Airlines

An article today about the struggling airlines caught my eye and I couldn't help but shake my head in disbelief even as I read just the first few paragraphs.
As United Airlines begins talk with US Air to merge I am finding myself with no sympathy because while they had to tackle the rising fuel costs they did nothing to help themselves in dealing with the drop in travelers.
Part of that was due to people running seriously low on bread but the other part largely had to due with safety (Christmas time coming to mind?) and in addition we are being charged $25-$30/ bag and now that is even coming into play with carry-on luggage...expect your planes to be near empty for quite some time.
South West is where it's at folks. I recently traveled to Park City and after flying United to Denver I was supposed to connect with Delta for my final destination. Wrong- as I get off the plane I discover that my Delta flight has been canceled for "possible weather" (which never arrived) and not only that but they threw their arms up when I needed assistance. So I walked across the terminal to Southwest and managed to get a seat on their flight leaving only an hour after my original one. Not only were they understanding of my situation, they don't charge for bags!!
As I was waiting to board I began talking with this woman who told me she only flies with Southwest as they are never delayed, always friendly and often, if not always. her flights get in early. Imagine that...