Rating: 
Summary: Mr. Petzinger handles a complex subject very, very well.
Review: As an airline professional with one of thecarriers covered extensively in the book, I wasskeptical as to whether any author could present a clear picture of the industry's inner workings. "Complex" is somehow an inadequate word when applied to the airline industry, especially since Deregulation. Mr. Petzinger, however, has succeeded not only in telling the story; he has done so in an entertaining style which makes for a fascinating and highly informative trip through all of the turmoil wrought by deregulation. The reader comes away with an understanding of the cause and effect of every relevant force affecting the airline business over the last few decades. This, combined with a comprehensive overview of the industry's formative years, makes this book a treasure. The book would be a 10 except for a couple of minor research errors. The content, however, is outstanding and compels me to use an overused cliche: this really is a must-read for everyone in the industry and anyone with even a passing interest in the airline business.
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Summary: I wish I hadn't read this book...
Review: because I would love to go through the experience of reading it for the first time again.
I work in the Airline Industry in Australia in an operational role that has aspects of Industrial Relations associated with it. To read a book that relates so many interesting and insightful stories into the trials and tribulations of De-reg in the US and the power plays between the various airlines and the Unions was nothing but fascinating.
Well researched, well written and very enjoyable. I recomend it to anyone employed or aspiring to airline management
Rating: 
Summary: Good exploration of the personalities
Review: Dear List, If your into aviation, this is the book for you. I have to say in all my aviation readings, this is probably the best book I've read. Even "Nuts" dosen't come close, for historical value and a general pleasure in what makes these barons of industry tick. Whilst the book dosen't explore European Airlines or Asia to any extent, the fascination of the American giants is amazing, the book is well written, researched and expressed in a manner of ease. Sincerely, Tom
Rating:
Summary: Solid & humorous history of the airline industry
Review: I really enjoyed this book. The authors take you from the absolute beginning of the industry after World War I, all the way beyond the rise of Southwest Airlines. They go into detail about turning points in the industry, e.g. the formation of the CAB, the deregulation, computer reservation systems, and code sharing.What is notable about this is that despite all the material covered, the book was lively, humorous, and immersive. The authors accurately explain the requirements of running a profitable airline, and draw detailed portraits of the notable characters involved, including Frank Lorenzo, Frank Borman, Bob Crandall, Herb Kelleher, and Richard Branson. Surprisingly, these people are not stuffed shirts trying to squeeze another nickel out of each passenger- to a one, they are all intense competitors. I did not give 5 stars because I would have liked more coverage of international airlines, and perhaps more speculation about where the industry is going. Both topics were mentioned and given a dozen or so pages, but I felt there had to be more. If you are even vaguely interested in learning more about the airline business, this should be the first book you read.
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Summary: Great Book on the airline industry
Review: If you have any interest in the airline industry and its history - this is a must read!
Rating:
Summary: Better Than Fiction
Review: Mr. Petzinger has written an engrossing and completely engaging history of the airline industry. This work ranks alongside of business histories such as Barbarians at the Gate. He provides a thorough, yet not overly drawn out, history of the beginnings of the airline industry, and demonstrates the disaster that deregulation of the industry created, both for customers, airlines, and their employees. Some might object that Petzinger portray Stephen Wolf in a light less than flattering; I would argue that Petzinger's characterization of Wolf as a controlling and mean spirited CEO is more than accurate.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful read about one of our major industries
Review: Mr. Petzinger makes a very confusing, controversial, and always timely subject very accessible. As the son of a long-time manager in the airline industry, I was able to track events from my childhood by different labor strikes, airline births and deaths. The attention to the founding of the industry and the always unique position held by the airlines in making America what she currently is is exceptional.
Rating:
Summary: Powerful read about one of our major industries
Review: Mr. Petzinger makes a very confusing, controversial, and always timely subject very accessible. As the son of a long-time manager in the airline industry, I was able to track events from my childhood by different labor strikes, airline births and deaths. The attention to the founding of the industry and the always unique position held by the airlines in making America what she currently is is exceptional.
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Summary: Perhaps even more relevant today
Review: Petzinger's examination of the airline industry is must reading for anyone with an interest in that industry, and probably should be required reading for airline executives. The book essentially recounts the history of the airlines, but it also very much focuses a magnifying glass on many of the players in this industry. But its more than a textbook history, it provides intimate details on the men who run the airlines and provides a great contrast of the various individuals' management styles. I was enthralled by the history of Texas International and Eastern Airlines, in particular, and the recounting of the fall of Frank Lorenzo, a man so reviled that the mechanics union was willing to kill the airline just to defeat him. While the book has been criticized by some for a perceived focus on airlines based in Texas, the fact of the matter is that even today three of the biggest players in the industry are based in Texas: American, Continental, and Southwest. And since they are three of the current survivors, and still three of the major players, the recounting of their histories is probably even more relevant. The only suggestion I might have is that Petzinger update his book in light of airline history since his book was published.
Rating:
Summary: Stranger -- and better -- than fiction
Review: This book was thoroughly engrossing, and the executives profiled are like actors in a Greek drama. The only downside to the book is that it stops in 1996, and so much has happened since then. But Hard Landing provides all the behind-the-scenes information that helps you understand the airline industry today -- the innovations such as reservations systems, frequent-flyer programs, discount pricing and hub-and-spoke route maps, which we all take for granted today. In his postscript, Petzinger notes that the industry was relatively stable when he concluded the book, but that he awaited its next crisis to see how its leaders respond. Well, I think it's safe to say we're there now. The Greek drama continues.
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