A very good article today in what I grudgingly refer to as my hometown newspaper explains why Southwest Airlines flies high as its competitors nosedive. The moral to the story can be applied to almost everything we do. Something to keep in mind as we struggle through the daily grind.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A19379-2002Apr20.html

To be sure, Southwest's success goes beyond its feel-good work environment. Its unique operational system is also a reason, said George Washington University's Jenkins. That is, the majority of Southwest's flights are point-to-point as opposed to connecting through hub cities. By flying short, quick flights as well as serving secondary, less-congested airports, Jenkins said, Southwest is able to complete more trips, with more paying passengers.

And they fly only one type of aircraft, which makes them easier and less expensive to maintain. Those short flights are another reason they were less affected by 9/11. And also why they caan turn the planes more quickly -- typically less luggage.