Prior to 1984, our official inflight magazine found in the 112 seatback pockets onboard our aircraft was known simply as Southwest Airlines Magazine, and it was published by Summit Publishing Company of San Antonio. While we didn’t pay for the publication (the publisher earned revenue from the advertisements within,) it did feature Southwest-generated content providing a glimpse into Culture of our young Company. I especially liked the monthly “Love Events” feature that showcased the People of Southwest. While you may be asking why it was “Love” instead of “LUV,” this was most likely due to the fact that it wasn’t until June 27, 1977 that our LUV stock symbol was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Here is a glimpse into our September 1976 Love Events:
HAVE CAMERA, WILL TRAVEL – This photo features photographers traveling to San Antonio on “Barry’s Camera Photographic Safari.” Barry’s Camera was a local photo shop in Dallas which was acquired by national Wolf Camera & Video in 1992.
KEEPING PACE WITH THE PACERS – Pictured here are Original Sales Representatives Rich Robertson, Marcy Lordon, Joyce Brorby, Martha Thompson, Georgeann Harris, and Paulette Green. Sales Representatives traveled in Desert Gold American Motors Pacers, matching our aircraft livery of the era.
SOUTH PADRE LUAU – Our first President, Lamar Muse, chats with Harlingen Chamber of Commerce president David Allex at a beachside state conference for Texas Chamber of Commerce Managers on South Padre Island.
DOUBLING OUR FLEET – On September 13, 1976, we officially doubled our original fleet when our sixth 737-200 (N27SW) went into revenue service. This photo features original Ticket Agent Sara Burns holding a scale model of our newest “Love” bird.