Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airlines worked with the City of Dallas to develop a web site (http://www.lovefieldmodernizationprogram.com/) that will keep Customers and Employees updated on the progress being made on the Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP).  The site, which launched yesterday, features an animated tour, aerial layouts, and renderings of the proposed changes, as well as sections about community involvement, green development, and the history of Love Field.     The LFMP will renovate and expand Love Field—including a new centralized concourse with 20 gates, a remodeled lobby, expanded baggage claim area, and a new ticketing wing.  Stay updated on the latest developments with the LFMP by visiting http://www.lovefieldmodernizationprogram.com.   ... View more

January 8, 2010 -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.0 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in December 2009, a 3.0 percent increase from the 5.8 billion RPMs flown in December 2008.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 5.8 percent to 7.8 billion from the December 2008 level of 8.3 billion.  The load factor for the month was 76.2 percent, compared to 69.7 percent for the same period last year.  For December 2009, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the seven percent range as compared to December 2008. For the fourth quarter 2009, Southwest flew 18.2 billion RPMs, compared to 17.3 billion RPMs for the same period in 2008, an increase of 5.3 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 7.7 percent to 23.5 billion from the fourth quarter 2008 level of 25.5 billion.  The fourth quarter 2009 load factor was 77.3 percent, compared to 67.8 percent for the same period last year. For the year ended December 31, 2009, Southwest flew 74.5 billion RPMs, compared to 73.5 billion RPMs for the same period in 2008, an increase of 1.3 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 5.1 percent to 98.0 billion from the 2008 level of 103.3 billion.  The year-to-date load factor was 76.0 percent, compared to 71.2 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

Overall, the best performer in a 2009 Middle Seat scorecard—weighing on-time punctuality, flight cancellations, baggage handling, complaints and bumping—was Southwest Airlines Co. It led its competitors in flights that arrived on schedule, which the DOT defines as no later than 14 minutes beyond scheduled arrival. Southwest also had the lowest rate of customer complaints. to read more, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703882804574642213650828896.html ... View more

DALLAS (AP) - Southwest Airlines Co. raised the ante in the fight for customers in Denver on Monday, as it offered a free trip to Colorado customers who buy a higher-priced business ticket this month. to read more, visit: http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11766565 ... View more

Posted by Bob Garfield  on  01.04.10 The hair is Cuttery, the shoes DSW, the tux is Sym's. We know we look fabulous. The 12th annual Bobby Awards are under way! Or, possibly, is under way! Whatever! Regrettably, in another down year for advertising creative worldwide, 2009 didn't yield exactly a bumper crop of nominees, but those actors and actresses who have been recognized for their performances are worthy, every single one. to read more, visit: http://adage.com/garfield/post?article_id=141254 ... View more

A few years ago, while visiting friends in California, my fiancée bought a wedding dress. A few alterations and six weeks later, I flew back to California to fetch the finished dress and bring it back to Massachusetts. Now, you cannot cram a wedding dress into your suitcase, or even stuff it in the overhead: it has to hang. Upon boarding, I discovered there were no closets. Uh-oh. On any normal plane, this would have been a problem. But this was not any normal plane: it was a Southwest Airlines plane. Hearing of my plight, the pilot took the dress with him up to the cockpit, where it hung safely throughout the flight—and when I changed planes, the pilot on the second flight did exactly the same thing! For this issue, I got to talk with the person largely responsible for the extraordinary culture that led a team of highly trained commercial airliner pilots to serve as my wife’s valet for three thousand miles. to read more, visit: http://www.networkingtimes.com/isolates/page.phtml?article_id=6406214&cid ... View more

Southwest Airlines is celebrating four years of LUV in Denver with a special promotion for Colorado Customers.  Beginning today, Southwest is offering its Colorado Customers a free flight when they book a Business Select fare to/from Denver.  The offer is valid for both new and existing Rapid Rewards Members for travel booked by Jan. 31, 2010, and travel completed by Feb. 28, 2010 (see terms and conditions below).  Colorado Residents who aren’t yet Rapid Rewards Members can join and be automatically registered for the promotion.  Simply enroll in the program via the link below before completing qualifying travel.       To register for the promotion, visit: www.southwest.com/denverfree.  To view a blog post, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/four-years-denver.          “The people of Colorado have been very good to Southwest Airlines over the past four years, so what better way to reward them and celebrate our anniversary than by giving them a free flight after only one Business Select purchase,” said Dave Ridley, Southwest’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management.  “Our Business Select product offers several great perks, including priority boarding, extra Rapid Rewards credit, priority access to Fly ByTM Ticket Counter and Airport Security lanes, and a free drink onboard!  With this offer, we’re throwing in a free flight anywhere Southwest flies for folks in Colorado!”   Southwest’s Business Select fare provides the same flexibility as Southwest’s current Anytime Fare, allows you to be one of the first to board and gives you bonus Rapid Rewards frequent flyer credit, allows you access to Fly ByTM Ticket Counter and Airport Security lanes where available, and is good for one drink onboard.  Business Select Fares are refundable and changeable. It is fast and easy to earn free travel through Rapid Rewards.  Rapid Rewards Members earn credits by flying or using the program’s Preferred Partners.  It takes just eight roundtrips, or 16 credits, to qualify for an Award.  However, Members can accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase, doing business with any of the airline’s other Preferred Partners, or by purchasing Southwest’s Business Select fares when flying.  Plus, once it’s earned, Southwest Airlines allows the Member to transfer the Award to anyone.  The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip. Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on January 3, 2006, with 13 daily nonstop departures to three destinations.  The airline currently operates 113 daily nonstop flights from the Mile High City, making Denver the fastest growing city in the Company’s history.  In May 2010, Southwest will operate 129 daily flights, and by August 2010, Southwest will operate 144 daily nonstop flights from Denver, making Denver the airline’s fifth largest market.   After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers—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 is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serving 68 cities in 35 states.  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.   Terms & Conditions The Rapid Rewards Award is free, but travel is subject to the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per roundtrip.  Only Members whose primary Rapid Rewards address is in Colorado are eligible for this offer.  Offer is non-transferable.  Member must register for this promotion between January 4 and January 31, 2010, to qualify and registration must be completed prior to booking and commencement of travel.  Reservation must be booked between January 4 and January 31, 2010.  Travel must be flown between January 4 and February 28, 2010.  Rapid Rewards account number must be entered at time of booking.  Member will receive 1 (one) promotional roundtrip Award after flying one (1) qualifying Business Select roundtrip to/from Denver, CO.  There is no maximum number of free promotional Awards that may be earned by each eligible Member.  For this offer, a qualifying roundtrip is travel originating in and returning to Denver, CO.  All flights must be booked in Business Select.  Free Award will be deposited into Member's account within four (4) weeks of Member completing qualifying travel.  Free Award will expire on December 31, 2010.  Award expiration date cannot be extended.  Member will continue to earn Rapid Rewards credit on all eligible flights.  Drink Coupon Books will not be issued with Promotional Award.  Travel on Award or Companion Pass does not qualify for promotion.  Promotion cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.  Changes made to the itinerary after purchase may eliminate qualification for this promotion.  Travel good on Southwest Airlines published, scheduled service.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply.  Seats are limited.  Fly By available at participating airports.   www.southwest.com   Media Please Contact: Southwest Airlines Public Relations at (214) 792-4847 ... 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to see the winner, please visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/12/29/153324/64/travel/2009%27s+Most+Improved+Airline+Is... ... View more

Airline passengers need to get to their destination quicker, but they also want to enjoy high-quality customer services. Customer service in the airline industry is extremely important because it fosters customer loyalty. A good flying experience will lead to repeated use; a bad flying experience, not only will lead to loss of loyalty, but most importantly to negative word-of-mouth. In such a competitive marketplace and highly concentrated industry as the airline industry, airlines need loyal customers to sustain a competitive advantage. to read more, visit: http://christinapomoni.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/airlines-with-the-best-customer-service/ ... View more

It was a year many chief executives would like to forget. Sales plummeted, consumers disappeared and profits evaporated. But some corporate chiefs found a silver lining—or at least a new impetus to try things differently. Below, 15 CEOs tell how they managed during the worst downturn in memory—and talk about signs of hope for 2010. to read more, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704541004574600260629473106.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond ... View more

Hey, airlines – want to engender holiday cheer during a Nor’easter? Take a cue from Southwest, who went above and beyond the call of duty during the monster East Coast storm, at least based on my sister’s experience. to read more, visit: http://caroundtheworld.com/2009/12/22/southwest-airlines-storm/ ... View more

By MICHELINE MAYNARD United States airlines have cut back on all but the most basic services in recent years — for most passengers. But for their very best customers, some airlines are providing extra perks and creating new tiers of status to make them feel special. to read more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/business/23elite.html ... View more

After American walked away from its St Louis hub, Southwest came in with additional flights. Now, the onslaught continues. Looks like Southwest is making its move on the Gateway City. Southwest’s May schedule is now out (PDF) and there are some interesting moves. I’ll start with St Louis. The following flights are being added. to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2009/12/17/southwest-continues-its-march-on-st-louis-boosts-baltimore/ ... View more

Just in time for Christmas, a special blog post from our guest, Courtney Shaver of The Container Store. We just can’t contain ourselves!  Today, The Container Store hosted 20 Southwest Airlines volunteers at one of our stores in Dallas to learn how to create a beautiful gift wrap presentation. Our Gift Wrap Stylists shared tips and tricks for how to create crisp corners and perfect bows in a snap in preparation for our FREE Gift Wrapping events at five airports across the country on Monday, Dec. 21st!  We’ll be at Dallas Love Field, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Denver International, Saint Louis Lambert International, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport. To see the details of where we’ll be at these airports, check out http://www.containerstore.com/swa.  Other great gift wrap tips we shared with the Southwest folks?  Be sure to set the stage by finding a hard surface in your home to wrap on, and gather all of your tools before you start: double-sided tape, scissors, ribbon, tissue, and boxes.  Choose gift wrap that features a design that is proportionate in size to the box—small designs for small boxes and large designs for those big packages.  Be sure to keep the personality of the recipient in mind.  Do they love animals?  Sports?  A particular color?  Wrapping their packages with a personal touch lets them know you really care. And remember, if you’re traveling this holiday season and aren’t able to take advantage of our Gift Wrapping events in the airports, be sure you travel with unwrapped presents to allow for a smooth travel experience! As a former Southwest intern and current employee at The Container Store, it’s fun to see our two special and fun companies come together to bring some unexpected cheer to travelers this holiday season.  See you at the airport! Courtney Shaver, The Container Store   ... View more

The North Dallas Chamber of Commerce will present "The Business of Aviation in North Texas," featuring four prominent industry leaders, at a breakfast meeting Thursday at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/columnists/rmiller/stories/DN-p2milller_16bus.ART.State.Edition1.3cf719c.html ... View more

More people are taking to the skies above Boston, despite the sinking fortunes of the air travel industry, thanks largely to increased competition and four carriers that started flying out of Logan International Airport this year. to read more, visit: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/12/18/at_logan_things_are_looking_up/ ... View more

Several airports are offering free gift wrapping service. Travelers are advised to leave gifts unwrapped prior to checking them or taking them through security checkpoints if they want to avoid secondary screening. to read more, visit: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/item.aspx?ak=11905.blog&csp=34&type=blog&utm_campaign=Feed%3a+TP-TodayInTheSky+%28Travel+-+Today+In+the+Sky%29&utm_medium=feed&utm_source=feedburner ... View more

Two important events took place in aviation today – both of which conjored mixed feelings in me.     1. The British High Court declared illegal the potential X-mas strike by British Airways‘ Unite union. The good news is that this promises hassle-free travel for almost a million BA travelers over the holiday period. The downside is that the union is keen on re-grouping to go on strike early next year.     2. It was the last day at work for Paula Berg, the force behind the successful new media brand strategy of Southwest Airlines for the past decade. She’s leaving to move back with the true love of her life – the mountains. So again, a bitter-sweet news. (Watch Paula’s video interview on SWA’s media strategy here) to read more, visit: http://simpliflying.com/2009/68-love-marks-from-southwest-airlines-paula-berg-that-can-help-british-airways-prevent-a-future-strike-by-unite/ ... View more

You know those National Geographic “Best Pictures of the Year” e-mails? You tend to get them around the holiday time, and you’re always inspired to forward them to your mom, your grandma, even your fellow coworkers. It’s one of the few viral emails that’s truly organic, and isn’t annoying like most chain emails. (I’m talking to you, “Forward and your wish will come true!!” emails…) During one of our weekly brainstorms in the “Magic Factory” room (named by Ms. Paula Berg herself), we decided the Southwest Airlines Flickr group needed its own annual awards, by golly! We assembled a taskforce of plane spotters, photo enthusiasts, and other random passers-by, and picked our favorite 20 Flickr photos for 2009. These photos represent what’s great about Southwest Airlines: colorful livery, beautiful cities, happy people, and a general aura of zaniness. Our winners range from professional photographers to Southwest Employees to a Food Technologist! (Not exactly sure what that job is, but it sounds awesome.) Our winners not only get worldwide acclaim and adoration from their fellow peers, but also a roundtrip ticket on Southwest…which we hope will involve some serious picture-taking. Congratulations to all of our winners! If you have an amazing Southwest photo to share, I suggest you add it to our photostream today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nutsaboutsouthwest/ Please visit our Flickr page to see all of the winners and their other wonderful photographs! ... View more

from Sky Talk by Star-Telegram I saw this on WFAA-8 on Monday night but finally have the time to post this funny little video. Apparently, earlier this fall, Air New Zealand challenged Southwest Airlines to see if the Dallas-based carrier could top the Kiwi’s air safety video where its flight attendants have their uniforms painted on their bodies. (Think of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit models a few years ago that wore nothing except a body paint bikini.) to read more, visit: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2009/12/a-naked-herb-kelleher.html ... View more

Wow, they had me at 2 bags fly for free but after my experience with their customer service today they now have me wrapped around their wings!  Southwest Airlines is my carrier of choice! Some back story on why I’m head over heels for Southwest Airlines: to read more, visit: http://jesyisms.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/thank-you-thank-you-thank-you-southwest/ ... View more

We love awards here at Southwest, and lucky for us, we seem to get a lot of them! This latest one was especially meaningful as it was based upon our own Employees' opinions. Glassdoor.com, a jobs web site, collected reviews from employees from various American companies throughout 2009. Well, the results are in, and Southwest landed on top! 11,000 companies were considered, and Employees were asked about such issues as work/life balance, career opportunities, compensation, benefits, and employee morale.  Congrats to all 35,000 Employees across our system for making Southwest THE best place to work! To see a list of the top 50 companies, visit Glassdoor.com. ... View more

Eric Torbenson/Reporter   We got serious blog traffic here when Terry posted all those Air New Zealand ads showing their clothing-less crews with body paint explaining how the airline has nothing (and no fees) to hide. Now Southwest strikes back, with a Herb chaser! to read more, visit: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/12/inappropriate-content-indeed-a.html ... View more

The Southwest Porch in Bryant park has been around this the summer and has provided locals are tourists strolling through that Midtown greens space a place to relax, have a drink and grab a snack inspired by the cities that the airline services. But for three days this week, Southwest has invited Gadling's favorite catalog, SkyMall, to join the party. With Slankets featured on the cover of the Southwest edition of the catalog, SkyMall made sure to bring plenty of the blanket/robe hybrids to keep guests warm and give away to some lucky attendees. And, one of the catalog's most popular character's, the Garden Yeti, was there in a Slanket all his own. to read more, visit: http://www.gadling.com/2009/12/16/southwest-and-skymall-bring-yetis-and-slankets-to-new-york-city/ ... View more

Dec. 16, 2009 — Grab your beach ball, it’s on!  Southwest Airlines brings FUN in the sun to Panama City Beach, Florida!  Flights are on sale today for the much-anticipated May 23, 2010, start of service! The Dallas-based airline will offer a better way to the beach with a total of eight daily nonstop departures: ·         Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Nashville (BNA) – two daily flights ·         Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Houston Hobby (HOU) – two daily flights ·         Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Baltimore/Washington (BWI) – two daily flights ·         Panama City Beach (ECP) to/from Orlando (MCO) – two daily flights Southwest is offering these new flights with fares as low as $49 each way to Orlando and $69 each way to Baltimore/Washington, Houston, and Nashville with a 14-day advance purchase (see fare rules below). For more information on the new service see our blog post: blogsouthwest.com.   "Southwest Airlines is excited to bring to this brand new, top-notch airport an all-jet Boeing 737 fleet, our generous Bags Fly Free service where we don’t charge you extra for your first two checked bags,  and our outstanding Customer Service,” said Bob Montgomery, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Properties.  “We have been eyeing this region for a long time and have been extremely impressed by the amount of passion the community has put behind bringing Southwest Airlines to their hometown.” In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 58 destinations from Panama City Beach, including Dallas and Chicago.  Southwest Airlines will operate from Gate 3 at the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport with approximately 30-35 Employees who will call the region home. When shopping for Southwest online, it’s important to know that Southwest Airlines’ low fares are only available at www.southwest.com. Not only will Customers find Southwest’s great rates online at  www.southwest.com, but the site also hosts Southwest’s Travel Guide where Customers can check out insider travel tips posted by those who frequent the Emerald Coast.     After over 38 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 Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states.  Based in Dallas, Southwest operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.   Fare Rules The $49 each way fare between Panama City Beach and Orlando, and the $69 each way fare between Baltimore/Washington, Nashville, Houston Hobby, and Panama City Beach are available for purchase today (only on www.southwest.com  or swabiz.com) through Dec. 18, 2009, for travel May 23, 2010, through Aug. 13, 2010.  Fares are valid every day of the week. Fares are one-way and do not require an overnight stay. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by 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 segment tax of up to $3.60 per takeoff and landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of up to $5.00 one-way.  Fares are subject to change until ticketed.  Tickets are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk.      Southwest Airlines Media Contact: 214/792-4847 ... View more

Thomson Reuters Wulfhorst, Ellen NEW YORK, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines Co topped the list of the 50 best U.S. places to work, based upon employee opinions, according to research released on Wednesday. to read more, visit: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BF0N320091216 ... View more