Just last Friday, I was planning a trip to Tampa, and my computer had windows open to the websites of Southwest Airlines and AirTran. And today, Southwest announced that it's buying its discount rival for $1 billion-plus. Kharmic moment? Coincidence? Message from the gods? Who knows?
Members of my family have been loyal Southwest fliers for years. It helps that Baltimore is a huge hub, prices are low, and service is exceptional. I'm also partial to the company because the guy who built it, long-time CEO Herb Kelleher, went to my alma mater, Wesleyan University.
I think he'd make a fascinating biography. It's too bad that the media has showered so much attention on a company like Facebook, while a great story goes untold. I know jets aren't as sexy as social media (despite the hot pants that Southwest flight attendants wore in the airline's early days). But his funny, renegade spirit makes a great character for a book. If you want to read about the company and its customer-focused ethos, here are some options:
-- Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success by Kevin and Jackie Freiberg