Southwest Airlines to Close Flight Attendant Bases in Fort Lauderdale and Austin in Cost-Cutting Move

Southwest Airlines will close flight attendant satellite bases in Fort Lauderdale and Austin as part of cost-cutting measures. The closures, originally scheduled for June, will take effect on July 1 after an agreement with TWU Local 556. The airline said affected flight attendants can transfer to one of its main bases. Southwest has been cutting unprofitable routes and reducing staff, including a 15% cut to corporate employees. Union President Bill Bernal acknowledged Southwest's right to close the bases but noted the impact on flight attendants.