Southwest Airlines Community

Our Hearts are heavy this week, but we remain committed to LOVE above all, and we ask you to commit to the same. We are working with City of Dallas - City Hall and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Official DART page) to offer travel assistance to family affected by last night's tragedy.   ... View more

Update at 4 p.m. CDT As the on-scene investigation into today’s shooting outside Dallas Love Field concludes, Southwest reiterates that all of our Employees and Customers are safe, and that our work with local and federal authorities continues moving toward fully restoring our ontime performance at the airport.  Vehicular traffic is flowing normally around the main terminal complex.  The airfield remained open as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) worked to secure all areas of the building, and to screen a backlog of people and baggage created by the incident.  Our People continue their laudable work with Customers whose plans were disrupted by delayed departures, 10 temporary diversions of aircraft bound for Dallas, and approximately a dozen canceled Dallas departures out of the 180 in today’s flight schedule.  Customers traveling to and from Dallas Love Field tonight should consult ‪Southwest.com for the latest information regarding specific flights, and for flexibility in changing travel plans. Original Statement at 1:30 p.m. CDT As the investigation into today’s shooting outside Dallas Love Field continues, Southwest confirms all of our Employees and Customers are safe, and that we’re working with local and federal authorities to fully restore our operation at the airport.  Vehicular traffic is being routed around the active investigation scene by local police.  Customers traveling to and from Dallas Love Field today should consult ‪Southwest.com for the latest information regarding specific flights, and flexibility to change travel plans that involve Dallas today.  We’re working with air traffic controllers nationwide to manage inbound air traffic.  The airfield remains open and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is working to secure all areas of the building and screen a backlog of people and baggage created by the incident.  Flights already bound for Dallas will be able to land, taxi to a gate, and our Customers will be able to deplane into the terminal. ... View more

With international routes to cities hosting the games, Southwest flies the heart of futbol! And we’re giving you a chance to win two roundtrip international tickets just by showing heart for your team during the games. Entering is easy!  Follow Southwest Airlines on Twitter (@SouthwestAir), and during each of the sponsored games listed in the official rules below, submit via Twitter a photo of yourself showing your love of futbol.  Be sure to use the coordinating game hashtag (listed in the chart below) as well as “#SWASweeps” during the designated times outlined in the table below. Good Luck!   The Heart of Futbol Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) Official Rules NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  VOID IN ALASKA, FLORIDA, HAWAII, NEW YORK, AND WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW. Eligibility: Sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia (excluding Florida and New York) who are 19 years of age or older and have a valid e-mail address and Twitter® account at the time of entry. Employees of Southwest Airlines Co. (“Southwest Airlines” or “Sponsor”), their advertising and promotions agencies, and their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their spouses) and individuals living in the same households of such employees are ineligible.  Eligibility is contingent on agreement to, and compliance with, these Official Rules.  Sweepstakes subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  This Sweepstakes is offered in the United States only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not enter this Sweepstakes if you are not located in the United States. To Enter: Sweepstakes runs from June 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM Central Standard Time (“CST”) through June 13, 2016 at 11:59 PM CST (“Sweepstakes Period”). During the Sweepstakes Period, potential participants must have a Twitter account and use appropriate tags in their submitted comments and/or photos as described below. The Sweepstakes consists of one (1) challenge for each “game” per day as described below (“Game”), for a total of ten (10) Games.  Each Game and time period for entry (“Entry Period”) will be posted each day on Twitter.  The Entry Period for each Game will be within the designated time set forth in the table below, which represents when such Game will be broadcast.  To enter the Sweepstakes, submit a photo of yourself showing your love of futbol on Twitter using the coordinating Game hashtag and “#SWASweeps” as follows:   Supported Sponsored Broadcast Games, Entry Periods, and Hashtags Date Game Entry PeriodStart Time Entry PeriodEnd Time Hashtag June 3, 2016 USA vs COL  8:30 PM CST 10:30  PM CST #USAvCOL June 4, 2016 CRC vs PAR 4:00 PM CST 6:00 PM CST #CRCvPAR June 5, 2016 JAM vs VEN  4:00 PM CST 6:00 PM CST #JAMvVEN June 5, 2016 MEX vs URU  7:00 PM CST 9:00 PM CST #MEXvURU June 7, 2016 USA vs CRC 7:00 PM CST 9:00 PM CST #USAvCRC June 9, 2016 MEX vs. JAM 9:00 PM CST 11:00 PM CST #MEXvJAM June 11, 2016 USA vs PAR 6:00 PM CST 8:00 PM CST #USAvPAR June 11, 2016 CRC vs COL 8:00 PM CST 10:00 PM CST #COLvCRC June 13, 2016 MEX vs VEN 7:00 PM CST 9:00 PM CST #MEXvVEN June 13, 2016 JAM vs URU 9:00 PM CST 11:00 PM CST #URUvJAM   Potential participants must first “follow” Southwest Airlines on Twitter via the Official Southwest Airlines account (@SouthwestAir).  Entries must be posted to the Official Southwest Airlines account using the hashtag “#SWASweeps” and the coordinating Game hashtag.  Participants (as defined below) may share their Twitter photos on Facebook® and/or Instagram® but will not gain any additional entries by doing so.   All entries become property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Incomplete entries are not eligible. Entries must be received between the Entry Period start time and end time as outlined above for each game listed. Entries limited to one (1) per person. Sponsor’s computer is the official timekeeping device for this Sweepstakes.  Participants must use the hashtag “#SWASweeps” for entry to be valid.  Questions, comments, or complaints regarding this Sweepstakes must be directed to Sponsor and not Twitter. Tweets and photos may not be indecent, obscene, hateful, tortuous, defamatory, or libelous or contain material that violates or infringes another’s rights, or disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the Sweepstakes, or contain material that is unlawful in any way. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry that it finds unlawful, or in violation of these Official Rules, all in its sole discretion. Tweeting constitutes entrant’s consent to give Sponsor a royalty-free, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, modify, publish, create derivative works from, and display in whole or in part, on a worldwide basis, and to incorporate it into other works, in any form, media or technology now known or later developed, including for promotional or marketing purposes. If requested, Participant will sign any documentation required for Sponsor or its designees to make use of the non-exclusive rights entrant is granting to use the content. Sponsor is not responsible for late or incomplete entries, which will be disqualified.  Entries must not disparage; contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, offensive, illegal, or vulgar; or promote bigotry, racism, hatred or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation. No photocopied, mechanically, or electronically reproduced entries accepted.  Any attempt by any person found to enter or in any way attempt to obtain more than the authorized number of entries will be found to be ineligible, and their entries will be disqualified.  Any eligible individual participating in this Sweepstakes shall be a “Participant.”  Participation must be by the Participant. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a Participant, the authorized account holder of the email/Twitter account used to enter the Sweepstakes will be deemed to be the Participant.  Potential winners may be required to show proof of being the authorized email/Twitter account holder.  If the identity of the individual who actually participated in the Sweepstakes cannot be resolved to Sponsor’s satisfaction, the affected individual’s entry will be deemed ineligible. Participants are required to provide truthful information and Sponsor will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Sponsor will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and may also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Drawing: Sponsor will randomly select one (1) winner per Game after the end of the Entry Period for such Game from all eligible entries. Sponsor will notify potential winner via Twitter. The potential winner will be asked to contact Sponsor with a given email address provided via Twitter. Once potential winner and Sponsor make e-mail contact, Sponsor will provide a photo for the potential winner to upload to the Twitter account the user uploaded the original photo with in order to validate their account. Upon validation, potential winner must execute and return the Required Documentation (as defined below).  Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Participants need not be present to win. All potential winners are subject to eligibility verification by Sponsor, whose decisions are final and binding.  A PARTICIPANT IS NOT A WINNER OF ANY PRIZE, EVEN IF NOTIFIED OF BEING A WINNER, UNLESS AND UNTIL THE PARTICIPANT’S ELIGIBILITY HAS BEEN VERIFIED. Prize: Ten (10) winners (one (1) winner per game) will receive round-trip air travel on Southwest Airlines® for winner and one (1) guest to the winner’s choice of international destination served by Southwest Airlines (subject to Air Travel Restrictions below). Approximate retail value of all prizes is $8,000.00. Air Travel Restrictions:  Air travel is subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply.  Roundtrip travel on Southwest Airlines will be awarded in the form of four (4) Southwest flight e-passes.  Each Southwest flight e-pass is valid for one-way travel on Southwest Airlines-operated, published, scheduled service in the United States and Puerto Rico. The Southwest flight e-pass will bear the date of issue and the date of expiration. Expiration dates will not be extended, and travel must be completed on or before the expiration date. The Southwest flight e-pass is not valid on interline or codeshare service. The Southwest flight e-pass is non-refundable and is not redeemable for cash or credit. The Southwest flight e-pass will not be replaced for any reason, including, without limitation, if lost, stolen, or fraudulently used. The Southwest flight e-pass is non-transferrable and cannot be sold to a third party. Sale, auction, or re-tendering of the Southwest flight e-pass for money or otherwise is strictly prohibited. The Southwest flight e-pass may not be used for promotional purposes unless previously approved by Southwest Airlines. Any suspected fraud, misrepresentation, misuse, abuse or violation of the Southwest flight e-pass rules and regulations may result in cancellation of the Southwest flight e-pass(es). Southwest flight e-pass holders are required to be nineteen (19) years of age or older and a legal U.S. resident. However, the recipient of a Southwest flight e-pass may arrange travel for another person if done without selling or bartering a Southwest flight e-pass.  Air transportation by Southwest Airlines is subject to Southwest Airlines’ Passenger Contract of Carriage set out at https://www.southwest.com/assets/pdfs/corporate-commitments/contract-of-carriage.pdf.  If the winner does not live in a city served by Southwest Airlines, he/she is responsible for transportation to and from the nearest airport served by Southwest Airlines.  Winner is responsible for booking all travel and paying all applicable international taxes and fees.  Travel is based on seat availability.  Seats on any desired flight are not guaranteed.  Winner and guest(s) must travel on the same itinerary and are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents. Winner and guest must have valid government-issued photo identification at the time of travel.  If the travel guest is a minor, winner must be his/her parent/guardian, or be accompanied by his/her parent/guardian.  Should itinerary include international travel, government-imposed per passenger travel taxes of up to $150.00 per person are not included and are payable by each of winner and guest prior to travel. Prize must be accepted as awarded or prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Travel accommodations and other restrictions apply. All costs and expenses associated with prize acceptance and use not specified herein as being provided, including but not limited to lodging, transportation costs, meals, gratuities and other expenses incurred by accepting the prize, are the sole responsibility of the winner.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor.  Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable. To Claim Prize: Winner will be notified by phone and/or e-mail and will be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability Release and, where legal, a Publicity Release (collectively, the “Required Documentation”). The Required Documentation will be mailed or emailed, based on the potential winner’s preference upon account validation.  If a potential winner cannot be contacted using the information provided or fails to respond to Sponsor’s attempt to notify them of selection within three (3) days; if any notification is returned as undeliverable or yields an error of undeliverable type “bounce back” email (regardless if the message is ultimately delivered to the recipient); if Sponsor is unable to verify potential winner’s eligibility; if potential winner fails to sign and return the Required Documentation within the required time period or fails to comply with these Official Rules; if any prize is returned undeliverable; if a potential winner is unable or unwilling to accept the prize as stated; or if the potential winner cannot be verified as eligible for any other reason, the potential winner is disqualified and an alternate winner will be selected by random drawing from among the eligible entries.  In the event that a potential winner is disqualified for any reason, the next received and eligible entry received by Sponsor that is fully compliant with these Official Rules shall be deemed the winner, until the prize is awarded or until four (4) attempts have been made to award the prize and each attempt has failed.  Sponsor will identify each potential winner and verify the potential winner’s eligibility after the end of the Sweepstakes Period.  If unable to verify eligibility, Sponsor will select an alternate potential winner within a reasonable time thereafter.  If applicable, winner’s guest must execute a Liability Release and, where legal, Publicity Release, prior to the issuance of travel documents.  If a guest is under eighteen (18) years of age, a parent or a legal guardian must sign on behalf of such guest and accompany such minor guest. Conditions: Payments of all federal, state, and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner will be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 with the winner’s full social security number or the equivalent.  Failure to submit a Form W-9 upon request will result in forfeiture of the prize.  Winnings of $600 or more will be reported to the IRS.  By participating in the Sweepstakes, winner agrees to have his/her name, voice, likeness, photograph, statements, opinions, biographical information and/or Sweepstakes entry used in any advertising or broadcasting material, whether relating to this Sweepstakes or otherwise, in any media, worldwide, now known or hereinafter developed, in perpetuity, without additional notice, payment, or other compensation unless prohibited by law, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize.  Sponsor, it its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Sponsor’s website, or otherwise in violation of the Official Rules.  Sponsor further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort.  In such event, Sponsor reserves the right, but not the obligation, to award any applicable prize(s) from the entries submitted before the cancellation, suspension, or modification of the Sweepstakes.  Any attempt to undermine the operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law.  Sponsor reserves the right to make changes in the Official Rules, including the substitution of a prize of greater or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  Failure to comply with the Official Rules may result in Participant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Sponsor.  The Sponsor is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the administration of the Sweepstakes or in the announcement of a prize. In the event a prize is mailed to a winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Sponsor is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize.  Sponsor is not responsible if potential winner does not receive his/her prize because erroneous, expired, canceled, fraudulent, or fake information was provided during the Sweepstakes.  Only the prize(s) set forth in these Official Rules will be awarded.  If, through printing or production error, or for any other reason whatsoever, more prizes are claimed than intended and/or set forth in these Official Rules, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes from all legitimate, unawarded, eligible prize claims. Indemnification; Limitation of Liability: NEITHER SPONSOR, NOR ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PRINTING OR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES-RELATED MATERIALS OR TRANSACTIONS THAT ARE PROCESSED LATE OR INCORRECTLY OR ARE LOST DUE TO COMPUTER OR ELECTRONIC MALFUNCTION. SPONSOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST, STOLEN, MANGLED, MISDELIVERED, POSTAGE DUE, ILLEGIBLE, INCOMPLETE OR LATE ENTRIES, TELEPHONE SERVICE OUTAGES, DELAYS, BUSY SIGNALS, EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS AND ANY OTHER TECHNOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES THAT MAY PREVENT AN INDIVIDUAL FROM ENTERING OR CLAIMING A PRIZE. THIS SWEEPSTAKES OFFER IS BEING MADE EXCLUSIVELY BY THE SPONSOR.  SPONSOR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TECHNICAL, HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR TELEPHONE FAILURE OF ANY KIND, LOST OR UNAVAILABLE NETWORK CONNECTIONS OR FRAUD, INCOMPLETE, GARBLED, OR DELAYED COMPUTER TRANSMISSION WHETHER CAUSED BY SPONSOR, USER, OR BY ANY OF THE EQUIPMENT OR PROGRAMMING ASSOCIATED WITH OR UTILIZED IN THE SWEEPSTAKES, OR BY ANY TECHNICAL OR HUMAN ERROR WHICH MAY OCCUR IN THE PROCESS OF SUBMISSIONS WHICH MAY LIMIT A PARTICIPANT'S ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. NEITHER SPONSOR, NOR ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATED ENTITIES IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR INJURY INCURRED BY WINNER AND GUESTS AS A RESULT OF WINNING. BY ENTERING, PARTICIPANTS AGREE TO RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, DEFEND AND INDEMNIFY EACH OF SPONSOR, ITS RESPECTIVE PARENTS, SUBSIDIARIES, AFFILIATES, AND EACH OF THEIR RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS, AND ANY AND ALL OTHER COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SWEEPSTAKES (COLLECTIVELY, THE “RELEASED PARTIES”) AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, DAMAGES, OR CAUSES OR ACTION (HOWEVER NAMED OR DESCRIBED), RELATED TO OR ARISING OUT OF (I) THE SWEEPSTAKES, (II) PARTICIPANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEEPSTAKES, AND (III) THE RECEIPT OR USE OR MISUSE OF THE PRIZE(S) AWARDED HEREIN.  POSSIBLE CLAIMS OR CAUSES OF ACTION INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, INFRINGEMENT OF ANY RIGHT OF PUBLICITY OR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY; THREATENED OR ACTUAL INJURY, LOSS, OR DAMAGE TO ANY PERSON, INCLUDING DEATH AND DISABILITY; DEFAMATION OR PORTRAYAL IN A FALSE LIGHT (INTENTIONAL AND UNINTENTIONAL); AND DAMAGE TO OR LOSS OF PROPERTY, ARISING OUT OF SUCH PARTICIPANT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE SWEEPSTAKES OR RECEIPT OR USE OR MISUSE OF ANY PRIZE.  IN NO EVENT WILL THE RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS SWEEPSTAKES. If for any reason a Participant's entry is confirmed to have been voided or corrupted by any grossly negligent act of the Sponsor, Participant’s sole remedy is another entry in the Sweepstakes, subject to availability and provided that the Sweepstakes has not then expired. Construction and Disputes: Participants waive any right to claim ambiguity in these Official Rules. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of any participant and Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of the State of Texas, or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Texas. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these rules shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. In the event that any such provision is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, these Official Rules shall be construed in accordance with their terms as if the invalid or unenforceable provision was not contained therein. Any and all claims, judgments, and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event attorneys’ fees. Sponsor reserves the right to correct clerical or typographical errors in Sweepstakes materials or these Official Rules. Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION FOR ANY DISPUTE SHALL BE IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS LOCATED IN DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS. Privacy: By entering this Sweepstakes, each Participant agrees to Sponsor’s manner of collection, use, retention, and disclosure of Participant’s personal information submitted in connection with the Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, all names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and birth dates obtained from or provided by Participants. Information collected is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy and any state or federal law. Sponsor's privacy policy can be found at southwest.com/html/about-southwest/terms-and-conditions/privacy-policy-pol.html. Official Rules and Winner’s List: Official Rules and Winner’s List (when complete) may be obtained by sending a request and self-addressed, stamped envelope to Southwest Airlines Co., Emerging Media, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX  75235-1611.  All requests must be received by June 30, 2016. Sponsor: Southwest Airlines Co., 2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, TX 75235. ... View more

Oklahoma City—are you looking for a career … with a cause? At Southwest Airlines, we believe every seat has a story, and our Customer Support & Services Reps help put our Customers in those seats so their stories can be told. Beyond a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines also comes with several perks: Southwest's legendary Culture, travel privileges, excellent benefits, a generous dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match, and a ProfitSharing Plan. Discover what makes your Heart beat at Southwest.com/careers. ... View more

At Southwest, gratitude is way of life.  By clearly linking every recognition and incentive program to our Purpose, Vision, Values, and Mission, we encourage and reward the behaviors and performance that will help Southwest become the world’s most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline. Our Employees are recognized on a day-to-day basis by their peers, Leaders, and Customers through various programs, including Kick Tail! What is the Kick Tail Program? Kick Tail is both a recognition and incentive program at Southwest Airlines. Employees can recognize one another day-to-day with a paper Kick Tail in person or an eKick Tail to say thanks for “Living and Working the Southwest Way.” Each Kick Tail serves as an entry into the Kick Tail database for monthly and yearly Kick Tail drawings—including cash prizes! The Kick Tail Prize Patrol made its way to Chicago to surprise one of our cash winners, MDW Flight Attendant Suzy King, to the delight of our Customers and Employees. We even got Gary in on the fun—take a look! ... View more

It's time to wake up and smell the coffee--Community Coffee that is! Today we begin offering our valued Customers Community Coffee onboard our aircraft! Our partnership with Community expands our complimentary in-flight offerings to include Signature Blend-Dark Roast and Instant Decaf coffee along with Community tea. This change also includes newly branded cups with both the Community Coffee and Southwest logos. Why the change? At Southwest, we’re continuously striving to improve the Customer experience by enhancing our brand offerings while lowering costs where possible. In a double-blind taste test, Community Signature Blend—a 100 percent Arabica coffee beans blend—was voted number one.  So not only was this national brand the most favorable in terms of taste, Southwest has the opportunity to expand giving efforts internationally in a manner consistent with our brand values and heart. For every pound of Community Coffee served on a Southwest flight, Southwest and Community will donate to the ECOM Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on making a better life for the producers of coffee, cotton, cocoa, and other soft commodities. The donations will fund educational programs to support the children, families, and farmers in Mexico where Community’s high-quality Arabica coffee is grown. As the largest family owned and operated retail coffee brand in America, this new partnership represents the perfect blend of heart and family. Click here to learn more about our new partnership with Community Coffee and how we’re paying it forward sip by sip. ... View more

The following post is by Southwest Customer Robbie Chernow This past September I experienced the most memorable bachelor party, nay, weekend of my life.   Fair warning though, it was not memorable in the ways most would imagine.  There was no stereotypical raunchiness; no epic party; in fact, there wasn't even a bachelor.  My friend Jake never made it to his own celebration.  You may have read about it. Due to less than optimal weather conditions and less than favorable customer service policies from an airline that shall not be named, flights for the bachelor and nine party attendees were canceled.   This left me to celebrate Jake the only way that I could.  By myself. While I ended up having a great time (I do recommend visiting Chicago if you have never been), Jake and the rest of the gang clearly missed out.  Furthermore, with the wedding rapidly approaching and everyone in the group having spent so much money on what turned out to be a "non-refundable party for one," it looked as if Jake's final celebration of bachelorhood would have to be chalked up as being lived vicariously through me.  That's when Southwest stepped in. Just a few days after the failed party attempt, I received an email stating, "I think it’s time for a bachelor party re-do, and we’re ready to make it happen." Southwest was ready to fly all 11 of us from the original party, round-trip to Las Vegas and Southwest Vacations, put us up in suites at the Tropicana.  As you can imagine, not much needed to be said after their original email. We were in! As extra insurance, we took a few precautions this time around, such as not letting me fly alone and keeping me on a "child-leash” at the airport to make sure I didn't get lost.  This was a rousing success, as we all landed safe, sound, and most importantly, together. By the time we touched down in Vegas, we were feeling pretty good (gin and tonics at 30,000 feet  are a great way to start a party) and ready to celebrate Jake. Las Vegas is a city of excess and Southwest Vacations set us up accordingly.  Our suites at the Tropicana overlooked the iconic strip and provided a picturesque backdrop for our entire stay.  In between seemingly endless stints at the craps tables, we partied at the MGM Grand, ate mountains of food at Hash House and aimlessly wandered the strip, taking in all that we could. Overall, it was four days of eating too much, sleeping too little, and celebrating Jake too hard.  It was perfect. (Well, other than the fact that the Saints couldn’t cover the spread against the Lions … but I don’t blame Southwest for that.) Thank you to Adam, Alice, and the entire Southwest Team for giving Jake the make-up bachelor party that he deserved.  Who says you can’t have two last hurrahs!  You can follow all of our everyday and “make-up” adventures @rwchernow on Instagram ... View more

The following blog post is by Chicago Customer Service Supervisor Frank Kuzniewski I was born and raised in the Chicago area, and worked as an educator, first teaching English, then as a principal. My years working with underserved students were some of the most rewarding years of my life. But, after 20 years, I wanted to do something different. I wasn’t sure what that would look like. Enter Southwest Airlines and their Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP). For ELDP, Southwest hires high-potential Leaders with a drive to work in Southwest Operations. ELDP is an 18-month job rotational program consisting of on-the-job training, with an emphasis in Leadership Development.  During the course of the program, participants work as Supervisors in host locations in three of the following areas: Customer Service, Operations, Ramp, Provisioning, and Customer Support & Services. In a fast-paced environment that’s always evolving, ELDP graduates have the advantage of Leadership experience in most, or all, areas of Southwest Operations. My career path from education to aviation is nontraditional; however, the skill sets I’ve used throughout my career remain the same. In education, I always put my teachers, families, and students before myself. Looking back, I would say that I provided high-quality Customer Service without really knowing what that meant! Now I’m fortunate to be working with talented Leaders at Chicago’s Midway International Airport as a part of ELDP. Currently, I’m using the same skills as a Customer Service Supervisor II. For my next rotation, I’ll be a Team Leader at Chicago Center. For my third and final rotation of ELDP, I’ll be back at Midway as a Ramp Supervisor. If you’re interested in applying, my advice to you would be, “Go for it!” If you have the desire to listen to others, put others before yourself, believe in the mission of Southwest Airlines, and live by the Golden Rule, then I highly recommend this program. I’m honored to be part of ELDP and know with hard work, the possibilities for me to grow with Southwest Airlines are limitless. Southwest is one of Chief Executive’s 2016 Best Companies for Leaders. Join our Leadership Team by applying for ELDP now through Friday, February 12 at Southwest.com/careers. Questions? Email ELDP@wnco.com   ... View more

With more than 3,900 peak summer flights a day, Southwest Airlines operates more flights in one day than any other airline. In a recently recorded video (created by Jake Zelman, one of Southwest's Superintendents of Dispatch) showing a day in the life of the Southwest fleet, 3,715 flight movements occurred, represented by colored dots. Orchestrating the “dots” is no easy task, and this map overview is one of the many tools that our NOC Employees utilize 24/7 to make sure the network is running smoothly. As you may know, the NOC facility is our world-class operations center in Dallas that functions as the "heart" for major operational decisions and coordination. Employees in the NOC partner with work groups across the operation and business to make sure that each flight operates safely and on time.   ... View more

The following story is by Houston-based Flight Attendant Jennifer Byers As a Flight Attendant, I’m always looking for ways to create memorable experiences for our Customers. So with the inspiration of a dear friend and “Professional Doodle Encourager,” I thought of a creative way to engage with our Customers on some of my flights. After sharing my idea with my fellow Crew Members, I got on the PA and shared our famous cocktail napkin story with our Customers. I finished by asking our Customers to doodle what they LUV best about Southwest Airlines on their cocktail napkins.   I was nervous at first because I didn’t know if anyone would want to participate, but they did! I asked Customers to turn on their call lights if they would like a pen and a napkin. After a few seconds of silence, one Customer hit his call light, then another, and another until a good portion of the cabin was lit up with inspiration. The sound of call lights being pressed was music to my ears. Customers of all ages were having fun, and the Captain even wanted to doodle too! When my Crew Members and I collected the cocktail napkins, we received positive feedback from our Customers, and heard things like, “Thanks for making this a fun flight!” “What a great idea!” and “This was the best Southwest flight I’ve been on!” After collecting all of the cocktail napkins, we picked three doodles at random and announced the winners. All of the Customers applauded, and I could see smiles all around. I love my job! I love making others smile, and most of all, I love that I can be myself. ... View more

By: Tom Van Loon, MDW Sky Cap 'Twas the holiday season and all around us Families were traveling by car, truck and bus. While many were caught up in traffic’s nightmare The smarter ones chose to travel by air. The smartest of all let their choice be Southwest For they knew in a moment they’d be cared for the best. The families all chose to go far and wide And knew on Southwest they would travel with pride. They packed swimsuits and flip flops, skis and snowshoes Not a worry they had, bags fly free by twos. While counter agents check bags and print boarding passes Gate Agents and Ops help steady the masses. Ramp Agents, like elves, work quick on the line To assure all our flights would have takeoffs on time. “On one bag on two bags then load up that freight Now close all the doors and push back from the gate”. Once folks are on board and all buckled up tight The crew makes announcements to ready the flight. They’ll show you the exits and how everything works Where your two carryons go, another one of our perks. While in flight they’ll serve snacks, free soft drinks and more And when you arrive they’ll thank you at the door. Now go claim your bags they’ll be spinning around If uncertain where yours are, don’t fret and don’t frown. Baggage agents are there to help show you the way If your bags are too many, Skycaps load your sleigh. So, go visit your family and go visit your friends Southwest is your best choice, you’ll see in the end. And don’t be surprised if on this Christmas night You hear Southwest pilots call as they zoom out of sight, “Merry Christmas with LUV and to all a great flight!"   ... View more

This is a guest post by Travelers United Chairman, Charlie Leocha. When it comes to hidden fees with airlines and hotels I say, “We’re mad as hell and we’re not going to take it any more.” Travelers United is your consumer voice in Washington. If airline fees are making you mad as hell, join our effort and make your voice heard. Become a member at  www.travelersunited.org.  Your donation is fully tax deductible. While Southwest Airlines prides itself on bags fly free and no change fees, other airlines across America are going fee crazy. They charge fees for carry-on bags, checked baggage, seat reservations, and all too often consumers aren’t fully aware until it’s too late. Travelers United, the largest non profit travel advocacy organization in the country, has taken a strong stand on this issue.  In  the halls of Congress and with the Department of Transportation, Travelers United is urging action to make other airlines follow Southwest’s lead and make their fees transparent. In Southwest-speak that means Transfarency on all of America’s airlines! Travelers United meets regularly with congressional members and staff representing consumers and advocating for transparent pricing.  Whatever airlines you fly, and whatever your purpose for flying, YOU the consumer deserve  to know the complete cost of travel including baggage when you purchase your ticket. When consumers work together to improve travel, Congress and the industry responds. Check out this video about our organization and watch for our next post about what YOU need to know about eliminating hidden hotel fees. ... View more

Southwest Airlines continues to work alongside relevant agencies, including the NTSB, on events surrounding Southwest Flight #31 that exited a taxiway shortly after arriving into Nashville on Tuesday, December 15. All luggage has been reunited with Customers or is in the process of being delivered. Reports also indicate that nine individuals who were transported to a local hospital were treated and released.  Additionally, recovery crews worked overnight to reposition the aircraft to a secure location at the Nashville airport. As always, the safety and care of our Customers and Employees remains our primary focus. Following are details Southwest Airlines previously shared on Flight #31: Last night at approximately 5:20 p.m. local time, the aircraft exited the taxiway. The 133 Passengers and five Crewmembers were safely evacuated from the plane and bussed to the Nashville International Airport terminal. Local EMS paramedics were on site to assist. For the majority of the Customers onboard, Nashville was their final destination. The remaining Customers were accommodated overnight in hotels or booked on other scheduled Southwest flights. ... View more

Southwest Airlines continues to work with officials related to Flight #31 today from Houston Hobby Airport to Nashville International Airport. At approximately 5:20pm local time, the plane exited the taxiway shortly after arriving into Nashville, as the airplane was approaching the arrival gate. The 133 Passengers and five Crewmembers were safely evacuated from the plane and bussed into the airport. Local EMS paramedics were on site to check Customers and reports indicate that eight passengers were transported to a local hospital; three have been evaluated and released. At this time, we do not have a status on potential passenger injuries but our Employees are onsite to support their needs. For the majority of the Customers onboard the flight, Nashville was their final destination. The remaining passengers were accommodated in hotels or transported to their final destination on an alternate aircraft. We received the required clearance from authorities to remove both checked and carryon luggage from the aircraft, and are working diligently to reunite customers with their items tonight and tomorrow. The necessary recovery crews are arriving onsite and we will work overnight to move the aircraft. The Safety of our Customers and Employees remains our primary focus. ... View more

You may already know that Southwest Airlines allows for service animals to travel onboard our jets, but did you know that we also assist our furry helpers in their journey toward graduation? Southwest has recently teamed up with Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) to pilot connecting service dogs in training with their foster families. Although all carriers allow fully-trained service animals, Southwest goes above and beyond to unite pups and families before they reach their forever homes with this pilot program. Founded in 1975, CCI is a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly-trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. CCI trains four types of assistance dogs: Service dogs, Hearing dogs, Skilled Companion dogs, and Facility dogs—all of which provide specialized assistance to those in need. This unique partnership helps to increase the dogs’ preparation for full service duties. Southwest gives foster families the opportunity to come and pick up their adopted pup, and experience flying as a service animal before graduation.  So, in the truest sense of connecting people with what’s important in their lives, we couldn’t be more proud to welcome the wagging tails and smiling foster family faces onboard our jets this holiday season! ... View more

Was Gary’s Halloween Costume inspired by all the Disney movies he has been watching with his granddaughters? Was it the great Southwest Hospitality delivered by Employees each day With a Smile and a Song? Or, was it the preparation of opening the new Houston Hobby International Terminal that caused him to “whistle while he worked?” One thing is for sure:  it’s no fairytale that Southwest is the best airline in the world!  Where else could you find your CEO transforming into a princess for the day?  Yes, there are heavy loads, long days, and weather delays that make us all at times want to sing “Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, it’s home from work we go,” but as resilient Employees, we always find ways to keep our Customers happy. So, we’re guessing at one time or another you’ve seen Disney’s early animated masterpiece “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” You’re probably already whistling the tunes as you read this! We’re sure what you never imagined though, was our CEO, Gary Kelly, as the beautiful and kindhearted princess Snow White. So, who is supporting Gary today in this Disney tale? Happy:  Mike Van de Ven—EVP and Chief Operating Officer Bashful:  Tammy Romo—Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Sleepy:  Jeff Lamb—EVP Corporate Services Grumpy:  Ginger Hardage—SVP Culture and Communication Sneezy:  Suzanne Staring—Executive Assistant Doc: Ethel Lewis—Executive Office Services Coordinator Dopey:  Andrea Mathews—Project Specialist Prince:  Greg Wells—Sr. VP Operational Performance Evil Queen:  Nan Barry, Managing Director Executive Officer Witch:  Teresa Laraba—SVP Customers Huntsman:  Jack Smith—SVP Operations Mirror:  Shelley Beckman—Executive Assistant Let’s not forget all the woodland animals supporting our beautiful (or should we check with the Magic Mirror on that?) Snow White, just as they did in the original 1937 film! As Snow White wished to find love in the classic tale, we wish you love from the LUV Airline this Halloween and always! ... View more

At Southwest Airlines, gratitude is a way of life. We especially love recognizing our Employees for all their hard work and dedication to our Company and Customers. Our Employee recognition program—Southwest Airlines Gratitude (SWAG)—encompasses all the ways we recognize our Employees. It’s the place Employees go to see the recognition they receive, send recognition to others, and spend the SWAG Points they earn. SWAG Points are the common currency for recognition at Southwest. Employees can turn the SWAG Points they earn into meaningful rewards in the SWAG Shop like Guest Passes, Rapid Rewards® points, dozens of gift cards, thousands of merchandise items, or tickets to concerts and events. In 2014, our People earned more than 1 billion SWAG Points, and were able to turn their points into something that was meaningful to them.  Here’s one such story from Jay Oros, Manager of Corporate Security: I absolutely love three things:  the sun and soaking up some rays, being around great people and their families, and entertaining at my home.  Over the years, there have certainly been some memorable events at our home ranging from birthday and graduation parties, to family reunions, Super Bowls, and, of course, NASCAR parties. Some of these gatherings have become pretty sizable events, and we realized we needed some more space to entertain. Last spring, my wife, Jill, and I were sitting by the pool enjoying a cold beverage when she suggested we add a deck to the back of the pool.  We talked about different designs and features, deciding in the end that we needed just enough space to support a canopy to get some shade from the Texas heat. I told Jill we’d have to start budgeting for this project, seeing that construction material is not cheap—and then it hit me:  SWAG! I had redeemed SWAG points in the past for a new roller bag, and remembered they could also be redeemed for gift cards.  I jumped onto the computer and placed an order for my initial batch of Home Depot gift cards. As time went on, we continued our busy lives, and I continued to stock pile Home Depot gift cards. Unfortunately, last November, we lost Jill to an unexpected cardiac event.  You can imagine how life was no longer “business as usual” as our son Justin and I had our worlds turned upside down.  We made it through the holidays with the support of friends and family, and then here came a new year!  It took the first few months of 2015 to get into a routine with our new life. One evening in March, I found myself sitting beside the pool getting ready for another round of spring and started re-thinking the deck idea. I was ready to start entertaining again, and had been selected to host our annual “Jam Fest” in June, where Southwest Employees and Contractors get together every year to play some songs on our various instruments. Now that I had a deadline to incentivize my planning and building, I dusted off the ol’ Home Depot gift cards, purchased some basic supplies, and went to town on the initial work. Little did I know that Dallas would experience one of the wettest springs in history, but I pressed on with getting poles set and hanging lumber for the frame. My father offered to help me.  He may be 80 years old, but he can still sling hammers and run circles around the best of us—I owe all my construction acumen to him. The rain persisted, but we pressed on and could successfully pull off Jam Fest. It was a hit with everyone, and helped me get back in the saddle to entertain. At the end of the day, it’s just a deck.  But this simple structure has much more meaning.  From the original thought being generated by two people kicked back enjoying each other’s company, to the opportunity to spend time with your father while completing the project, and the satisfaction of seeing other people enjoying themselves. And, of course, it is also just one example of the awesome programs that Southwest Airlines offers called SWAG. When I tell people that the Company paid for this deck, they ask “Why?” and I reply: “You’re not going to believe this … I simply went to work!” Come have a cold one on the SWAG deck!              ... View more

At Southwest Airlines, we are known for our unique Culture and Fun-LUVing Employees.  And believe me when I say that they are as interesting off the clock as they are when they are working.  Meet Mike!    Michael Nutting Multi Media Specialist   Ever since watching my cousin compete in the Ironman Lake Placid, I have dreamed of being an Ironman.  When I finished my first triathlon at the Playtri Festival last year, I knew it was now or never.  I immediately began training to prepare for the Ironman race that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run. In the early hours of May 17, I took my first step to becoming an Ironman.  Through the Texas heat and the miles, I learned to enjoy the journey.  Around mile 13 of the run, my knee started hurting.  At that point I had swam and biked my heart out, and I knew I had plenty of time to finish, so I slowed down and relaxed—realizing where I was and reflecting on all the hard work I had done to get there.  After 14 hours, 23 minutes, and 7 seconds, I was an Ironman. ... View more