Investigators: Southwest Airlines Took ‘10 Percent Off Flights’ Too Literally

Officials of the National Transportation Safety Board investigating how a 737 landed with a football-sized hole in its fuselage now believe it was part of a cost-saving measure by Southwest Airlines.
"When they said they’re taking 10 percent off domestic flights, they apparently weren’t kidding," said Joe Patrone, the NTSB’s regional coordinator.
The flight, en route to Baltimore, landed safely in Charleston, West Virginia after the cabin decompressed and a section of the plain near the tail vanished in midair. Passengers seated in coach were able to see out of the plane through a missing section of ceiling.
"They really meant it when they say they’re reducing overhead, " said Patrone.
A spokeswoman for Southwest, Andrea Halliday, said the airline "will continue to take radical measures during these tough economic times and pass the savings on to customers."
Halliday refused to answer questions about an upcoming "Blowout" ticket sale announced by the airline.