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Southwest Airlines Community

LUV and the Blogosphere

blusk
Aviator C
PHX_FA_Running[1]1.jpgBirds do it. Bees do it. Even educated Southwest Airlines is going to do it–to [mis]quote that old song. Since there are, no doubt, blogs about the birds and the bees, and since airplanes also have wings, we decided to do Nuts About Southwest, a blog about Southwest Airlines. For us, the experience is a lot like going on a blind date–will our readers like us? Can we find something to talk about? And most importantly, will they come back again to post their own messages? We promise that we are a lot more fun than most blind dates... Well at least we hope so, and we hope that you are as Nuts about Southwest as we are. Our goal is to earn a bookmark on your browser, or even better, a RSS feed on your reader, by making our corporate blog interesting, timely, and FUN for all involved. We look at this blog as the place where our Employees "come out to play," and we hope you will join us on the playground with this blog by posting your own comments. We are really excited to show the blogosphere a behind the scenes viewpoint of our folks. We don't think it is surprising that Southwest is taking a lead in establishing a truly interactive airline corporate blog because we have been the airline Leader in using the Internet. On March 16, 1995, we became one of the first airlines in the world to set up a home page on the World Wide Web. That first web page, the "Southwest Airlines Home Gate," was pretty rudimentary, but it featured our schedules, route map, and Company information. Over the years, the page evolved into today's southwest.com. Needless to say, we are very proud of southwest.com, but it really is a formal (as much as anything about Southwest can be called "formal"), communication device, and we wanted a way to establish an online, ongoing dialogue with you. Our goal is for this blog to go beyond the facts and numbers to give you insight into our fantastic Employees–what motivates them, how they do their jobs, and a look into the way they serve you, our Customers. In other words, we want this to be a place where you can see just who we are and why we are Nuts about Southwest. In order to do that, we have lined up an exciting group of bloggers that include Frontline and Headquarters Employees. Among the Frontline Employees lined up to blog are some of our Pilots; Flight Attendants; Airport Employees; Mechanics; folks from our Marketing, Schedule Planning, Properties, People and Leadership, and Executive Office Departments. We hope to add additional bloggers as we go, including some of our Officers, who will show up as guest bloggers. So, there you have our initial lineup. Because a lot of these folks are on the road, you may only see their individual posts two or three times a month, but since we have such a strong lineup, you should always see fresh material–unlike those tired standup comics that promise new material at the eleven o'clock show. If you want to know more about the groundrules for the blog, check out our user guide. Remember, this is your blog too, so we encourage you to participate, and don't forget to share your opinions with us. With all of that out of the way, let's get going!
43 Comments
Amy_Jo_Shipley
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines is my family. They have raised me for the last 25 years. I've worked at SWA longer than I lived under my parents roof, longer than I stayed married, and longer than my children are old! I love our Culture, Core Values, the way we business, and our internal and external Customers. I still have to pinch myself on occasion. To this day we are still still the zany airline, with tons of personality and 31,000 "servant hearts". P.S. Our uniforms, which were hot pants and go-go boots was the "style" in the 70's and 80's, not a "costume"!
John_Looper
Explorer C
Just an observation...On the blog from 6 days ago, a person posted that they flew from TPA to MCO. I doubt that person flew Southwest Airlines on that route, if it was that route at all. Southwest doesn't fly that route due to the proximity of the 2 cities. It kind of reminded me of the Mary Kate and Ashley Olson movie where they supposedly flew Southwest Airlines from Los Angeles to San Diego. Good luck with the blog!
achmed
Explorer C
Southwest is the Walmart of the Airline Industry. You have lowered the standards of an entire industry. Please boycott Southwest!
Anonymous
Not applicable
I love this Company. I moved from Customer Service to Flight Attendant, with the "Go where we are growing" program. What a magical move that was. Thanks to the Company for letting it happen, and thanks to all of our Customers for giving me a reason to play aboard our airplanes. I LOVE ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE.
Robin9
Explorer A
YIPPEE!!!!!! I LUV our Company. How cool is it to work for someone that LUV's us as much as we LUV them. I have been working in reservations for over 10 years now. We just keep getting better and better. And now everyone will have a group opportunity to know how we all feel. Great job guys.
Russell_Hawkins
Explorer C
Southwest is one of my favorite compaines hands down. Hats off to Southwest for doing this and to my boy Brandon DeLoach and the entire RD2 staff for pulling off a killer blog!
David_Ross2
Explorer B
Boycott Southwest? Why not just stop breathing. If it wasn't for Southwest - and Wal-Mart in the retail industry - prices consumers paid would be higher.
Queen_of_Sky
Explorer C
WOW. I am impressed! This would NEVER happen at Delta, since they FIRED me because of my blog---not exactly blog-friendly. Take care and good luck! -Q of S P.S. Can I have a job?
Dwight_H_
Explorer C
I just saw the Southwest Airlines Blog today. I'm glad to see my favorite airline getting comments from many different people. I fell in LUV with SWA the very first time I booked a flight in late 1996 and finally flew in February 1997 from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) to Birmingham to New Orleans to Houston and then changed planes to my final destination of Corpus Christi. What a great flight on THE BEST AIRLINE. While I was on those flights, I enjoyed the book "NUTS" which tells the history and business philosophy of SWA. Since that very first flight I have been Blessed by all of the incredible Southwest Airlines Employees which I consider part of my family. In return I continue to "BLESS" each plane I fly on. I must be "NUTS ALSO" since I love to learn more about the history and adventures of this airline. Keep up the great work. Keep on handing out those PEANUTS. And finally keep on sharing the Southwest Airlines LUV each and every day.
Steven1
Explorer C
Lowered the standards of an entire industry?! PLEASE! You must work for AMERICAN.
Beth_Birdsell
Explorer C
LUV the blog , I have been in RES at PRC for 14 years. I LUV the company. I have never BLOGED before but this will be fun. Thank you for calling, using, flying SWA. P.S. Just had dinner with friend's last night and he told me he had the change his flight reservation with HP no I mean US Air and they charged $100 to change plus the upgrade of the fare.... So glad we are not like the other guys. To the Wal Mart guy, I like Wal Mart shop there all the time.....
W_Peters
Explorer C
I love Southwest but now I fly mostly from MHT to MYR and you have no presence in Myrtle Beach...YET Any chance that might change. If not, I am forced to choose a different carrier. One that is more expensive, has SMALL seats, and is no fun! PLEASE think about Myrtle Beach!!
seanyoda
Explorer B
I've been flying Southwest Airlines for many years, and have been a fan since my first flight. I'm looking forward to reading about the "inside" of Southwest. What I've read so far has whetted my appetite for more. Beyond the blog, I like a few of the links included on the side. Sadly, one of them is no longer valid. On April 21, The Schnurmanator posted "This will be my last blog posting, because the Schnurmanator is moving on to other forums at star-telegram.com." May I suggest a new link. Add one to FlightAware http://www.flightaware.com/ (my wife uses it to follow my flights when I'm out of town).
DC1
Explorer C
Lowered the standards of the entire industry? What about the awesome flight attendants? I hear horror stories about FAs on other airlines, but great things about SWA flight attendants. What about the fabulous res agents? I hear about people getting stuck in telephone hell with other airlines, but you can get a pleasant, helpful, real person when you call Southwest. What about the gate agents and ticket agents at the airports? I hear about the snotty arrogant attitudes of those of other airlines, but that's not the norm at Southwest. I think Southwest employees raise the bar for other airlines - not lower the standards. (Also, I think of Southwest more as the Target of airlines and I LUV Target - inexpensive FUN stuff!)
Herman_Baker
Explorer C
I have been a provisioning agent with SWA at MDW since Nov. 05 and I must say that by far this is the best company I have ever worked for. My co-workers all the way up to the President of the Company (Colleen) have all treated me like a member of the family. I am proud to say that I am the SPIRIT OF SOUTHWEST. LIVE, LIFE, LUV
Robin9
Explorer A
Thank You DC. I think that the Res Agents are fabulous as well. Of course...I am biased :o). We LUV being able to help our Customers with whatever they are calling for and treat them as we would like to be treated.
T_Lohrenz
Explorer C
I wish SWA would fly from Dallas to Springfield, MO. American charges $300 to $400 for round trip 30 days in advance - price gouging. But that's expected when your the only airline in town. Everytime I fly from DFW, it seems the airport can't handle any more traffic. I spend 15 to 30 minutes just taxing around and/or waiting for a gate. Takeoffs seem to be worse. American just can't seem to get it's operations running efficiently. The Unions at American also can't seem to understand business or enjoy their job. SWA Union personnel always appear happy and enjoying life. Let's talk parking. Why does DFW charge $16/day and Love charge $7/day for the same parking. When I fly, I look at the total travel cost, not just the air cost. Seems DFW also price gouges for parking. Go SWA and Good Bye WRIGHT!!! Let's have even competition.
Frank8
Explorer C
I hope Southwest buys a couple of big planes and starts flying "affordable" flights into europe...posssibly from Dallas with a stopover in Toronto to pick up mopre passengers then into Luton or Gatwick OR Dallas with a stopover in Montreal to pick up passengers to fill the plane then into Orly.
Patrick_Fehring
Explorer C
My first experience with Southwest was back in the 80's when I worked for People Express. I wanted to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and since we did not yet fly to New Orleans I Took People Express from Newark to Houston and then to New Orleans on Southwest. What agreat experience I had. Because of that great experience I had, I will fly Southwest whenever possible. Even though I no longer work in the Industry, I am still crazy about it.
swa_employee11
Explorer C
Wright is wrong! visit. www.setlovefree.com
Leah3
Adventurer B
I am a big time fan of Southwest Airlines! Out of every airline I fly, it's my favorite; I LUV it! I recently sent in my resumÃ
Leah3
Adventurer B
Oh, yes-Southwest is the only airline I want to work for! It's a fun company & I'm very determined to become a part of the family. I had a wonderful time serving peanuts-it was so much fun! To the awesome flight attendants on flight 1407, service from AUS-DAL & flight 28 from DAL-TUL on March 24th, thanks so much again for letting me serve peanuts! I LUV you all! Thanks again, Scott, for giving me the pen, SWA History of Aviation Kids Fun Book, wings, & postcards! I collect merchandise from this airline & have the "Just Plane Fun Shuffle" video (which I also have memorized!), the book Nuts!, an inflatable Spirit One plane hanging from my ceiling fan at home, 4 shirts, wings, and other things! I also watch & record "Airline."
ken11
Explorer C
I travel only 3 times a year mainly from Orlando, FL to Milwaukee, WI. In the past I have used your compition Delta as my main airline. But this year because of Delta's bankruptcy and on going contract talks with Delta pilots I am going to try Southwest. I have heard many great things about Southwest. I also work in the hospitality industry for a large upscale hotel chain. I am stickler when it comes to customer service. I try to treat my guest's the way I would want to be treated. I have heard Southwest has the same policy. I will let you know how my first flight goes next month. Till then, I will keep on reading your blog. This is awsome way to see the nuts and bolts of a truly nutty airline. Thanks Southwest!
CAROL_Mueller
Explorer C
The Wright Amendment is Wrong ---it is time for all people to be able to fly around the country with the greatest of ease.
Carl_Hutcherson
Explorer C
Great to have the Blog site on my bookmark now. I have been flying SWA since the early 70's and have fond memories of the GoGo boots and "Hot Pants" back in those days. I also have fond memories of flying from San Antonio to Dallas for $19. I now have three nieces who are flight attendants for SWA and my daughter became a Flight Attendant for SWA last summer. We are so proud of her for joining what I consider to be an ultra progressive company with such a great family orientation. Congrats on the blog site and best wishes for the future!!!!
Chuck1
Explorer C
My fellow Employees at the TPA Station will laugh when they see me blogging....I have craved for a site like this for years! Reading through the posts, I recognize several names of People I have come in contact with over the years- namely Amy Shipley, who was my initial Training Instructor. Glad you are still with us, Amy...how many titles have you had now? Truly- Southwest's Culture is the standard for not only the airline industry, but any corporation. All you have to do is pick up a newspaper any day of the week and see the competition's employees struggling and taking pay cuts, losing benefits and being demoralized. As those who read Southwest Employee posts, you will notice that we capitalize words like Employee, Customer, Warrior Spirit, Culture...etc.(when pertaining to Southwest). This will be fun to watch and fun to participate in. Go LUV go. Repeal Wright
Ed_Terpening
Explorer C
Congratulations, this blog is very well done. Welcome to the blogosphere! - Ed Terpening Blogging Projects Manager Wells Fargo Bank.
Mike_Tyson_Chie
Explorer C
11 years at SWA and have loved every minute of it. This is so cool.. never blogged before but I have started a couple of discussion forums in the office. What a great idea to bring our Customers (Internal and External) together this way. Way to go, whoever had this clever idea.
Leah3
Adventurer B
To the flight attendants who post-can you please give me some interview tips to help me not to be so nervous? I tried back in 1999 to get on as an FA with Southwest. I had a group & one-on-one interview, but unfortunately, I didn't do well enough in the second one to be asked back for training. I sent in my resumÃ
Lisa14
Explorer C
My butterflies are flying fast and furiously right now! I, like most of you, (except anti-Wal-Mart/SWA guy) LOVE SWA! I've applied and have my group interview/screening session is in one week! I hope to join this amazing family soon! And... LOVE the Blog. How cool!!
Shawn_Eggers
Explorer C
Had to ask someone, What is a "Blog"? Now that I know, it never ceases to amaze me how Southwest keeps raising the bar of what every company/airline should strive to be like. Way to go!
Kristen_Harding
Explorer C
Lowered standards....as a non-SWA employee, I take great offense to SWA being called "the Walmart of the airline industry". Other than the low prices, comparing SWA to Walmart is like comparing apples to oranges...they are nothing alike. SWA takes great pride in its employees and its customers. At Walmart, the employees are treated like a dime a dozen and many of them are forced to use emergency rooms for medical services because they do not have health insurance. SWA pays for 100% of health insurance! Furthermore, my mom recently flew on another airline and was charged $1 just for peanuts!!!!! We do not see SWA being forced to cut corners by charging customers for peanuts, soda, blankets, etc. SWA should be a benchmark for the airline industry and other industries on how to treat employees right, provide positively outrageous customer service, AND make a profit. Thank you SWA! As other people have wrote, I would also love the inside scoop on how all of you SWA employees got hired! I have recently submitted by resume for FA and am hoping to hear back sooner than later (although I have heard it could take months!). I will be waitingÃ
Dale_Ferraro
Explorer C
I have not flowen your airline for over 6 years and do n ot expect to ever fly it again. I was taking my family from Cleveland to Phoenix. I booked Southwest for the first and only time. We could not get four seats together on your airplane. My 4 year old son sat next to stranger and cried for most of the flight. My 7 year old daughter was seated next to man who I confronted on his trip to the restroom and very clear my intention to inflict graet bodily harm on him if he touched her ever again. Your airline might be good for single passangers but is the worst I've ever flown for families. I can only hope that when you mature as a business there will be seat assignments. Until then, if you should have to close your doors I would not shed a tear.
Coby_Nichols
Explorer C
FIGHT WRIGHT!! SHOW UP TO THIS PRESS CONFERENCE IN SET LOVE FREE SHIRTS!!! SPREAD THE WORD! Stop and Think Press Conference Join residents of Dallas to have your voice heard!! Stop and Think is holding a press conference to discuss concerns about noise levels and especially increases in noise levels. There will be food, stickers, buttons and yard signs so come and be a part of it! Lunch will be served after the press conference so be sure to RSVP so we have enough and feel free to bring the kids! Details belowÃ
Tricia1
Explorer C
WOW WHAT A GREAT PLACE!! Well I have been on this terrific journey with Southwest for 11 years now and have LUVED every minute!! I just wish I could have started right out of High School!! Thank you for the wonderful experience and for TOMORROW!! My wish for all of you that have had a bad experience-Try Southwest again with an open heart and HAVE FUN and enjoy the freedom to fly with us!!
Jeannine_Gonzal
Explorer C
My husband and I recently flew round trip on SWA from Ontario, Ca. to Reno, Nev. Though most of the trip was quite routine, I felt compelled to comment on one of the flight attendants on the last leg of our journey. I really want him, and SWA , to know how we enjoyed our trip because of him. The flight was number 1877, on Sunday, April 30, from SanJose, Ca. to Ontario, Ca. This young man's quick wit and humorous comments to all as we entered the plane, throughout safety instructions, and occasionally during the flight, put everyone at ease and definitely in a great mood. He had everyone laughing and applauding as though at some great family activity. Finally, as we taxied to our "parking place" to disembark, he seriously implored all of us to please have kind thoughts and prayers for our servicemen serving in Iraq, and for their families waiting at home. Once again, all the passengers applauded at this wonderful and appropriate comment. Though we thanked him for a great time upon leaving, we wanted to let others know about him. Oh yes, by the way, all four legs of our journey were on time leaving and arriving. In fact, the SanJose to Ontario part arrived 10 minutes early.
flygirl
Explorer C
you can now get your boarding passes online 24 hr before your flight leaves..........and if you have a 4 yr old, you would get to preboard which means you could all set together...........
doncie
Explorer A
As a Reservation Agent for 17 years at SRC, we always inform passengers traveling with children 4 and under that they may preboard., which would include your spouse and 7 yr old. I think the only way this would have happened, you might have checked in for the flight late, after everybody had already boarded. And even then, our flight attendants will ask passengers on board if they wouln't mind moving to accommodate you with your children. Maybe you will have an easier ride in the future with our on-line checkin next time. Talk to you soon! :-)) Ã
Lynne_Steer
Explorer C
I've been a Southwest Employee for 6 months now...It's the BEST COMPANY I ever worked for..and I have worked for 2 Fortune 500 Companies in the past...Southwest Spirit is second to none and I LUV being a part of this wonderful airline. From Colleen down I really FEEL THE LUV! Thank you Southwest for giving me a second chance at life and I'll repay by giving POS! LUV TO ALL Lynne MHT CSA
Heather__The_Go
Explorer C
Cute little blog you have here. Though I am on the opposite side, in favor of keeping the Wright Amendment the way it is. SWA serves a purpose, getting people where they need to go. Passengers have different needs and preferences, and I think that Airlines need to focus more on providing the best service that each can provide, rather than trying to run eachother out of business. Take a look at my blog about being a flight attendant for a major airline!!!
Heather__The_Go
Explorer C
Great site you have here!!!
Not applicable
Southwest Airlines - Willkommen in der BlogosphÃ
Not applicable
[...] Birds do it. Bees do it. Even educated Southwest Airlines is going to do itÃ