A Plane in the Air is Worth Two on the Ground: See you in 2014!

Today was a big day for Southwest Airlines! Along with American Airlines, DFW airport, and the cities of Dallas and Ft. Worth, an agreement was made to start the repeal of the Wright Amendment! Hallelujah!

The details of the compromise were very interesting. The good news is that once Congress passes it, Southwest can immediately begin selling tickets to cities beyond the Wright restrictions. So you'll instantly be able to purchase a ticket from LA or Vegas or Baltimore to Dallas. The not so good news is that for eight years, you'll still have to make a stop. You don't necessarily have to change planes or even get off the plane, but you do have to stop. So in 2014 I'm sure we'll be excited to announce nonstop service from Love Field to Orlando or Nashville or San Diego. But for now, I'll settle for being able to buy one ticket instead of two. There are a bunch of other details in the compromise too--a reduction in total gates at Love Field from 32 to 20. Complete prohibition of international flights and other provisions that take effect if either of the parties make changes to the deal.

It's not the perfect package, but it's as Gary said "we're trading uncertainty for certainty." And he's way smarter than I am, so if he's happy, and Herb's happy, then 2014 here we come!