Southwest Airlines Community

Earlier this month, Southwest Airlines initiated RNP operations following a $175 million investment that will eventually see its entire fleet flying with RNP by the end of 2013. For the first part of the transition of its fleet to RNP operations, Southwest is changing the pilot's view from the flight deck of its 737-700s. RNP or  Required Navigation Performance allows aircraft to fly more precise tailored paths between two points, enabling faster routes to cut flight times, noise, fuel consumption and carbon emissions. to read more, visit: http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/flightblogger/2010/04/a-closer-look-inside-southwest.html ... View more

DALLAS - It all starts with a stomp, clap, stomp, clap, as David Holmes belts out his classic rap as part his pre-flight security announcement on Southwest Airlines. "My favorite though, is when people, they're all ready to not pay attention and suddenly, you see a head going up like, what, what's going on here." Holmes says. "I want to listen to this." to read more, visit:  http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-rapping-flight-attendant-one-year-later-story,0,7699295.story ... View more

I have received an enthusiastic response to my article written late last week, about why the social “we”b is about the real-world relationships, just as much as it is about online interaction. In that, I recollected how the best side-effect of Twitter has been the number of highly talented individuals I’ve been able to meet around the world. I’ve got a bunch of emails, tweets and comments over the last couple of days asking me how this observation applies to airlines. Firstly, let me address why airlines need to have real-world interaction with their online “fans”. to read more, visit: http://simpliflying.com/2010/8-ways-airlines-can-foster-real-world-interaction-to-complement-their-social-media-strategy-and-how-8-airlines-do-it/ ... View more

For the second year in a row, Southwest Airlines is the top-rated brand among the nation’s small- and midsize-business owners and top executives. Read more: Southwest Airlines flies above other brands - St. Louis Business Journal: http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2010/04/12/daily8.html?i=high_tech&s=industry   ... View more

Zappos.com, Southwest Airlines, and Staples share their approach to Twitter as a valuable customer service channel. to read more, visit: http://www.1to1media.com/view.aspx?docid=32286&utm_source=1to1%20Magazine%27s%20Weekly%20Digest&utm_medium=H&utm_campaign=04-12-2010-3119 ... View more

Posted on April 12th, 2010 by Harriet Baskas Here’s some fun stuff to look at airports on either side of the country: At Oregon’s Portland International Airport the Junk to Funk exhibit features couture fashion made from recycled and reused materials – and trash. to read more, visit: http://stuckattheairport.com/2010/04/12/tidbits-for-travelers-junk-to-funk-at-pdx-dillinger-at-bwi/ ... View more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Airlines and airline passengers are discovering that less can be better. Fewer flights and fewer fliers have translated into better performance. For the second consecutive year, the performance of the nation's leading carriers improved, according to the 20th annual national Airline Quality Rating (http://aqr.aero). It was the third best overall score in the 19 years researchers have tracked the performance of airlines. Released during a news conference at the National Press Club today (Monday, April 12), the rankings show that of the 17 carriers rated in both 2008 and 2009, all but Alaska Airlines had improved Airline Quality Rating scores for 2009. The Airline Quality Rating is a joint research project funded as part of faculty research activities at Purdue University and Wichita State University. The industry improved in three of the four major elements of the AQR: on-time performance, baggage handling and customer complaints. Denied boardings is the only element where the performance declined.   to read more, visit: http://aqr.aero ... View more

Grab your popcorn, it's on. Today I couldn't be more excited to announce that Southwest is the official airline of the Dallas International Film Festival (DIFF). It makes perfect sense for the LUV airline to represent our hometown and the arts, and what a fabulous year to be a part of one of the fastest growing film festivals in the world. Named by Movie Maker Magazine as one of the “25 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee,” DIFF brings in a variety of films, panels, directors, and actors, and it's supported by the nationally recognized Dallas Film Society. The festival will run at various locations April 8-18th, so if you happen to be in the Dallas area, I'd encourage you to stop by the Southwest Airlines Box Office (located at the Hotel Palomar retail space next to Trader Vics at 5330 E. Mockingbird Lane) and see one of these films--many of them are making their world premier here in Dallas. And if you're not a popcorn fan, don't worry, the water, peanuts, and pretzels you'll find at all the screenings are on us.  Visit dallasfilm.org or follow @DallasIFF on Twitter to learn more.  ... View more

As the official airline of the Dallas International Film Festival, we wanted to share this special screening with our DFW-area folks happening tonight. Check dallasfilm.org for more information!  You are invited to join us for a very special screening of Waiting for Forever.   Tonight, Sunday April 11 at 10:30 PM, we will host director James Keach and his latest film Waiting for Forever.   Complimentary tickets to this screening will be available at the DIFF box office located at the Magnolia Theater. Mention this email to receive your tickets.   Screening Begins at 10:30 PM immediately followed by a Q&A. Michael Cain to moderate. James Keach and Trevor Albert in attendance.   Magnolia Theater - West Village   3699 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204  Waiting for Forever Directed By: James Keach (producer/Walk the Line) Produced By: Trevor Albert (producer/Groundhog Day) Special Presentations (USA, 2009, 94 mins)    ... View more

SEGUIN — When Gary Kelly first encountered Southwest Airlines, he was not optimistic about its chances for success. “My very first flight was on Southwest Airlines,” recalled Kelly who at that time was a 17-year-old high school senior who had been a standout in football and was being recruited to play college ball. The year was 1972, and Southwest was only about a year old when Kelly flew from San Antonio to Houston for a visit to Rice University. to read more, visit: http://www.seguingazette.com/story.lasso?ewcd=5e9f76951f0310ef ... View more

By Scott McCartney Travelers got hooked on Southwest Airlines double frequent-flier program credits years back when the airline was trying to get customers in the habit of booking reservations online at its Web site. (Remember those pre-Web days?) to read more, visit: http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2010/04/07/frequent-flier-bonanza-southwest-offers-double-credits/ ... View more

To watch a video of our newest city destination, check out: http://www.khou.com/great-day/gdh_040510_seg5-89920642.html ... View more

Fly Just Four Roundtrip Flights and Earn a Free* Roundtrip Ticket Anywhere Southwest Serves   DALLAS—April 7, 2010— Southwest Airlines is introducing “Double Credit Days” rewarding frequent flyers with one bonus Rapid Rewards credit on every flight, anywhere Southwest flies.  Therefore, Rapid Rewards Members can earn free travel on Southwest by taking just four roundtrip flights from any city that Southwest serves.  Members who purchase a Business Select fare will receive 2.25 for short-haul flights and 3.0 credits for long-haul flights, making it even faster to earn an Award.  To qualify, Members must register, book their flights, and travel beginning. today through May 26, 2010.  To register for the promotion and see complete details, visit: http://luv.southwest.com/servlet/formlink/f?kOHpjQSYDD.  To view a blog post, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-airlines-presents-double-credit-days. To enroll in Rapid Rewards and become automatically registered for this promotion, visit www.southwest.com/rrenroll/rrdoublecredit.    “It’s going to be hard to find a better deal out there anywhere – this is one you won’t want to miss,” said Southwest’s Director of Customer Loyalty Ryan Green. “We’re thanking our Members for their loyalty and inviting new Customers to fly Southwest with an even faster and easier way to earn free travel.”     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. 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, with all leather seats, all Boeing 737 jets.  Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serving 68 cities in 35 states (Southwest will launch service to Panama City Beach, FL on May 23, 2010).  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. Terms and 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.  Travel good on Southwest Airlines published, scheduled service. One additional credit per one-way will be issued for all fares, except Business Select.  Business Select Customers will receive 2.25 credits for flights less than 750 miles and 3.0 credits for flights 750 miles or more.  Member must register for this promotion between April 7, 2010, and May 26, 2010, to qualify, and registration must be completed prior to commencement of travel.  Valid on new reservations only.  Reservation must be booked between April 7, 2010, and May 26, 2010.  Qualifying travel must be completed between April 7, 2010 and May 26, 2010.  Rapid Rewards account number must be entered at the time of booking.  Members will receive one bonus credit per qualifying one-way flight.  Travel on an Award or Companion Pass does not qualify for promotion.  Bonus flight credits do not count toward A-List qualification.  Rapid Rewards credit will post to your account within four days of completing travel.  Changes made to the itinerary after purchase may eliminate qualification for this promotion.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. www.southwest.com Media Please Contact: Southwest Airlines Public Relations at (214) 792-4847 ... View more

By Helen Anders Southwest Airlines just announced that when you book now through May 26 and fly now through May 26, you’ll earn double Rapid Rewards credits each way. People who pay extra for Business Select will get an extra 1/4 credit. (I still don’t understand the value of Business Select in a non-reserved plane. Somebody who uses it please explain.) The promo could get you to a free ticket faster. Typically you need eight round trips within a year to earn a free ticket. If you fly four round trips in the next six weeks (business travelers?) you’ll have a free ticket. to read more, visit:  http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/austin/andersmeanders/entries/2010/04/07/southwest_offers_double_credit.html?cxntfid=blogs_anders_meanders ... View more

DALLAS, TEXAS – April 7, 2010 -- Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.7 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in March 2010, an increase of 0.4 percent from the RPMs flown in March 2009.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 4.2 percent to 8.2 billion from the March 2009 level of 8.6 billion.  The load factor for the month was 81.0 percent, compared to 77.3 percent for the same period last year.  For March 2010, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the 22 percent range as compared to March 2009.               For the first quarter 2010, Southwest flew 17.2 billion RPMs, compared to 16.9 billion RPMs flown for the same period in 2009, an increase of 1.6 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 6.4 percent to 22.6 billion from the first quarter 2009 level of 24.2 billion.  The first quarter 2010 load factor was 75.9 percent, compared to 69.9 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

The alarm went off at 5:30 a.m. Her husband didn’t have to get up until quarter of seven, so Linda Rutherford tiptoed to the shower and dressed as silently as she could. She left at 6:30, parked and took a shuttle to Love Field. But when she got to the gate, she discovered everyone sitting comfortably rather than boarding the 7:55 a.m. flight for Lubbock. Fog happens. Even for the vice president of communications and strategic outreach for Southwest Airlines and College of Mass Communications alumna. Rutherford flew back to her alma mater to talk about communicating in the rapidly changing media landscape.   to read more, visit: http://today.ttu.edu/2010/04/southwest-airlines-social-media-maven/ ... View more

Southwest, on the other hand, is capitalizing on their successful "bags fly free" campaign. Although I'm not a huge fan of their whimsical approach to flight (I would prefer to pass on flight attendants telling jokes when we're 40,000 feet off of the ground), they have been able to run with it. to read more, visit: http://www.fastcompany.com/1606733/southwest-airlines-versus-subway-a-case-study-in-advertising ... View more

DALLAS — April 5, 2010 — Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO recently announced several changes to the Company’s Senior Leadership Team.  “I am pleased to offer new opportunities to a number of our top Senior Leadership performers, many of whom have been with Southwest for years and have, literally, come up through the ranks,” said Kelly. “Being a Leader here at Southwest means your People are your priority. Our Employees come first, and these Leaders exemplify this quality in everything they set out to do.” •    Vice President Ground Operations Teresa Laraba has been promoted to Senior Vice President Customer Services, reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven.  In this role, Teresa will oversee several departments devoted to improving how Customers view our product delivery including Customer Support and Services, Customer Relations, and the Customer Service Agents at the airports Southwest serves. Starting as a part-time Customer Service Agent in El Paso, Teresa has been with Southwest for 25 years. •    Vice President Inflight Services Mike Hafner has been promoted to Vice President Inflight and Provisioning, reporting to Senior Vice President Operations Greg Wells. With the addition of Provisioning, Mike is responsible for a work group totaling more than 10,700 Employees. In this role, Mike will oversee the cabin experience for Customers once they step onboard our planes. Mike started as a Ramp Agent and has been with Southwest for 30 years. •    Vice President Financial Planning Tammy Romo has been promoted to Senior Vice President Planning, reporting to Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning Bob Jordan.  Tammy is responsible for Financial Planning, Revenue and Profitability Analysis, Strategic Planning, and Change Leadership. Tammy has been with Southwest for 18 years. •    Senior Director Governmental Affairs Karen Judd Lewis has been promoted to Vice President Governmental Affairs, reporting to Executive Vice President Corporate Services and Corporate Secretary Ron Ricks.  Karen has been with the carrier for four years. Prior to joining Southwest, she was a partner in the Washington, DC law firm of Williams & Jensen, PLLC, for several years. While at the law firm, Karen’s practice encompassed a broad spectrum of issues from transportation to women’s health. After more than 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 of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states (with additional service to Panama City Beach, Fla., in May). Based in Dallas, Southwest operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. Southwest Airlines Media Contact: 214/792-4847 www.southwest.com ... View more

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today celebrates 30 years of service in Albuquerque.  To commemorate the anniversary, Southwest will throw a “Red vs. Green”-themed celebration with its Employees and Customers at Albuquerque’s International Sunport Airport – to celebrate the official New Mexico question-with music, decorations, games, and prizes.  To read more about the event and the relationship between The Duke City and Low Fare pioneer, Southwest, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/albuquerque-and-southwest-airlines-together-30-years “For 30 years, Southwest Airlines has been bringing low fares and Legendary Customer Service to Albuquerque,” said Debbie Robinson, Southwest’ Station Director.  “I’m extremely proud and honored to work alongside the best Employees in the industry to give the good people of Albuquerque the Freedom to fly.”    “We appreciate the 30-year partnership we’ve enjoyed with Southwest Airlines,” says Airport Director Jim Hinde.  “Southwest has always been committed to providing excellent service along with being a great community partner.  We look forward to another 30 years and continued growth in Albuquerque.”   Southwest Employees are also celebrating the 30th Anniversary in Albuquerque by holding a canned food drive to benefit the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico.  Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico has been serving New Mexico’s hungry since 1980 and is the leader in creating solutions to end hunger in New Mexico.  Since its inception thirty years ago, Roadrunner Food Bank has distributed more than 200 million pounds of food.  For more information, please visit:  http://www.rrfb.org/   The airline’s Employees proudly Share the Spirit through volunteering in the communities where they work and live. Southwest began service from Albuquerque's International Sunport on April 3, 1980, adding a 14th city in the Southwest System.  Today, Southwest operates 52 daily nonstop departures to 20 destinations and additional direct or connecting service to 47 cities. After 38 years of service, Southwest Airlines 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, with all leather seats, and all Boeing 737 jets.  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.   www.southwest.com Media Please Contact:   Public Relations at 214/792-4847 ... View more

April Fools’ Day brings out the best in those companies that have a sense of humor. This year, the usual suspects played tricks on all of us in the airline industry. to read more, visit: http://industry.bnet.com/travel/10005553/even-april-fools-cant-stop-southwest-from-talking-about-bag-fees/ ... View more

BALTIMORE, MD –Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has teamed-up with the National Museum of Crime & Punishment to host one of America’s most notorious historical artifacts: the getaway car owned by mastermind-bank robber—John Dillinger. The 1933 Essex Terraplane is now on display in Southwest Airlines’ newly renovated Terminal A at BWI for travelers to observe upon departing and arriving in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. region. "BWI Marshall Airport is pleased to display an example of American history from one of Washington's most entertaining and informative museums," said Paul J. Wiedefeld, Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration.  "The National Museum of Crime and Punishment is a great resource for both local residents and visitors to our Nation's Capital." Dillinger was an infamous bank robber during the early years of the Great Depression. His criminal activities and the hunt for his arrest not only captivated the country through sensationalist media, but also led to the formal creation of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Dillinger purchased the Essex in March 1934 from the Potthoff Brothers Motor Company in St. Paul, Minnesota, and used it until April 7, 1934 when he and his brother, Hubert, crashed the car in a farm field. On March 31, 1934 at Lincoln Court Apartments in St. Paul, Dillinger and his girlfriend, Evelyn Frechette, escaped a shootout with the police. Dillinger took a bullet in his left leg and two slugs can still be seen from the front cowl panel of the Essex. Dillinger was finally caught, and killed by, police at a theater in Chicago in July 1934. In 2009, actor Johnny Depp immortalized Dillinger in the Universal movie, Public Enemies. “Dillinger’s getaway car has been a great addition to Southwest’s ticket counter area here at BWI Marshall,” said Reggie Barnes, Southwest Airlines BWI Station Manager. “Both Customers and Employees have enjoyed this unique piece of American history.” The getaway car will remain on display at Southwest’s Terminal A through early 2011. About Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport BWI Marshall Airport is owned and operated by the Maryland Aviation Administration, an agency of the Maryland Department of Transportation.  The Airport is a major economic engine for the State of Maryland, creating and supporting 99,000 regional jobs and more than $5 billion in business revenue. BWI Marshall is the 24th busiest airport in the United States, with more than 20 million passengers per year.  Air service at BWI Marshall includes more than 600 daily commercial flights and nonstop service to 67 domestic and international destinations.   About Southwest Airlines After more than 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 of originating domestic passengers boarded, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states (with additional service to Panama City Beach, Fla., in May). Based in Dallas, Southwest operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. About the National Museum of Crime & Punishment NMCP’s mission is to provide guests of all ages with a memorable insight into the issues of crime, crime fighting, and the consequences of committing a crime in America through a captivating interactive, entertaining and educational experience. The museum is located on 7th Street NW between E and F Streets in downtown Washington, D.C. at the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro (Arena exit). For more information, visit www.crimemuseum.org ... View more

Next week Southwest Airlines Co. changes the way it flies, a major milestone in the push to modernize the nation's air travel system. For passengers, the last 20 minutes of a flight may feel more graceful as planes glide in without revving up engines repeatedly. On April 6, the airline will change out the cockpit software in two-thirds of its fleet, giving pilots different instruments and a new look to displays. The radical upgrade, which took three years of preparation and required retraining 6,000 pilots, will enable Southwest to fly precise satellite-based navigation approaches to airports. That should save fuel, cut noise and reduce delays. to read more, visit: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303338304575155813404043090.html?mod=vocus ... View more

It's time to drop the coffee getting intern stereotype and look at these Top 10 internship programs for College Students. An internship at one of these companies will be fun, knowledgeable and career building. It is a great way to gain experience and determine if you are interested in a certain career, receive on-the-job training and get paid for it at the same time. The Typical College Internship program last 8-12 weeks during the summer months. to read more, visit: http://www.campusgrotto.com/best-college-internship-programs.html ... View more

By Bob Thaxton The Gazette-Enterprise      SEGUIN — “Success Outside the Box” will be the topic when Gary Kelly, chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines, speaks at a special event luncheon hosted by the Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, April 7, at the Seguin Coliseum. to read more, visit:  http://seguingazette.com/story.lasso?ewcd=526022e4cf5dbfae ... View more

For the third straight year, Southwest Airlines Co. carried more passengers than any other U.S. carrier, while American Airlines Inc. carried the most international passengers, the government said Monday. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-airtraffic_30bus.ART.State.Edition1.4024435.html ... View more

An extensive package of stories about Milwaukee is featured in the latest issue of Spirit, the inflight magazine of Southwest Airlines. The Dallas-based airline, the country’s largest discount carrier, launched service at Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport in November 2009. to read more, visit: http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/blog/2010/03/southwest_inflight_pub_touts_milwaukee.html?surround=lfn ... View more

(CNN) -- Forget dreamy clouds and joyful airport reunions. The latest airline commercials have two of the country's most popular low-cost carriers poking fun at each other with the help of topless men and mooing passengers. First, let's meet the contenders. In one corner, we have Southwest Airlines, customer satisfaction champ and financial success story even in the midst of some very tough times for the industry. to read more, visit: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/29/southwest.vs.airtran.ads/index.html?eref=ib_travel ... View more

WEST BAY — Overall construction of the new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is now 93 percent complete as workers rush to meet a May 23 grand opening date, officials said last week. “Everything is on schedule and looking good,” said Jeff Dealy of KBR, program manager for the $318 million airport relocation project. “It’s all coming together in April.” to read more, visit: http://www.newsherald.com/news/schedule-82612-airport-together.html ... View more

Following Southwest's Air Cargo Excellence award at IATA's World Cargo Symposium in Vancouver, the airline has now been similarly recognized by two industry associations. to read more, visit: http://www.aircargoworld.com/index.php/News/Southwest-does-it-again-twice ... View more