Southwest Airlines Community

Flying to College on the Cheap As Fares Rise, Students and Teachers Can Still Snare Deals By SCOTT MCCARTNEY Higher airfares have raised the cost of higher education, from trips home for college students at Thanksgiving to study-abroad semesters. But two little-known companies that negotiate big discounts with airlines can save hundreds of dollars for students and their ticket-buying parents. Even though airlines have piled on fees and eliminated most special discounts like senior-citizen fares and half-price tickets for young children, one vestige of airline goodwill remains. Several air carriers still offer special deals for students -- and teachers as well.   To read more, visit:  http://www.wsj.com/article/SB122393525342230309.html   Associated Press Northwestern University student Mollie Schoenwald looks through her bags before departing for a family gathering in Texas at O'Hare International Airport in November 2006. ... View more

Go Home For the Holidays! Great fares are available at southwest.com for travel November 4 through December 17, 2008. Book by October 16. 21-day advance purchase. Visit http://www.southwest.com/hotfares/hotfares_air.html?src=e101408 to find low fares.      ... View more

Earnings this Thursday Southwest will report its third quarter 2008 financial results Thursday morning, October 16.  In addition, CEO Gary Kelly and Senior Vice President Finance & CFO Laura Wright will participate in a live conference call with Wall Street analysts and members of the media that will be web cast on the Investor Relations page of southwest.com.  Instructions on how to call in to hear a replay of the conference call will be available on Thursday.   Check back here on Thursday for the results and webcast details.  ... View more

  In 2007 Southwest served: 64.9 million cans of soda, juices, and water 11.3 million alcoholic beverages 6.1 million bags of pretzels 103.8 million bags of peanuts 14 million snackpacks 32 million other snacks   ... View more

Winging It: Reader says Southwest has unfair edge By Tom Belden Readers of the previous column provided a couple of prize-winning responses, among the best I have received since I started this endeavor almost two years ago. I don't have the space to report on both today, so the second one will have to wait for next week. As you may recall, much of the column focused on Southwest Airlines' policy of not charging fees for services that once were included in ticket prices. We all know why fares and fees have shot up this year: Fuel costs were killing the carriers. Most airlines believed customers understood that and would accept "a la carte" pricing for checking bags, getting the best seats on flights and the rest. Southwest has the opposite opinion, believing that it can capture more business by appealing to travelers who don't want to pay the fees.   To read more, visit: http://tinyurl.com/4sr75u   ... View more

DOT Releases August 2008 Stats For the month of August, Southwest Airlines placed first in Consumer Complaints, fifth in Ontime Performance, and sixth in Baggage Handling.  The top performers in each category of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report for August 2008 are listed below. August 2008 Complaints (per 100,000 Customers) 1. Southwest 0.22 2. Alaska  0.31 3. ExpressJet  0.41 4. Skywest  0.42 5. Pinnacle  0.57 6. Northwest  0.73 7. Frontier  0.79 8. Mesa  0.92 9. Continental  1.09 10. American  1.22 Ontime Performance (percent) 1. Hawaian  92.3 2. Pinnacle  89.6 3. Skywest  85.7 4. Northwest  85.3 5. Southwest  84.4 6. Frontier  82.9 7. US Airways  80.8 8. Alaska  78.7 9. American Eagle  78.5 10. Airtran  78.3 Baggage Handling (Per 1,000 Customers) 1. Hawaiian  2.89 2. Northwest  2.92 3. Airtran  3.01 4. Frontier  3.79 5. US Airways  4.09 6. Southwest  4.13 7. Continental  4.15 8. Alaska  4.30 9. JetBlue  4.36 10. American  5.20 The Air Travel Consumer Report can be viewed in full online at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/index.htm. ... View more

  Suddenly Frugal Seal of Approval: Southwest Airlines Thursday, October 9, 2008 As many of you know, from my blog postings and Twitter updates, late last week my mother was admitted to the hospital. That meant that in less than 24 hours from her initial emergency, I needed to get myself from Pennsylvania to Maine--and believe me, I was in no shape to make the eight-hour drive. Really, the only rational thing to do was to fly, so on Thursday I spend most of the afternoon trying to work that out.... ...It didn't take me too long to realize that my best bet was going to be turning to Southwest Airlines, one of my favorite airlines of all time--and where I should have gone in the first place. (Whenever I travel for business, I tell people to book me on Southwest first.) Yup, Southwest came through for me and in a way that didn't put a huge dent in my pocketbook. I was able to book one of their Business Select seats on a flight leaving first-thing Friday morning for $138. Yes, you read that right, one hundred and thirty eight dollars--and that's including all taxes. To read more, visit: http://suddenlyfrugal.blogspot.com/2008/10/suddenly-frugal-seal-of-approval.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines' Gary Kelly Named Texas Public Schools 'Friend of the Year' DALLAS, Oct. 7 -- Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, & Chief Executive Officer, exemplifies a corporate leader who personally and professionally supports public education in Texas. For this, the Friends of Texas Public Schools is honoring him as its 4th Annual Texas Public Schools Friend of the Year. "We are proud to recognize Mr. Kelly's legacy of commitment to, and support of, public education in Texas. His efforts represent the positive energy we believe is so desperately needed in our public schools," said Scott Milder, President and CEO of Friends of Texas Public Schools. Mr. Kelly enthusiastically accepted the honor and invitation to attend a reception that will celebrate his contributions to public education, as well as the collective achievements of Texas public school educators and students. The reception is scheduled for Thursday, November 13th, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. For more details, table sponsorship information or ticket sales please contact Brandie Cleaver at brandie@fotps.org. "As a product of Texas public schools, I am honored to be recognized by an organization devoted to celebrating the good things that are happening in public education," Mr. Kelly said. "This is also a tribute to the People of Southwest Airlines who volunteer their time and energy to making a positive difference in children's lives." The Friend of the Year Award was established to honor those rare individuals in the private sector who clearly see beyond the sensational headlines, and often negative politics, and understand that the success of Texas public education is everyone's business. "Like past honorees Tom Frost of Frost Bank, Charles Butt of H-E-B, and Michael Boone of Haynes & Boone, Mr. Kelly recognizes that true motivation for students and educators lies not with heavy handed and harsh criticism, but rather in hope, optimism and encouragement," says Mr. Milder. Throughout his life Mr. Kelly has exhibited a strong commitment to public education. In addition to supporting employee volunteer efforts and numerous educational organizations, he is an advocate for the Adopt-A-Pilot program, sponsored by Southwest Airlines. Each spring, more than 20,000 fifth grade students participate in this mentoring program that teaches them to set and reach goals. His wife, Carol, is a former public school teacher, and his daughter, Elizabeth, is a fourth grade teacher in Plano. The mission of Friends of Texas Public Schools is to educate Texans about the strengths and achievements of Texas public schools. To make a donation or for more information, visit http://www.fotps.org. After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines -- offering 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 (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3, 400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide. CONTACT: Scott Milder, President, +1-214-497-6411, smilder@fotps.org, or Brandie Cleaver, +1-254-291-4623, brandie@fotps.org, both of Friends of Texas Public Schools ... View more

Southwest says it's positioned to weather economic storm By TREBOR BANSTETTER tbanstetter@star-telegram.com DALLAS — Southwest Airlines is positioned to weather the financial storm that has enveloped Wall Street in recent weeks, but concerns remain about problems with the nation’s overall economy, company officials said Wednesday. Laura Wright, chief financial officer of the Dallas-based discount airline, told reporters Wednesday that the company does not have significant exposure to the problems with the nation’s financial system. "Credit markets are certainly ugly right now," she said, "but we’re in a good position for these turbulent times." To read more, visit: http://www.star-telegram.com/business/v-print/story/947075.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines: In a Category of It’s Own I had a ringside seat last week to many of the inner workings at Southwest Airlines when I was invited - along with a bunch of other journalists - to the airline’s media day. No matter how many times I interact with Southwest employees, they continue to amaze me. And apparently they amaze quite a few other folks too because Southwest’s Nuts About Southwest blog won Best Corporate Blog of the Year from PR News this week. I cut my flying teeth at a more traditional airline and in a number of corporate flight departments. As a chronicler of the aviation industry these days, I, like the rest of the media actually, see myself as one of those eternal critics of the world. Honestly I have for years been wondering how the people at Southwest Airlines could possibly keep this different kind of airline running year after year and make money each year as well. And this airline is different in many ways, from their focus on low-costs to their never ending need to find that happy balance between costs and delivering a service that keeps passengers coming back.   To read more, visit: http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/10/southwest-airlines-in-a-category-of-its-own/   ... View more

12:56 PM CDT on Sunday, October 5, 2008 By TERRY MAXON / The Dallas Morning News tmaxon@dallasnews.com Southwest Airlines is counting on some angry customers in the coming months – passengers flying on other U.S. airlines. The Dallas-based carrier is making a big deal about its no-fees policy so that customers remember the message the first time they get socked with fees on other airlines. Southwest executive Dave Ridley says a lot of people, for example, may get a nasty surprise on their Thanksgiving trips when they find they'll have to pay $230 in baggage fees to get on another carrier's flight. To read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/DN-p2startup_05bus.ART.State.Edition1.26ebba1.html ... View more

Southwest is the official airline of Kidd’s Kids, a nationally syndicated radio personality’s charity.  For those of you who don’t listen to Kidd Kraddick’s show, Kidd’s Kids takes more than 40 families with terminally and chronically ill children to Disney World every year.  The families come from across our system for an unforgettable memory.  Southwest Employees assist the charity by manning a telethon for donations.  To learn more or make an online donation, visit http://kiddskids.com/get-involved.html. ... View more

Southwest Airlines tops Forbes’ list of America’s most reliable airlines.  Forbes says that we “handily beat” the competition in a majority of the six categories judged, which included:  ontime arrival, cancellations, complaints, mishandled baggage, J.D. Power and Associates’ consumer satisfaction rankings, and asset-to-liability ratio.  Second place went to Continental, and third went to JetBlue.  US Airways and United tied for last place. To read more, visit: http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2008/09/30/airlines-reliable-ten-forbeslife-cx_rr_0930travel.html ... View more

There was an interesting little surprise last Friday when Southwest revealed on FlyerTalk that it was rolling out what is effectively elite security lines for its best customers. I think I like this move since it’s squarely targeting the business traveler, even if it does go against Southwest’s egalitarian history. To read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2008/09/29/southwest-introduces-fly-by-security-lanes/. ... View more

By JOSHUA FREED, Associated Press September 29, 2008 Air fares are up, right? The short answer is yes _ 22 fare increases this year. But fares in some cities are flat or even down, as fierce competition keeps airlines from charging as much as they would like. Business fares in early September were down 5 percent in Phoenix and 4 percent in New York compared to the same week last year, according to research by Bob Harrell of Harrell Associates, who tracks airfares. In many other cities ticket prices were up only marginally _ 1 percent in Orlando, 3 percent in Atlanta, 4 percent in Denver and Las Vegas.   To read more, visit: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D93FTP600.htm ... View more

BY MARY FRANCIS MASSON • FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER • September 28, 2008 As jet fuel prices sent airlines on a stomach-churning ride, spurring new fees and higher prices, Southwest Airlines customers have had a smoother trip. Southwest, the second-biggest carrier at Detroit Metro's new North Terminal, took a gamble on fuel purchasing that has paid off for consumers. It's been able to keep fare increases much lower than those of most carriers because it locked in jet fuel prices before crude oil skyrocketed to almost $150 a barrel earlier this year. That protection is likely to wear off a bit in 2009, but many analysts say the Dallas-based airline's strong financial position will allow it to remain one of the cheapest deals for travelers.   To read more, visit: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080928/BUSINESS05/809280454   ... View more

  One of our Dallas-based Flight Attendants is a finalist in D Magazine's "Ten Most Beautiful Women in Dallas” contest!  Congratulations, Allison! To learn more about Allison Moran (and vote for her, of course!), visit:  http://www.dmagazine.com/10MB2008/10MB_AllisonMoran.asp   ... View more

Today's Daily Candy features some swanky travel accessories.  Check 'em out at:  http://www.dailycandy.com/travel/article/39078/Seat+Envy ... View more

  SOUTHWEST AIRLINES OUTLINES INITIAL PREPARATIONS FOR HURRICANE IKE AND OFFERS RELIEF FOR CUSTOMERS TRAVELING NEAR THE STORM Southwest Keeping Close Tabs on the Following Airports: Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Houston Hobby, and San Antonio   DALLAS—Sept. 10, 2008—Southwest Airlines said today that it will not operate flights to and from Corpus Christi International Airport and (Harlingen) Valley International Airport on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13. The airline’s plans to resume service to and from Corpus Christi and Harlingen will depend upon the status of airport security personnel, facilities, and services. Southwest is closely monitoring Hurricane Ike and will announce any additional changes to its operation as the storm progresses.             Southwest strongly encourages travelers to contact Southwest Reservations at (800) 435-9792 or look for updated travel advisories at www.southwest.com before checking in online for a flight or proceeding to the airport. Customers can also copy and paste the following link into a web browser for direct access to the travel advisory page: http://www.southwest.com/content/travel_center/travel_advisory_0040.html?ref=wthr.             Southwest Airlines Customers holding reservations for travel to and from Austin, Corpus Christi, Harlingen, Houston Hobby, or San Antonio from Noon Central Time on Wednesday, Sept. 10, through the close of business Monday, Sept. 15 may change their travel plans and rebook in their original class of service or travel standby (within 14 days of their original date of travel between the original city-pairs and in accordance with our accommodation procedures) without paying any additional charge. Also, Customers holding reservations for a flight that is cancelled to and from Corpus Christi or Harlingen may request a refund for any unused ticket/travel itinerary. Southwest Airlines is doing its best to take care of Customers’ travel needs and to keep Customers and Employees safe during the storm. The airline invites Customers to visit southwest.com to receive the latest information regarding a flight. Southwest also encourages Ticketless Travel Customers to visit the Travel Center on southwest.com to cancel, change, and/or rebook their flight reservations. All ticketed Customers may contact Reservations (1-800-435-9792) for additional assistance.   www.southwest.com       ... View more

DALLAS, TEXAS – September 4, 2008 - Southwest Airlines Co. announced today that the Company flew 6.6 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in August 2008, a 5.2 percent decrease from the 7.0 billion RPMs flown in August 2007.  Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 1.5 percent to 8.9 billion from the August 2007 level of 8.7 billion.  The load factor for the month was 74.6 percent, compared to 80.0 percent for the same period last year. For the eight months ended August 31, 2008, Southwest flew 50.9 billion RPMs, compared to the 49.2 billion RPMs recorded for the same period of 2007, an increase of 3.6 percent.  Available seat miles increased 5.1 percent to 69.4 billion from the 2007 level of 66.1 billion.  The year-to-date load factor was 73.3 percent, compared to 74.4 percent for the same period last year.  This news release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at southwest.com. ... View more

via Sky Talk by Rick on 9/2/08 It's another good day to observe that inverse relationship between oil prices and airline stocks. With crude down more than $6 to under $110 per barrel, airline stocks have soared, with the Amex Airline Index up nearly 7 percent.   To read more, visit:  http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2008/09/airline-stocks.html ... View more

  Winging It: Airlines see comfort, fun as a plus By Tom Belden Flying is fun again! I'm writing this column while sitting comfortably in the middle of a typical airline three-seat row that I have all to myself. I'm writing on my laptop, which is resting across two tray tables. If only the fidgety, middle-aged guy in the row ahead, wearing a baseball cap with "Bite Me!" written across the strap, would quit stretching his arms over his head and into my space, all would be right with the world.   To read more, visit:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20080901_Winging_It__Winging_It__Airlines_see_comfort__fun_as_a_plus.html ... View more