There has been much discussion here about the role and future of low-cost carriers. Saw this article today in the Air Transport World e-mail summary.
Southwest now No. 1 in US domestic enplanements
Dateline: Wednesday August 13, 2003
Southwest Airlines became the largest US domestic carrier in terms of passenger enplanements in May, surpassing Delta Air Lines, based on data supplied to the US Dept. of Transportation by the airlines themselves.
You can see more on:
http://www.atwonline.com
If you talk to people who were round when this outfit started its clear that all the same arguments we have now came up. But there are hangar sweepers who are rich now because they stuck with Southwest and took up all the stock options.
There's just no doubt about it...on routes under 3 hours (give or take) a focussed low-fare service, one type, no frills well managed etc....WORKS!