SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS AND 39TH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF PROFITABILITY

[Brooks]

DALLAS, TEXAS – January 19, 2012 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) (the “Company”) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2011 results.  Fourth quarter 2011 net income was $152 million, or $.20 per diluted share, which included $86 million (net) of favorable special items. 
This compared to net income of $131 million, or $.18 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2010, which included favorable special items totaling $16 million (net).  Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $66 million, or $.09 per diluted share, compared to net income of $115 million, or
$.15 per diluted share, in fourth quarter 2010.  This exceeded Thomson’s First Call mean estimate of $.08 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2011.  Additional information regarding special items is included in this release and in the accompanying reconciliation tables. 

For the full year 2011, net income was $178 million, or $.23 per diluted share, which included $152 million (net) of unfavorable special items. This compared to $459 million, or $.61 per diluted share, for full year 2010, which included $91 million (net) of unfavorable special items.  Excluding special items, full year 2011 net income was $330 million, or $.43 per diluted share, compared to net income of $550 million, or $.74 per diluted share, for full year 2010.

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated,
“Excluding special items, fourth quarter 2011 net income was $66 million, and full year 2011 net income was $330 million.  We had an outstanding revenue performance.  Our fourth quarter operating revenues were a record $4.1 billion.  Fourth quarter passenger revenues were strong, driven by record yields and continued high load factors.  Compared to the prior year, our fourth quarter passenger unit revenues increased 8.2 percent (on a combined basis, as defined below).  Based on current traffic and booking trends, we expect another strong passenger revenue performance in first quarter of 2012.   

“While it is always disappointing to report a year-over-year decline in profits (excluding special items), the fourth quarter and full year declines were primarily caused by significantly higher fuel prices.  Our fourth quarter economic fuel costs per gallon increased 33.7 percent to $3.29, compared to our combined fuel costs of $2.46 per gallon in fourth quarter last year.  Our full year 2011 combined economic fuel costs were $3.18 per gallon, an increase of 34.7 percent, compared to our combined fuel costs of $2.36 per gallon last year.  Based on market prices as of January 13^th, our first quarter 2012 economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, are estimated to be approximately $3.35 per gallon, compared to our combined economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, of $2.95 per gallon in first quarter last year.  High energy prices demand continued focus on improving productivity and eliminating waste.

“Despite the decline in earnings, 2011 was a momentous year at Southwest Airlines.  We celebrated our 40^th year of providing legendary low fare, high quality, domestic air travel and delivered our 39^th consecutive year of profits to our Shareholders.  We launched service to Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston, South Carolina and Newark, New Jersey within two weeks time, increasing Southwest’s domestic footprint to 72 cities.  In March, we launched our All-New Rapid Rewards® program.  The completely revamped, industry-leading frequent flyer program continues to grow at a strong pace.  Results, thus far, are well beyond our expectations. 

“On May 2^nd, we acquired AirTran Airways, increasing our fleet by 140 aircraft, and extending our combined network into key markets we didn’t previously serve, such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C., via Ronald Reagan National Airport, as well as many smaller domestic cities and leisure markets in the Caribbean and Mexico.   We also expanded our presence at New York LaGuardia, Boston, Milwaukee, and Baltimore/Washington. 

“While it will take several years to fully integrate AirTran into Southwest Airlines, I am very proud of the tremendous progress in only eight months’ time.  We are on track to obtain our single operating certificate this quarter. The Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association and the Air Line Pilots Association took the lead on negotiating a seniority list integration (SLI) agreement that was ratified by both Pilot groups.  The Flight Attendants’, Mechanics’, and Flight Instructors’ unions have tentative SLI agreements, currently out for vote by the memberships.  As a result of the superb efforts of our People, we are already producing over $200 million of net annualized pre-tax synergies, which is 50 percent of our $400 million target by 2013 (excluding acquisition and integration expenses).  For 2011, we realized $80 million in net pre-tax synergies, and the acquisition was modestly accretive to our 2011 results, excluding special items, as planned.”

The Company incurred $134 million in expenses (before taxes) associated with the acquisition and integration of AirTran during 2011, including $37 million in fourth quarter 2011.  The Company expects total acquisition and integration expenses will be approximately $500 million. 

Kelly continued, “In December, we unveiled our fleet modernization plans, including the launch of the B737-MAX aircraft beginning in 2017, representing our fourth time as Boeing’s launch customer.  Our agreements with Boeing afford us significant flexibility to replace our older, less efficient aircraft with new Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft and the B737-MAX aircraft.  During 2012, we will take delivery of 33 737-800s, with the first delivery of the -800 model to Southwest scheduled for March.  Earlier this week, we announced the final prong of our fleet modernization plans.  Leveraging the new Boeing Sky Interior from the -800 model, we decided to retrofit our -700 fleet with an updated cabin interior.  Evolve: The New Southwest Experience is a -700 cabin refresh intended to enhance Customer comfort, personal space, and the overall travel experience.  It allows for the added benefit of six additional seats, along with more climate-friendly and cost-effective materials.  Our fleet modernization plans have been designed to drive significant value in the near and long term.  

“Operationally, we finished the year strong with our highest December ontime performance in
15 years.  Our People continue to deliver outstanding levels of Customer Service, as recognized by Southwest Airlines being named the 2011 Customer Service Champion by J.D. Powers, and the Customer Satisfaction Leader in Consumer Reports’ list of airline ratings.

“I commend each of our 45,000+ Warriors for their hard work and notable accomplishments.  We accomplished everything we set out to do in 2011, with soaring fuel costs the only disappointment.  As we prepare for our next 40 years, our target is fixed on a 15 percent pretax return on invested capital.  Capital commitments for 2012 are approximately $1.3 billion, our 2012 capacity is estimated to be flat with 2011, and we currently plan to end 2012 with 691 aircraft in our fleet.  Future capital spending will be carefully monitored with a focus on generating free cash flow.  We are committed to providing exceptional Customer Service at everyday low fares; focused on investing in the Customer Experience while preserving our low cost position; and engaged in our strategic initiatives to drive Shareholder value.”

Financial Results and Outlook

AirTran Airways, Inc. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company on May 2, 2011. Results discussed in this release and provided in the accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and Comparative Consolidated Operating Statistics include the results of operations and cash flows for AirTran from May 2 through December 31, 2011, including the impact of purchase accounting.  Periods presented prior to the acquisition date do not include AirTran’s results.  However, the Company believes the analysis of specified financial results on a “combined basis” provides more meaningful year-over-year comparability.  Financial information presented on a “combined basis” is the sum of the historical financial results of the Company and AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date, but includes the impact of purchase accounting only as of May 2, 2011.  Supplemental financial information presented on a “combined basis” and the accompanying reconciliations have been included in this release.

The Company’s total operating revenues in fourth quarter 2011 increased 31.9 percent to
$4.1 billion, compared to $3.1 billion in fourth quarter 2010, and increased 9.3 percent compared
to $3.8 billion for combined fourth quarter 2010 total operating revenues.  Operating unit revenues increased 7.0 percent from fourth quarter 2010, on a combined basis.

 Total fourth quarter 2011 operating expenses were $4.0 billion, compared to $2.9 billion in fourth quarter 2010, and compared to $3.5 billion for combined fourth quarter 2010 total operating expenses.  Excluding special items in both periods, fourth quarter 2011 unit costs increased
10.8 percent from fourth quarter 2010 combined unit costs, largely due to a 33.7 percent year-over-year increase in economic fuel costs per gallon.   Fourth quarter 2011 economic fuel costs of $3.29 per gallon included $0.12 per gallon in unfavorable cash settlements for fuel derivative contracts; however, fuel derivative contract premiums are down significantly year-over-year, as described below in other income.  Additional information regarding the Company’s fuel derivative contracts is included in the accompanying tables. 

Excluding fuel and special items in both periods, fourth quarter 2011 unit costs increased
0.5 percent from fourth quarter 2010’s combined 7.72 cents.  Based on current cost trends, the Company expects another year-over-year increase in its first quarter 2012 unit costs, compared to first quarter 2011’s combined unit costs of 7.83 cents, excluding fuel and special items in both periods.

Operating income for fourth quarter 2011 was $147 million, compared to $216 million in fourth quarter 2010.  Excluding special items in both periods, operating income was $167 million for fourth quarter 2011, compared to $263 million in fourth quarter 2010, and compared to $278 million for combined fourth quarter 2010 operating income.

Other income for the fourth quarter was $108 million compared to $3 million of other expenses for fourth quarter 2010.  This $111 million swing primarily resulted from $153 million in gains recognized in fourth quarter 2011, compared to $31 million in gains recognized in fourth quarter 2010.  In both periods, these gains primarily resulted from unrealized gains/losses associated with a portion of the Company’s fuel hedging portfolio.  Excluding these special items, other losses were primarily attributable to the premium costs associated with the Company’s fuel derivative contracts.  Fourth quarter 2011 premium costs were $14 million, compared to $44 million in fourth quarter 2010, on a combined basis. First quarter 2012 premium costs are currently estimated to be approximately
$6 million, compared to combined premium costs of $36 million in first quarter 2011. 

Total operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2011, increased 29.4 percent to $15.7 billion, while total operating expenses increased 34.6 percent to $15.0 billion, resulting in operating income of $693 million, compared to $988 million for the year ended 2010.  Excluding special items in both periods, operating income was $839 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $1.2 billion in 2010.  On a combined basis, total operating revenues for 2011 increased 12.7 percent to $16.6 billion, while total operating expenses increased 17.3 percent to $15.9 billion, resulting in combined operating income for 2011 of $662 million, compared to $1.1 billion for 2010.  Excluding special items in both periods, combined operating income for 2011 was $834 million, compared to $1.3 billion for 2010.

The Company’s return on invested capital (before taxes and excluding special items) was approximately seven percent for the year ended December 31, 2011, including AirTran’s results beginning May 2, 2011.  Additional information regarding pretax return on invested capital is included in the accompanying reconciliation tables.   

Liquidity

Net cash provided by operations for 2011 was $1.4 billion, and capital expenditures were
$968 million.  As a result, the Company generated over $400 million in free cash flow* in 2011.

On August 5, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program to acquire up to $500 million of the Company’s common stock. During 2011, the Company purchased approximately 27.5 million shares of common stock for approximately $225 million.  The Company repaid $638 million in debt during 2011, and is scheduled to repay approximately $560 million debt in 2012, including $430 million in first quarter 2012.  After this planned first quarter debt payment, the Company will have reduced debt by approximately $1 billion since acquiring AirTran in May 2011.  As of January 18^th, the Company had approximately $3.5 billion in cash and short-term investments.  In addition, the Company also had a fully available unsecured revolving credit line of $800 million.

2011 Awards and Recognitions

• Named the fourth most admired Company in the world in FORTUNE magazine’s 2011 survey of corporate reputations
• Voted best low-cost carrier in North America by Business Traveler Magazine subscribers
• Named the 2011 Customer Service Champion by J.D. Powers based on customer feedback regarding service excellence
• Named Brand of the Year in Harris Poll EquiTrend’s airline category based on equity, customer connection, commitment, brand behavior, brand advocacy, and trust
• Ranked third in the Top 10 Business Thought Leaders by TLG Communications
• Received first place for Best Overall Customer Experience in the Keynote Competitive Research Industry Study examining U.S. Air Travel Websites
• Named Airline of the Year by Express Delivery and Logistics Association, the tenth consecutive year for Southwest Airlines Cargo to receive the recognition; also recognized for Excellence in Web Site and Technology for the second year in a row
• Southwest Cargo was also named Domestic Carrier of the Year for 2011 by the Airforwarders Association for the second consecutive year and was recently recognized for excellence in Air Cargo World’s annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey
• Recognized by PR News with several awards including the 2011 PR News Corporate Responsibility Awards for Diversity Communications, the Corporate Social Responsibility Award for Best Report, and honorable mention for the Social Corporate Responsibility Award for Corporate/Nonprofit Partnership
• Named the Greenest Airline by ClimateCounts.org
  • Voted the Customer Satisfaction Leader in Consumer Reports’ list of airline ratings receiving the highest rankings in check-in ease, cabin crew service, cabin cleanliness, baggage handling, and seating comfort
  • Ranked sixth in the  2011 Customer Service Hall of Fame by MSN Money, the only airline to make the top ten
  • Named one of the 100 Top Military Friendly Employers by GI Jobs magazine
  • Recognized for Best Practices in Supplier Diversity by the Dallas Fort Worth Minority Business Council
  • Named the Stevie Award Winner for the Company of the Year-Transportation by The International Business Awards for outstanding performance and Customer Service
  • Received the 2011 Quest for Quality Award for Excellence in Air Cargo from Logistics Management Magazine; ranked first in ontime performance, value, and Customer Service
  • Recognized as one of the top ten safest airlines in the Holistic Safety Rating 2011 by the Air Transport Rating Agency
  • Recognized as one of the 50 best places to work by the Glassdoors.com Employees’ Choice Awards    

Southwest will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2011 results on a conference call at
12:30 p.m. Eastern Time today.  A live broadcast of the conference call will also be available at southwest.com/investor_relations.

*See Note Regarding use of Non-GAAP financial measures.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company’s financial targets, outlook, and projected results of operations; (ii) the Company’s plans and expectations relating to its acquisition of AirTran, including without limitation anticipated integration timeframes and expected costs, synergies, and other financial results associated with the acquisition; (iii) the Company’s fleet modernization plans and related expectations; and (iv) the Company’s capacity plans. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance.  These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them.  Factors include, among others, (i) changes in fuel prices, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company’s fuel hedging strategies and positions; (ii) the Company’s ability to successfully integrate AirTran and realize the expected synergies and other benefits from the acquisition; (iii) the impact of the economy on demand for air travel and the impact of fuel prices, economic conditions, and actions of competitors on the Company’s business decisions, plans, and strategies; (iv) the Company’s dependence on third parties with respect to certain of its initiatives; (v) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; and (vi) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (1)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
			Three months ended								Year ended
			December 31,								December 31,
			2011			2010			Percent Change		2011				2010			Percent Change
OPERATING REVENUES:
	Passenger		$	3,860		$	2,945		31.1		$	14,735	(2)		$	11,489		28.3
	Freight			36			32		12.5			139				125		11.2
	Other			212			137		54.7			784	(2)			490		60.0
		Total operating revenues		4,108			3,114		31.9			15,658				12,104		29.4
OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Salaries, wages, and benefits			1,145			955		19.9			4,371				3,704		18.0
	Fuel and oil			1,494			940		58.9			5,644				3,620		55.9
	Maintenance materials and repairs			239			195		22.6			955				751		27.2
	Aircraft rentals			93			45		106.7			308				180		71.1
	Landing fees and other rentals			254			201		26.4			959				807		18.8
	Depreciation and amortization			192			160		20.0			715				628		13.9
	Acquisition and integration			37			7		n.a.			134				8		n.a.
	Other operating expenses			507			395		28.4			1,879				1,418		32.5
		Total operating expenses		3,961			2,898		36.7			14,965				11,116		34.6
OPERATING INCOME				147			216		(31.9)			693				988		(29.9)
OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME):
	Interest expense			51			41		24.4			194				167		16.2
	Capitalized interest			(4)			(4)		-			(12)				(18)		(33.3)
	Interest income			(2)			(3)		(33.3)			(10)				(12)		(16.7)
	Other (gains) losses, net			(153)			(31)		n.a.			198				106		n.a
		Total other expenses (income)		(108)			3		n.a.			370				243		52.3
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES				255			213		19.7			323				745		(56.6)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES				103			82		25.6			145				286		(49.3)
NET INCOME			$	152		$	131		16.0		$	178			$	459		(61.2)
NET INCOME PER SHARE
	Basic		$	0.20		$	0.18				$	0.23			$	0.62
	Diluted		$	0.20		$	0.18				$	0.23			$	0.61
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING
	Basic			777			747					774				746
	Diluted			783			750					775				747
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement I for selected financial information on a combined basis, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.
(2) The Company made a fourth quarter 2011 correction to change the allocation of revenues between Passenger and Other from its sale of frequent flyer points associated with its co-branded Chase Visa card.  As part of this correction, the Company has reclassified $46 million in revenues for the period from January 2011 through September 2011 from Other revenue to Passenger revenue to conform to the current presentation.  Prior periods were immaterial.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
	Three months ended								Year ended
	December 31,								December 31,
		2011			2010		Percent Change			2011			2010		Percent Change
Fuel and oil expense, unhedged	$	1,455		$	886				$	5,580		$	3,296
Add: Fuel hedge losses included in Fuel and oil expense		39			54					64			324
Fuel and oil expense, as reported	$	1,494		$	940				$	5,644		$	3,620
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		17			(40)					-			(172)
Fuel and oil expense, economic	$	1,511		$	900		67.9		$	5,644		$	3,448		63.7
Total operating expenses, as reported	$	3,961		$	2,898				$	14,965		$	11,116
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		17			(40)					-			(172)
Total operating expenses, economic	$	3,978		$	2,858				$	14,965		$	10,944
(Deduct): Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)		-			-					(14)			-
(Deduct): Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)		(37)			(7)					(132)			(7)
Total operating expenses, non-GAAP	$	3,941		$	2,851		38.2		$	14,819		$	10,937		35.5
Operating income, as reported	$	147		$	216				$	693		$	988
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		(17)			40					-			172
Operating income, economic	$	130		$	256				$	693		$	1,160
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)		-			-					14			-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)		37			7					132			7
Operating income, non-GAAP	$	167		$	263		(36.5)		$	839		$	1,167		(28.1)
Other (gains) losses, net, as reported	$	(153)		$	(31)				$	198		$	106
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		168			71					(89)			33
Other losses, net, non-GAAP	$	15		$	40		(62.5)		$	109		$	139		(21.6)
Income before income taxes, as reported	$	255		$	213				$	323		$	745
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		(185)			(31)					89			139
	$	70		$	182				$	412		$	884
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (3)		-			-					14			-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (4)		37			7					132			7
Income before income taxes, non-GAAP	$	107		$	189		(43.4)		$	558		$	891		(37.4)
Net income as reported	$	152		$	131				$	178		$	459
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (2)		(185)			(31)					89			139
Income tax impact of fuel contracts		78			12					(31)			(52)
	$	45		$	112				$	236		$	546
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (5)		-			-					9			-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (5)		21			3					85			4
Net income, non-GAAP	$	66		$	115		(42.6)		$	330		$	550		(40.0)
Net income per share, diluted, as reported	$	0.20		$	0.18				$	0.23		$	0.61
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts		(0.10)			(0.03)					0.07			0.12
	$	0.10		$	0.15				$	0.30		$	0.73
Add: Impact of special items, net (5)		(0.01)			-					0.13			0.01
Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP	$	0.09		$	0.15		(40.0)		$	0.43		$	0.74		(41.9)
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement II for a reconciliation of selected combined amounts to non-GAAP items, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.
(2) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts.
(3) Net of profitsharing impact.
(4) Amounts net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
(5) Amounts net of tax and profitsharing impact (see footnote (4) above).

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF IMPACT FROM FUEL CONTRACTS  (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
		Three months ended				Year ended
		December 31,				December 31,
		2011		2010		2011		2010
Fuel and Oil Expense
Reclassification between Fuel and Oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts	$	41	$	(14)	$	35	$	(1)
Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains
and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period *		(24)		(26)		(35)		(171)
Impact from fuel contracts to Fuel and oil expense		17		(40)		-		(172)
Operating Income
Reclassification between Fuel and Oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts	$	(41)	$	14	$	(35)	$	1
Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains
and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period *		24		26		35		171
Impact from fuel contracts to Operating Income		(17)		40		-		172
Other (gains) losses, net
Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts
settling in future periods	$	127	$	24	$	(21)	$	21
Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods		82		33		(33)		11
Reclassification between Fuel and oil and Other (gains)
losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts		(41)		14		(35)		1
Impact from fuel contracts to Other (gains) losses, net		168		71		(89)		33
Net Income
Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts
settling in future periods	$	(127)	$	(24)	$	21	$	(21)
Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods		(82)		(33)		33		(11)
Other net impact of fuel contracts settling in the
current or a prior period (excluding reclassifications)		24		26		35		171
Impact from fuel contracts to Net Income **		(185)		(31)		89		139
(1) Includes May through December 2011 financial results for AirTran.
* As a result of prior hedge ineffectiveness and/or contracts marked-to-market through the income statement.
** Excludes income tax impact of unrealized items.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATISTICS (1)
(unaudited)
		Three months ended											Year ended
		December 31,											December 31,
		2011				2010				Change			2011				2010				Change
Revenue passengers carried			27,536,128				22,451,968			22.6	%			103,973,759				88,191,322			17.9	%
Enplaned passengers			33,510,920				27,163,960			23.4	%			127,551,012				106,227,521			20.1	%
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)			25,180,506				20,005,943			25.9	%			97,582,530				78,046,967			25.0	%
Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)			31,297,562				24,788,095			26.3	%			120,578,736				98,437,092			22.5	%
Load factor			80.5	%			80.7	%		(0.2)	pts			80.9	%			79.3	%		1.6	pts
Average length of passenger haul (miles)			914				891			2.6	%			939				885			6.1	%
Average aircraft stage length (miles)			679				653			4.0	%			679				648			4.8	%
Trips flown			343,756				278,137			23.6	%			1,317,977				1,114,451			18.3	%
Average passenger fare		$	140.18			$	131.17			6.9	%		$	141.72			$	130.27			8.8	%
Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)			15.33				14.72			4.1	%			15.10				14.72			2.6	%
RASM (cents)			13.13				12.56			4.5	%			12.99				12.30			5.6	%
PRASM (cents)			12.33				11.88			3.8	%			12.22				11.67			4.7	%
CASM (cents)			12.66				11.69			8.3	%			12.41				11.29			9.9	%
CASM, excluding fuel (cents)			7.89				7.90			(0.1)	%			7.73				7.61			1.6	%
CASM, excluding special items (cents)			12.59				11.51			9.4	%			12.29				11.11			10.6	%
CASM, excluding fuel and special items (cents)			7.76				7.88			(1.5)	%			7.61				7.61			-	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged)		$	3.17			$	2.44			29.9	%		$	3.16			$	2.29			38.0	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax		$	3.25			$	2.59			25.5	%		$	3.19			$	2.51			27.1	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic)		$	3.29			$	2.48			32.7	%		$	3.19			$	2.39			33.5	%
Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)			458				361			26.9	%			1,764				1,437			22.8	%
Active fulltime equivalent Employees			45,392				34,901			30.1	%			45,392				34,901			30.1	%
Aircraft in service at period-end			698				548			27.4	%			698				548			27.4	%
PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM
RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM
CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM
(1) Includes May through December 2011 operating statistics for AirTran, and the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Supplemental Combined Statement V for consolidated operating statistics on a combined basis, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION
DETAIL OF AIRLINE FOURTH QUARTER 2011 RESULTS AND PURCHASE ACCOUNTING IMPACT
(in millions)
(unaudited)
			Three months ended December 31, 2011
											Purchase
				Southwest (1)			AirTran (2)				Accounting (3)			Consolidated
OPERATING REVENUES:
	Passenger		$	3,239		$	619			$	2		$	3,860
	Freight			36			-				-			36
	Other			126			86				-			212
		Total operating revenues		3,401			705				2			4,108
OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Salaries, wages, and benefits			1,003			142				-			1,145
	Fuel and oil			1,213			281				-			1,494
	Maintenance materials and repairs			175			64				-			239
	Aircraft rentals			44			59				(10)			93
	Landing fees and other rentals			210			44				-			254
	Depreciation and amortization			167			15				10			192
	Acquisition and integration			35			2				-			37
	Other operating expenses			420			87				-			507
		Total operating expenses		3,267			694				-			3,961
OPERATING INCOME			$	134		$	11			$	2		$	147
(1) Results presented for Southwest exclude AirTran results and the impact of purchase accounting.
(2) Results presented for AirTran exclude Southwest results and the impact of purchase accounting.
(3) Represents the impact of purchase accounting.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF  SELECTED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL INFORMATION TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
	Three months ended
	December 31, 2011
		Southwest			AirTran
Fuel and oil expense, standalone unhedged	$	1,169		$	286
Add/(Deduct): Fuel hedge (gains) losses included in Fuel and oil expense		44			(5)
Fuel and oil expense, standalone (2)	$	1,213		$	281
Deduct: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)		17			-
Fuel and oil expense, standalone economic	$	1,230		$	281
Total operating expenses, standalone (2)	$	3,267		$	694
Deduct: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)		17			-
Total operating expenses, standalone economic	$	3,284		$	694
Deduct: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs (4)		(35)			(2)
Total operating expenses, standalone non-GAAP	$	3,249		$	692
Operating income, standalone (2)	$	136		$	11
Add: Net impact from fuel contracts (3)		(17)			-
Operating income, standalone economic	$	119		$	11
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs (4)		35			2
Operating income, standalone non-GAAP	$	154		$	13
(1) Selected amounts presented in this schedule are standalone non-GAAP financial results for each of Southwest and AirTran.  These standalone results exclude the results of the other airline, and the impact of purchase accounting.
(2) See Selected Consolidating Financial Information - Detail of Airline Fourth Quarter 2011 Results and Purchase Accounting Impact for the detail of standalone airline results and the purchase accounting impact.
(3) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts.
(4) No profitsharing impact. The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.  The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
	Year Ended			Year Ended
	December 31, 2011			December 31, 2010
Operating Income, as reported	$	693		$	988
Add: Net impact from fuel contracts		-			172
Add: Acquisition and integration costs, net (2)		146			7
Operating Income, non-GAAP	$	839		$	1,167
Net adjustment for aircraft leases (3)		131			84
Adjustment for fuel hedge accounting		(107)			(134)
Adjusted Operating Income, non-GAAP	$	863		$	1,117
Average Invested Capital (4)	$	12,372		$	10,431
Equity adjustment for fuel hedge accounting		203			434
Adjusted Average Invested Capital	$	12,575		$	10,865
ROIC, pretax		7%			10%
(1) Calculation includes the impact of the AirTran acquisition as of May 2, 2011.
(2) Net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011.  The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013.  The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.
(3) Net adjustment related to presumption that all aircraft in fleet are owned.
(4) Average invested capital represents a five quarter average of debt, net present value of aircraft leases, and equity.

				DECEMBER 31,
				2011			2010
ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$	829		$	1,261
	Short-term investments				2,315			2,277
	Accounts and other receivables				299			195
	Inventories of parts and supplies, at cost				401			243
	Deferred income taxes				263			214
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets				238			89
		Total current assets			4,345			4,279
Property and equipment, at cost:
	Flight equipment				15,542			13,991
	Ground property and equipment				2,423			2,122
	Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts				456			230
					18,421			16,343
	Less allowance for depreciation and amortization				6,294			5,765
					12,127			10,578
Goodwill					970			-
Other assets					626			606
				$	18,068		$	15,463
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable			$	1,057		$	739
	Accrued liabilities				996			863
	Air traffic liability				1,836			1,198
	Current maturities of long-term debt				644			505
		Total current liabilities			4,533			3,305
Long-term debt less current maturities					3,107			2,875
Deferred income taxes					2,566			2,493
Deferred gains from sale and leaseback of aircraft					75			88
Other noncurrent liabilities					910			465
Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock				808			808
	Capital in excess of par value				1,222			1,183
	Retained earnings				5,395			5,399
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss				(224)			(262)
	Treasury stock, at cost				(324)			(891)
		Total stockholders' equity			6,877			6,237
				$	18,068		$	15,463

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
				Three months ended						Year ended
				December 31,						December 31,
				2011			2010			2011			2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
	Net income			$	152		$	131		$	178		$	459
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to
		cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization			192			160			715			628
		Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel derivative instruments			(185)			(31)			90			139
		Deferred income taxes			90			38			123			133
		Amortization of deferred gains on sale and
			leaseback of aircraft		(3)			(3)			(13)			(14)
		Changes in certain assets and liabilities, net of acquisition:
			Accounts and other receivables		70			39			(26)			(26)
			Other current assets		(16)			(2)			(196)			(8)
			Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		(13)			3			253			193
			Air traffic liability		(222)			(226)			262			153
		Cash collateral received from (provided to)
			derivative counterparties		234			115			(195)			265
		Other, net			101			45			194			(361)
	Net cash provided by operating activities				400			269			1,385			1,561
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
		Payment to acquire AirTran, net of AirTran cash on hand			-			-			(35)			-
		Payments for purchase of property and equipment, net			(420)			(94)			(968)			(493)
		Purchases of short-term investments			(574)			(1,293)			(5,362)			(5,624)
		Proceeds from sales of short-term investments			900			1,367			5,314			4,852
	Net cash used in investing activities				(94)			(20)			(1,051)			(1,265)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
		Proceeds from Employee stock plans			4			10			39			55
		Proceeds from termination of interest rate
			derivative instrument		-			-			76			-
		Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations			(447)			(31)			(557)			(155)
		Payments of convertible debt			-			-			(81)			-
		Payments of cash dividends			-			-			(14)			(44)
		Repurchase of common stock			(50)			-			(225)			(13)
		Other, net			-			2			(4)			8
	Net cash used in financing activities				(493)			(19)			(766)			(149)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS					(187)			230			(432)			147
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD					1,016			1,031			1,261			1,114
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD				$	829		$	1,261		$	829		$	1,261
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH TRANSACTIONS:
	Fair value of equity consideration given to acquire AirTran			$	-		$	-		$	523		$	-
	Fair value of common stock issued for conversion of debt			$	-		$	-		$	78		$	-
(1) Includes the impact of the AirTran acquisition as of May 2, 2011.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
FUEL DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS
AS OF JANUARY 13, 2012
			Percent of estimated fuel consumption
			covered by fuel derivative contracts
		Average WTI Crude Oil
		price per barrel	First Half 2012		Second Half 2012
		$80 to $100	(1)		10-20% range
		$100 to $125			approx. 50%
		$125 to $150			approx. 20%
		Above $150			less than 5%
			Estimated difference in economic jet fuel price per gallon,
			above/(below) unhedged market prices, including taxes
		Average WTI Crude Oil
		price per barrel	1Q 2012		2Q 2012		Second Half 2012
		$75	$0.12		$0.12		$0.15
		$90	$0.12		$0.09		$0.11
		$99 (2)	$0.12		$0.06		$0.06
		$115	$0.12		$0.06		($0.11)
		$130	$0.11		$0.06		($0.28)
			Percent of estimated fuel consumption
			covered by fuel derivative contracts at
		Period	varying WTI crude-equivalent price levels
		2013	over 50%
		2014	over 40%
		2015	over 10%
(1)	For first half 2012, the Company's current estimated fuel consumption covered by fuel derivative contracts is minimal, with various fuel derivative contracts at WTI crude-equivalent intervals between $80 and $150 per barrel.
(2)	Based on the first quarter 2012 average WTI forward curve and market prices as of January 13, 2012, and current estimated fuel consumption covered by fuel derivative contracts, first quarter 2012 economic fuel price per gallon, including taxes, is estimated to be approximately $3.35 per gallon, or $.12 above market prices.

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
737 FUTURE DELIVERY SCHEDULE
AS OF JANUARY 18, 2012
	The Boeing Company								The Boeing Company
	737 NG									737 MAX
	-700 Firm Orders			-800 Firm Orders		Options		Additional -800s		Firm Orders			Options		Total
2012				28				5							33
2013				41											41
2014	35			4		15									54
2015	36					12									48
2016	31					12									43
2017	15					25				4					44
2018	10					28				15					53
2019										33					33
2020										34					34
2021										34			18		52
2022										30			19		49
2023													23		23
2024													23		23
Through 2027													67		67
	127	(a)		73		92		5	(b)	150	(c)		150		597
(a) The Company has flexibility to substitute 737-800s in lieu of 737-700 firm orders
(b) New delivery leased aircraft
(c) The Company has flexibility to accept MAX 7 or MAX 8 deliveries

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT I
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
			Three months ended								Year ended
			December 31,								December 31,
									Percent									Percent
			2011			2010			Change		2011				2010			Change
OPERATING REVENUES:
	Passenger		$	3,860		$	3,492		10.5		$	15,547	(2)		$	13,729		13.2
	Freight			36			32		12.5			139				125		11.2
	Other			212			236		(10.2)			910	(2)			869		4.7
		Total operating revenues		4,108			3,760		9.3			16,596				14,723		12.7
OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Salaries, wages, and benefits			1,145			1,091		4.9			4,564				4,232		7.8
	Fuel and oil			1,494			1,156		29.2			6,005				4,447		35.0
	Maintenance materials and repairs			239			251		(4.8)			1,043				981		6.3
	Aircraft rentals			93			106		(12.3)			389				422		(7.8)
	Landing fees and other rentals			254			240		5.8			1,013				970		4.4
	Depreciation and amortization			192			175		9.7			735				687		7.0
	Acquisition and integration			37			16		131.3			160				17		n.a.
	Other operating expenses			507			501		1.2			2,025				1,827		10.8
		Total operating expenses		3,961			3,536		12.0			15,934				13,583		17.3
OPERATING INCOME			$	147		$	224		(34.4)		$	662			$	1,140		(41.9)
(1) Selected financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2011, is presented on a consolidated basis.  All other selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate.  See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) The Company made a fourth quarter 2011 correction to change the allocation of revenues between Passenger and Other from its sale of frequent flyer points associated with its co-branded Chase Visa card.  As part of this correction, the Company has reclassified $46 million in revenues for the period from January 2011 through September 2011 from Other revenue to Passenger revenue to conform to the current presentation.  Prior periods were immaterial.

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT II
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
RECONCILIATION OF SELECTED COMBINED AMOUNTS FROM SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT I TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (1)
(SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
	Three months ended								Year ended
	December 31,								December 31,
							Percent								Percent
		2011			2010		Change			2011			2010		Change
Fuel and oil expense, combined unhedged	$	1,455		$	1,109				$	5,959		$	4,146
Add: Fuel hedge losses included in Fuel and oil expense		39			47					46			301
Fuel and oil expense, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I	$	1,494		$	1,156				$	6,005		$	4,447
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts		17			(40)					-			(172)
Fuel and oil expense, combined economic	$	1,511		$	1,116		35.4		$	6,005		$	4,275		40.5
Total operating expenses, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I	$	3,961		$	3,536				$	15,934		$	13,583
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts		17			(40)					-			(172)
Total operating expenses, combined economic	$	3,978		$	3,496				$	15,934		$	13,411
Deduct: Charge for Asset impairment, net (2)		-			-					(14)			-
Deduct: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (3)		(37)			(14)					(158)			(16)
Total operating expenses, combined non-GAAP	$	3,941		$	3,482		13.2		$	15,762		$	13,395		17.7
Operating income, as presented on Supplemental Combined Statement I	$	147		$	224				$	662		$	1,140
Add (Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts		(17)			40					-			172
Operating income, combined economic	$	130		$	264				$	662		$	1,312
Add: Charge for Asset impairment, net (2)		-			-					14			-
Add: Charge for Acquisition and integration costs, net (3)		37			14					158			16
Operating income, combined non-GAAP	$	167		$	278		(39.9)		$	834		$	1,328		(37.2)
(1) Selected financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2011, is presented on a consolidated basis. All other selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. AirTran's historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate.
(2) Net of profitsharing impact.
(3) Amounts net of profitsharing impact on charges incurred through March 31, 2011.  The Company amended its profitsharing plan during second quarter 2011 to defer the profitsharing impact of integration costs incurred from April 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013. The profitsharing impact will be realized in 2014 and beyond.

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT III
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING COMBINED 2011 FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
				Year ended December 31, 2011
					Southwest
					Airlines Co.
					(as reported)			AirTran (2)			Combined
OPERATING REVENUES:
	Passenger			$	14,735		$	812		$	15,547
	Freight				139			-			139
	Other				784			126			910
		Total operating revenues			15,658			938			16,596
OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Salaries, wages, and benefits				4,371			193			4,564
	Fuel and oil				5,644			361			6,005
	Maintenance materials and repairs				955			88			1,043
	Aircraft rentals				308			81			389
	Landing fees and other rentals				959			54			1,013
	Depreciation and amortization				715			20			735
	Acquisition and integration				134			26			160
	Other operating expenses				1,879			146			2,025
		Total operating expenses			14,965			969			15,934
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)				$	693		$	(31)		$	662
(1) Selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date. These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) Results presented for AirTran, on a standalone basis, include periods prior to the acquisition date, conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate.

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT IV
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATING COMBINED 2010 FINANCIAL INFORMATION (1)
(in millions)
(unaudited)
			Three months ended December 31, 2010									Year ended December 31, 2010
				(as reported)									(as reported)
				Southwest			AirTran						Southwest			AirTran
				Airlines Co.			(as conformed)			Combined			Airlines Co.			(as conformed)			Combined
OPERATING REVENUES:
	Passenger		$	2,945		$	547		$	3,492		$	11,489		$	2,240		$	13,729
	Freight			32			-			32			125			-			125
	Other			137			99			236			490			379			869
		Total operating revenues		3,114			646			3,760			12,104			2,619			14,723
OPERATING EXPENSES:
	Salaries, wages, and benefits			955			135			1,091			3,704			528			4,232
	Fuel and oil			940			216			1,156			3,620			827			4,447
	Maintenance materials and repairs			195			56			251			751			230			981
	Aircraft rentals			45			61			106			180			242			422
	Landing fees and other rentals			201			39			240			807			163			970
	Depreciation and amortization			160			15			175			628			59			687
	Acquisition and integration			7			9			16			8			9			17
	Other operating expenses			395			105			501			1,418			409			1,827
		Total operating expenses		2,898			636			3,536			11,116			2,467			13,583
OPERATING INCOME			$	216		$	10		$	224		$	988		$	152		$	1,140
(1) Selected financial information presented in this schedule on a combined basis includes financial results for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.  Results presented for Southwest and AirTran, on a standalone basis, represent previously reported results.  AirTran's historical financial information has been conformed to Southwest's financial statement classification where appropriate. See Note Regarding Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.

SUPPLEMENTAL COMBINED STATEMENT V
SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
COMBINED OPERATING STATISTICS (1)
(unaudited)
			Three months ended										Year ended
			December 31,										December 31,
			2011			2010				Change			2011				2010				Change
Revenue passengers carried			27,536,128				27,330,796			0.8	%			110,151,572				107,605,957			2.4	%
Enplaned passengers			33,510,920				33,276,264			0.7	%			135,274,464				130,921,515			3.3	%
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s)			25,180,506				24,713,320			1.9	%			103,864,488				97,597,121			6.4	%
Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s)			31,297,562				30,626,416			2.2	%			128,518,201				122,460,579			4.9	%
Load factor			80.5	%			80.7	%		(0.2)	pts			80.8	%			79.7	%		1.1	pts
Average length of passenger haul (miles)			914				904			1.1	%			943				907			4.0	%
Average aircraft stage length (miles)			679				670			1.3	%			684				668			2.4	%
Trips flown			343,756				340,597			0.9	%			1,399,644				1,366,826			2.4	%
Average passenger fare		$	140.18			$	127.76			9.7	%		$	141.14			$	127.59			10.6	%
Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents)			15.33				14.13			8.5	%			14.97				14.07			6.4	%
RASM (cents)			13.13				12.27			7.0	%			12.91				12.02			7.4	%
PRASM (cents)			12.33				11.40			8.2	%			12.10				11.21			7.9	%
CASM (cents)			12.66				11.54			9.7	%			12.40				11.09			11.8	%
CASM, excluding fuel (cents)			7.89				7.77			1.5	%			7.73				7.46			3.6	%
CASM, excluding special items (cents)			12.59				11.36			10.8	%			12.26				10.94			12.1	%
CASM, excluding fuel and special items (cents)			7.76				7.72			0.5	%			7.59				7.45			1.9	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged)		$	3.17			$	2.45			29.4	%		$	3.15			$	2.28			38.2	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax		$	3.25			$	2.55			27.5	%		$	3.18			$	2.45			29.8	%
Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic)		$	3.29			$	2.46			33.7	%		$	3.18			$	2.36			34.7	%
Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions)			458				451			1.4	%			1,887				1,810			4.3	%
PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM
RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM
CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM
(1) Selected operating statistics for the three months ended December 31, 2011, are presented on a consolidated basis.  All other selected operating statistics presented in this schedule on a combined basis include operations for Southwest and AirTran for all periods presented, including AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.  These combined results include the impact of purchase accounting as of May 2, 2011.  AirTran's historical operating statistics included in the combined presentation have been conformed to Southwest's presentation where appropriate.

NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These GAAP financial statements include (i) unrealized non-cash adjustments and reclassifications, which can be significant, as a result of accounting requirements and elections made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging and (ii) other charges the Company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operational performance.

As a result, the Company also provides financial information in this release that was not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company provides supplemental non-GAAP financial information, including results that it refers to as “economic,” which the Company’s management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance and the Company believes provides greater transparency to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results. The Company’s economic financial results differ from GAAP results in that they only include the actual cash settlements from fuel hedge contracts--all reflected within Fuel and oil expense in the period of settlement. Thus, Fuel and oil expense on an economic basis reflects the Company’s actual net cash outlays for fuel during the applicable period, inclusive of settled fuel derivative contracts. Any net premium costs paid related to option contracts are reflected as a component of Other (gains) losses, net, for both GAAP and non-GAAP (including economic) purposes in the period of contract settlement. These economic results provide a better measure of the impact of the Company’s fuel hedges on its operating performance and liquidity since they exclude the unrealized, non-cash adjustments and reclassifications that are recorded in GAAP results in accordance with accounting guidance relating to derivative instruments, and they reflect all cash settlements related to fuel derivative contracts within Fuel and oil expense. This enables the Company’s management, as well as investors, to consistently assess the Company’s operating performance on a year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter basis after considering all efforts in place to manage fuel expense. However, because these measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, the aforementioned measures, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies.

Further information on (i) the Company’s fuel hedging program, (ii) the requirements and accounting associated with accounting for derivative instruments, and (iii) the causes of hedge ineffectiveness and/or mark-to-market gains or losses from derivative instruments is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, as well as subsequent quarterly filings.

In addition to its “economic” financial measures, as defined above, the Company has also provided other non-GAAP financial measures as a result of items that the Company believes are not indicative of its ongoing operations.  These include charges for the three months and year ended December 31, 2011 of $37 million and $134 million, respectively (before the impact of profitsharing and/or taxes) related to expenses associated with the Company’s acquisition and integration of AirTran.  These also include a 2011 charge of $17 million (before the impact of profitsharing and/or taxes) for an asset impairment related to the Company’s recent decision not to equip its Classic (737-300/500) aircraft with Required Navigation Performance (RNP) capabilities.  The Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a presentation of results that exclude the impact of these items in order to evaluate the results on a comparative basis with results in prior periods that do not include such items and as a basis for evaluating operating results in future periods.  As a result of the Company’s acquisition of AirTran, which closed on May 2, 2011, the Company has incurred and expects to continue to incur substantial charges associated with integration of the two companies.  While the Company cannot predict the exact timing or amounts of such charges, it does expect to treat the charges as special items in its future presentation of non-GAAP results.

The Company has also provided other supplemental non-GAAP financial information on a “combined basis.”  This supplemental non-GAAP financial information on a “combined basis” includes specified combined financial results of the Company and AirTran for periods prior to May 2, 2011, as if the acquisition had occurred prior to the beginning of the applicable reporting period, but excludes any impact of purchase accounting prior to May 2, 2011.  AirTran’s historical financial information included in the combined presentation has been conformed to the Company’s financial statement classification where appropriate.  The Company believes that evaluation of its financial performance can be enhanced by a presentation of combined results in order to evaluate its prior, current or future period results on a more meaningful, consistent year-over-year basis.

The Company has also provided free cash flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure.  The Company believes free cash flow is a meaningful measure because it demonstrates the Company’s ability to service its debt, pay dividends and make investments to enhance shareholder value.  Although free cash flow is a commonly used as measure of liquidity, definitions of free cash flow may differ; therefore, the Company is providing an explanation of its calculation for free cash flow.   For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company generated over $400 million in free cash flow, calculated as operating cash flows of $1.4 billion less capital expenditures of $968 million.