Southwest Airlines Community

From Ragan TV, Paula Berg, Manager of Emerging Media at Southwest Airlines, describes what the airline tweets about and why, and how the microblog has led to PR success. to watch the video, visit: http://eyeonlaaviation.blogspot.com/2009/07/inside-southwests-approach-to-twitter.html ... View more

Those of you who know me understand that I am nuts about Southwest Airlines. Every chance I get I sing their praises. Tomorrow I will be flying Southwest Airlines to San Antonio where I will be co-presenting the La Salle University case study on educational branding later in the week. Of course I will use that opportunity to mention Southwest Airlines as a best practice in brand building, and its relevance to a college or university brand. No organization gets social networking more than Southwest Airlines, and no one does a better job of championing their brand through social media than Paula Berg, Manager of Emerging Media at Southwest Airlines. Recently I connected with Paula through twitter and asked if she would be a guest blogger and share with us what it means to be a brand champion for Southwest Airlines. to read more, visit: http://www.brandchampionsblog.com/my_weblog/2009/07/brand-champion-of-the-day-paula-berg-manager-of-emerging-media-southwest-airlines.html  ... View more

USA Today picks up our blog post: 106-year-old Virginia woman who had wanted to fly her entire life finally got to take flight last month on Southwest. On its Nuts About Southwest corporate blog, Southwest says Lela Burden got her wish after her nephew bought her a same-day round-trip from Norfolk to Baltimore/Washington and back on Southwest. to read more, visit: http://blogs.usatoday.com/sky/2009/07/birthday-wish-fulfilled-106yearold-woman-takes-first-flight.html ... View more

Southwest has announced that it will finally be ending production of one of the greatest airline dork tools ever invented, the timetable. After the current issue, Southwest timetables will no longer be printed, and that means that there won’t be any printed timetables left anywhere in the US. What a sad day, particularly for a dork like me. The non-dorks probably can’t understand the impact that airline timetables had on my life. They were instrumental in cementing my love for the industry. In fact, when my parents arranged from professional family photos in 1989, I insisted on having this shot taken with my beloved timetables. to see Cranky's amazing photo, and to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2009/07/17/airline-timetables-disappear-airline-dorks-die-a-little-inside/ ... View more

by Michael Bush Our own "twitterer," Christi Day, is interviewed in this AdAge article. Visit http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=137977 to read. ... View more

Which Facebook Pages in the Airlines/Ships/Trains category are best leveraging their Page to help travellers get where they need to go? As summer beckons travelers to different parts of the world, it’s a good time for airlines, cruise lines, and even trains to keep their customers in the loop. According to PageData, there are a total of 1.3 million fans in this category of Facebook Pages with the average fans per page being just under 2,500. Let’s take a look at the leaders: Leading in the category is Southwest Airlines, which has over 70,000 fans to read more, visit: http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/07/16/which-airlines-and-cruise-lines-are-best-leveraging-facebook-pages/   ... View more

Southwest Airlines may have inaugurated service into New York (LaGuardia) in June, but we’re still celebrating this momentous occasion with a special offer—a bonus Rapid Rewards credit each time you fly into or out of New York (LaGuardia) between July 16 and October 31, 2009! That means you can get at least two credits for every one-way flight (four credits when you travel roundtrip) to or from the Big Apple. Remember, when you purchase a Business Select Fare, you already get extra credit. Combine it with this promotion, and your credits will add up even faster! to learn more, visit: https://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/enroll/lgabonus_enroll.html ... View more

Gory Bateson, musician and Southwest Customer, sings his original song, "Southwest Never Broke My Guitar," before his concert trip to Fishkill, Alabama. To see more videos by Gory, visit his YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/nictruj ... View more

WHO:Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer Laura Wright, Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer WHAT:  Upon completion of the question and answer portion of the call dedicated to our audience of investors/analysts, members of the media will be given an opportunity to ask questions of Mr. Kelly and Ms. Wright about the airline’s financial results for the second quarter 2009.    WHERE:  Mr. Kelly and Ms. Wright will be taking media calls from the offices of Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters in Dallas. WHEN:  10:30 AM Central Daylight Time, July 21, 2009 HOW:  Those interested in participating in the News Teleconference should dial (888) 596-2560 up to ten minutes prior to the 10:30 a.m. CST start of the call.  Please ask to be connected to the Southwest Airlines conference call for analysts and news media. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available via the Investor Relations homepage at southwest.com.  A replay of the webcast will also be available on the Events Calendar in the Investor Relations section of the website. ... View more

Created by Kimberlee Sakamoto SAN JOSE (BCN) -- Mineta San Jose International Airport will open six gates Wednesday in the airport's brand new Terminal B, meaning Southwest Airlines passengers may be venturing into unfamiliar territory to catch their flights. The new gates, six of 12 ultimately planned for Terminal B, mark another milestone in a large-scale modernization project that will be done next summer. to read more, visit: http://www.kron4.com/News/ArticleView/tabid/298/smid/1126/ArticleID/2170/reftab/36/t/Gates-in-New-San-Jose-Airport-Terminal-to-Open-Wednesday/Default.aspx ... View more

Corgan Associates, Inc., one of the largest U.S.-based architectural firms focused on planning and design, has been selected as the architect of record for the Love Field Modernization Program (LFMP) that will include a new centralized concourse with 20 gates, a remodeled lobby, expanded baggage claim area and new ticketing wing. Corgan was tasked with increasing efficiency for both travelers and airport operations all while maintaining the convenience that Love Field brings to travelers.  In the new design, the terminal will decrease in size approximately 25 percent by replacing a large amount of unused and outdated space with modern and efficient facilities.  The three original concourses will be demolished and consolidated into one convenient, centrally located concourse for all airlines.  In addition to the new concourse, Corgan will redesign the check-in and baggage claim areas.  The main lobby space will be renovated but will retain the overall structure and volume of the original design.  This portion of the facility is the symbolic heart of the terminal complex and a vital part of the passenger processing operation.  In addition, the LFMP will more than double the amount of available airport concessions – yet another tremendous benefit for Love Field Customers. The LFMP was implemented to renovate and expand Love Field and create a cohesive, modern facility that will serve the needs of Dallas citizens and travelers for many years to come. Southwest Airlines and the City of Dallas worked together to establish the guidelines for the development of the future facility.  Corgan will be responsible for taking these guidelines and turning this 50-year-old terminal into an efficient, modern facility. “We are excited to continue our relationship with the City of Dallas and Southwest Airlines and make their vision a reality by designing a new and revitalized Love Field,” said Corgan Managing Principal, David Lind. “We are architects and planners with deep aviation expertise, working as business partners with airports and airlines to deliver cost-efficient, operations-based solutions.”   Lind continued, “Our team has a sense of ownership of this project because Corgan’s family has been connected with Love Field for more than 50 years, beginning with our work on the original design of the terminal back in 1956.  It is an amazing experience to be able to see a project like this come full circle.” The firm’s long-standing dedication and work on the design of Love Field dates back to 1956 when Jack Corgan and other architects from the firm designed what was then the primary airport for Dallas.  Corgan continued to provide design guidance for the airport through numerous remodels as the airport grew in the 60s and 70s during the emergence of jet aircraft, and even helped to layout recreational facilities in the building in 1974 when Love Field suffered a decline due to the opening of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Bob Montgomery, Vice President of Properties at Southwest Airlines comments, "Corgan was inspired in the original design work for Love Field, which was far ahead of its time.  Now they are bringing all they have learned since then to bear on a completely new passenger experience. They are not only great designers, but great friends as well." The City of Dallas and Southwest Airlines intend to pursue LEED® certification for the redesigned terminal.  If the airport receives this certification it will be one of only a handful of airports which have achieved this goal.  Corgan is identifying different design options in order to make the airport a greener facility including the possibility of utilizing the natural water springs that flow underneath the airport, to provide a cost-efficient water solution for certain operations in the newly designed building. Other green features will include environmentally friendly interior materials and building systems. The LFMP will also include an Art in Public Places program in compliance with the City of Dallas’ goals established for public facilities.  The art program will be used to highlight features of the architecture and to enhance the traveling public’s experience in the facility. Corgan has worked on many of the nation’s largest airports including Miami International Airport and JFK in New York and most recently held a pivotal role as Dallas/Fort Worth's Architect of Record/Design Architect for the new, two-million-square-foot International Terminal D at DFW International Airport.  Other ongoing Corgan aviation projects include the new Terminal B at Sacramento International Airport, Terminals B and C at San Antonio International and the new MHJIT International Terminal at Atlanta Hartsfield. The LFMP demolition will begin in fall of 2009 in order to clear space for new construction, and the first phase of construction is slated for completion in 2012 with the entire project scheduled to wrap up in the fall of 2014.   About Corgan Associates, Inc. From its founding in 1938, Corgan has grown into one of the largest U.S.-based architectural firms focused exclusively on design. Named the firm of the year in 2007 by the Dallas chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and also recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2008 by the Dallas Business Journal, Corgan employs over 300 professionals in its offices in Dallas, New York, Phoenix, Miami, Sacramento, London and Beijing. As its design opportunities have expanded from local to international, Corgan has developed special expertise in corporate, aviation, medical, education and mission critical facility design as well as visualization services including animation effects.  For more information visit Corgan on-line at www.Corgan.com. About Southwest Airlines After nearly 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 recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 66 cities (adding Boston Logan and Milwaukee later this year) 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

And yet another reason to LUV Southwest's Open Seating Policy... by Louise Rafkin, Special to The Chronicle Wedding presents are stacked unopened in the corner of this home overlooking the Presidio; it's been just six weeks since Courtney Townsend, 41, and Stewart Duboff, 52, formally tied the knot. But the first strings of connection started way back in 2003. "Thanks to Southwest Airlines and open seating," jokes Stewart, who sat next to the charismatic Courtney on a plane to Los Angeles for his weekly trip to see his ailing mother. to read more, visit: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/12/LV3V188LO9.DTL ... View more

There’s finally a reason to remain in Midtown when the clock strikes 5PM on weekdays: the new “Southwest Porch” at 40th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan’s Bryant Park.   The venture combines Southwest Airlines, who’s celebrating their first flights out of LaGuardia, with a menu from Tom Colicchio and his two partners in the ‘wichcraft sandwich shops. Sandwiches (2 for $9), cheese, cured meats, and cookies are all served on small plates intended for sharing while the drink menu features 3 mixology-quality cocktails ($9 each), a “Southwest Summer Ale” specially brewed by Blue Point beer, two beers from Six Point ($7/beer), and 2 types each of red and white wine ($8/glass). Surprising value and the backyard chic setting (pillowed Adirondack chairs, porch swings and couches) make it easy to forget you’re a block from Times Square.  Read on for food reviews and all the info on being a part of the summer fun at “The Southwest Porch.” Hungry yet? To read more, visit: http://nycfoodguy.com/2009/07/13/byrant-park-porch/ ... View more

Each week, Bulletproof Blog features exclusive interviews with thought leaders on issues of critical importance to companies and countries. This week, as a follow-up to our conversation with Paul Levy on CEO blogging, we interview the woman behind what may be the best-known corporate blog on the Web – Southwest Airlines’ Linda Rutherford. As Vice President for Communications and Strategic Outreach at Southwest, Ms. Rutherford was one of the creative forces behind “Nuts About Southwest” – which is now the gold standard for how companies can use social media to connect with the broadest array of stakeholders. A corporate communications expert who knows the ins and outs of the blogosphere backwards and forwards, she shared her insights with Bulletproof™: to read more, visit: http://www.bulletproofblog.com/2009/07/13/whats-next-the-bulletproof-interview-southwest-airlines-linda-rutherford-on-the-value-of-corporate-blogs/ ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. ranked best and US Airways Group Inc. ranked next to last for consumer complaints among the 19 top U.S. airlines, according to May data released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Transportation. to read more, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/07/06/daily64.html?ana=from_rss ... View more

Southwest Airlines' headquarters is amazing. It has been three days since I was there and I still don't know if I can do the trip justice. I flew to Dallas on Tuesday to meet with the emerging media and PR team, talk about mommy blogging and just get to know some people. to read more, visit: http://jessicaturnersblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/swa-headquarters-recap.html ... View more

WASHINGTON – U.S. airlines have cut many flights and they are getting better at staying on schedule with their remaining flights, as more trips arrived on time in May than a year earlier. The Transportation Department also said Thursday that fewer flights were canceled and passengers reported fewer cases of mishandled baggage. to read more, visit: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090709/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_brief_airlines_delays ... View more

In June, MSN Money released its third annual Customer Service Hall of Shame and Hall of Fame survey results. Southwest Airlines made the “good list,” coming in at number ten on the Customer Service Hall of Fame.  Other major companies being ranked among the nation’s best companies for customer service include Whole Foods, Costco, Netflix, Nordstrom, Amazon, Apple, and Costco. The Customer Service Hall of Shame and Fame is a collaboration of MSN Money and polling firm Zogby International, which ranked 145 companies based on consumers’ customer service experiences.  Survey respondents were asked if they had experience with each company’s customer service and, if so, to rate it “excellent,” “good,” “fair” or “poor.” Companies were ranked based on the percentage of opinion responses that were “poor.”  The survey was taken in late April 2009. For full rankings and survey results, visit http://money.msn.com. ... View more

Book a vacation package with Southwest Airlines Vacations during the month of July and get $75 off your stay at Westin and Sheraton hotels in Las Vegas, Orlando, Phoenix and San Diego and other popular cities. to read more, visit: http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2009/07/southwest-airlines-vacations-coupon-codes-for-westin-sheraton-hotels.html#more ... View more

Aviation industry blogger/podcaster Dan Webb recently sat down with Southwest Airlines' CEO Gary Kelly while both were in Philadelphia for last month’s Amercian Association of Airport Executives Conference and Exposition.  The interview provides a quick snapshot of Gary’s thoughts on some important industry and Company issues. How the recession is affecting business travel The volatility of fuel prices and fuel hedging efforts The “Grab Your Bag. It’s On.” ad campaign Changing from “one size fits all” to providing more choices for Customers To listen to this informative conversation, visit http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thingsinthesky/2009/06/22/interviewing-southwest-ceo-gary-kelly/ and click on the link to the podcast within the story.  ... View more

Southwest Airlines ranked number one for 'Best Low Cost Carrier.' Southwest Airlines ranked number one for 'Best Customer Service - Domestic.' Southwest Airlines ranked number two for 'Best Domestic Airline.' to read more, visit: http://www.executivetravelmagazine.com/page/2008+Leading+Edge+Awards ... View more

by Dan Pimentel This is the second in a series I'm calling "Av8rdan Asks", in which I lob softballs underhand at some of the people in various aviation professions. Ever since we pilots have been tots, at one time or another, we've all answered "Airline Pilot" when asked what we wanted to do when we grew up. As little kids, we would eye the flight deck of those gorgeous 707s with a gleam in our eyes, dreaming of wearing the uniform, complete with REAL wings, not the cheesy plastic ones the FA gave us when we flew in back with mommy and daddy. to read the interview, click here: http://www.av8rdan.com/2009/07/left-seat-big-hardware-glamour-job.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines announced today one of the biggest fare sales in the Company’s history. Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $30, $60, or $90 based on length of travel. For travel up to 400 miles, fares are $30 one-way. For travel between 400 and 750 miles, fares are $60 one-way. For travel more than 750 miles, fares are $90 one-way. These fares are available through 11:59 pm PST July 8, 2009, for travel beginning Sept. 9, 2009, through Nov. 18, 2009. To see the list of markets, prices, and to take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com. “Southwest Airlines realizes Customers are looking for great travel deals during this difficult economic time,” said Kevin Krone, Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. “We wanted to provide Customers affordable airfare so they can punch this economy in the nose and travel for business or leisure this fall.” Examples of these low fares include (see Fare Rules below): ·         $30 one-way between Baltimore/Washington and New York LaGuardia ·         $60 one-way between Las Vegas and Oakland ·         $90 one-way between Chicago Midway and Houston Hobby After 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. The first two checked bags fly for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary! Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.  Southwest offers all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 66 cities in 33 states with service to Boston Logan starting Aug. 16 and service to Milwaukee starting Nov. 1. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. FARE RULES Fares are available on www.southwest.com or www.swabiz.com. Southwest Airlines sale fares are available from July 7, 2009, through 11:59 PST July 8, 2009. Travel must take place between Sept. 9, 2009, and Nov. 18, 2009. Travel valid everyday except Fridays and Sundays. Sale fares slightly higher on other days of the week. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.60 per takeoff and 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.  Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or to all destinations.  Fares are available for one-way travel. 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. Reservations made through southwestvacations.com are not eligible for this promotion. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime Fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Fares are valid on published, scheduled service only.    ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.7 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in June 2009, a 2.1 percent decrease from the 6.9 billion RPMs flown in June 2008.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 3.8 percent to 8.5 billion from the June 2008 level of 8.8 billion.  The load factor for the month was 79.5 percent, compared to 78.2 percent for the same period last year.  For June 2009, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have decreased in the nine to ten percent range as compared to June 2008. For the second quarter 2009, Southwest flew 19.7 billion RPMs, compared to the 19.8 billion RPMs recorded for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 0.6 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 3.0 percent to 25.6 billion from the second quarter 2008 level of 26.3 billion.  The second quarter 2009 load factor was 77.0 percent, compared to 75.2 percent for the same period last year.   For the first half of 2009, Southwest flew 36.6 billion RPMs, compared to the 37.4 billion RPMs recorded for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 2.2 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 3.5 percent to 49.7 billion from the 2008 level of 51.5 billion.  The year-to-date load factor was 73.6 percent, compared to 72.6 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

to listen, visit: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=106290865 ... View more

Usually when Southwest Airlines Co. enters a new market, its first step is to build up a customer base. That’s not necessary in Milwaukee, said Daryl Krause, Southwest senior vice president, customer services. “There’s an established market base there, with the kind of collapse of Midwest (Airlines),” he said. “We feel like we have a low-fare product to offer where we have an established market. We don’t have to go in and build it.” to read more, visit: http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/07/06/story3.html?b=1246852800^1855221 ... View more

Last week, Southwest’s big news was that it began service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport. For me, the interesting piece wasn’t in the air but rather on the ground. Southwest has introduced a pretty interesting looking ticket counter. Take a look. [asset|aid=688|format=post_small_image|formatter=imagecache|title=lga tkt cool aid.jpg|align=left|height=100|width=100] to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2009/07/06/southwest-introduces-unique-ticket-counter-at-laguardia/   ... View more

In the final installment of our series on our time on Southwest, we explore the process onboard. Southwest is known for its friendly and enthusiastic in-flight crew. [asset|aid=687|format=post_small_image|formatter=imagecache|title=fa flight wisdom.jpg|align=left|height=100|width=100]The flight crew was very cooperative with our obsessive picture taking. The flight itself was uneventful. We had a free seat next to us, which allowed us to spread out and enjoy ourselves. to read more, visit: http://blog.flightwisdom.com/2009/07/05/onboard-southwest/ ... View more

by Terry Maxon In the 2004 movie "Sideways," we had this exchange between the main character, Miles, and his friend, Jack, as they were preparing to meet their dates: Jack: "If they want to drink Merlot, we're drinking Merlot." Miles: "No, if anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving. I am not drinking any [expletive] Merlot!" Well, let's keep Miles off flights of Southwest Airlines, which announced Wednesday that it will stock two new wines on its airplanes, Coastal Ridge Merlot and Coastal Ridge Chardonnay. to read more, visit: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/southwest-airlines-touts-new-o.html     ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. has added two new wine brands on its flights, a spokeswoman for the company said Wednesday. While the addition of two new brands -- a Coastal Ridge Chardonnay and a Coastal Ridge Merlot produced by California's Bronco Wine Co. -- will not necessarily add new revenue to the airline since they're replacing existing brands and are still priced at $5 per glass, the new brands are part of an ongoing Southwest initiative to research customers' desires and to use that data to enhance the flying experience, Ashley Rogers, a spokeswoman for Dallas-based Southwest (NYSE:LUV) said Wednesday. to read more, visit: http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/06/29/daily48.html ... View more