[PHXFlyer]

Originally Posted by Butch Cassidy Slept Here

With regard to operations RELATED to weather resulting in the shut-down of all flights for an extended period (major snow storms):

As I've indicated in previous posts, it IS reasonable to expect airlines to make additional aircraft available after the storm has passed, and the runways are clear. Allowing third-world conditions of people sleeping on the terminal floor--long after the storm has passed--is completely unacceptable. If an airline does not have enough aircraft of its own, it should be required to make arrangements with a larger airline--regardless of what type of ticket the customer is holding. In the alternative, an airline should be required to charter (hire) any additionally needed aircraft and crews. The reality of bad weather being a major expense must be recognized.

It's not uncommon for an airline to up-gauge a route when weather has disrupted regular operations for more than a day or two. I remember when a hurricane hit the Yucatan peninsula a few airlines sent wide body aircraft (767/777) once the airport re-opened to get the stranded passengers out. They really try to do their best most of the time. Sure there are parked aircraft due to capacity reductions but it's not possible to just send a crew to the desert, start up the plane and fly to the affected airport.

As far as making arrangements with other airlines yo must remember that the other airlines got hit as well. If one is packing the planes to get people moving again you can bet they all are doing the same.

As for charters I doubt there are many passenger charter services with the capacity needed that could be ready at a moment's notice. Charters are usually booked up months in advance by the military, sports teams, cruise lines, etc. I doubt they're going to leave a plane load of troops high and dry to go pick up a few plane loads of stranded passengers in Denver after a blizzard.