For more than 50 years, Southwest has connected people and championed communities. Whether in the air or on the ground, we believe community is more than a place - it’s at the heart of what brings us together.
Our Heart is to take care of people because we are more than an airline; we are your neighbor. We strive to foster a culture that encourages diversity and inclusion and protects individuals’ basic human and civil rights. Our caring and innovative spirit extends to the world we live in through responsible practices. Through a variety of programming, we want to ensure we leave the world a better place for communities of the future.
More than 34,000 students participate in our Adopt-A-Pilot program as a way to educate students on aviation-related topics in science, math, and geography taught by more than 600 “adopted” Pilots throughout the country.
Southwest Airlines partners with the Tuskegee Airmen for the Continuing the Legacy program to provide a hands-on aviation, educational, and mentoring opportunities for middle school through undergraduate students. Since 2007, we’ve engaged 232 students with the legacy of aviation pioneers.
Through this national education initiative, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and Southwest Airlines award roundtrip travel to currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students across the country who travel away from home to pursue higher education and meet the eligibility criteria. Southwest Airlines has contributed 2,595 tickets to over 1,170 students since 2004.
Since 1985, the Southwest Airlines LUV Classic Charity Golf Tournament and Party has donated more than $18 million to deserving children’s charities with more than 500 golfers participating in this fun, unique tournament.
The Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program provides complimentary, roundtrip tickets to patients and caregivers needing to reach medical treatment far from home through our nonprofit hospital and medical transportation organization partnerships. Since the program's inception in 2007, Southwest has donated nearly $32 million in transportation to support more than 79,000 patients and caregivers.
Southwest has repurposed more than one million pounds since launching our Repurpose with Purpose initiative in 2013 to upcycle, downcycle, and recycle discarded material into useful products with the help of partner organizations.
Our Heart is to champion causes and make the connections that empower communities to thrive. With our strong business, civic and community partnerships, we help build resilience in the cities we serve. But Southwest is much more than a partner. Through investment and empowerment, convening of resources, disaster preparedness, recovery and response, and the passion of our Employees, we are helping to make communities more connected.
Business, civic, and community organization partners across the country
In monetary contributions for nonprofits
Member of at least one Chamber of Commerce in every city we serve
Our Employees love to serve in their local areas and volunteer their time with nonprofit organizations and schools. Whether it’s through a Companywide initiative or on an individual basis, our Employees extend their hearts to people and communities.
In 2010, Southwest launched our Tickets for Time program as a way to support passionate Employees who volunteer. For every 40 hours an Employee volunteers for a nonprofit or school, that organization is eligible to receive one complimentary, roundtrip ticket on Southwest.
Employee volunteer hours in 2018
Tickets donated through Tickets for Time in 2018
Invested through Employee Volunteer Service in 2018
