Southwest's Profit Secret: Low Fares, High Efficiency

Resources

Books

• "Hard Landing" by Thomas Petzinger Jr. - A non-fiction book detailing the events surrounding airline deregulation in the US.

Videos & Documentaries

• Hunting the Boogie Man - A true crime series mentioned in relation to detective work.

Research & Studies

• A Theory of Economic Regulation (George Stigler) - An influential paper that argues industries acquire regulation for their own benefit, leading to regulatory capture.

Tools & Software

• BLS CPI Inflation Calculator - Used to determine the inflation-adjusted cost of airfare.

People Mentioned

• Herb Kelleher - Co-founder of Southwest Airlines, known for his unconventional approach and dedication to the company.
• Rollin King - Co-founder of Southwest Airlines, who proposed the initial "triangle" route concept.
• Warren Buffett - Investor who famously expressed a strong dislike for investing in the airline industry.
• Orville Wright - One of the Wright brothers, mentioned in Warren Buffett's quote about the potential downsides of aviation.
• Bill Franklin - Southwest's head of ground operations who implemented the 10-minute aircraft turnaround strategy.
• George Stigler - Economist whose theory of economic regulation influenced deregulation policies.
• Ted Kennedy - US Senator who was a proponent of airline deregulation.
• Jimmy Carter - US President who appointed a skeptic of regulation to run the federal airline regulator.
• Robbert Smith - Co-host of Business History.
• Jacob Goldstein - Co-host of Business History.
• Nicole Earnest Pate - A victim whose case was investigated, mentioned in relation to a true crime series.
• Paul Holes - Detective who helped figure out a serial predator's pattern, mentioned in relation to a true crime series.

Organizations & Institutions

• Southwest Airlines - The primary subject of the episode, focusing on its business history and strategies.
• T-Mobile - Mentioned in relation to their network and Super Mobile business plan.
• Ookla Speedtest - Cited as experts confirming T-Mobile's network performance.
• IBM - Mentioned for helping businesses scale and manage AI.
• Bosch - Mentioned for their refrigerators with Vitafresh technology.
• Pushkin Industries - The podcast production company behind "Business History."
• TWA - An airline that has disappeared.
• Eastern Airlines - An airline that has disappeared.
• Pan Am - An airline that has disappeared.
• Aloha Airlines - An airline that has disappeared.
• Delta Airlines - A major airline discussed in the context of deregulation and post-pandemic travel.
• United Airlines - A major airline discussed in the context of deregulation and post-pandemic travel.
• American Airlines - A major airline discussed in the context of deregulation and post-pandemic travel.
• Southwest Airlines - The primary subject of the episode, focusing on its business history and strategies.
• Campbell Soup Factory - Where Herb Kelleher worked during his youth.
• Wild Goose Flying Service - A failed charter air business previously owned by Rollin King.
• Federal Government (US) - Discussed in relation to airline regulation.
• Texas State Government - Involved in the initial regulatory approval for Southwest Airlines.
• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) - Mentioned regarding grounding of the 737 MAX.
• CAB (Civil Aviation Board) - The board that handled airline pricing and regulation before deregulation.
• Boeing - Manufacturer of the 737 aircraft.
• Air Canada - Mentioned for putting a disco in its 747.
• University of Chicago - Associated with economist George Stigler.
• Elliott Management - An activist hedge fund that took a stake in Southwest Airlines.

Websites & Online Resources

• supermobile.com - Website for T-Mobile's Super Mobile business plan.
• bosch-home.us.com - Website for Bosch home appliances.
• business history show page on Apple Podcasts - Where to subscribe to Pushkin Plus.
• pushkin.fm - Website for Pushkin Plus subscription.
• youtube.com - Platform where "Business History" episodes can be found.
• spotify.com - Platform where "Business History" episodes can be found.
• apple podcasts - Platform where "Business History" episodes can be found.

Other Resources

• Wild Turkey Bourbon - The brand of bourbon Herb Kelleher was drinking.
• Cocktail Napkin - Used by Rollin King to draw the initial route triangle for Southwest.
• Chivas Regal - A brand of whiskey that Southwest Airlines offered as part of a promotional fare.
• Boeing 747 - A wide-body aircraft mentioned in the context of airline expansion and excess capacity.
• 737 MAX - A specific model of Boeing aircraft that was grounded due to safety concerns.
• Boeing 737 - The sole type of aircraft flown by Southwest Airlines for most of its history.
• Japanese Cars - Mentioned as an example of foreign competition impacting American business in the 1970s.
• St. Anthony Club - The bar in San Antonio where Herb Kelleher and Rollin King met.