Southwest Airlines Community

LUV was in the air again recently, as we had another fine gent "pop the question" inflight. The London games are over, but that doesn't mean we can't gloat about what the Blog Team is good at (sock puppetry and laser cat photography).  The Medical Transportation Grant Program is back, helping those who need to travel to get the care they need.  Ohio got more LUV, as we added Akron-Canton & Dayton to the Southwest system!  Zoey the Wonder Dog claimed top honors this week for her wonder dog antics.  Nice work, pup!    ... View more

All weekend, we're celebrating inaugural Southwest service in Dayton, and Akron-Canton.  This live blog chronicles events from both cities, going beyond the airport to show Customers a little Southwest hospitality, and a whole lotta LUV.  Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Monday, 10:00 a.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) We're making headlines here in Dayton!  If you're unfamiliar with Southwest service, SVP Operations Greg Wells summed it up beautifully!  And our buddy, DAY Director of Aviation Terry Slaybaugh, shared pearls of wisdom with the Dayton Business Journal! CAK Boss Monday, 9:00 a.m. Millie Richter (CAK) Southwest has had some pretty good cakes in its day, but this one takes the CAK (get it?).     This Southwest-themed dessert was put out for passengers to enjoy yesterday (along with a bit of easy listening!).   And We're Off! Monday, 8:00 a.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) Disappearing in a mist thanks to a water cannon salute, Dayton service was christened and is now open for business in Central Ohio.  Check out some great photos from the event over at the Dayton International Airport Facebook Page.  Here's one of 'em:     Putt Putt Champ Sunday, 12:00 p.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) Wow.  We got ourselves a putt putt champ.  As promised, here's the video:       NCR and the Nation's Business  Sunday, 8:00 a.m.  Brian Lusk (DAY)    Up until a few years ago, if you made a purchase at a store, the transaction was rung up on a cash register made by National Cash Register of Dayton.  Over time, the company, which became known as NCR, spread across the world.  In fact, Southwest’s tickets for the first decade or so of our operation were sold from NCR cash registers, or as we called them “Love Ticket Machines.”  NCR expanded into computers, and Southwest’s first reservations computer was the Bunko-Ramo, which used data storage made by NCR.  Today, if you withdraw money or make a deposit to your checking account, chances are the ATM is made by NCR.  An estimated $18 trillion are withdrawn each year using NCR ATM’s.  NCR moved to Duluth, Georgia, in 2009 after 125 years in Dayton. Neon Putt Putt! Saturday, 10:00 p.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) My senses are completely overwhelmed.  Scene 75 has a pair of black-lit miniature golf courses.  We're goin' in and paying for everyone's mini-golf for an hour.  We also hope to challenge some unsuspecting mini-golfers to a putt-off.  A hole-in-one gets a pretty sweet prize.  Video to follow!   Pie Champ Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Valerie La Grone (CAK) Here's a little snapshot from Valerie La Grone, taken from Akron-Canton's pie-eating contest!  Nice work, champ:   Sharing the Spirit  Saturday, 7:00 p.m.  Brooks Thomas (DAY)  It's been a nice and productive day here in DAY (pun intended, of course).  Shortly after arriving, we got right to work, giving back to the Community in a couple ways.  We split into a two groups; one group went to cook dinner for military families at Fisher House; the other went to Vandalia Parks & Recreation to do some sprucing up and brush clearing.  Here's Demicia from our Culture team, with one of our DAY Employees' wives:     When Southwest comes to town, it's about more than flying planes.  We see where we can invest in the growth of the Community, and use our time off the clock to make a difference.   Vandalia has a bunch of sports fields, and I now believe that you CAN tear the cover off the ball:     Tonight, we're off to Scene 75, for our Community event. It's got Go Karts, laser tag, video games, and our favorite: mini golf.  We're told it's pretty hoppin' over there! Might As Well Jump! Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Chris Mainz (CAK)     Well folks, it's official--Southwest metal is on the ground at Akron-Canton Airport in Northeast Ohio!  We ferried a flight in from Dallas to position the aircraft for the first scheduled flight to Chicago Midway, departing tomorrow morning.  A team of Southwest Employees landed this afternoon, and the aircraft pulled up to a reception party on the tarmac, greeted by more than 100 of CAK's closest friends, local Employees, CAK's Leadership Team, cheerleaders from a local high school, music, food, and no lie, a red carpet!  You can see by the picture that they were literally jumping for joy upon Southwest's arrival, and we are equally excited to begin service to our brand new Southwest city.  AirTran has successfully served CAK for more than 15 years, and Southwest promises to uphold their outstanding level of service for decades to come.  We are feeling the LUV in Akron-Canton! CAK, We Have Landing!  Saturday, 2:15 p.m.  Aaron Hay (CAK)  Southwest has officially arrived in CAK! (shown in above picture).  Birthplace of Aviation Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Brian Lusk (DAY) From an aeronautical viewpoint, it could be argued that Dayton is the most important city in the world.  Orville and Wilbur Wright, two Dayton residents, had more on their mind than bicycles at their Dayton bike shop.  There they gained familiarity with machines, manufacturing, and most importantly balance.  Where others failed, they succeeded by developing a method to control flight.  Working first with gliders built at their shop, they developed a powered version that took to the air in December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  Their fourth bicycle shop at 16 South Williams Street in Dayton still stands as a National Historic Landmark. ... View more

To compete on the world stage is an extraordinary feat.  Although every two years, I am shocked and awed by the greatest athletes on Earth, at the end of the two-week affair, I am left empty.    This emptiness is unrelated to having to wait two more years for any semblance of athleticism in my life.  The void stems from the fact athleticism is the only thing so boldly recognized by all nations.  Like an acceptance speech, the old adage goes "I'd like to thank all of the little people," as though the little people are mere stepping stones to success. These trivial acts also deserve to be recognized, and it is my firm belief that a champion must be crowned in all arenas.   So to commemorate the plain, the mundane, and the insane, the Nuts About Southwest Blog Team is pleased to present to you, our adoring audience, with what we would win medals in.   My story begins in December of last year.  Our resident "Green Queen" Marilee McInnis gave everyone in Communications each a recyclable notebook for the Holidays.  I don't have much use for notebooks, since my electronics-loving self takes my notes digitally.   So "The Notebook" sat.  And sat.  And sat.   Months later my boss, Brandy, happened upon the notebook during a visit to my desk.  At that point, I had completely forgotten its origins.  Having no recollection, of course I gave her the notebook.  I immediately moved on.   Days later, I was called to Brandy's office.  She could barely contain herself.  Turns out, she was in a meeting with Marilee, furiously taking notes in her new, environmentally friendly notebook.  Marilee had fondly acknowledged the present, mentioning to Brandy that it was nice to see her using the present Marilee gave her, even after all that time.   The jig was up.   I immediately text messaged Marilee the above picture, apologizing profusely while noting that my act, too, was deserving of recognition.  I had recycled a recyclable notebook.   So what does this all mean?  I am a serial re-gifter, and a champion at the craft.  I haven't always won, however.  Those on the receiving end of my re-gifts can explain.   Sock Puppet Champion by Mallory O'Teter   In this world, there are the greats. The unforgettable. Keri Strug, Michael Johnson, Nancy Kerrigan, Michael Phelps. Lamb Chop. The first time I slipped that tube sock over my bladed handed and folded my fingers down in unison to meet my thumb so as to form the perfect puppet, magic happened. Since infancy (practically) I’ve been honing my skills and consequently having to use arthritis cream since age seven, but that’s all a part of the game (I digress). In sock puppeteering, I find the true talent is the altering of the voice to match each character. Charley Horse and Hush Puppy didn’t sound the same, did they?  The art of finding different voices within you to project through your sock puppets is something to be admired. Obviously.  The only person I wouldn’t want to see in the finals? Mick Foley’s Mr Socko. Google him. Or not. It’s weird. Laser Cats by Christi McNeill For my Sport of choice, I choose cat photography.  Meow not just ANY basic feline photography…I mastered that practice years ago when Jack Bauer came into my life.   Lately I’ve been getting really into Laser Cat Photography, with my favorite iPhone app Cat Paint.  Yes, it’s $.99 in the app store, but well worth your money.  It gives you the ability to send your friends photos such as: Laser Cats trying to steal Rob's salmon Laser Cat helping load bags If Laser Cat photography held competition on the world stage, I think I’d definitely be in the running for the Gold.   True Road Warrior by Capt. Joe Gautille   At this point in my aviation career I think my event would have to be "Road Warrior." Which pilot can be gone the longest and stay in the most hotels during the yearly competition? I have developed the finely-honed skills of staying in hotels all over the Southwest domestic route map, and in a pre-Southwest life, hotels in countries all over the world.     To compete and train as a Road Warrior, you need to stay in hotels hundreds of days per year and belong to multiple hotel chain reward programs to stay in tip top shape. While Southwest Airlines is a healthy and steady workout (our monthly schedule might be between 10-15 nights per month), as a corporate pilot I averaged over 232 days per year on the road and was a competitive tournament-level Road Warrior.   During one stretch of training, we left our base in LAS in the beginning of September and returned in early December. Living in hotels for over 90 consecutive days will build your Road Warrior endurance for the world champion trials. When you begin to know all the hotel employees by name, how many kids they have, the restaurant and room service menus by heart, and have your clothes dry cleaned or use the courtesy hotel laundry, you are building those Road Warrior skills for the big Games. I began to hear the echoes of the Carol King’s lyric in So Far Away, “I sure hope the road don’t come to own me,” but I knew it was too late; I was becoming a consummate Road Warrior.     So now in the latter stages of my aviation/road warrior career, the Southwest three-day trips are a perfect pace to test my endurance and the 4 day trips push me a bit too far, but when you’re a professional hotel guest and Road Warrior it’s what you do.   Sent from... where else? On the road in PVD Useless Information by Krista Crow   There are so many things I am good at; procrastination, sticking my foot in my mouth, embarrassing my children, and the ever popular: reading anything I can get my hands on.   Of course, none of these seems as medal-worthy as my ability to know useless bits of information. I am best at thinking up the most obscure questions and then using Google, Wikipedia, or any other mildly reputable means necessary to find the answer.  Of course, my ability to be able eto ask any question to anyone, at anytime, is not always popular.  For some reason it just doesn't matter; I have to know the answer. This hasn't always worked out well for me.  Like the time I asked a security guard at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. if anyone had ever tried to steal the hope diamond.  With a very stern look, and a gruff voice, he informed me that, "No, no one has ever tried and it would not be advisable for anyone to try." I mean, you see it in movies being stolen, so I just wondered if anyone had ever really tried it?  Watching London '12, I also wondered if, when Queen Elizabeth abdicates the throne, will the National Anthem change to God Save The King?  I asked my husband, who just shook his head and asked, "How do you come up with these questions?"   So I Googled it.  In the spirit of not ruining the results via something akin to tape delay, I'll let you Google the answer yourselves. Changes in Latitudes = Changes in Attitudes by Paul Thompson   Growing up on the Texas Gulf Coast, I was exposed to boats of all types – from bass boats to shrimp trawlers, and sailboats to oil tankers. I’ve always loved being out on the water, whether it be river, lake or ocean. Around age 10, my Dad began taking my brother and me on guided whitewater rafting trips in New Braunfels, Texas. While most people cruise the Guadalupe River in inner tubes, during our first trip, the river was at flood stage, and we had to wear helmets! A couple of years later, he took me rafting on the Rio Grande in the canyons of Big Bend National Park, which gave me my first sense of the true natural beauty that can be found in Texas. Later on in high school, my friend’s parents owned a 30-foot sailboat that we would take out in Galveston Bay frequently. While in college, I taught sailing to elementary and junior high students at a summer camp on Lake Travis near Austin, TX. My all-time favorite sailing experience was a true race! While visiting St Maarten during a Caribbean cruise in 2004, my wife and I got to sail on “Stars & Stripes” – which won the America’s Cup in 1987. We raced against “True North” which is another world-class racing yacht. We participated as crew members and were each given a task during the race. It was quite a workout, grinding winches for an hour – but SO much fun! Apart from flying, I can’t think of anything more liberating than sailing – with the sun, wind, and ocean spray hitting you right in the face! If you’ve never sailed, you must try it if you’re given the chance. Multitasking For The Gold by Ally Harrington   I believe multitasking should be included into the competition. I'm a Customer Service Supervisor in Fort Lauderdale and this is the story of my life.  When the weather moves in, watch out, it's on! We call this "irregular operations."   During summer season, it's pretty common to have a few planes divert due to the weather here in Fort Lauderdale.  It can get a bit crazy, but this is where you'll find your multitasking champs.  As you can imagine, when we experience one of these situations, we might need to re-route our Customers through a different city.  When that happens, we call our awesome Ramp Agents to help us move the bags to the newly assigned flight.  We will call the gate to make sure the Agents are advising each flight that is to depart, so can keep our Customers informed.  We also check in with the ticket counter to make sure they are okay.   In these situations, I feel like I have more than two hands; phone in one hand, talking on the radio in another, trying to write down what the person is on the phone is telling you, while an Agent taps you on the shoulder or whispers more information or requests into your ear.  You glance up for a moment and the Ops Agent is waving you over to their gate... all while you're smiling at the next Customer in line. I believe multitasking should be included into the competition. I'm a Customer Service Supervisor in Fort Lauderdale and this is the story of my life.  When the weather moves in, watch out, it's on! We call this "irregular operations."   During summer season, it's pretty common to have a few planes divert due to the weather here in Fort Lauderdale.  It can get a bit crazy, but this is where you'll find your multitasking champs.  As you can imagine, when we experience one of these situations, we might need to re-route our Customers through a different city.  When that happens, we call our awesome Ramp Agents to help us move the bags to the newly assigned flight.  We will call the gate to make sure the Agents are advising each flight that is to depart, so can keep our Customers informed.  We also check in with the ticket counter to make sure they are okay. In these situations, I feel like I have more than two hands; phone in one hand, talking on the radio in another, trying to write down what the person is on the phone is telling you, while an Agent taps you on the shoulder or whispers more information or requests into your ear.  You glance up for a moment and the Ops Agent is waving you over to their gate... all while you're smiling at the next Customer in line.   GASTRONOMATHON by Bill Owen   Okay—I’m a foodie.  And while I’m a good cook, I’m really known for appreciating good food, expertly knowing where to get it, and then remembering for decades both the dish and restaurant to make recommendations to friends and colleagues.  I’d win my Gold in the “Gastronomic Marathon,” which would be kind of like a manic cross between “The Amazing Race,” “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate. ” Gastro-athletes would jet all over the world to destinations of their choosing, finding eateries that excel in specific dishes (whether they’re famous or obscure) and restaurants that are unique, with a gaggle of judges in tow to score the competitor’s gastronomic excellence.   How good am I?  PUH-LEASE.  I can recommend dishes and restaurants I have enjoyed as far back as 1968 (Lobster Thermidor at Johnny Case’s in Longview, Texas—it’s still there!). Seriously, some afternoons I can’t remember where I parked my car, but I can remember what I had for dinner in San Francisco in 1976—and where!  And while competing in the Gastronomathon, I’d be building on 44 years of mental notes of what and where to eat, in cities across the globe.  No wonder my friends and family say I travel “stomach first!”   Now that we have cell phones….I take pictures of my better finds.  Some recent ones:   Cioppino at Soto Mare in San Francisco’s North Beach, which was AMAZING: And Dim Sum at Yank Sing, in San Francisco’s SOMA district: And the motherload…..Southern food at Mary Mac’s in Atlanta’s Buckhead: So absolutely—I’d win.  The judges would LUV me.  Which is good, because our next appearance together would be on “Extreme Makeover:  Weight Loss Edition.”  But that’s a subject for another blog piece.  The World's Best Punner? by Brian Lusk Okay, I know that I could have picked a loftier goal in which to compete for the title of world’s best—or should that be “word’s best?”  However, my brain is wired differently than most people, and I think I have an exceptional skill of crafting punnage—or to my delight and the dismay of those who know me—PUNishment.  Nothing like letting an unexpected pun fly to a chorus of groans. After winning a long series of e-mail pun wars, I know that I could compete against the world’s best punners.  My event would be the Marathon Pun event.  Seeing how long the chain could be without a repeat would be a puno a puno test of mental acumen against the best punners alive.  For example, this test of endurance and mental agility could start with a subject like “tuna,” and I would have a “salad” day, leading to a first-place FINish, without getting sick to the “gills,” but still tipping the “scales” of pun-skill in my favor.  With that kind of ability, I should be able to teach a “school” how to create puns in a SWIMmingly manner.  In my world, if you can’t pun, you are a “fish” out of water.  But if you “can” pun, it’s as tasty as “caviar.” I see it now.  There I am, standing on the medal podium, holding my gold medallion as the “Star Spangled Banner” plays.  It would be the PUNacle of my career.  Maybe I could get my picture on a box of cereal or a thesaurus endorsement.  Hey I can dream, can’t I? ... 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We say goodbye to another batch of great interns in this edition of the Stew.  We're also talking about an airline that's eerily similar to Southwest, Dish Trip: Atlanta, August's Spirit issue, St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute's therapy module, and last week's fare sale issue.     ... View more

CONTACT:  Investor Relations (214) 792-4415             DALLAS, TEXAS – August 7, 2012 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today reported July 2012 consolidated traffic results for Southwest Airlines and AirTran.  AirTran became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. (“the Company”) on May 2, 2011.  For purposes of comparability, year-to-date 2011 traffic results presented in the accompanying table include the combined results of Southwest Airlines and AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.             The Company flew 10.0 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in July 2012, which was comparable to the RPMs flown in July 2011.  Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 0.6 percent to 11.9 billion from 11.8 billion ASMs in July 2011.  The July 2012 load factor was 84.6 percent, compared to 85.1 percent in July 2011.  For July 2012, passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) is estimated to have increased approximately two percent as compared to July 2011. For the first seven months of 2012, the Company flew 60.9 billion RPMs, compared to 61.4 billion combined RPMs flown in the same period in 2011, a decrease of 0.8 percent.  The year-to-date 2012 ASMs were 75.7 billion, which was comparable to the combined ASMs for the same period in 2011.  The year-to-date 2012 load factor was 80.5 percent, compared to the combined load factor of 81.1 percent for the same period in 2011.  This release, as well as past news releases about Southwest Airlines Co., is available online at southwest.com.             ... View more

The overwhelming response from Customers who took advantage of our August 3 limited time offer created website performance issues at various times during the weekend. Our Employees worked tirelessly to resolve the issue and have confirmed that the duplications are no longer occurring. By initiating an "all hands on deck" approach, we have identified all Customers impacted and proactively initiated refunds back to their financial institutions for any erroneous bookings. These refunds are currently being processed, but timing will vary depending on the individual bank. If a refund has not yet posted to your account, we recommend contacting your bank – they will be able to provide the quickest update regarding pending refunds. Here is an overview of our current efforts: All erroneous bookings have been identified and refunds are currently being processed for all Customers impacted with duplicate bookings.  We have heard Customer concerns regarding cancellation of their original reservation and have instructed our Employees to restore the itinerary, honoring the original fare. For those Customers who used debit cards and have received overdraft fees as a result of the additional charges, we will process a reimbursement for all overdraft fees that were caused by duplicate charges from Southwest for a single purchase. If you incurred overdraft fees, please fax documentation of those fees via a letter from your bank or a copy of your account showing the fees to 877-506-0154.  Southwest Airlines is committed to providing Customers with exceptional service both online and onboard. Our goal was to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to minimize any inconvenience to you, our valued Customers. We will continue to work with each of you on any outstanding issues you may be experiencing. Please contact us here. ... View more

The overwhelming response from Customers who took advantage of our August 3 limited time offer launched to celebrate three million Fans on Facebook, created website performance issues at various times during the day. We realize that some Customers were charged more than once for the same reservation and we want to assure you that we have all hands on deck, actively working to process refunds for any duplicate charges incurred. Here is a status of those efforts: First, we want you to know that we are working to identify duplicate bookings and charges and are proactively cancelling those additional reservations, actively processing refunds to the Customer. In order to process the refunds as quickly as possible, we have called in additional staff to support these efforts. For those Customers who used debit cards and have received overdraft fees as a result of the additional charges, we will process a reimbursement for all overdraft fees that were caused by duplicate charges from Southwest for a single purchase. If you incurred overdraft fees, please fax documentation of those fees via a letter from your bank or a copy of your account showing the fees to 877-506-0154.  Southwest Airlines is committed to providing Customers with exceptional service both online and onboard. It is our goal to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and minimize any inconvenience to you, our valued Customers. ... View more

What do you do after the ice cream is gone?  Stew about it.  Our friends at Dish Trip bestowed brain freeze upon unsuspecting customers at Glace in Kansas City, providing free ice cream for them.  This patriotic Stew also highlights the Boot Campaign and Honor Flight.  Longhorns fans will dig our latest sponsorship announcement.  Finally, we touched upon a really great effort out of El Paso.    ... View more

DALLAS—July 26, 2012—Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced executive changes at the Company. Teresa Laraba, most recently Southwest’s Senior Vice President of Customer Services, has been named the airline’s Senior Vice President of Customers. In this new role, Laraba will continue to provide senior Leadership for three departments: Customer Support & Services, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, and Customer Services. Laraba also will ensure that the airline's many Customer-focused activities are coordinated and aligned to one vision for how it continues to better meet its Customers’ current and future needs. Laraba began her Southwest career in El Paso in May 1984 and has held numerous positions at the Company, including Director of Field Employment, Senior Director of Ground Operations Training and Airport Solutions, and Vice President Ground Operations. Laraba will continue reporting to Southwest’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and AirTran Airways President, Bob Jordan. Jack Smith, most recently Southwest's Vice President of Ground Operations/AirTran, has been named the airline's Vice President of Customer Support & Services. Customer Support & Services, formerly known as Reservations, provides travel information and assistance to Southwest’s Customers and Employees. In his new role, Smith will lead more than 4,000 Customer Support & Services Employees. An industry veteran of more than 30 years, Smith joined AirTran in April 2002 and became a Southwest Employee in March 2012. During his career, Smith has gained experience overseeing various airline functions like Ground Operations, Inflight, Cargo, Reservations, and Customer Relations.  Smith will report to Laraba. Both changes are effective immediately. For photos and bios, visit www.swamedia.com. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 41st year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service.  Along with wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, the Company now serves 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, six near-international countries, and employs more than 46,000 People. Visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™ and see how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen while underscoring a commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines, one of the most honored airlines in the world, is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded.  Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and serves the communities around 74 airports in Southwest’s network of domestic destinations.  To book a flight, visit southwest.com. Media Please Contact:  Public Relations at 214/792-4847 ... View more

Disco balls, scantily clad women; you will find neither of these in the SWA Stewdio 54.  What you will find is: schedule openings, Honor Flights, my Valentine's Date in Chicago, more schedule openings, On The Fly, Mat Kearney, Live at the Vineyard, Dish Trip, and ice cream.  And although she does fine work, Taylor is not my secretary.     ... View more

This week, we're talking about defending the sea in the shape of a shark, Liberty the 21-year-old male bald eagle, our new AUS - DCA service, booking travel through early February only on southwest.com, and a cameo from SeaWorld's Pete & Penny Penguin!   ... View more

I've never seen an American bald eagle in person.  When Southwest was called with the opportunity to carry our national bird from St. Louis to Kansas City's Independence Day celebration, it was almost as if I said 'yes' purely for personal reasons.      The beautiful bird, Liberty, made that voyage last night.  Flying Southwest has its perks, even for animals. Liberty sat in the cabin with the passengers for the first time, instead of underneath the wings in cargo.  A blanket covered the 21-year-old bald eagle's crate, and he was a perfect gentleman the whole flight. Upon arrival in Kansas City, Liberty's handler, Teri Graves, took the bird out to stretch his legs and meet some Passengers.  Dozens gathered to take pictures.  The fanfare was appropriate for such a national symbol.     Things haven't always been easy for Liberty.  Twice, the World Bird Sanctuary has come to his rescue; the second time under more unfortunate circumstances.  Liberty was injured in separate accidents involving cars, and the second time he sustained permanant eye and wing damage.  Liberty is now an education bird, and has toured the country; far further than he ever would've gone on his own.   And last night, we spread our wings to help Liberty soar once again.   (Please enjoy the video shot and beautifully edited by Michael Nutting)   ... View more

One year of SWA Stews.  Can you believe it?  Neither can I.  This week, we're talkin' about Olympians, the Baker family's twin miracle, On The Fly, Julia Jones (the Culinary Queen of Pinterest) and our #BakedWithLUV contest, #PAWSUP, and last but not least, lending our voice to #StopBullying.     ... View more

The aircraft door very rarely reopens. I’ve had it happen both in my favor and to my detriment.   As for the latter, I can recall flying through security with worry written on my face, and nary a care for the baggage in tow.  I was greeted by a sealed door; I knew my fate, too, had been sealed.  Not happening.  Not this time. I was more fortunate on the other occasion.  I raced onto the plane in the nick of time, the door chasing my heels.  The entire plane applauded the fact that I’d made my connection, enabled by a pretty hysterical Flight Crew. During tonight’s new episode of On the Fly, a few different Passengers are faced with the same scenario: getting to the gate too late.  It’s a really unfortunate situation, and I don’t think there’s a single Employee who wants to tell a Passenger that the door’s not going to open back up.   It rarely does.  …until the next plane makes its way into the gate.   There’s almost always a next plane.   (And there's always trivia!  Find this week's below). ... View more

One of tonight's episodes of TLC's On The Fly tells a really heartwrenching story.  If you've seen the previews, you see a man collapse, captured on surveillance video.  One of our Employees then leaps into action to do what he can to save the man's life.    It's not the first time a Southwest Employee has had to put his/her training to the test, due to unforeseen circumstances.  In San Francisco, one Employee saved another's life, when Ramp Agent Douglas Wong collapsed while loading bags.  It's a story we've told in this space, but it's worth sharing again, in light of tonight's episode.  And it's one of many stories of heroism at Southwest, and one of the many reasons I have so much pride for this Company.    If you haven't seen this video, enjoy one really amazing story, put together by Stephen M. Keller.  This week's trivia is located directly below the video!   ... View more

This week, we're calling all musicians again, and talking Tuskegee Airmen, holiday schedule opening, Free Hobby, and SWA ink.     ... View more

When you walk New York's streets near 10th and 5th, the Church of Ascension doesn't immediately stick out.  In a concrete jungle abound with towering buildings, an unassuming church is easily overlooked.    A few steps inside, however, I quickly realized what our friends at The Artists Den had found: a figurative "diamond in the urban rough."  They have a knack for this sort of thing.  In Stephen Keller's video, Live From The Artists Den Executive Producer Mark Lieberman says he was "immediately just taken by the grandeur of the room."  Indeed, the capstone of this magnificent church is not easily missed. The Ascension of Jesus is depicted in a beautiful, hulking mural, book-ended by mammoth organ pipes that serve as the foundation for Sunday's hymns.     Standing in the empty church before set-up, a peace overcame me.  And that's the magic of these venues; they all hold within them an irreverance that distinguishes each from the next, and yet links them all together under the Artists Den umbrella.  I'm honored to work for a Company like Southwest that supports something so unique, and something I also care deeply about.   This venue, like others, is alive with personality. The two-story Episcopal church breathes with tradition, from the old-fashioned pews to the contemporary pamphlets.       Even as lights were hung, sound was tested, and a set built, the church had a welcoming affect.  It's easy to become lost in such a beautiful place, senses overwhelmed to a point where you're able to focus through obstruction.  I imagine it is intricacies such as these that make building sets for The Artists Den more entertaining than run-of-the-mill venues.     And really, the physical building of a show from start to finish in one day is symbolic of months of hard work. The anxiety; the pitfalls; the jubilation when it all finally comes together.    And when the music starts, it socks you in the stomach like an answered prayer.     ... View more

This week, we're talking about trading places with the Milwaukee Brewers, Freeing Hobby, On The Fly, Flashback Fridays, and Calling All Musicians!     ... View more

DALLAS — May 16, 2012 — Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing the carrier's more than 180 Dispatchers, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through November 2014, and will be presented to all Southwest Dispatchers pending a final review and approval from the TWU 550 Board of Directors. The current contract became amendable in November 2009. In early 2011, the Carrier sought assistance from the National Mediation Board (NMB) through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. Both Southwest and TWU 550 would like to thank the NMB for its role in reaching this current tentative agreement. "I am extremely proud of both negotiation teams and their dedication in accomplishing this important task,” said Matt Hafner, Southwest Airlines Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center (OCC), which includes the Dispatchers. “This tentative agreement represents hours of hard work and I’m pleased to say is mutually beneficial for not only our hard-working Dispatchers, but also the entire Company, our Customers, and our Shareholders during this challenging economic time in the airline industry.” In the upcoming weeks, the TWU 550 membership will be given the full details of the agreement and have the opportunity to vote on ratification. Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers — offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states and remains one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 39,000 Employees. www.southwest.com ... View more

We wanted to give the opportunity for a few Nuts About Southwest Blog Team Mother's Day shout-outs. Don't forget to wish Mum a Happy Mother's Day!    I'll kick things off! Every year on the Friday afternoon before Mother's Day, my Mom knows there will be flowers.  My Mother works at the middle school that I attended in my hometown of Lake Bluff, Illinois.  Growing up with your Mom in the front office of your educational institution isn't always easy.  Especially when you come from a family like mine; tough love is often learned through humiliation.  Mine came in the form of a loudspeaker, wielded by--you guessed it--none other than my Mother.  There are some children who dread going to the dentist for fear of sharp, intricate objects.  My fear was born out of my Mother calling my name over the loudspeaker.  What probably sounded like a Mother sweetly summoning her child came across as nails on a chalkboard (pun intended).      But for the past handful of years: flowers.  Well, except this year.  Instead, I got my Mom a spa day and a hair dryer.  It's the least I could do.  Thanks for giving me tough skin, Mom.  Even if it meant getting bullied on the playground.   Love,   Brooks   Whitney Bartels, Customer Relations Social Media This picture captures my mom, my older sister, Hayley, and I on Mother’s Day 1988. At less than one year old, I was oblivious to what the next 24 years would bring. From major surgery as a toddler to graduating high school, moving to Dallas, graduating SMU, and starting my first real job, my mom has been my constant pillar of support. I don’t know what the next 24 years will bring, but I know I would not be who I am without my mom.   I love you, Mom.  Happy Mother’s Day! Ana Schwager, Community Affairs & Grassroots Mom, thanks for always being up for a great travel adventure!  We've shared some amazing memories all over the world.  Happy Mother's Day!  Love, Ana   Annie Hoelzel, Crew Scheduling Mom, Every year I have been thankful you’ve been in my life, and every passing year I am more thankful than the last.  You’ve been a great mom to me and as grow older, a great friend as well.  I love your sense of humor and your straight forward attitude.  You are a great travel buddy, and I look forward to many more adventures together!  I admire how hard you work.  You are the strongest person I know.  I love how you’re always fixing up your house and working in your garden.  I think it’s great how you can grow butterflies like others can grow flowers.  You were there for me when I needed you the most, and one day I hope to return the favor.  Thank you for loving me and making me always feel loved.  Thank you for allowing me to be me.  Thank you for your support when I decided to break away from the family tradition and found my own niche in the working world.  It’s made more an impact on me than I’ll ever be able to express. I am glad we talk on the phone as often as we do, and I love when you fly up and visit me.  It’s a good thing Houston to Dallas is such easy flight to make! I love you so much.  Have a very happy Mother’s Day!   The End. Happy Bees!   Love,   Annie Erin Terry, Marketing     As a new Mom, Mother’s Day has taken on an entirely new meaning for me this year. Not only am I being celebrated as a Mom for the first time (though having a January birthday I won’t complain about a gift-giving holiday at a different time of year – bring on the swag!), I also have a renewed admiration for my own Mom and her tireless efforts to shape my brother and I into the upstanding citizens that we are today. A teacher, a friend, a guidance counselor, a maid….like all Moms, she wears many hats! Of all the life lessons I’ve learned from her over the years, one piece of advice stands out. In sixth grade (hello, awkward pre-teen years!) I was struggling to get my bearings at a new school and integrate with a new crop of kids from various parts of town. I remember my Mom telling me time and time again….”just be nice to everyone.” The kill ‘em with kindness approach never gets old and has served me well in my adult life as well. Those who know my Mom from any aspect of her life would agree that “nice” is her middle name.     A glass half full person through and through, I admire her ability to get along with anyone and everyone while seeing the good in all situations. Thank you, Mom for instilling the value of a positive outlook on life. I’m in the camp that nice guys (or girls) don’t finish last. We’re winners before the game even starts. ... View more

In this week's Stew, we're talking about Southwest's newest addition, the Boeing 737-800.  Calling all musicians!  We are soon going to be selecting the winners for #SWATurns41.  Loyalty Month continued this week with appreciation for our teachers.  We need all the support we can get to Free Hobby!  Go to http://freehobbyairport.com to help us out.  Finally, our new Boeing 737 MAX Winglets were the big winner this week.     ... View more

DALLAS—May 9, 2012—Southwest Airlines said today that on Tuesday night around 9:00 p.m. CT, it received a non-specific security threat that led to the investigation of two flights; both were cleared with no findings. Initially, we worked with authorities in Phoenix to investigate Flight 1184 (SNA – PHX).  The aircraft was inspected, all passengers rescreened, and nothing was found.  The flight was cleared around midnight.  Passengers on that flight who were heading onto Tulsa were accommodated on flights Wednesday morning. The non-specific security threat also affected Flight 811 (SNA – PHX).  Flight 811 was canceled because screening the flight would have pushed the departure time past the John Wayne Airport noise curfew.  After canceling the flight, the aircraft was inspected with no findings. The Customers on that flight were accommodated on flights Wednesday morning. We take the safety of our passengers and operations very seriously, and we will continue to work with authorities investigating these incidents. ... View more