Southwest Airlines Community

Yesterday, PR NEWS held its annual PR News’ PR People Awards at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.  The awards showcase the top talent, innovators, and PR professionals who work day in and day out to take communication to the next level.   We are thrilled to announce that several of our colleagues here at Southwest were recognized for their outstanding performance and accomplishments:   Christi Day - Tweeter of the Year Many of you may know Christi as the voice behind our @SouthwestAir Twitter feed.  With her effervescent personality and instinctive knack for social media, Christi has built a following for Southwest Airlines on Twitter nearly one million strong.  And that’s just a small part of what she does for us everyday. Chris Mainz - Spokesperson of the Year With nearly 10 years of service at Southwest Airlines, Chris knows our Company inside and out.  His depth and breadth of knowledge allows him to explain even the most complex of issues in a way that anyone can understand.  Fuel hedging, anyone? Ashley Pettit - Measurement Expert of the Year (Honorable Mention) Ashley is the “left brain” of our Communications Team, delving into the analytics behind our efforts to help us understand our results and improve our communication strategies.  There isn’t a chart, graph, or stat, that she can’t create.  And, if you’re a reporter, she’s watching your every move!   We’re so proud of our friends and colleagues, and we’re blessed to have them in our Communications Family!  Please join us in celebrating their great accomplishments and for keeping Southwest Airlines flying high! ... View more

Southwest Airlines can confirm that passengers are NOT avoiding travel today, Friday the 13th.  Traditional superstitions appear to have been cast aside by many travelers still looking for a low fare and great Customer Service. Initial reports indicate that Customers are not avoiding row 13 on the Southwest Airlines fleet today, nor has the date prevented flying altogether.  In fact, the bag fees charged by other airlines are proving to be much scarier than Customers’ superstitions, driving travelers to find good luck on Southwest Airlines.    In addition to our Bags Fly Free policy, we can assure Customers that we will not charge a fee for throwing salt over one’s shoulder and will even allow black cats to travel onboard with our new pet fare, as long as they are carried in an appropriate carrier.  We are recommending, however, that Customers carefully wrap mirrors in bubble wrap to avoid breakage and seven years of bad luck. Customers feeling particularly lucky today may want to consider heading to a popular casino destination and bet on number 13 at the Roulette table.   ***If you would like to adopt Lloyd, the kitty featured in this picture, please visit the SPCA of Texas at http://bit.ly/2Fz7SL.   ... View more

Even though "Bags Fly Free" on Southwest Airlines, lighter is always better!  Kate Forgach offers five essentials for packing light on the "Go Frugal" blog.  Click here for some great tips:  http://www.freeshipping.org/blog/5-essentials-for-packing-light   ... View more

Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Laura Wright, Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer will discuss our third quarter 2009 results via live webcast at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time today (Thursday). If you would like to listen in, the live broadcast will be available at http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=62631. ***************************************************************************************************************************** For those who cannot participate on the live webcast, a rebroadcast will be available online, and we will post a transcript of the call on the Events Calendar in the IR section of southwest.com within a couple days following earnings. ... View more

Beginning today, Southwest is offering fares starting as low as $59 one-way to select destinations nationwide. Fares must be purchased by Oct. 15, 2009, and are available for travel everyday except Fridays and Sundays from Oct. 13, 2009, through Feb. 11, 2010.   To get these low fares, visit www.southwest.com. Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below): $59 one-way between Phoenix and San Diego $69 one-way between Chicago Midway and Columbus $89 one-way between Boston Area and Chicago Midway $109 one-way between St. Louis and Tampa Bay   If you don’t find the fare you’re looking for right away, try using the Southwest Shortcut.  For travelers with flexible schedules, the Southwest Shortcut will search different times and dates to find the lowest available fare.” To access the Southwest Shortcut, visit http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry. Click HERE to book now! ADDITIONAL FARE RULES Southwest Airlines sale fares are available for purchase Sept. 29, 2009, through 11:59 p.m. PDT on Oct. 15, 2009, and travel must take place between Oct. 13, 2009, and Feb. 11, 2010.  Fares may vary by flight and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal excise tax of $3.60 for each flight segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Travel not available to/from Washington (Dulles), DC. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destinations, flight, and day of the week. Fares are available for one-way travel. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares.  When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are not available through the Group Desk.  Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies to operated published, scheduled service only.         ... View more

Who remembers when we served margaritas onboard? Sounds good, but few people ordered them at the time, so we removed from the menu and have since added products like Monster Energy Drink and Coke Zero.    To ensure that we are meeting Customer expectations and minding costs, we continually review our onboard menu – drinks, snacks, etc. – taking into consideration both Employee and Customer feedback as well as the actual usage of each product over a period of time.    As a result of this review process, we recently updated our onboard wine selection and, beginning October 1st, we will begin offering Michelob Ultra in addition to our existing selection of Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Heineken.    If cocktail’s are more your thing, you probably know that our beverage service has included both lemons and limes.  However, internal feedback and usage tells us that that limes are by far the favored of the two fruits, leaving us with spoiled fruit and needless waste.  So, as of September 14, 2009, we’re ditching the lemons.  Bloody Mary and vodka tonic drinkers like me need not worry.  The limes stay!  ... View more

Are you a Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program member?  If not, you’ll want to become one immediately.  Beginning today, all Rapid Rewards Members have the opportunity to receive a bonus Rapid Rewards credit for every one-way flight—no matter where they fly.   All you have to do is:  1.  Register for our Double Credit promotion 2.  Book a flight 3.  Travel between Sept. 17 and Oct. 31, 2009 Essentially, you can rack up four credits when traveling a single roundtrip from any city that Southwest serves.  And, you can earn a free flight after just four roundtrips (during the promotional period).  Check out the details of the promotion here.  And, if you’re not a Rapid Rewards member, click here to enroll and be automatically registered in the promotion.  RULES: One additional credit per one-way flight will be issued regardless of fare purchased.  Members must register for this promotion between Sept. 17 and Oct. 31, 2009, to qualify and registration must be completed prior to commencement of travel.  Reservations must be booked between Sept. 17 and Oct. 31, 2009.  Travel must be completed between Sept. 17 and Oct. 31, 2009.  The Rapid Rewards Award is free, but travel is subject to the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per roundtrip. Business Select Customers will receive 2.25 credits for flights less than 750 miles and 3.0 credits for flights 750 miles or longer.  Visit www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/rr_promotions for complete Terms and Conditions.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. ... View more

Crazy about football and free bags on Southwest Airlines?  Check out two of our new ads, which debuted during this weekend’s big football match ups.  The ads feature real Southwest Employees. ... View more

FAA APPROVES SOUTHWEST AIRLINES REPLACEMENT PLAN WITHOUT GROUNDING AIRCRAFT Parts Meet Manufacturer Requirements; Planes Safe to Fly; No Impact for Flying Public; Replacements Already Complete on 43 Aircraft   DALLAS – Sept. 1, 2009 – Southwest Airlines today reached a resolution with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which approved the carrier’s plan to replace certain parts on flap exhaust gate assemblies on 82 of its Boeing 737-300 and -500 series aircraft.  Southwest has already begun an aggressive, yet safe and deliberate schedule to replace these parts on the affected aircraft. Southwest has accomplished replacements on 43 aircraft to date.  The remaining replacements will be made by Dec. 24, 2009, with an inspection of the assembly every seven days on affected aircraft until the replacements are made.  Southwest Customers will not experience any impact to their flight plans as a result of the replacement schedule.     “We want to assure our Customers that this situation is not about having unsafe parts on our airplanes.  Our approved vendor subcontracted a machining function without appropriate written approval from FAA.  As a result, the parts are considered unapproved and must be removed regardless of their quality,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.  “The parts have been inspected, and the FAA agrees that they meet the requirements of the aircraft manufacturer, Boeing.  We concur that this plan is the best and most reasonable manner in which to fulfill the FAA's mandate.”    Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines - offering a safe, reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 67 cities in 34 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.   ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CARGO EARNS 2009 QUEST FOR QUALITY AWARD   Southwest Airlines Ranks Number One in Quality for Fourth Consecutive Year DALLAS—Aug. 31, 2009— Southwest Airlines Cargo is proud to announce Logistics Management magazine ranked the airline number one among all air carrier “Quest for Quality” award winners. For the fourth year in a row, Southwest Airlines earned the top spot, and for the 13th consecutive year it scored above the overall weighted industry average. Southwest Airlines earned the highest scores in the categories of Ontime Performance, Value, and Customer Service. Quest for Quality winners are determined from the results of an annual survey conducted by Logistics Management magazine, where more than 6,000 shippers ranked their transportation service providers on a variety of performance criteria such as Ontime Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment & Operations.  For the past 26 years, Logistics Management’s Quest for Quality has been regarded in the transportation and logistics industry as one of the most important measures of Customer Satisfaction and performance excellence. “Southwest Airlines Cargo prides itself on offering the best quality and Customer Service in the industry. This award is a tribute to the most dedicated workforce in the business,” said Matt Buckley, Senior Director of Southwest Airlines Cargo. “We are honored that our Customers ranked Southwest highest on the Logistics Management Quest for Quality list again this year.” Southwest Airlines Cargo is recognized as an industry leader, winning numerous awards due to the relentlessly reliable Southwest Employees who run its operations across the nation. Southwest Airlines Cargo Employees are available to help Customers meet their shipping needs, delivering the excellent Customer Service and operational excellence for which the carrier is known. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 67 cities in 34 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com ... View more

Airline Concludes Proof of Concept Testing   DALLAS—Aug. 21, 2009—Southwest Airlines and Row 44 are continuing plans to roll out wi-fi beginning in the first quarter of 2010.  Beginning this fall, Southwest will be moving to the next step of certifying Southwest’s full fleet with plans to begin fleetwide rollout of the Row 44 satellite service in the first quarter of 2010.  The airline has been testing the service on four aircraft since Feb. 2009 and has received fantastic Customer feedback on the product.  “We have concluded our testing for inflight wi-fi and are very happy with both the technical performance of the system and the response of Customers who have used it,” said Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management.  “We are pleased to be continuing with our plans to offer satellite-enabled broadband access through California-based Row 44.”             “Row 44 is thrilled to be the in-flight wi-fi service of choice for one of the most Customer-focused airlines in the world,” said John Guidon, Row 44 Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited about moving forward and delivering Southwest’s Customers a rich menu of in-flight connectivity and entertainment options.” During the testing phase, Customers have been utilizing the service for anything from e-mail to streaming video.  Those interested in using the service during the test period have had the opportunity to log on to the service via their own personal wi-fi enabled device (laptops, iPhones, wi-fi enabled smart phones, etc).  Additionally, the airline has been testing a variety of price points for the service and will continue testing price points through the end of 2009. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.  Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 67 cities (with service to Milwaukee starting Nov. 1, 2009) in 34 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com     ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES’ BID TO ACQUIRE FRONTIER NOT SELECTED AT AUCTION Carrier’s Refusal to Remove Labor Requirement Key in Decision   DALLAS, TX—Aug. 13, 2009—Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) confirmed today that its bid to acquire Frontier Airlines was not selected.  Southwest submitted a bid of more than $170 million to Frontier Airlines on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in accordance with the procedures established in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.  “We said all along that we would only move forward on this deal if it proved to be the right decision for our Employees and financially prudent for our Company,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. “We have a mission to preserve and protect our Culture and the best interests of our Employees, Customers, and Shareholders.  This was a great opportunity that required us to act fast.  A lot of people worked very hard with every intention of making this work.  We were fortunate to be in a position to examine the acquisition to see if it was the right decision for Southwest Airlines. We chose not to amend our bid to remove the labor requirement, a key reason our bid was not selected.  Our congratulations to Republic Airways and Frontier Airlines.” As stated in its initial statement of interest on July 30, 2009, Southwest said there would be several contingencies to be resolved for a deal to go through.  Key in its position, Southwest was not willing to remove the need for the two Pilot Unions to reach agreement. Southwest’s says its Culture and relationships with its Employees are too important to compromise.  “Southwest remains committed to serving the Denver market with our low fares and excellent Customer Service,” Kelly said.  “We began serving Denver in 2006 with just 13 flights and have grown to offer 112 nonstop daily flights today.  We are very pleased with the response we have seen to our service and growth in Denver, and we will continue to compete vigorously in the market.”     One of the contingencies in Southwest's proposal was that labor groups from the two airlines would need to reach an agreement on how the two Pilot Unions (SWAPA and FAPA) would work together.  Despite a good faith and diligent effort by all involved, including the top leadership of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and the Frontier Airlines Pilots Association (FAPA), who labored long into the night, the two unions were not able to come to an agreement before the auction deadline.  As a result, Southwest’s bid was deemed unacceptable.   Frontier filed for bankruptcy court protection in April 2008.  Southwest submitted its initial indication of interest to acquire Frontier Airlines on July 30, 2009, which gave the carrier an opportunity to engage with Frontier in the due diligence required to determine the scope of a binding proposal.  Southwest submitted a bid of more than $170 million to acquire Frontier on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009.     After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines offers a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines currently serves 66 cities in 33 states, and announced service to Boston Logan, which begins Aug. 16, 2009, and to Milwaukee, which begins Nov. 1, 2009. Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.   www.southwest.com ... View more

The following information was issued today by Southwest Airlines via news release: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES’ BID TO ACQUIRE FRONTIER NOT SELECTED AT AUCTION Carrier’s Refusal to Remove Labor Requirement Key in Decision Southwest Airlines confirmed today that its bid to acquire Frontier Airlines was not selected.  Southwest submitted a bid of more than $170 million to Frontier Airlines on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009, in accordance with the procedures established in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.  “We said all along that we would only move forward on this deal if it proved to be the right decision for our Employees and financially prudent for our Company,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest’s Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. “We have a mission to preserve and protect our Culture and the best interests of our Employees, Customers, and Shareholders.  This was a great opportunity that required us to act fast.  A lot of people worked very hard with every intention of making this work.  We were fortunate to be in a position to examine the acquisition to see if it was the right decision for Southwest Airlines. We chose not to amend our bid to remove the labor requirement, a key reason our bid was not selected.  Our congratulations to Republic Airways and Frontier Airlines.” As stated in its initial statement of interest on July 30, 2009, Southwest said there would be several contingencies to be resolved for a deal to go through.  Key in its position, Southwest was not willing to remove the need for the two Pilot Unions to reach agreement. Southwest says its Culture and relationships with its Employees are too important to compromise. “Southwest remains committed to serving the Denver market with our low fares and excellent Customer Service,” Kelly said.  “We began serving Denver in 2006 with just 13 flights and have grown to offer 112 nonstop daily flights today.  We are very pleased with the response we have seen to our service and growth in Denver, and we will continue to compete vigorously in the market.”    One of the contingencies in Southwest's proposal was that labor groups from the two airlines would need to reach an agreement on how the two Pilot Unions (SWAPA and FAPA) would work together.  Despite a good faith and diligent effort by all involved, including the top leadership of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and the Frontier Airlines Pilots Association (FAPA), who labored long into the night, the two unions were not able to come to an agreement before the auction deadline.  As a result, Southwest’s bid was deemed unacceptable. Frontier filed for bankruptcy court protection in April 2008.  Southwest submitted its initial indication of interest to acquire Frontier Airlines on July 30, 2009, which gave the carrier an opportunity to engage with Frontier in the due diligence required to determine the scope of a binding proposal.  Southwest submitted a bid of more than $170 million to acquire Frontier on Monday, Aug. 10, 2009.  ... View more