...and we have lift-off!

[lreynolds]

One of our Midway-based Flight Attendants, Jim Hawkins, was kind enough to share this photo with us. Taken from the cockpit of one of our Boeing 737-700s, it's truly a once-in-a-lifetime shot. Jim's story is below:

"Our flight from Baltimore to Fort Meyers put us 70 miles west of the Kennedy Space Center on November 16th, and at the exact time of the launch of the STS-129 Space Shuttle. Captain John Goslink called me to bring my camera to the cockpit and get photos of the event: my very first shuttle launch. What a thrill to be at 36,000 feet and see this spectacle! We saw the engines ignite, lighting up like a huge fireball, then watched as the shuttle soared through the cloud layers and sped into the blackness of space. It made its twisting turn right about our altitude, then disappeared into space..."

to see more inspiring photos, check out our Flickr page!

[w5pda]

Wow....Somehow, breath-taking doesn't do it justice!!! Paul In CRP

[blusk]

What a great vantage point! Amazing photo, Jim.

[Sue_T]

I wish to thank the SWA staff for making the Howe St snowbird migration to San Antonio a smooth pleasant experience. Especially going through TSA. Two seniors in wheelchairs can be a nightmere, but the entire "family " pitched in and made it a wonderful transition. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH

[Newport-Man]

Obviously an incredible shot. Did the passengers get a similar birds eye view or just the crew?

[Jeri_G]

You guys are the best. Cheap, ontime flights, personable people, great photographers and no bag fees!!!! Love ya! Jeri

[Rebecca19]

Yesterday I was scheduled to fly from Rhode Island with a change of planes in Baltimore and then on to my final destination. The first leg was canceled due to weather in Baltimore and I managed to get a flight to Orlando where I had some family who could put me up for the night..The gate agent helped me quickly get on the flight to Orlando and of course gave me a boarding pass for a flight to get home today. She assured me that my checked luggage would find it's way to me. I was hopeful but somewhat skeptical. I arrived home today about 1 pm, headed to the baggage office and VOILA! there was my bag waiting for me. I was so delighted. Thank you Southwest for being true to your word...

[Anonymous164]

It would be against FAA regulations to let passengers into the cockpit to get that view.

[Anonymous3300]

Why can't passengers use video camera or a GPS during a flight but it's ok when the pilot says so?