Southwest investigates scribblings on its planes

Southwest has been puzzling over mysterious jottings on its 737s and is working with law enforcement to discover their origins. (Matt York / Associated Press)

By Jim Forsyth Reuters

7:20 p.m. CDT, September 22, 2011

Southwest Airlines is investigating mysterious markings that began appearing on the bellies of its jets earlier this year and have been described as “similar to Arabic writing,” an airline spokeswoman said?Thursday. However, law enforcement officials have said that the markings do not present a threat.

“The markings have no affiliation to any known group or activity,” said Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King. “The markings at this time are being considered vandalism, and Southwest is conducting an internal investigation to determine who is responsible.”

She said the markings have been appearing on the airline's signature 737 jets the past several months and vary in appearance.

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies all concluded that the markings, described “as similar to Arabic writing,” do not present a threat or a safety hazard, King said.

Officials have not confirmed whether the markings are messages or whether they are words or simply scribbling. King said it was also not known whether they were made on purpose or were the result of some type of mechanical issue.

King said Southwest Airlines, which exclusively uses 737 aircraft in its routes, had determined that there was no danger to the planes or?passengers.

“We obviously take the behavior very seriously, and we will continue to involve local and federal law enforcement as needed until the situation is resolved,” King said.

View the original article here

Southwest Airlines-No Longer Low Cost

Southwest Airlines used to be the airline travelers could fall back on to obtain a low priced flight when other airlines were much higher. That is not so true any longer.

For example, one advantage for travelers and travel agents changing tickets, was that anyone could use a credit on a ticket that was not used. This was great for companies that had infrequent travelers, therefore they could just apply the unused credit to another traveler. Not anymore. Only the person named originally on the ticket can use the credit.

Southwest's Rapid Reward frequent flier program has evolved from travelers being able to book a flight as long as practically any seat was available on the flight. Then it changed to only a limited number of seats being available for frequent flier seats. Now they have revamped the entire program, giving points depending on the price paid for the flight. They advertise that any seat is now available for the program, however, a flier must often use a lot of their points to obtain many of the flights.

Well, as we all know, change is inevitable. Even though they use to have some quirks that agents did not care for, overall, Southwest used to be a great airline to work with. Then again, the world has changed much since they started out in Love Field in Dallas many years ago. I suppose they may still be great, that is up to each individual opinion.

What is your opinion, agents? What do your clients think?

View the original article here