Southwest Airlines Community

The top performers in each category of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Air Travel Consumer Report for April 2009 are listed below.  For April 2009, Southwest placed first in Complaints, fifth in Ontime Performance, and eighth in Baggage Handling. April 2009 Complaints (Per 100,000 Custoemrs) 1. Southwest 0.19 2. Pinnacle  0.23 3. Skywest  0.29 4. Comair  0.35 5. ExpressJet 0.38 6. Alaska  0.62 7. Mesa  0.64 8. Frontier  0.78 9. Atlantic Southeast 0.96 10. Continental 1.02 Ontime Performance (Percent) 1. Hawaiian 91.1 2. Pinnacle  86.2 3. Skywest  85.8 4. Alaska  84.3 5. Southwest 84.1 6. Northwest 83.1 7. United  80.7 8. Mesa  80.6 9. US Airways 80.3 10. AirTran  78.3 Baggage Handling (Per 1,000 Customers) 1. AirTran  1.42 2. Hawaiian 1.89 3. Northwest 2.12 4. JetBlue  2.27 5. Frontier  2.48 6. US Airways 2.88 7. Continental 3.06 8. Southwest 3.24 9. Alaska  3.24 10. United  3.35 The Air Travel Consumer Report can be viewed in full online at airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/index.htm. ... View more

by: NBA-Tube Orlando International Airport and Sam Jones welcomes Southwest Airlines B737 “Slam Dunk One” onboard which the Larry O’Brien NBA Trophy arrived in Orlando ahead of the 3rd game of the 2009 NBA Finals. to watch the video, visit: http://nba-tube.com/slam-dunk-one-and-nba-trophy-at-oia-2/ ... View more

by Paul Spiegelman Southwest Airlines is known for its great customer service. In general, the airline industry, like healthcare (unfortunately), is not regarded as the epitome of exceptional service, which is why Southwest stands out. Its unfaltering commitment to service excellence also explains why the airline has been profitable–no matter what the economy–for 35 years. Cynthia Williams Young, Southwest’s senior director of labor relations, was a keynote presenter at The Beryl Institute’s recent Pursuit of Excellence conference in Dallas. The conference was attended by healthcare marketers from across the country and focused on improving customer service in healthcare. Southwest is a great example of how customer service can permeate an organization’s entire culture, no matter how large, diverse, or geographically-dispersed the workforce. to read more, visit: http://blogs.healthleadersmedia.com/marketshare/2009/06/southwest-airlines-customer-service-secrets-healthcare/ ... View more

by Bryan Frank If you just woke up from suspended animation and didn't already know it, the Lakers are doing pretty well this year. Not caring much one way or the other, but always eager to see things for myself, I was happy to be part of the welcoming media out at LAX for the arrival of the NBA trophy. No, I didn't get to go to the game. Plus, this was the middle of last week. Anyway, Southwest Airlines was running the show. They gave us passes to get through the TSA security. I used to work for Duty Free out at LAX and back in the day, the terminals were pretty much wide open. You could just enter the terminal and wait for people to arrive or depart at the gates. Good times. to read more, visit:  http://coolshots.blogspot.com/2009/06/go-lakers.html ... View more

By SUSAN STELLIN Published: June 8, 2009 The Transportation Security Administration is getting ready to take over responsibility from the airlines for checking passengers’ names against terrorist watch lists, and is advising travelers to start booking airline tickets using their full name as it appears on their driver’s license or passport. to learn more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/09/business/09security.html?hpw ... View more

by Sandra McCloud Wow! What a fun event and worthwhile day of hard work! Sand in the City is a sand sculpting contest where teams compete for trophies for the best work. But it's also a fund raising event for different non-profit organizations in the local city that is hosting the contest. Nebraska Children's Home Society was the organization that all the donations were going to in Omaha this year. Southwest Airlines was recruited to participate this year by the man that runs the large beach-fun event, Bert Adams. He flys us all the time and this year he managed to peak our interest enough that we decided to join the fun. to read more, http://sandal-oma.blogspot.com/2009/06/southwest-airlines-and-sand-in-city.html ... View more

The word “destination” has a double meaning in Spanish – it can describe a travel destination or your future. For Southwest Airlines, destination is more than just a word, it is the friend who is watching out for you, your business, and never lets you miss an opportunity. In the spirit of this innovative concept, Southwest Airlines launched today “Mr. Destination,” its summer Hispanic ad campaign that will be featured on television, radio and online. The ads reinforce Southwest’s strength in offering dependable and affordable, worry-free travel. To learn more, visit: http://www.hispanicad.com/cgi-bin/news/newsarticle.cgi?article_id=27205 ... View more

Today, 103 RDU Employees are celebrating Southwest's tenth year of service at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) with a patriotic-themed party.  Employees and Customers will wave American flags high as Southwest donates canned food items and ten roundtrip tickets to the USO (United Service Organizations). “Southwest Airlines is proud to salute our RDU Employees for ten wonderful years,” said RDU Station Leader Greg Golden. “These Employees exemplify the SOUTHWEST SPIRIT every day while serving the people of North Carolina.” SWA is also facilitating “gate games” for red, white, and blue prizes, and hosting a “push-up contest” for Customers to win two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Follow @SouthwestAir on Twitter to find out about the exciting events going on throughout the day. There's also a special, discounted DING! fare for RDU Customers via the fare alert application available at southwest.com. ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.4 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in May 2009, a 3.6 percent decrease from the 6.7 billion RPMs flown in May 2008.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 3.2 percent to 8.6 billion from the May 2008 level of 8.9 billion.  The load factor for the month was 74.6 percent, compared to 74.9 percent for the same period last year.  For May 2009, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have decreased in the nine percent range as compared to May 2008. For the five months ended May 31, 2009, Southwest flew 29.8 billion RPMs, compared to the 30.5 billion RPMs recorded for the same period of 2008, a decrease of 2.2 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 3.4 percent to 41.3 billion from the 2008 level of 42.7 billion.  The year-to-date load factor was 72.3 percent, compared to 71.4 percent for the same period last year.   This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at southwest.com ... View more

Hang up the phone! Yes, that’s right, you can now hang up the phone when you call Southwest Airlines customer representatives. Known for their award-winning customer service, Southwest Airlines has implemented another tool to make your experience with customer service even more enjoyable than before. The airline purchased virtual queuing software from Virtual Hold Technology, LLC, allowing customers to hang up the phone, keep their place in line and get a callback when the next customer service representative is available. to read more, please visit: http://aviation-buzz.com/2009/06/03/hang-up-southwest-airlines-new-customer-representative-virtual-hold-technology/ ... View more

Walt Disney World has finally reached a deal to add Orlando International Airport's busiest airline to its popular Disney's Magical Express shuttle-and-luggage service — at least on a trial basis. Beginning today, Disney and Southwest Airlines will launch a pilot program in which guests staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort and flying on Southwest will be able to check in for their flights and drop off their luggage before departing for OIA. The goal is to eventually expand the service to Southwest passengers staying at other Disney resorts, though a Disney spokeswoman said there is no timetable to do so. "The purpose [of the pilot program] is to see how our systems will work together from a technology standpoint," Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. to learn more, visit: http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2009/06/disney-world-southwest-launch-magical-express-test.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines launched a new advertising campaign today encouraging Customers to continue traveling despite the current economy. The timely campaign inspires consumers to move forward, get back out there, and keep flying to the important events and people in their lives with the tagline “Grab Your Bag. It’s On.”   “The People of Southwest Airlines know good value and great service are vital to our Customers,” said Southwest’s Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution Kevin Krone. “Life must go on even in this tough economic environment, and our campaign invites Customers to enjoy travel this summer.”   Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly , along with Southwest Employees and Customers, are featured in the commercials. The campaign also includes print, radio, online, and in-airport components which are scheduled to run through August 2009. ... View more

Is it a nip, a tuck?  Nope, it’s a full facelift!  Southwest Airlines announces a fresh new look to http://mobile.southwest.com.  To see the new application in action and to view Southwest’s blog post on the mobile site check out: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/proud-be-a-mobile-junkieand-luv-our-new-mobile-site. The mobile site is available among a variety of web enabled devices including the iPhone and Blackberry. “Southwest knows our Customers run their lives via mobile devices and need access to southwest.com in an easy-to-view application,” said Southwest’s Vice President Marketing, Sales, and Distribution Kevin Krone.  “Making a reservation, cancelling a reservation, and checking a Rapid Rewards account are now all possible via a handheld device. This marks our first step in providing a more complete southwest.com experience via a mobile or handheld device." Previously, Southwest mobile Customers had the ability to checkin for flights, cancel reservations, contact Southwest Airlines, and view Southwest’s terms and conditions.  Now, Southwest Airlines mobile Customers can also book a flight, log on to Rapid Rewards, view schedules, and check flight status. “The redesign of the site provides Customers more options at just the touch of the screen or click of a button,” Krone said.  “Mobile devices are a vital part of a traveler’s life, and Southwest will continue to enhance how we are represented on these devices.” ... View more

This past week, HubSpot was in Dallas sponsoring and speaking at the Inbound Marketing Summit. There were many impressive speakers throughout the event, including a presentation by Paula Berg, Manager of Emerging Media at Southwest Airlines. to watch the videos, please visit: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/4803/Managing-Social-Media-and-Encouraging-Employee-Individual ... View more

Pets will now have the “Freedom to Fly” on Southwest Airlines.  Southwest will soon allow Customers to bring along small cats and dogs in the aircraft cabin for a special low “pet fare” of $75 each way.  All pets must be in a carrier that fits under the airplane seat, and the carrier will count as the Customer’s carryon bag.  Customers can begin purchasing tickets for their small cats and dogs on June 1, 2009, for travel beginning June 17, 2009.  For more information and a video on Southwest’s new pet fare, visit www.blogsouthwest.com. “We know from Customer and Employee feedback that our new ‘pet’ Customers will be a welcomed addition to any flight,” said Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO Gary Kelly.  “Our enhanced boarding process has opened the window, allowing us to accommodate small pets comfortably on a Southwest flight – without impacting our efficiency.” The new pet policy is one of several programs and processes that Southwest Airlines is implementing in an effort to enhance the service the Carrier provides, and at the same time, create opportunities for incremental revenue growth.  Read more on these programs and processes in a blog post by Kelly at www.blogsouthwest.com. “These new programs and processes are just the starting point with additional initiatives planned for later this year,” Kelly said.  “It is always our goal to be upfront with our Customers and to set the right Customer expectations.  Our changes today associate a charge for items that are truly an extra service.” Southwest Airlines has long absorbed the additional cost associated with the administrative work and extra care necessary to safely transport Unaccompanied Minors (Customers ages five through 11 traveling without an adult), which represent less than one percent of our Customers.  Southwest will soon implement a $25 each way service charge, in addition to the fare or Rapid Rewards Award ticket, for Customers who are traveling as an Unaccompanied Minor.  The Unaccompanied Minor service charge will apply to tickets purchased June 1, 2009, and later, for travel beginning June 17, 2009. Unaccompanied Minors may only travel on nonstop or direct flights (no change of planes). “We are proud to offer an outstanding service for our young Customers traveling alone but realize that the extra service does come at a cost to the Company,” Kelly said.  “This service charge will help us cover our added costs and still maintain our competitive Low Fare advantage.” Additionally, Southwest will increase its already existing service charge to check a third and overweight bag (weighing 51 to 70 pounds).  Currently, Southwest Customers pay $25 to check a third or overweight bag on the airline.  Customers traveling on or after June 17 will be charged $50 to check a third or overweight bag.  Southwest continues to be one of the only airlines that allows Customers to check their first two bags without a fee. “We continue to allow our Customers to check two bags on Southwest for free, making our baggage policy far and away the most generous in the Industry,” Kelly said.  “The increase in the baggage charge impacts less than one percent of our Customers.” “We continue to allow our Customers to check two bags on Southwest for free, making our baggage policy far and away the most generous in the Industry,” Kelly said.  “The increase in the baggage charge impacts less than one percent of our Customers.” For additional information on Southwest’s Pet; Unaccompanied Minor; and Bag Policies, visit www.southwest.com/pets.  ... View more

Dear Southwest Airlines, How do I love thee? Let me excessively list the ways: In the money saving column, your airline tops the U.S. books. Not only do you offer low prices, but you have the courtesy to ignore this new trend of checked baggage fees, allowing not one, but two free checked bags. For this I love thee. to read more of this ode, visit: http://wanderingsemantically.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/ode-to-southwest-airlines/ ... View more

By BETH KRAMER ekramer@scn1.com GURNEE -- A local fifth-grade class was named regional winner in a national photo contest in Southwest Airlines' Adopt-a-Pilot program. Jennifer Silasiri's class at Woodland Intermediate East submitted a four-minute video showing their "going green" efforts. "It took us quite a while to get the pictures. I just loved doing it," said student Nikki Ramachandrula, 11. The video featured still shots of students demonstrating eco-friendly activities, such as turning off lights, lowering the thermostat and using rags instead of paper towels. It won the class a $500 scholarship for classroom supplies, which the class is still deciding how to spend, Silasiri said. In the Adopt-a-Pilot program, pilots volunteer their time to teach an aviation-related educational program. There are more than 700 pilots volunteering in more than 1,250 classrooms this year. to read more, visit: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/news/1591159,5_1_WA26_PILOT_S1.article ... View more

In celebration of 15 years of service to Orange County (SNA), Southwest is throwing a beach party and celebrating like it's 1994.  Employees and Customers are hangin’ ten with a limbo contest to show just how low Southwest fares can go, a complimentary beach drink called the “OC LUV Splash” will be served, and California residents will have the chance to play the “Golden Ticket” contest for a chance to win a roundtrip ticket on Southwest. “The hard work and dedication of our 112 SNA Employees has made Southwest the Real Airline of the OC,” said SNA Station Manager Larry Pitts. SNA Stats: Southwest began service to SNA on May 26, 1994, with 15 daily flights to OAK and SJC. SNA was the 37th city added in the SWA system.  SWA is the largest carrier out of SNA with more flights per day (46) to more nonstop destinations (seven) than any other carrier, as of May 2009.  During 2008, SWA carried more than 1.25 million Customers from SNA. SWA is the preferred airline for SNA Customers, with a greater market share (30 percent) than any other carrier in 2008. SWA is the Low-Fare Leader out of SNA with an average fare of $90 in 2008, 43 percent lower than all other carriers. ... View more

The Honor Flight Network proudly announces Southwest Airlines as its Official Commercial Airline.  Honor Flight serves the nation’s Veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. to visit the World War II Memorial, free of charge.  Partnering with Southwest Airlines will allow Honor Flight to accomplish its goals more expeditiously because of the airline’s generous, multi-year commitment of complimentary tickets.         “Southwest Airlines Employees are passionate about the Honor Flight mission,” said Linda Rutherford, Vice President of Communications and Strategic Outreach. “Southwest was founded on the value of Freedom, and we are honored to give back to these Veterans who gave so much to preserve the Freedoms we have today."     Honor Flight’s priority is to transport the Veterans of any conflict with a terminal illness who would like to visit their individual memorial and the most senior Veterans, the survivors of WWII.          Southwest Airlines has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for the nation’s Freedoms. The airline is proud to have more than 700 Employees serve in the National Guard and Reserves.  In fact, Southwest Airlines was recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for its commitment and support of the airline’s National Guard and Reserve Employees.    In 2007, Southwest Airlines was named one of the Top 50 Military Friendly Employers. Based in Dallas , Southwest Airlines currently serves 65 cities in 33 states, with service to New York LaGuardia, and Boston Logan starting this summer, and Milwaukee later in the year.       For more information about Honor Flight, go to www.honorflight.org ... View more

Southwest Airlines continues to cement its position as the dominant airline at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Last month Southwest handled 29 percent of all the passengers at the airport, up from 25 percent in April 2008, according to Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority statistics. “Southwest has become the biggest airline at the airport since the days when US Airways dominated,” said William Vanecek, NFTA director of aviation. to read more, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/stories/2009/05/18/daily45.html?ana=from_rss ... View more

As SWA observes Memorial Day on Monday, May 25, Southwest Employees will have a chance to honor those who have fought for our country’s freedom.  Southwest Airlines will be offering all military servicemen and women a complimentary alcoholic beverage or Monster Energy Drink onboard if they show a military I.D.  In addition, as a special tribute, they will be allowed to board after Business Select and deplane first.  ... View more

Southwest Airlines today announced its intent to begin service from Milwaukee ’s Mitchell International Airport (MKE) late this year.  The carrier has not released specific service details, but said it will offer multiple destinations from the airport of choice for business and leisure travelers who work and live across the vibrant and growing region.  The new Southwest service from MKE will commence after already-announced new service to New York LaGuardia (June 28) and Boston Logan (August 16).   “I am certain our more than 90 million annual Customers will be delighted to learn they will now be able to fly Southwest Airlines when their travels take them to Milwaukee.  Likewise, I look forward to bringing our great, low fare service, and the nation’s largest airline network to our new friends in Milwaukee , which will also help better serve the Northern Chicago Area,“ said Gary Kelly , Southwest’s Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, at Southwest Airlines’ Annual Meeting of Shareholders in Dallas .    “As we have previously announced, we essentially slowed our 2009 and 2010 fleet growth to zero.  All of these new market opportunities are made possible without the addition of a single airplane by our continuous flight schedule optimization process,“ he said.   The Company plans to release more details of its future service from Milwaukee in the coming months.  "Southwest's arrival in Milwaukee will stimulate job growth, economic development, and give travelers more options they've been seeking," said Milwaukee Mitchell Airport Director Barry Bateman.  “Southwest is already the dominant airline at Chicago Midway and will provide new service to the growing population of Northern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin, further solidifying Mitchell International as ' Chicago 's Third Airport '.”  ... View more

Don't you hate it when you sit and ponder over whether or not to grab that cheap flight, only to find out the airfare is no longer? Good news for procrastinators: Southwest Airlines has extended their summer airfare sale until 11:59 pm PT on May 21, which means you can take another 24 hours to think about where you want to go this summer. Southwest's summer sale features fares as low as $49 (taxes and fees are extra) each-way for travel through Oct. 28, 2009. This deal is good on Southwest's new routes from New York City and Boston, too. ... View more

The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business in partnership with the American Society for Quality and CFI Group announced the results of their American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)—an annual customer service study—and Southwest Airlines had the best score among all airlines for the 16th consecutive year. “Southwest appears well prepared for today’s economic conditions with its no-frills approach, low fares, and reliable service,” said Claes Fornell, founder of the ACSI and author of The Satisfied Customer: Winners and Losers in the Battle for Buyer Preference.  “The airline has a record of being able to deliver the basics well—getting both passengers and their luggage to the same destination on time.” Southwest received a score of 81, on a zero-to-100 scale. Overall passenger satisfaction with airline service rose three percent earlier this year, the first increase since 2003.  ACSI measures customer satisfaction with the quality of products and services in utilities, transportation and warehousing, information, healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.  For a complete list of measured companies and scores, please visit www.theacsi.org. ... View more

Southwest's Laura Wright was recognized by Institutional Investor magazine as one of America's Best CFOs (in the consumer category for airlines). Click on the following link for more information and to view the list of winners: http://www.iimagazine.com/rankings/rankingsCorpCFOAmerica09.aspx     ... View more

by Ben Spillman He's not as outspoken as Oscar Goodman or as flashy as an Elvis impersonator, but Gary Kelly might be more important than either when it comes to bringing visitors to Las Vegas. Kelly is the CEO of Southwest Airlines, a company that accounted for more than 15.7 million arrivals and departures from McCarran International Airport last year. Not only is Southwest of vital importance to Las Vegas, McCarran is the site of more than 225 daily Southwest departures, more than any other airport, making Las Vegas critically important to Southwest.     Kelly was among several thousand Southwest employees in Las Vegas recently for the company's annual Spirit party on Fremont Street. He spared a few moments to chat with Tourism Insider about Las Vegas tourism, Southwest and the future of McCarran airport. to read more, visit: http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2009/05/18/opinion/columnists/spillman/iq_28701442.txt ... View more

Last night at an unassuming bar in Midtown Manhattan, we ordered up some mozzarella sticks and raised a beer to the first official Guitar Hero showdown between airline Twitter representatives. It was, as you can imagine, a combination of video games, general nerdiness, and hilarity which made the event a success. Appropriately enough, the idea for a Guitar Hero match between the two top Twittering airlines of Jetblue and Southwest Airlines gathered strength at the music and media SXSW festival back in March. Both Jetblue's Morgan Johnston and Southwest's Christi Day were there and discovered that they'd both be in Manhattan in May for yet another conference, so why not pep up the festivities? to read more, visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/19/74851/8589/travel/Guitar+Hero+Showdown%3A+These+Are+Your+Airlines+On+Twitter     ... View more

Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that its Flight Attendants represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 voted to ratify the tentative, four-year contract both parties reached in March 2009. The new contract is active through May 31, 2012. “Our Flight Attendants play such an important role in providing the legendary Service that our Customers have come to expect,” said Gary Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines. “I commend the negotiations Teams for delivering a contract that benefits our outstanding Employees and also demonstrates a commitment to sustain our financial strength in an increasingly tough economy.” TWU Local 556 represents more than 9,700 Southwest Flight Attendants. After nearly 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from 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. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas , Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. ... View more

William J. Booher, Indianapolis Star May 16, 2009 The 16 students in Tiffany Ludlow's fifth-grade class at Southport Presbyterian Christian School got plenty in return when they adopted a Southwest Airlines pilot. "Probably the field trip was the best part. We got to go in the cockpit of the plane," said Megan Poad, 10. On Tuesday, the class toured a jetliner at Indianapolis International Airport, a field trip arranged by Southwest Airlines first officer Rick Childers, 36, a resident of Franklin Township. The tour came after Childers conducted five weekly one-hour sessions for fifth-graders at the school at 7525 McFarland Blvd. in Perry Township under Southwest's Adopt-a-Pilot program. The hands-on sessions emphasize the importance of learning about such subjects as math, science and geography by showing how they apply to being a pilot, Childers said. "I was surprised to see 180 buttons in the cockpit," said Rachel Witsaman, 11, describing the control panel used by the plane's pilot and co-pilot. "It was fun," said Brogan Hagemeier, 11, after the tour. "I learned a lot of new and interesting things about how the plane works, and I followed the machinery for the baggage." Childers showed students the baggage-handling process, including the lengthy belt system to move luggage. Ludlow said Childers had students create paper planes and instructed them on how to throw them into the wind to get them to fly higher. He used a pingpong ball and a hair dryer to show air pressure, she added. "I learned a lot about how the plane gets off the ground, with lift and drag, thrust and gravity," Brogan said. Students applied their knowledge of math by calculating distances between cities on Childers' flight schedule and measuring how the clock time differs among time zones. Childers, a former Continental Airlines pilot, joined Southwest Airlines nearly a year ago. Southport Presbyterian, which is not far from his home, is his first Adopt-a-Pilot effort. Childers said the program is geared toward fifth-graders and was begun by Southwest in 1997. It now includes 750 Southwest pilots who instruct about 35,000 students annually across the nation, with each pilot having leeway on how to present and expand on the established program of four one-hour instruction sessions. Childers added a fifth one-hour session, plus the plane tour, in response to students' interest. The program helps pilots link up with schools near where they live. The airline has an online program for schools that want to participate but do not have a Southwest pilot nearby. "We are more than a customer-service airline, we're a community airline," Childers said, explaining Southwest's commitment to the Adopt-a-Pilot program. ... View more

DALLAS –May 15, 2009 – Southwest Airlines and its Oakland Employees today are celebrating the airline’s 20 th year of service at Oakland International Airport (OAK). “The Southwest Airlines Employees at Oakland International Airport are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of service here,” said Steve Bernhardt , Southwest Airlines' Oakland Station Leader.  "We are committed to serving the Bay Area community and are proud to be the largest carrier at Oakland International Airport .” Oakland (OAK) statistics: Southwest began service in OAK on May 15, 1989, with 14 daily nonstop departures to three cities: Ontario , Phoenix , and San Diego . Oakland was the 28 th station to open its doors in the Southwest Airlines system. Southwest currently offers 119 daily nonstop departures to 20 cities with connecting service to 39 cities. Oakland is Southwest’s eighth-largest operation in terms of daily departures. OAK-based Employees: 2,153 In 2008, Southwest Airlines served nearly eight million passengers at OAK. Southwest is the preferred airline for Oakland Customers, with a greater market share (68 percent) than any other carrier as of the fourth quarter of 2008.             Additionally, Southwest Airlines will be celebrating with its Employees and Customers today with a 1989 themed party. The carrier is totally “stOAKed” to be hosting the celebration at its gates in OAK, complete with decorations and costumes from the 1980s. Southwest Airlines will have an ‘80s karaoke contest for Customers and Employees. The carrier will also facilitate “gate games” where Employees will ask ‘80s trivia questions and Customers will have the chance to win some “totally awesome” ‘80s prizes! Follow @SouthwestAir on Twitter to find out about the exciting events going on throughout the day. ... View more