This week’s featured link:
Now Southwest Can Act Like Other Airlines. Uh-Oh? – Bloomberg
Southwest is slowly lurching toward finally getting a new reservation system (after many delays over the years). While many people know the system is old, not many people know just how hamstrung the airline is thanks to this ancient technology. This article gives you a flavor of what’s completely off the table because Southwest hasn’t invested in upgrading until now. If this gives you a sense of just how old it is, Southwest’s system is based off the old Braniff Cowboy reservation system. It has cobbled bits and pieces on top of that platform over the years, and it has pretty much maxed out what it can do.
Southwest’s new Amadeus Altea system (which already powers its international flights) is one of the most sophisticated around. Now it’s a question of how much Southwest WANTS to do to change, not how much it CAN do.
Two for the Road:
Whispers of middle-ground decision on Open Skies – Politico (via Brian Sumers at Skift)
The US airlines are claiming victory, saying that the US having any kinds of conversation about the Middle East carriers is a win. But the Middle East carriers say it’s not full consultations so it’s a win for them. Who’s right? Eh, I don’t know that I care enough to bother trying to decide.
Nonstop flights to Seattle coming to SLO County airport – The Tribune
I’m not in the habit of posting about small route news, but considering Alaska is really turning its focus to California with the Virgin America merger, this decision to fly Seattle to San Luis Obispo is an interesting one. It doesn’t seem like that big of a market, but it shows that Alaska is really trying to dig deep in this state. I never would have guessed this route.
