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Turning 40 the Southwest Way

millie-richter-
Frequent Flyer C

I’ve been working for this airline for nearly 13 years and one thing still amazes me—that fact that nobody can celebrate quite like Southwest!  

Saturday, June 18, marks Southwest Airline’s 40th anniversary—but why contain the festivities to just one day?  We started celebrating our 40th year back in February with Gary’s Messages to Field.  These “state of the Company” addresses took place in cities across the country, and the events' “Get Amped” rock theme—complete with an Employee Battle of Bands contest—set the stage for the celebrations to come.

MTTF 2011

On June 14, "Herb Kelleher Way," the honorary name of Cedar Springs Drive as it leads into Dallas Love Field, was officially dedicated at a ceremony attended by Dallas dignitaries, Southwest Leaders and Employees, and, of course, Colleen, Herb, and his family.  As a Southwest Employee, I couldn't be more proud!

Herb Way

During 2011 Southwest is throwing not one, not two, but three anniversary parties for Employees.  Why three?  Well, that would be one for each of our original cities—San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.  The San Antonio party was held on May 12 at SeaWorld San Antonio and more than 1,000 Southwest Employees and AirTran Crew Members joined in the fun.

SAT Party

The Houston party is scheduled for September 28, and the Dallas Party is tonight, June 17, and about to get started at anytime.  With the opening up of a 20-year-old time capsule and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals playing, it’s bound to be a rockin’ evening and celebration for Employees.  As will tomorrow night’s Annual Awards Banquet.  I can’t wait .. and I can’t wait to share all the details with you.  Stay tuned!

422 Comments
Gary_Green
Explorer C
A company with the RIGHT STUFF, Congratulations !!
Eleanor_S_
Explorer C
Here's wishing Southwest another wonderful 40 years. If I can't get from here to there on Southwest then why go?
Donna_Allen
Explorer C
Happy Birthday, love flying Southwest! Always a good experience, never disappointed. See you on 7/13 as I go to a family get together.
Bev_Landdeck
Explorer C
Hellloooo, we just read about the cool party in Dallas with Grace Potter and it is too late to attend..."what were you thinking?" We still Luv you guys...
Thomas_Goodman
Explorer C
Happy Birthday Southwest! I hope you continue to be the leader in HOW to run an airline and provide the absolute BEST customer service in the world!!! We drive at least 2 hours away to fly Southwest as our regional airport doesn't provide your service
ann_worley
Explorer C
I love southwest wouldn't fly any other airline GREAT staff GREAT service wish you flew into Atlanta from Buffalo BEST WISHES
Ben_Cleveland
Explorer C
I was a radar air traffic controller in 1971 and remember the first SWA aircraft that I controlled. Thought is was good that a new airlines was in the skys. I never thought that you would grow to the size of company that you are today. Congratulations!!
sylvia_s_schult
Explorer C
Love Southwest for many reasons. But number one is their customer service. The employees are wonderful. They care about the customer, they are pleasant, great sense of humor and love their work! I additionally love Southwest because they are flying almost everywhere. I don't fly because of the boarding process or the seat that I want. Just get me me on the plane and stay on time and you have me as a very happy passenger. FLYSWA!
dmo
Explorer C
Happy Birthday! Lose the new frequent flyer program and go back to the old! Rethink your new jacked up ticket proces!
John_Bozung
Explorer C
I have been flying with you now since 1985 when I started running again and traveling even more since 1988 when I did my 1st Marathon back home in Los Angeles. I have since done 317 marathons and have flown on Southwest to probabbly over 200 of those, Which would include every state you fly too since I have also done a Marathon in all 50 States. Thank you for all the great service and for also being a Sponsor several times over the past 15 years for The Squaw Peak 50 Mile Trail Run here in Utah...looking forward to many more great years flying with the *1 Airline in the Country...
Marcia_Pierozzi
Explorer C
You have no reason to remember me, I just want to congratulate you on still being one of the pack of major airlines and how I wish more of them would function as you do....as if you care what happens to your customers! I won't be here, but I wish you 40 more wonderful years!! MJP
Terry7
Explorer C
Grace Potter and Nocturnals, at your party? That's crazy! Wish I worked for SW in Dallas!! Bet it was fabulous!
Christopher_Lee
Explorer C
Southwest is the best! I only fly Southwest! They treat you with the upmost!
Frances_and_Jos
Explorer C
we will make this short. you are our airline of choice. we look forward to the next 40 years of outstanding service - or at least as many as we can get. cheers.
Connie_J__Young
Explorer C
I love Southwest!! My grandchildren live in Florida and Southwest keeps me in contact at low rates!! You got me there when the first one was born 5 years ago. I called at 8:30 and you had me in Tampa by 3!! From low fares that allowed my daughter to fly home for her 2 sister's weddings, showers, and during a time when there was an illness in the family - you have always had low fares and convenient times! People complain about not being able to use their rewards - I have never had a problem. Happy Birthday Southwest - the best airlines and service out there!! I fly frequently and when I do have to fly other airlines due to varying destinations - I am always comparing them to you!!
Jeff_Yando
Explorer C
Congrats !!!!!!!!! Luv to see SWA expand to Burlington, VT. A large market exsists with Montreal a few miles north and many from the region would take advantage of the service. JetBlue went in early but the region is still under served. Many people would drive across the border to enjoy the SWA experience at reasonable rates. BTV should be on the expansion radar.
J_A_Longer
Explorer C
I too am celebrating a birthday, my 80th! The birthday card was a most pleasant surprise! You are my kind of people, dependable, caring and more! Southwest is the BEST!!! Many more years of all the above JAL
Linda_Webbon
Explorer C
Congratulations Southwest!!! You are the only airline I fly because your terms and policies reflect the highest regard for your customers. You offer value, reliability, and fun enabling a win-win for us both!!!!! Looking forward to many, many more years together!!!
Larry_Goldberg
Explorer C
Southwest has made it possible to visit family and friends easily, reasonably and enjoyably. You made flying fun again for so many years. I look forward to your 50th and 75th anniversary. Thanks to all at Southwest Airlines, especially the management who trained top notch front-line employees. Happy 40th! Larry
Bettie_Jane_Hol
Explorer C
Happy Birthday!! It's because of Southwest Airlines I have discovered my life passion discovering another part of the United States. You and I will continue to celebrate birthdays together (although I wish I was JUST 40!! 🙂 ) Celebrate!!! Bettie
Mozelle_Gwynne
Explorer C
Southwest Airlines is the only airline for me. My first flight was from Dallas to Houston many years ago and it is the best airline as far as I am concerned. Love Southwest! Happy 40th!
Lynne_Balch
Explorer C
There is no other airline I will fly with. Thanks for the great service
Marilyn_Stewart
Explorer C
I love flying Southwest Airline and it is the only airline that I fly. I hope they will be around for a long time. I am so glad you finally came to Denver. Please stay the same and only get better.
richard_b__ston
Explorer C
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy hearing and flying with Southwest. As an old Pan Am employee, I really like what you've done. You folks really know HOW to run an airline, and that ain't easy.
Chestina_Davis
Explorer C
I have always enjoyed travling with you guys. Plus I Love the catchy little tunes on TV. You run more specials then anyone else/ Thanks
Gale_Hanley
Explorer C
I love flying Southwest. Happy 40th birthday. You are an awesome airline and your customer service and flight crews are exceptional. I am pretty convinced I will never fly anything but Southwest but I do wish you flew from BWI to Portland, Maine. It would make my annual trip to see my sister easier.As of now I have to fly to Boston and take a luxury bus to Portland. That is my only problem with SW but I still love you guys.
Karen_Cohen
Explorer C
Happy Birthday to the BEST AIRLINES in the business ! SWA got where it is today because they put their customers first.
Paula_Rollison
Explorer C
You are my favorite airline!!! Keep up the good work! I meet up with my family through you in Phoenix and San Diego. Wish I could fly to them once a month!! Houston Hobby is my airport!
Ronald_Seguin
Explorer C
I LUV Southwest Airlines you always fly above the competition! Congrats on your 40th Anniversary.
Shirley_Shih
Explorer C
On my flight home from San Jose today, I was reminded it's Southwest's 40th birthday. How exciting! Here is a song for you: Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, The sky becomes a better place, because you were born. Love you, Southwest. From Claremont, CA
sharon_grubbs
Explorer C
a very happy anniversary! my mother and i were able to take so many "girls getaways" with southwest and it continues to be my favorite airlines! thank you for expandning to nyc so i can visit family there.
Gail_Hardie
Explorer C
Welcome to Charleston!! We are so glad you are here! Now if you could add a few more flights - afterall you are our favorite airline. Thanks for always making our trips so very special and hassle free. You are the best!! Here's to 40 more fabulous years!! Cheers! Gail Hardie
dolly_markus
Explorer C
I ever flew by Southwest long time a go, iand yes Southwest is a good airlines I wish I can fly again Congrat Soutwest !! D.Markus
Harlea
Explorer C
I've flown nothing but Southwest for years now. Happy Birthday to an airline, and employees that know how to please a customer and keep flying economical, safe and fun. My hope is that Southwest and I both last another forty years!!!
Cyndi_Pierce
Explorer C
We were married on June 12, 1971, while my husband was home on leave from Viet Nam. It's been quite a ride, but I know what living through thick and thin is really all about! Worth all the effort. We've enjoyed flying Southwest for 25 years and appreciate all of your hard work. Happy Anniversary to each and everyone of you! Please keep those airfares affordable for all of us economically struggling middle class flyers.
Julia_Weller_Sp
Explorer C
I have been flying Southwest for all of your 40 years! Keep the fun flying!
Glenn_Dexter
Explorer C
Congratulations Southwest Airlines! I'm looking forward to my flight to my late June flight to Buffalo to celebrate 4th of July. I will also be flying Southwest Airlines mid to late August to Orlando, to visit brother and family. I'm happy to be part of your celebration of 40 years young. Here's to another 50 years.
Roger_Ritchey
Explorer C
I hadn't flown much and my wife not at all when we booked our flight to Vegas. It was a great flight both ways and your staff was great!! Happy birthday. Looking forward to booking this year's Vegas trip with SouthWest!
Alicia11
Explorer C
I love flying Southwest Airlines and have flown on SW for years!!! I remember when you guys turned 25... It was awesome because you had GREAT $25 fares. So me and my family took a fun trip to see relatives we hadn't seen in many, many years. What about $40 fares to really celebrate the 40th year?
Patricia_C__Hug
Explorer C
I love flying Southwest. I also love that they still have free baggage for flyers. I love that they are throwing these 3 parties for their employees. This makes me feel they really do care about people. If they care that much about their employees they must also care about their customers. Having happy employees produces happy customers. This makes me wish I could work for Southwest Airlines. Thank-you so much for still being the caring company that used to be the norm in America. It used to be what companies aspired to be. Too many companies now only care about money and the corporate employees getting rich off of the backs of the employees who really do all the work and the customers. Thanks.
Denise_D__Griff
Explorer C
Didn't know how good I had it until I flew "with someone else"! Good customer service starts with a great training program. SouthWest has it all! Happy Birthday!!
Larane_Nesbitt
Explorer C
Wow, my favorite airline turned forty only 9 days after my twins! Did not know they were the "same age." All have matured responsibly! 😉
Sandy_Shephard
Explorer C
Would not fly with anyone else...they are the best...would love a vacation..tThing are tough right now.. LOve Southwest..
linda_crothers
Explorer C
Our Family LOVES SWA... my mom has been terrified to fly, and now she has 4 round trips completed, all with out any incidents. The flight staff has made my mom a confident flyer, well she's still scared to fly, but she'll fly SWA non stop ! thanks for your great service for my family.
Jim_Marcinkowsk
Explorer C
Well, congratulations on 40 years of good service and low fares. Too bad you can't continue this trend! I see that your fares to Ft. Myers have more than doubled in October and November since May! Is this how you are paying for your employee parties? I can go to other airlines for less, including the baggage fees! It seems your success went to your heads! You just lost me as a customer, and I'm sure others will follow when they see what you are charging now. I guess your "Low Fares" campaigns are a thing of the past!
Patricia_R__Gar
Explorer C
My most memorable trip on SW was May of 09 when my husband & I took our 4 oldest grandkids to Orlando. As we exited the plane, my husband was pulled aside, only to hear the flight attendant tell him that our grandkids (all teens & pre-teens) were the best behaved & most polite they had ever experienced! Needless to say we were proud, but expected nothing less from our awesome Garrett grand kids! Mu husband has since died and we all remember that great fun trip and how it started in such a positive manner w/ the flight attendants comment. I continue to fly SW and love it. Keep up the good work. One question for you. When are you going to start flying to Hawaii?????? Bless you all
ana_alejo
Explorer C
Congratulations SW ! You are the best.
Marlene_Lenabur
Explorer C
My husband and I flew Southwest last winter to and from Panama City Beach, FL and were super pleased with the service and staff. We are waiting for connecting flights from Quad Cities airport to Midway, so we can make connections easier. Happy Birthday and keep up the wonderful service!
Sandra_Botelho
Explorer C
I just love Southwest! They now take pets on the plane (small pets that can fit under the seat in front of you). I have 2 small Maltese Dogs and they are welcome on Southwest. I appreciate that they don't gouge me on price compared to other Airlines. As most, I run a tight budget. Being able to take my dogs is a very big issue for me. Any airline that is this pet friendly must have some great hearted people running their organization!..... People who know that pets are family!
Dennis_Shuman
Explorer C
I wish you a happy birthday on the 18th, and thank you for your birthday wishes for mine on the 19th! Hire me!!!!!!