because we put our Customers First. What about that family that may have taken a little longer getting through security do we leave them behind or do we wait a minute to get them where they need to go?? hummm We wait and get them where they need to go!! Look at our flights on a daily basis we obviously have people who love us! Our bookings have soared since April 11, 2008 does that sound like an airline that is second best to SouthWest?

Cont.
To Our Loyal Passengers and the new ones we get daily, please know that WE at Frontier appreciate you daily and do not take you for granted. Thank you for believing in Frontier!

PROUDLY AND HOPFULLY A FRONTIER AIRLINES EMPLOYEE WHO WILL WORK UNDER THE REPUBLIC UMBRELLA!

Please stop bashing Frontier employees.. Please stop bashing Southwest employees...
We have reasons to fear both airlines.. August 17th

It is unfortunate that Frontier Airlines finds itself in this position. The employees of Frontier have made great personal sacrifice though paycuts and loss of benefits. They have struggled to make Frontier the viable airline that has had 8 successive quarters of profit. The Lynx commuter lines has proven successful. It is inevitable in the current economic times that airlines will purchase other airlines to either grow or to eliminate competition. Southwest is only interested in eliminating the competition in Denver. I don't believe that Southwest is concerned about the employees of Frontier, because they will be eliminated. Sure some will be offered jobs, after they interview for them. And some will be hired, but at the starting salary which for Frontier employees with seniority could be over 33% in wage cuts. These employees may have work, but will probably face economic problems such as foreclosures because they can no longer afford their mortgage. What a shame to simply discard the great employees of Frontier. I truly hope that some entity will purchase Frontier Airlines, who is interested in keeping the airline's identity and employees.

it is true...F9 will no longer be around if WN buys us. i am praying that the judge will think more highly of frontier and its employees than to throw us to the wolves. this is in no way two companies trying to integrate each others cultures. its about the fact that f9 is a threat to WN here in denver, always has been, and WN is in it to win (god forbid they play second fiddle to someone else). Its about taking over the A concourse(home of the f9 animals...and all f9's faithful and beloved employees). WN may give a business proposal to the judge to make it look like they have our "best interest" at heart...but its a lie. bottom line: liquidate f9 and all its employees and take over denver. WN is not here to play nice-they play dirty and all the other airlines know it.

Frontier Airlines has a very LARGE and strong base of customer support & loyalty not only within Denver, but the state of Colorado along with the cities they serve. This company rose from the ashes of the former Frontier Airlines and has grown strong but steady since and celebrated its 15th Anniversary in July.
http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/who-we-are/company-info/our-his...

The work of our upper management to keep Frontier flying until the economy fell is an absolute miracle. The work of Sean Menke & our management teams, since he took office is absolutely astounding!! The employees receive weekly memos keeping employees informed to date of what is taking place, what hurdles we jumped and what we have blocking our way in the emergence from bankruptcy. Our management along with the employees have taken pay & benefit cuts which in turn has hurt marriages, families, & loss of homes due to foreclosure. Guess you can see now where the emotional part comes in as the employees and management have given everything, all, and way more, since the April 2008 filing to make this work and keep our Frontier animals flying! An offer of such that WN has proposed literally pulls the rug out from under this whole operation and steamrolls over every employee that has given this year, to this effort while operating a safe operation daily and keeping a smile on their face, is rather an insult at this time than a life jacket rescue.

If Frontier is purchased by SWA, you are not taking out just a destination and 5,000+ employees but a major hub and forcing change upon the millions of residents of Denver and the state of Colorado. You are not taking away a few gates, but a whole concourse. Not a few aircraft, but a whole fleet. Not just "a" airline brand but a major airline. Working for this company is not just a 9 to 5 job and a paycheck like most people view a job. This company is incredible in that it invests in its employees and puts them first and asks what we think. Thus the pride we have which makes happy employees which in turn makes happy customers! Frontier sponsors a lot in the community and their employees participate in a good amount of community work, very proud to work for this airline and what it stands for. What we hear when a customer steps off the plane after their "first" flying experience with Frontier is astounding! To be stopped in the grocery parking lot either in uniform or not and comment on the Frontier bumper sticker or to take a moment out of their busy day to say how much they love Denvers hometown airline, just amazes me constantly!

I do hope that the judge & committee members make the proper decision for what is best for Frontier Airlines, the residents of Colorado along with all the mountain towns Lynx serves.
My job whether it's with Frontier or SWA will pay the bills, which for most people is just what they care about. But the employees of this airline have invested so much in this company, along with the residents of Colorado who have filled and over booked our flights to show their support of local business and to support their hometown airline. Do not underestimate the power of change by choice, not to be compared with change by force.
YES the 2.4 million residents of the Denver metro area and the employees of this company would surely like to see Frontier tails in the air for another 15 years!! http://www.frontierairlines.com/frontier/video/15year_hi.html

I think it is appalling that you all say that Frontier and Southwest are alike. Keep in mind you all got in trouble for paying off the FAA for those maintenance issues and you had that big hole in one of your planes recently. While on the other side Frontier has upheld the FAA Diamond Award for maintanence for something like 10 years running. I think the only reason Southwest wants Frontier is because we are a threat to their business. They wanna liquidate the planes and the staff so that they will not have to worry about having someone truly better than them in the low cost carrier industry.

You can get bad service on either airline. Having flown the "original" Frontier years ago - it left a legacy even though it was never considered a legacy carrier. I've had horrible service on the new Frontier (out of Memphis-Denver-Memphis - which it dumped in a very short time) and I've had horrible service with Southwest (right out of Love Field with a gate agent at Gate 3 that literally the token bitch of the entire airline and I gave her the best challenge of her career - I hope a house has fallen on her by now). Yet - in overall customer service, Southwest has "something" that the others don't. I hope they don't lose that. What surprises me over this latest adventure is that to me it goes in contrast to the "Herb Days". I'd personally think the airline would be better off driving the "newest-Frontier" out of business (owned by Republic or anyone else) and United right along with it (Lord knows, Denver is United's last hold out). Southwest has lost it's Herb-edge. Yes, times do change but you don't take the eggs out of the recipe just because you want to be the CEO.

Having been with SWA during the merger with Morris I would say it was not perfect. Not everyone was hired but I would guess the vast majority was. It would seem a company should be allowed to select who they would want to hire. I work side by side with Morris folks (almost all realize they are much better off with SWA). I also have friends who work with Frontier, Delta, United, etc. For the most part airline folks are the kindest quirkiest breed you can find.

SWA does not have an exclusive culture, we are a business, and want to be successful!

I am fourth generation Colo. Love the Bronco's, Rockies, and the fabulous state. I hope that if this venture continues it is of benefit to Frontier, SWA, and Colo.

One last note. Those TV's that everyone raves about weigh quite a bit leading to higher fuel charges. For the saving from not paying for checked bags you could probably get a DVD player.........or maybe a book.

With this potential merge between these two airlines, does this mean there will be a further delay in SWA hiring new pilots to their fleet? If so, how long is the potential delay?

If this Acquisition does happen.(Hope it does) A few bits of advice for the unhappy Frontier Employees who have posted on here, change jobs or change attitudes. SWA has been around longer and its much more loved and respected. I recommend anyone and everyone who works for or is a fan of Frontier to read the book , "NUTS The Secret To Southwests Success". It's a book that shows everyone the spirited history and what is the heart and soul of Southwest Airlines.
If You are a Frontier worker when you read through it with an open mind and placing the anger you feel aside , you will see that fun and culture and putting workers first has been the long proven reason for our continued success. And in some ways while you are different we do share a lot of the same philosophies as your airline. The anger you feel should be directed to those who managed your airline and put you in this position in the first place. Just remember that. Also remember that Southwest Workers will protect and fight for our continued success from small person at the bottom to our CEO with or without you. We hope to welcome you all on board into the SWA Family.

Gotta LUV this one. Anonymous said, "It sounds like a bunch of 3rd graders fighting over the green play dough." Wow, talk about hitting the nail on the head! That is the truth people.

Bless you Paula for having the patience and fortitude to try to educate some of these people on their erroneous information. I would never in a million years be able to do your job!

Speculate all day but the fact remains not one of you knows what will will happen or what the next move will be at Southwes Airlinest. Sheesh! What a bunch of cry babies. By the way, chicken little says the sky is fallin also. Southwest Airlines Management will do what management needs to do. Period.

Shame on the whining Frontier employees. I am embarrassed for each of you. Your airlines management team put you where you are today, so don't point fingers and blame Southwest for your problems. Don't forget when you point at Southwest and blame them, there are 3 fingers pointing back at YOU! It's just too bad that most of you are afraid to sign your comments so we would know who NOT to invite to join the Southwest Team.

Been here for the Trans Star acquisition, the Morris acquisition, the Midway acquisition and the American Trans Air acquisition. Will be here for the Frontier acquisition also! GO Southwest!
swflyer — Sat, 08/01/2009 - 21:46
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Yea...that is the pot calling the kettle black! ;-D Remember the code-sharing blogs where the SW employees whined like constipated two year olds for days...LOL. You'd be just as frustrated if it were someone like Airtran buying you out and saying they intended to sell off your planes before it was all over with.

Lets put it this way. Why would an airline buy another. It's simple really. Frontier for the last five quarters made money where as Southwest lost money, so if Southwest takes Frontier out of business. It just means their scared and don't know how to compete with such a kick *ss airline. F9 rules WN drools. so gggoooooooooo Republic. LOL

first quarter of 2009 was the only quarter that SWA did not make a profit since 1991. Then they went out and made 54million in the second quarter. They have also made money 36 out of 38 years. It ranks #1 in customer service every month on the DOT rankings so I highly doubt SWA is scared of any competition. I would do your homework before you post something that is inaccurate.

Gee.. I am reading these blogs and really do not understand where some of you people are coming from... I do not believe that Frontier Employees are blaming Southwest for anything. They are just expressing their opinions just like the everyone else from Southwest is expressing theirs. I have the upmost respect for every Frontier employee who has struggled and given for their company over the past couple of years. How many others can say that they would fight so hard for just a job, must be more than that for most of the 5,000 employees. In the real world both airlines have something they are good at. Yes Southwest has been around alot longer... So what! That does not mean they are better than anyone else. Both are great at what they do. Frontier may have taken a hit in the past year but it clearly says something about that young little (major) airline to turn around something that was a negative and turn into a profiting success story. To bad the company tried to protect itself and laws require an auction.. What a shame! I do hope for the Frontier employees who are clearly passionate about their company and the loyal passengers that Republic does obtain them and keep them as promised Frontier Airlines / Lynx Aviation.... We all know when put in a position of loosing money but still having the resources if you can't beat'em - buy'em!

Wishing nothing but the best for every Frontier Believer! I hope Republic is reading the blogs and seeing the passion they could be aquiring in you!

My ex has worked for SW for 26 years. I have always loved the airline as well as the people. I am now a F9 FA. After reading this blog all morning.....I clearly see that SW HAS changed! These are not the same people I used to know.

Like a bumpy flight, the recent events with Frontier have caused me some queasiness. I fly a lot out of Denver, mostly for business. My first choice has been Frontier for years--great product, great service, direct flights. I am a Summit level Early Returns member and loyally attached to a great airline. Second choice has been United. Primarily due to FF program (I am Premier Exec with them). Third choice has been Southwest the last couple years (I am also a Rapid Rewards member), almost entirely due to lack of seating selection and in-flight entertainment. Flight back from Philly last week, even though it got in half an hour early, was just painful with no entertainment. (But at least it beat US Airways on the outbound--no entertainment, no snack, no fun.)

I was happy to hear about the Republic bid and the "survival' of Frontier. I was, frankly, saddened to hear about the Southwest bid as I watched the demise of Muse Air many years ago in Dallas when SWA took over (another small, but quality airline with a nice niche--I flew them for non-smoking policy and great blue leather seats). While I have flown SWA (and will again tomorrow MCO to FLL), I cannot honestly see them becoming my "everyday" airline. As a very frequent business traveler I detest jostling in the queue trying to figure out where my number fits in (I liked the old plastic cards better!), having to find a terminal to check in as quickly as possible to try and get a decent boarding priority, even having to watch a young family board at the end of the line in Philly last week and having to look morosely through the plane trying to find two pairs of seats so their little kids didn't have to sit alone with strangers. (I gave mine up so the mom and son could sit down together.) At the end of the day, Southwest provides an inexpensive, consistent, and compelling product for a value oriented consumer, but as a near-weekly travel option to both coasts I won't do it if I can avoid it.

Sorry SWA. I love the singing flight attendants, the esprit de corps, and the cheap fares, but until you can assign seats like everybody else my heart (and wallet) is going to remain elsewhere the vast majority of the time. You will likely win the auction, but I am going to keep rooting for Republic...

Best of luck!

Before everybody gets all stirred up please read all the information about the merger. Emotions run high and this is not the first airline merger nor the last, do not rely on gally-gossip or cockpit- crackpots. Do your own research and in the end where ever you end up be thankful somebody stepped up. I can think of a lot worse airlines to work fo other r than SWA, oh yea that would be any and all of them. This business is not much different than any other right now, be in it to win it. Winning Customers is the number one game right now hopefully profits will follow when the economy flips.

WOW
for all the people that got offended by my F9 coworkers "sorry" is very hard to work this hard and see such a good company go this way...
but remember WN is not responsible for our demise our previous management is HE THEY ... Did this to us not WN ....... WN has the power to save the day but is not what they do ...... Republic well who knows what they will do with us one thing is for sure, we are out of runway we need $$$$$$ to make it.
best of luck

I work for Southwest Airlines and am very proud of the direction we are going. My heart goes out to the Employees of Frontier and truly hope that given the opportunity that the two can come together and make a positive impact.

Paula,
After reading just a few of the blogs on here, it would be nice to see them purged. The decision on the future of Frontier will be determined in the Bankruptcy Court not on a website containing the comments of loyal employees and passengers of these two airlines. Both F9 and WN are great airlines and unique to themselves. And understandably, we all have our loyalties to each. All that the negative comments are accomplishing here is harboring resentment and an unneeded hostility . Our employee groups have always been respectful and courteous to each other. I hate to see that respect for each other destroyed here in a blog over circumstances we cannot change. There has been the rise and fall of many great airlines. We need to all be conscious of the fact that it can happen to any of us. We need to support each other and not tear each other down. After all, we are all out here doing the same job

Shame on you Southwest! I don't care how you try to spin this it looks bad to everyone else outside of canyon blue land. I hope the DOJ steps in and sees this for what it is.

Comments are 2 to 1 against WN doing this. It looks like Paula has given up trying to respond.

F9 did not ask WN for help. F9 has a plan of sponsorship and was exiting bankruptcy within a week with no help from WN. Frontier now has one of the lowest CASM's of any major airline in North America. They have made 8 consecutive months of profits by matching WN's ridiculously low fares. WN has never seen a competitor like F9. I wonder if this is the first time that WN hasn't been able to claim they are the price leader. There was no Southwest effect in Denver when WN came back after a 20 year absence. The only effect was more loyalty towards F9 and record load factors. I hear F9's July LF will be a company record, so we can only assume that July will mark the 9th consecutive profitable month.

The news is reporting a Frontier employee rally in downtown Denver tomorrow. I may go down there to show them my support. Can WN take this hit to their image? Are they really prepared to ask the people of Colorado to fly WN after they eliminate their beloved hometown airline of 15 years. F9 is no ATA. F9 does not need WN. This is nothing more than a hostile takeover in order to eliminate their first true competition. And as others have mentioned, do you really expect people to believe a WN takeover will increase competition? I don't even think the WN employees believe that. Here's some advice for you WN - Just because you say something doesn't make it true!

If you can't beat them, buy them!

I haven't given up! I just don't have all of the answers, nor does anyone else. Hopefully, we'll have more information soon.

I am a former Frontier employee (laid off) and a resident of Denver, Colorado. Frontier has a culture and unique branding (the animals) that will never be matched. The thought of the horrible WN colors on a Airbus makes me ill to say that least. Why does WN think they will be the dominant carrier here in Denver. Denver is very loyal to Frontier, I know first hand. Southwest cannot fill a plane most days--Frontier can! Southwest's RPM's (revenue passenger miles) are the lowest at DIA, from what I have heard. IF Southwest does take over Frontier, what a sad day it will be for Denver and our economy! Believe me they will get rid of everyone, from Sean Manke on down! Case and point-ATA. If you are lucky to be saved, you will have to reapply for your job and interview for it. It is more cost effective for Southwest to hire some idiot off the street at 11.00 an hour (which is not bad) than retain your current salary. A Denver ICON since originally in the 40's maybe gone and likely will not come back a 3rd time! I have been in the industry as a flight attendant/ trainer for 25 years, with Eastern, United, Air Tran and Frontier. I have seen them come and go, and believe me sooner or later Southwest will run out of gas. Growing too fast too soon has been a scenario seen too many times and failed. To wrap it up-United (the better company) will match your fares in every market you serve and push you out of Denver like they did in the 80's with CO (Yes, Southwest has been here before-with no success). Good luck Southwest also in the ATL! Being a former Air Tran flight attendant I know the ATL toooooooo well. Sorry, fortress DELTA will never-EVER let you take that city!

In final---I did like Southwest (you would not think) when Herb Kellher ran the game (it's a game). He was a brillant man with a sincere vision to provide low fares and excellent service. Now boarding a Southwest flight is like walking into McDonalds.....everywhere, bad customer service (can they speak english?), not a smile in sight!

Thanks for the rant and good luck WN----in the end you won't!

Frontier does not want predatory capitalists (ie Southwest Airlines) to take us over. You guys are like the wealthy. You never have enough. You want more cities, more aircraft and more money while you destroy airlines and screw their employees. Stay away from Frontier and let Republic buy us so we can maintain our great company without you guys and your unparalled greed. Hostile takeovers, mergers and acquisitions and the chaos that it brings are what is destroying this country, its social stability and its possibilities for a brighter future.

I think this is just wrong. Southwest is trying to do this simply so that they may rid of competition, not to grow like this should do. We all know SWA has been loosing since they came back into the Denver market and its because they can't keep up with Frontier. This is unethical and pathetic. Southwest has been around for some time now and I can not believe you would stoop to such a low level. Shame on you Southwest.

WN is a great airline with great employees. This is a preemptive strike against Republic to hem them into the eastern US, and a strategic strike against United at DEN. The gates alone are worth the WN bid, with destinations to DCA, ATL, and Mexico, this is a good deal. Yes, F9 and WN have numerous common destinations, so now with these airlines merging, needless over-capacity can be reduced with added profitability (not necessarily higher ticket prices).

WN has very patient and careful management who will determine how best to keep enlist loyal F9 DEN customers to fly WN. WN will remain a Boeing brand, finding a suitable home for the 18 Airbus aircraft F9 operators drawing from the 400+ B737s WN operates to fill the gaps. This is a non-issue.

For your information Frontier operates 51 airbus aircraft. The needless capactity stems from WN trying to fly as many aircraft as they can into a station. Why fly to a city 10 times a day when they are only half full. Easy to keep other airlines from coming in. Environmentalist should be upset with an airline like WN for wasting fuel why not cut your flights down and fill them up saving fuel. Ticket prices would increase in Denver with the departure of F9. UA would be happy to see F9 leave so would all other airlines, would help increase there load factors that WN took from them. Bottom line is WN cannot beat F9 in DEN and they want them gone, sure they gain gates in other cities but it is in no doubt just to get rid of the competition.

Reading this forum has been great!

Now for some facts...

(a) Southwest Airlines, with all due respect, abandoned Denver at the news of the high costs of landing fees at the new Denver International Airport which it said would be too high to fit it's business model. No sooner did the airlines that stuck with and paid for the new airport pay down the debt to a sufficiently low level as to allow the City and County of Denver to lower landing fees, did SWA / WN suddenly find themselves able to return to Denver. Draw your own conclusions. Some say "great business" others say "scheister-ville".

(b) SWA can say what they want, but the truth of the matter is that F9 is the first airline to fend off their full onslaught. They've been flying half empty planes out of DIA and doing everything they could to put F9 out of business and failed at it. The plan was to put F9 out of business, and it didn't work, so here's the new plan and $170 million to do it. Draw your own conclusions.

(c) People in this forum who bash Airbus have no knowledge of Airbuses. They certainly do not know that Airbuses were selected by Frontier precisely because they were more efficient, less costly to maintain, and greater in fuel efficiency which, by the way, are three of the things that have allowed F9 to profit during the past 9 months. Draw your own conclusions as to the brilliance of relying exclusively on the 737.

(d) In it's history, F9 has never been found guilty of grave maintenance violations and fined millions by the FAA. Can SWA / WN say that? Draw your own conclusions as to which airline puts the safety of it's passengers first.

(e) F9 was not forced into bankruptcy, nor was it ever truly a bankrupt airline. The CEO chose to declare bankruptcy as a strategic move to fend off First Data which decided to demand a larger front end holding percentage on all air tickets charged and processed by it. Sean Menke may live to rue the day he made this decision as it suddenly took the airline out of his hands and put into the hands of a bankruptcy judge.

(f) QWEST, coincidentally the Denver-based baby bell, offered more money than Verizon for bankrupt MCI. Guess what? The higher bid was not accepted. Qwest lost MCI to Verizon despite outbidding them. What? How? It turned out that MCI management and the bankruptcy judge believed that Verizon was a better fit in every way for the melding of the companies. So, those of you out there who assume that SWA swallowing of F9 is a foregone conclusion don't know a single thing about this process. The justice department, likewise, is unlikely to eventually approve this buyout by SWA. There is way too much overlap of routes, it would drastically decrease competition in dozens of key cities not just in Denver, it would likely put over 4,000 people out of work, and another bidder has stated they plan to hold the airline and allow it to run as usual. There are, believe it or not, actually people out there who believe in doing what's right more than they believe in money. I know that's difficult for the majority of people out there to comprehend. So, even if SWA bids more than the $170 million they announced today, guess what, it still might not be enough to persuaded the F9 people as well as the DoJ to go along with what will be nothing more than the end of F9.

As a former Denver resident who flew Frontier on a weekly basis for several years, and now an Austin resident who flys Southwest almost weekly, I have enough mileage left in my EarlyReturns account to purchase 4 round trips. Both Frontier and Southwest are my favorite top 2 airlines. Question: What will happen to my Frontier Early Returns mileage balance? Will mileage in my Early Returns account convert to Rapid Rewards points? If so, have you any idea as to what the conversion factor would be?

Fun (and sometimes kinda strange) comments thruout... but I for one am not too excited to fly a bankrupt airline,whose cost cutting measures might have a tendency to filter back on maintence and safety , seriously affecting both passengers and employees. Other side of the coin, flying the airline (Southwest) with the safest record in the airline industry just makes a lot of sense. Love the Frontier tails of course and as time goes by and they become Southwest maybe some tails will remain.

AS a hard working CSA, I love what I do, and I do all, ticket counter, gates, and service center,I want to keep doing want I love. The people of Denver love Frontier, the animals on the tails, tv, and our people. If Southwest wins I am afraid all that will be gone.......

The point that people are missing is in a day in age where we are referring to a recession, is loosing 5k+ jobs really going to help any of it? We would be flooding the market with unemployment, which means raising taxes in all stats that F9 serves. I for one do NOT like the idea of mooching off of the government for my money, but actually putting in a hard days work and EARNING it. So if our friends and family enjoy supporting those who lost out of the, "Interview," process, so be it.

And the customers are the ones who are loosing out because I for one strive to do the job right and serve the pax. So take it from one who knows what it means to go the extra mile, and who has customer service experience well beyond the airlines, removing the competition, especially one who gets the short end of the stick with a lot of loyal pax is the worse idea anybody ever came up with.

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

Now the Wal-mart of the skies is free to move about the country. Keep your hands off our airline.

I just want to say that it's absolutely amazing that SWA started and kept this blog alive with all of the negativity in its threads. I am - and always will be - a fan of Southwest Airlines (as just a regular old passenger) and think some of what was said in here was uncalled for. I think this blog deserves more positivity, so I'm going to provide some.

I love Southwest Airlines for the following reasons, and have been flying them for 15 years:

1) This company thrives on making it affordable to fly. From weekly fare specials, to Ding! fares (that conveniently and frequently show up in your task bar with a cute little piece of mail on the tail of airplane), to their Featured Destination, you can get a great deal to great US cities often. I can cite many specific examples of fares I've gotten for less than $100, and can only recall paying more than $200 on two or three (of ~90) occasions. SWA has spoiled me to the point that fares over $200-250 are appalling!
2) Southwest has a great rewards program. After flying 8 roundtrip trips, you can get a free flight. This program has (understandably, considering the economy) offered fewer of the "double rewards" it used to offer, but I have gotten SEVERAL free tickets on SWA.
3) Southwest has some of the greatest employees on earth. They are positive, cheerful, helpful, funny, concerned, and passionate about keeping up a great reputation for themselves and their company. I'll never forget the time a flight attendant said "meow" over the intercom around 35 times while explaining that we were arriving to Chicago on time and beginning our descent.
4) Southwest has an excellent record of leaving on time, and getting places early. I'm not the type to look up the exact stats, or how they compare with other airlines, but I've experienced very few late departures (luckily, the times I did, I really needed the flight to be as late as I was running), and very few late arrivals (maybe even none...).
5) The Spirit magazine they have on board is always interesting. I know they encourage it, but I've taken many of them home with me.
6) I happen to love the fact that, regardless of flight time, I always get a package of peanuts and a little snack whose smell is non-offensive to people sitting around me. While some people may complain about an airline that does not provide in-flight food service (not many do these days anyway), I like the fact that if it's a longer flight, I know I need to pick up my own lunch or dinner.
7) They don't hate my bag (and I just love that commercial!). I rarely check bags, but if I did, I sure wouldn't want to have to pay for it. If, however, it was necessary to keep the company alive, I would.
8) Each month in Spirit magazine, they take the time to recognize an outstanding employee and an outstanding customer (or group of customers). There are full pages dedicated to these people, and I think it's just amazing. The CEO or CIO also make it a point to dedicate an article to the magazine talking about their experiences with the airline industry, with travel in general, with customers who've touched their hearts, with recollections of personal and emotional times in our nation's history that shall never be forgotten, and stories of the happiness and joy travel brings to families during the holidays. I've never felt like I've known the values and beliefs of the "higher ups" of a major corporation the way I feel like I know this Southwest's.
9) Southwest and its employees gives millions of dollars and a lot of time/hours (again, don't know stats) to various charities around our country. The great employees of Southwest make perfect fits as true altruists!
10) Southwest makes no bones about valuing its employees over its customers. I've read several accounts of this fact in the Spirit magazine, and to be frank, didn't really understand it at first. How could a company value its employees more than its customers? Well, clearly, it's great for any employee to work for a company that believes in this. Every working person would agree, right? Every consumer who believes that the customer is always right may not. However, it is clear to me that the trickle down effect of this value system makes for a very positive customer experience. And, you gotta love a company that loves its people.
11) Southwest's stock symbol is 'LUV' for goodness sakes! Enough said. (it's not over yet, though)
12) Southwest has never (knock on virtual wood) crashed. They only fly one type of aircraft for several business reasons, no doubt, but the main driver behind this is passenger safety. Every pilot and co-pilot knows how to fly the plane, every bagging agent knows how to appropriately and safely load baggage, every person on the maintenance crew knows how to maintain the aircraft and knows everything that could possibly be wrong with the plane if something doesn't look or sound right, etc. Bottom line is, I feel SAFE on Southwest Airlines.
13) This company, its corporate culture, its loyal customer base, and its sheer success is documented in many business articles and books and is studied in business schools around the country. Many companies admire, but can never achieve, the (near) perfection that is SWA.
14) New one from today: They have the character, confidence, transparency, and courage to publish and maintain this particular blog.
15) Southwest does not think of it as a business opportunity to make money when people need to change their flights - regardless of the reason. It's rarely free to change your flight last minute, but you're not going to be paying $100+ to do so.
16) There are probably a good 10 more reasons I think this airline is great, but I'm winding down and hope I've made enough of a point.

To all the other Southwest customers and employees that happen to love this company, I hope you choose to make your voice heard here as well. To those of you who have posted threads on this site, I sincerely wish you all the best. Mergers/acquisitions are no fun, and tend to scare people. I truly hope that the deal that was reached will be the best for all involved.

Since SWA did not win the bid to tak over Frontier, will they be bidding on any other airlines anytime soon? Will they ever have a presence in Atlanta? I recall there had been bad blood when Eastern was around, but that is water under the bridge. It would be wonderful if SWA had a presence in Atlanta. The acquisition of Frontier woudl have achieved that-- but it was not to be. Any other hews on this front?