Midwest to ground all MD80's by the fall [MERGED]

[OhMari]

Expedia is still showing the NW codeshare on the 757 for our flights in November (14th - 19th). I am anxiously awaiting the official schedule that should come out tomorrow - I will be very happy if we are only looking at a change in aircraft!!!

I think it is good that we are staying optimistic-I think non of us could take it, if we all lost out.

 

[Inkmahm]

Expedia is still showing the NW codeshare on the 757 for our flights in November (14th - 19th). I am anxiously awaiting the official schedule that should come out tomorrow - I will be very happy if we are only looking at a change in aircraft!!!

Did you try Orbitz? I checked my Midwest flights for October and December on Orbitz and they have the same info for both NWA and Midwest- Midwest flight numbers and the MD-80's. NWA is just codeshare referring to the Midwest flights I already have.

I just checked my flights on Expedia and got the same results. NWA is codesharing the flights on Midwest that I already have and they are on MD-80's.

 

[CarolA]

You all do realize that Orbitz, Expedia etc don't have any more "indepedent" information? They just get whatever NW and/or Midwest have fed into their system. IT all comes from the same source either NW or Midwest.

 

[Inkmahm]

You all do realize that Orbitz, Expedia etc don't have any more "indepedent" information? They just get whatever NW and/or Midwest have fed into their system. IT all comes from the same source either NW or Midwest.

Yup. Which is why I think the info on Expedia is in error and there is nothing more than codesharing going on.

 

[cbjl]

You all do realize that Orbitz, Expedia etc don't have any more "indepedent" information? They just get whatever NW and/or Midwest have fed into their system. IT all comes from the same source either NW or Midwest.

Yep - I know there isn't a super secret airline spy feeding inside information to Orbitz, LOL.

I also know that Midwest is often slowwww to update (individuals about) flight changes (calling me this week about flight changes made weeks [months?] ago), and I know that they swore up and down no info on route changes until Friday (so even if they have already made decisions, they won't tell their dear customers until Friday), and I know that occasionally, travel agents are told of changes prior to those of us in the regular old general public (so since Expedia is technically a travel agent, there is a chance - just a chance - that they did get some info early & put it into their system before it was public knowledge).

C'mon CarolA, let a girl dream.

We had a really special thing in the old Midwest Express - a truly unique entity in the airline industry, although it's changed a lot over the past 5-10 years. We in the Milwaukee market have gotten over the loss of the delicious (complimentary) meals served on china with real silverware. We've gotten over the loss of free wine, the loss of fantastic 2x2 wide leather seats with huge legroom We've gotten over the reduction in frequency of super great customer service (although they still top most airlines). [Boy, I can still remember & drool over some of the great flights I would take visiting my constantly traveling DH about 10-15 years ago - linen napkins, individual 1/2 bottles of wine, steak dinners, fantastic desserts.... But I digress.]

Now, we're getting ready to (probably) lose most of our nonstop flights (to leisure destinations, anyhow).
It's a tough pill to swallow, so I'm still hanging on to the last shreds of hope that at least a few nonstops will stay in Milwaukee.

 

[OhMari]

I totally agree with cbjl.

I really think if Midwest pulls out completely, Milwaukee International isn't going to make it. It will be just a little commuter airport to hop you to Minneapolis or Chicago or Detroit.

 

[cbjl]

I was checking flights *again* over at Midwest.com
no new news

BUT
I did happen to check the timetable for flights in/out of Tampa
According to the timetable, they will be changing the MKE-TPA route to a 717 August 4 (nonstop)
flight #s are
605 MKE 7:25am/TPA 11am
606 TPA 11:40am/MKE1:25pm

The timetable shows the updated aircraft effective Aug 4, but the reservation site still shows an MD-80.

I went ahead and held a reservation for the Tampa flight on our dates. You can hold reservations for 24 hours risk-free (at no cost) on the Midwest site.

That way, if they drop Orlando entirely, or if their options stink, we'll have an alternate/backup.

We've done the drive between Tampa and Orlando before, and while you have to rent a car, etc., I think it might beat out a 5 hour layover in IND (for us, anyhow).

I thought I'd post here in case anyone else is looking for a no-risk option to hold as a backup.

 

[OhMari]

I was checking flights *again* over at Midwest.com
no new news

BUT
I did happen to check the timetable for flights in/out of Tampa
According to the timetable, they will be changing the MKE-TPA route to a 717 August 4 (nonstop)
flight #s are
605 MKE 7:25am/TPA 11am
606 TPA 11:40am/MKE1:25pm

The timetable shows the updated aircraft effective Aug 4, but the reservation site still shows an MD-80.

I went ahead and held a reservation for the Tampa flight on our dates. You can hold reservations for 24 hours risk-free (at no cost) on the Midwest site.

That way, if they drop Orlando entirely, or if their options stink, we'll have an alternate/backup.

We've done the drive between Tampa and Orlando before, and while you have to rent a car, etc., I think it might beat out a 5 hour layover in IND (for us, anyhow).

I thought I'd post here in case anyone else is looking for a no-risk option to hold as a backup.

Good suggestion

 

[Ilovemylife]

I totally agree with cbjl.

I really think if Midwest pulls out completely, Milwaukee International isn't going to make it. It will be just a little commuter airport to hop you to Minneapolis or Chicago or Detroit.

A few weeks ago, the news reported on airports that were in danger of closing ~ MKE was on that list, surprisingly.

 

[OhMari]

I was playing around with airline times for Nov. AirTran has a non stop flight for $76. For one way. It came to $85 with fee's and another $6.00 because most seats were gone. So it would be $91. I sure hope that flight is there tomorrow if Midwest cancels completely out on me.

 

[Inkmahm]

Midwest Airlines Cuts Flights? Airline Insider Weighs In
Mick Trevey
Katie DeLong

MILWAUKEE - We will know soon about the Midwest flight cuts.

Midwest Airlines plans to cut routes to save money.

Midwest confirms some employees will learn about which cities will be dropped Friday.

Thursday, TODAY’S TMJ4’s Mick Trevey talked to an airline industry insider about what those cuts could be.

Jay Sorensen knows Midwest Airlines well. He's a former executive, and even says he's the executive who came up with onboard chocolate chip cookies.

Topping his list of predicted cuts: nonstop West Coast routes like Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The reason: Midwest retired their MD-80 planes, and the rest of their fleet can't go that far.

“I think those markets may stay out of Kansas City. Whether they'll connect with Milwaukee remains to be seen. But certainly nonstops out of Milwaukee to the West Coast are gone,” Sorensen said.

He thinks other West Coast routes are good candidates for cuts like Las Vegas, Denver and Phoenix. Those routes have thin profit margins, and in hot weather, they push the limits of how far the planes can go.

Sorensen says Florida will likely see cuts too, like Fort Lauderdale or Fort Myers, but he thinks some cities are almost sure to stay. Like New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., and Dallas.

“You may see some cuts in those markets in terms of maybe a flight being dropped but those markets are certainly going to stay because those routes are proven money makers for that airline,” Sorensen said.

Even though some information about the cuts might leak out Friday, Midwest’s spokesperson said the full public announcement won't happen until next week.

http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/25591069.html

 

[Inkmahm]

I was checking flights *again* over at Midwest.com
no new news

BUT
I did happen to check the timetable for flights in/out of Tampa
According to the timetable, they will be changing the MKE-TPA route to a 717 August 4 (nonstop)
flight #s are
605 MKE 7:25am/TPA 11am
606 TPA 11:40am/MKE1:25pm

The timetable shows the updated aircraft effective Aug 4, but the reservation site still shows an MD-80.

I went ahead and held a reservation for the Tampa flight on our dates. You can hold reservations for 24 hours risk-free (at no cost) on the Midwest site.

That way, if they drop Orlando entirely, or if their options stink, we'll have an alternate/backup.

We've done the drive between Tampa and Orlando before, and while you have to rent a car, etc., I think it might beat out a 5 hour layover in IND (for us, anyhow).

I thought I'd post here in case anyone else is looking for a no-risk option to hold as a backup.

You'll have to keep doing this daily until they announce schedule changes next week.

 

[CarolA]

Got to hand it to MidWest....

This is one of the WORST public relations move I have EVER seen by an airline. (And that is saying a LOT!) And it's made even worse by the fact that this WAS an airline known for customer service.

This has taken ENTIRELY too long and if I lived in a city served by MidWest I would probably put them on my "last resort" list for purchasing. Why risk it with this level of "customer care" ? At least when AirTran announed cuts they started showing on the schedule so people could adapt, here management just seems to wander around looking clueless for week after week after week......with no end in sight!

 

[CarolA]

Yep - I know there isn't a super secret airline spy feeding inside information to Orbitz, LOL.

.

No big deal, I just didn't want people to think the agencies had "inside" data.

Heck, how can they, based on today's post Managment seems to be CLUELESS!!!!!! You can't leak plans if you don't have one!

 

[cbjl]

You'll have to keep doing this daily until they announce schedule changes next week.

This is unreal, isn't it???
I can't believe they aren't going to publicly announce the schedule changes today - what on *earth* are they thinking? How unbelievably stupid to let everyone believe Friday is the day & then say, nah, we're only going to tell a few employees about the new schedule, but maybe it will get leaked. How cute.

I keep trying to figure out what (if any) possible rational explanation there could be for the delay.... Are they in negotiations to just fold Midwest into NW and they don't have final details worked out? Are they trying to figure out just how many pilots they'll have left to fly the planes after the pay cuts? Are they just trying to make the airline go bankrupt by acting like incompetent fools who don't know the first thing about customer relations???

I guess I'll try to do a "rolling hold" on those backup tickets until Monday - or Tuesday - or August?? - whenever Midwest deems their customers worthy enough to know whether the tickets they hold will be any good or not...

ARGH!

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

Here's to hoping some of those "few employees in the know today" start singing like a bird since management doesn't want to make an official announcment. All it takes is one with loose lips.......

 

[OhMari]

This is unreal, isn't it???
I can't believe they aren't going to publicly announce the schedule changes today - what on *earth* are they thinking? How unbelievably stupid to let everyone believe Friday is the day & then say, nah, we're only going to tell a few employees about the new schedule, but maybe it will get leaked. How cute.

I keep trying to figure out what (if any) possible rational explanation there could be for the delay.... Are they in negotiations to just fold Midwest into NW and they don't have final details worked out? Are they trying to figure out just how many pilots they'll have left to fly the planes after the pay cuts? Are they just trying to make the airline go bankrupt by acting like incompetent fools who don't know the first thing about customer relations???

I guess I'll try to do a "rolling hold" on those backup tickets until Monday - or Tuesday - or August?? - whenever Midwest deems their customers worthy enough to know whether the tickets they hold will be any good or not...

ARGH!

You summed it up nicely. It really makes you wonder what the heck they are doing. I know though, if they are trying to work something out with the union, they have a definately time line.

 

[DisDarling]

I can definitely say I will NOT being flying Midwest again! This is RIDICULOUS!!!!! We bought tickets forever ago to fly out in September and we can't plan anything alternative until they announce what they are doing- just sooooooooo frustrating!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to everyone who has provided info- I know we are all in the same boat and it helps to hear what everyone else is going through- not being alone in this helps.

Amy

 

[DisDarling]

Here's to hoping some of those "few employees in the know today" start singing like a bird since management doesn't want to make an official announcment. All it takes is one with loose lips.......

Oh that would be wonderful...... I will check here all day!!

 

[Gizmo1951]

Thank You for Your Continued Support
As you've likely heard and read, Midwest Airlines, like all other airlines, is facing tremendous challenges caused by fuel prices. As we reshape the airline to adapt to this new environment, please know how much we appreciate your support and continued loyalty. You can continue to book and plan your future travel at midwestairlines.com.

This Fall, Enjoy Midwest Class Seating. Starting in mid-August, you'll be able to book Midwest Class seating for fall travel on our entire fleet of Boeing 717s. Get Details

Introducing Midwest Class
Midwest Airlines has always done things differently. From our unique culture of personal service to special touches, like chocolate chip cookies baked onboard, Midwest has defied airline convention to provide a better experience for customers.

Now we're redefining coach class and introducing Midwest Class: a choice of seating in the same aircraft cabin and "The best care in the air" for all. Customers will enjoy a greater selection of low fares and have the flexibility of securing a Signature seat in a number of different ways.

Midwest Class Today – The MD-80 Fleet
In September of 2007 we launched the first phase of seating choice by installing 12 of our wide, two-across Signature seats on each MD-80 aircraft, which serve long-haul leisure destinations like Phoenix and Las Vegas. Signature seating on MD-80 flights is available for purchase at time of check-in, up to 24 hours before your flight at midwestairlines.com, or at the airport kiosks, ticket counter or gate.

Signature Seating – $65 each way on these MD-80 routes

Milwaukee to:
• Ft. Lauderdale
• Ft. Myers
• Kansas City (Flt. 918 only)
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Orlando
• Phoenix
• San Francisco
• Seattle/Tacoma
• Tampa
Kansas City to:
• Milwaukee (Flt. 921 only)
• San Francisco
Coming Soon – Midwest Class on All Midwest Airlines Flights
Later this year, we'll complete our roll-out of Midwest Class by offering a choice of seating on our Boeing 717s. 40 wide, two-across Signature seats will feature even more legroom than today and will be complemented by 59 newly designed Recaro Saver seats, uniquely engineered to provide maximum space between your knees and the row in front.

Your options for choosing a seat will expand, as well. Travelers paying higher-value refundable fares will be assigned a Signature seat, if available, at no additional charge. Or, find the lowest available fare and secure your Signature seat for a modest fee at time of booking. Finally, you'll still be able to choose Signature seating when you check in, as you can on our MD-80 flights today.

Midwest Class Available Today Aboard MD-80 Series Aircraft