Southwest Airlines Community

By Jena McGregor Keeping Consumers Happy Our fourth annual customer service awards are a mix of repeat stars and first-timers who know how to treat consumers right. Our new No. 1, L.L. Bean, leapt from 24th to first place as recession-weary customers relished its lenient returns policy, inexpensive outdoor gear and clothing, and the fast responses from its Maine call centers. Other newcomers include bookseller Barnes & Noble, the Panera Bread chain, and regional banker BB&T, which stands for Branch Banking & Trust. Click through the slide show of our winners to see the rest. to read more, visit: http://images.businessweek.com/ss/10/02/0218_customer_service_champs/index.htm ... View more

If ever there was a case for the benefits of competition, it is Southwest Airlines' announcement this week that it will offer daily flights from Philadelphia to Boston. to read more, visit: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20100219_Editorial__Grab_your_bags.html ... View more

Business Week, in partnership with The Hay Group, has released the results from the Best Companies for Leadership Survey.  On the 2009 Top 20 Best Companies for Leadership list, Southwest Airlines ranked #2.  The entire report can be found online at http://www.businessweek.com/careers/special_reports/20100216best_companies_for_leadership.htm.  While at the site, be sure to read about How Companies Develop Great Leaders, Leadership Trends for 2010, Methodology for the Survey, and more. ... View more

It may be a snow day for most of us in North Texas but not for the web folks at Southwest.com. The Dallas-based carrier announced Friday that it has launched a new redesigned Web site at www.southwest.com. to read more, visit:  http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2010/02/southwest-launches-redesigned-web-site.html ... View more

Before Southwest Airlines said yesterday that it would start flying between Boston and Philadelphia in June, air travelers on the route didn’t have a lot of choices - or cheap tickets. The only airline that flies nonstop from Logan International Airport to the City of Brotherly Love is US Airways, which on its website yesterday was charging $1,100 round-trip, with advance purchase, on its 15 daily, nonstop departures. to read more, visit: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/02/17/hub_gets_low_fare_option_to_philly/ ... View more

Southwest Airlines' flight attendants union turned 35 this week. And to commemorate the Transport Workers Union Local 556 formation, the union sent out a press release looking at then and now. to read more, visit: http://startelegram.typepad.com/sky_talk/2010/02/the-union-that-took-on-the-hot-pants-uniform-turns-35.html ... View more

SnowmaggedonJust as airports were getting back on schedule, another snowstorm is set to dump even more snow today and Wednesday, canceling flights and causing delays across the country. Residents of the mid-Atlantic states are still digging out of the three feet of snow that fell over the weekend. to read more, visit:  http://www.petergreenberg.com/2010/02/09/snowmaggedon-travel-interrupted-as-mid-atlantic-midwest-brace-for-major-storms/ ... View more

Bark Buckle UP -- the recognized leader and experts for pet travel safety -- awarded the Pet Safe Choice Awards at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show. to read more, visit: http://www.barkbuckleup.com/PressReleaseDetail.asp?PressID=179 ... View more

by Leslie Voigt-Kenfield  As someone who spends a lot of time traveling for work I am no stranger to the world of airports and airlines. We all know that the airline industry has taken some big hits in the last few years. They’ve downsized their fleet, staff and crew and upsized the charges for luggage and even seat selection. But no matter what it’s still the main mode of transportation for me. Just ask the TSA agents and airline folks at my home base airport, they know me by name. to read more, visit:  http://www.m2winc.com/blog/post/2010/02/10/Would-you-like-peanuts-with-that.aspx ... View more

Yes, it’s yet another Southwest Airlines sale, but this one is worthy of a serious look at your calendar, especially if this spring you’re hoping to visit destinations like Tucson or Lake Tahoe (pictured above; and here’s a related photo gallery). But act quickly; the sale ends Friday. to read more, visit: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/southwest-airlines-t-6362/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DailyDealsLosAngelesTimesTravel+%28Daily+Travel+%26+Deal+Blog%29 ... View more

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR A major snowstorm charged in from the Midwest late Tuesday night toward major East Coast cities, forcing pre-emptive school and office closures and grounding hundreds of flights for the second time in less than a week. to read more, visit:  http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/us/10storm.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines has announced possible service disruptions because of the expected snow. to read more, visit: http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/the-problem-solver/2010/02/southwest-airlines-reacts-to-winter-storm.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines is offering Customers air fares for the next 72 hours starting as low as $39 one-way on select routes under 500 miles.  These fares are available through 11:59 pm PST Feb. 11, 2010, for travel beginning March 15, 2010, through May 25, 2010. Fares are available in select markets for travel Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays. To see the list of markets and prices, and to take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com.   Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below): •    $39 one-way between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh •    $39 one-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco •    $39 one-way between Phoenix and Las Vegas             For travelers with flexible schedules, the Southwest Shortcut, the airline’s low fare calendar tool, will show the lowest price available for each day using a monthly calendar view.  To shop around for fare availability, visit: http://www.southwest.com/cgi-bin/lowFareFinderEntry.   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 Southwest Airlines sale fares are available for purchase Feb. 9, 2010, through 11:59 p.m. PST Feb. 11, 2010, and travel must take place beginning March 15, 2010, through May 25, 2010. Fares are available only on southwest.com and swabiz.com. Fares are available for travel on Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays.  Fares do not include a federal excise tax of $3.70 for each flight segment. A flight segment is defined as a takeoff and a landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and a U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way.  Travel not available to/from Fort Myers, Fla.; Washington (Dulles), D.C.; Panama City Beach, Fla.; and Buffalo, New York.  Seats are limited. Fares may vary by destinations, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares are available for one-way travel.  When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Sale fares are not combinable with Senior Fares. Fares are not available through the Group Desk.  Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the unrestricted “Anytime” fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies to published, scheduled service only.    www.southwest.com Media Please Contact: Southwest Airlines Public Relations at (214) 792-4847 ... View more

By Sharif Durhams of the Journal Sentinel Southwest Airlines is allowing passengers flying in or out of Milwaukee and some other Midwestern cities Tuesday or Wednesday morning to exchange their tickets for other dates because of the snowstorm forecast to begin Monday night. to read more, visit: http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/83832902.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines on Monday launched its third aggressive sales promotion of the year at Denver International Airport, offering free upgrades to “business select” status for any customer who buys a standard-fare ticket. The promotion, which Southwest officials said will be offered for an unspecified limited time, follows a two-for-one ticket sale in January and the offering of tickets for as low as $30 from Feb. 2-4. to read more, visit: http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/02/08/daily13.html?i=travel&s=industry ... View more

By Andrew Compart Southwest is estimating that its passenger unit revenue increased 14% to 15% year-over-year in January. The gain is eye-catching in comparison to other U.S. carriers: Continental this week reported a 1% to 2% decline in passenger unit revenue for January and JetBlue reported a 2% drop. to read more, visit: http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&headline=Southwest+Posts+Big+Unit+Revenue+Gains&id=news%2favd%2f2010%2f02%2f08%2f16.xml ... View more

Carrier’s Premier Fare Product Offers Priority Boarding, Extra Rapid Rewards Credits, and a Free Drink Beginning today, Southwest Airlines is offering Coloradans the benefits of ‘Business Select’ for the price of an ‘Anytime Fare’ (Southwest’s standard, refundable fare) to or from Denver.  With Business Select, Southwest’s Denver Customers get a product comparable to the best coach product on other carriers: the first choice of available seats onboard so they almost always get their preference of window or aisle; a better inflight experience with a free alcoholic or energy drink; extra Rapid Rewards credit for free flights sooner; and Priority Security and Check-In Lane access (where available) to minimize time waiting in lines at the airport.[1][1]  To take advantage of this offer, Customers can simply select a $0 upgrade at the time of booking when they purchase an ‘Anytime Fare’.  The promotion is valid for a limited time only and seats are limited.   Southwest Airlines currently operates 114 daily nonstop flights from the Mile High City to 37 destinations, with additional direct or connecting service to 37 additional destinations.  In May 2010, Southwest will operate 129 daily Denver flights to 42 destinations, and by August 2010, Southwest will operate 144 daily Denver nonstop flights to more of Denver’s top 50 domestic destinations than any other airline. Southwest currently has nearly 400 Employees in Denver, including Ground Operations, Provisioning, and Community Affairs Departments. 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.  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. Southwest fares are available online only at www.southwest.com. ... View more

By Richard Strader In the world of aviation travel, commercials are all about the cheapest prices and the most benefits for its frequent flyers. However, Southwest Airlines have concentrated on the most important thing over the past couple of years: customer service. to read more, visit: http://www.advirtues.com/southwest-its-on-campaign-brings-fresh-air-to-airline-commercials/ ... View more

Posted by: Budget Travel We're giving you the floor! We recognize that our readers are true experts, so we want to hear your thoughts on all sorts of travel topics. Our October 2010 magazine issue will be devoted to what you tell us. to read more, visit: http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2010/01/readers_choice_favorite_and_le.html ... View more

With this post, I begin a two-part mashup in order to make some points about leadership, employee relations, and service culture within the airline industry. I’ve touched upon this before, but my take on it this time introduces some new material; i.e., the observations of customers of two airlines (Southwest and United) in a recent Newsweek blog piece. This is part 1; let’s get started: Last week, Newsweek’s Budget Travel blog invited its readers to weigh in with their perceptions of who the best and and worst airlines in the industry are. Have a look; there’s nothing scientific about the responses of course, but I thought it might be fun to quantify and summarize the results a bit, in a little “back-of-the-envelope” analysis that turned out to be pretty interesting. As I write this, 166 Budget Travel readers have posted “Best/ Worst” nominations in comments on the blog; many nominated more than one airline in each category, and some drilled down further to make distinctions between domestic and international carriers. Most of the commenters clearly gave this some thought. I randomly sampled about a sixth of these comments and collected some tidbits to share: The clear winner for “Best Airline” at the Budget Travel blog is Southwest Airlines. About 30% of commenters rated Southwest as “best” or in their top three. Fewer than 1 in 25 commenters rated it as “worst” or in their bottom three. jetBlue and Alaska Airlines came in second and third place (11% and 7%, respectively). to read more, visit: http://www.ex-united.com/southwest-airlines/voice-of-the-customer-newsweek-blog-scopes-out-readers-on-best-worst-airlines/   ... View more

from The Cranky Flier by CF For an airline that has done a good job of avoiding inflight entertainment like the plague, Southwest sure is diving right in when it comes to wireless internet service. The deal is done and wifi will start rolling out aggressively next quarter. to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2010/02/04/southwest-installing-wireless-internet-fleetwide/  ... View more

By DANIEL HAMERMESH I earned two free one-way coupons on Southwest Airlines. I tried to redeem them for a round-trip flight in March, but there were no coupon seats on the return flight. So I redeemed one coupon, and have one left over. That’s a clever strategy by Southwest, as I will now use the other coupon as part of a second round trip. to read more, visit: http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/02/04/a-good-reason-to-fly-southwest/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreakonomicsBlog+%28Freakonomics+Blog%29 ... View more

Airline created iPhone Apps are often run-of-the-mill. A few stand out among the Apps I have written about on Flying With Fish and I have skipped over countless Apps that I have felt offered virtually no benefit to users. This week’s iPhone App of the Week lives up to everything I expected from its creator… …this week’s iPhone App of the Week is Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines is long known as an airline driven by customer satisfaction, their customer loyalty is among the highest achieved by any airline globally…often teetering on cult status… Southwest Airlines was one of the first airlines to embrace emerging media technologies and all of this is evident in its iPhone App. to read more, visit:  http://boardingarea.com/blogs/flyingwithfish/2010/02/04/iphone-app-of-the-week-southwest-airlines/ ... View more

DALLAS (AP) — Last year Southwest Airlines' revenue shrank for the first time ever. Now the CEO says it could rebound with record revenue in 2010. Southwest reported Thursday that January traffic rose 7.1 percent from a year ago, and CEO Gary Kelly said the nation's biggest discount airline had strong bookings for February and March. If that trend holds, Southwest should finish 2010 with revenue much higher than last year. Kelly told an investors conference in New York "it can even surpass the revenues we had in 2008." to read more, visit: http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/sns-ap-us-southwest-outlook,0,2666760.story ... View more

By TERRY MAXON Southwest Airlines Co. said Thursday it set a record for passenger loads in January, and its chief executive said that bookings are "very strong" in February and March. Southwest chairman and CEO Gary Kelly said the airline's revenue per seat mile flown increased 14 percent to 15 percent last month from January 2009. Traffic increased 7.1 percent despite a 6.7 percent cut in capacity, he said. "There's just no blip on the horizon – knock on wood – at least at this point," Kelly said at a New York investment conference. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-Southwest_05bus.ART.State.Edition1.3d07aeb.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:  LUV) announced today that the Company flew 5.5 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in January 2010, a 7.1 percent increase from the 5.1 billion RPMs flown in January 2009.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 6.7 percent to 7.6 billion from the January 2009 level of 8.2 billion.  The load factor for the month was 72.1 percent, compared to 62.8 percent for the same period last year.  For January 2010, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the 14 to 15 percent range compared to January 2009.             This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at southwest.com. ... View more

To listen, below is the link to the webcast: http://www.southwest.com/investor_relations/fs_events_calendar.html ... View more

Today Southwest is flying the 2009 Little League World Champions—the Park View Little League players from Chula Vista, CA—from SAN to BWI to meet President Obama!  This trip celebrates their outstanding achievement and their unique brand of Warrior Spirit.  ... View more

Southwest Airlines has partnered with several Strip and downtown hotels to give visitors an incentive to extend their stays in Las Vegas. to read more, visit: http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/coin-bucket/2010/feb/01/southwest-airlines/ ... View more