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Welcome

Friends,

Two news items in airline-world today created enough contrast to inspire my writing.

Thanks for letting me share it with you here, now.

Let’s get going.

Links

Spirit’s CEO steps down.

Delta opens SkyClub #8 in ATL.

Story

In August of 2012 my brother and I flew down to Costa Rica; we visited a friend who was living there at the time. It was a semi-spontaneous, low fare fueled trip.

We had a total blast.

I am sure you can think of a few trips you have taken that have been similarly spontaneous (or just all out random) and very fun. I’m convinced those are often among the best kind.

While working for United, my wife and I missed a connection to Brussels and ended up in Chile. We had such a good time I left my laptop at our hotel in Santiago (seriously). It arrived back in Texas two days after we got home thanks to kindness from strangers and DHL.

Anyways.

Today (yes, today) the CEO of Sprit Airlines stepped down and Delta opened their newest (eighth, to be precise) SkyClub in Atlanta. The contrast is stark: Spirit is literally hemorrhaging money with little left to throw overboard while Delta remains remarkably profitable and is spending money to create a better product.

What does this mean? Two observations:

1. Spirit likely will not survive their current rout. I hope I am wrong for a lot of reasons, but their financial outlook is really bad (I mean, really bad) and a committee now runs the airline. I am scheduled to fly them later this week and will report back.

2. Delta keeps getting better. Their product is far from perfect, but it is good (and holistically the best in the USA among major carriers at the moment). They are also a case study in “pay more to get more”—but with a main cabin / entry-level product that is solid on a standalone basis.

Put Delta next to Southwest, Spirit, Allegiant, or American any day and I’d advise picking the magic from Atlanta (aka Delta).

You have to be better to win—this is for sure true in airline-world and in life. You get better by creating something of value for the real people who buy your product. Your customer’s success must be your truest success.

A brand cannot be all things to all people, but it must mean something to some people.

That seems simple, but I lose sight of it all the time.

Big Picture: I am flying Spirit this week and am excited to do so. I also think there is a lot to learn from their current struggles contrasted with Delta’s success—particularly if you are running a business of your own.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.