Northwest Airlines in Trouble?

[manckids]

I usually post on the DVC board, but I thought this would be a more appropriate place to post this question. Our next trip is in June 2006 and I'm attempting to get an idea of how much the airline tickets will be. Northwest is coming up with the best price and a non-stop flight to MCO from Indy. However, just this past week I read a travel article that Northwest could possible go into bankruptcy as earlier as the end of the year. Has any one else heard of this? Thanks for your help in advance!

 

[Laurajean1014]

Even in bankruptcy an airline can/will maintain its schedules. Changes maybe made, but many airlines have benefitted from this chapter.

 

[SB in KY]

Lets see....can we name about 10 other airlines in the same boat or worse?? (well...there is US Air, United, American, Delta, Air Tran, ATA, Frontier, and the list goes on and on)....actually, the only one running in the black right now that comes to mind immediately is SW....and everyone else flying out of Indy is matching their fares.

So just watch SW's fares out of Indy because everyone else follows suit. Of course SW only books 4 or so months in advance and no one else drops their fares until the SW schedule opens up....so you are in luck...just sit tight, watch SW fares and when they open up for the time you want to travel book on anyone you want....Indy is the cheapest market in the region right now and there are a LOT of airlines flying decent schedules from there to MCO...so you have a lot of low priced choices!!

 

[Disneyjosh229]

I wouldn't be worried about it. United has been talking about "closing up" since 2001, and they are still flying there regular schedule. Northwest needs more business out of IND, thats why their prices are low. I've heard the airlines have been in a price war in IND. Thats deafinetly good for the consumer!!

 

[DebbieB]

I fly to MSP alot for business, using NW (MSP is their major hub). The last time I was there (last month), they mentioned on TV that there might be a mechanics strike coming up in the fall. They may be using the bankruptcy threat as a ploy to get the mechanics to agree to a lesser contract. I'll be back up there next week, I'll post if I hear anything.

 

[dudspizza]

Seems like there is always a threat of bankrupcy. They are not going anywhere... if I found a great deal with them, I would grab it.

Sun Country flies out of MSP and turned a 5.5M profit last year, but they still are not biting big into NWA.

Duds

 

[tycon07]

I really don't think you would have any problems even if the airline was bankrupt.
I'm flying ATA, only because they had matched the SWA fare out of IND. ATA just had the better times flat out for our family. Leave 8i sh in the morning and return late evening. Its all about timing. As soon as SWA publishes their fares, the others HAVE TO FOLLOW!!! If they don't then they will have no business. Also, the competition is very strong at IND. With 3 airlines (ATA, SWA, NWA) flying directly to MCO, the possibilities are endless. Hope this helps!!

 

[scoutsmom99]

I would snag the airfare as well. The only thing that is making news about NWA here in Minnesota is the possiblity of the mechanics going on strike.

 

[2by2kat]

My friend is a mechanic for NW in New York. Was told they will be going on strike August 20.

 

[Gary M]

Besides SWA, ATA and NWA that tycono7 mentioned, Air Tran also goes NS from IND to MCO, so you might keep an eye on them also.

 

[CarolMN]

NWA will still be flying next June, even if the mechanics strike. If the fare is one you can live with - grab it. I would!

Best wishes -

 

[CarolA]

Bankruptcy does not mean the airline will quit flying.

Now, the big risk in buying that far in advance is that the schedule will probably change a BUNCH between now and then so there is no gurantee that the flights you book will still be there.

 

[crisi]

I fly to MSP alot for business, using NW (MSP is their major hub). The last time I was there (last month), they mentioned on TV that there might be a mechanics strike coming up in the fall. They may be using the bankruptcy threat as a ploy to get the mechanics to agree to a lesser contract. I'll be back up there next week, I'll post if I hear anything.

Its not much of a ploy. My last business prof was a consultant who specialized in bankrupcy, was located in the Twin Cities, and had "intimate" knowledge of NWA. They will be in bankruptcy protection in the next 18 months. Without the mechanics concessions it will be soon, with them it will be later.