Southwest Airlines Community

I wanted to mention a surprising bit of corporate goodness.   It doesn't happen that often, maybe, nowadays and when it does I think it deserves a mention.  Southwest.  Yup, Southwest airlines.   They did the right thing. to read more, visit: http://anotherespressoplease.blogspot.com/2010/01/haiti-corporate-goodness-and-update.html ... View more

As an industry watcher, I look at trends, data, spending, technologies, yet what’s really important is watching the trend of professionals as they grow into these roles managing disruptive technologies. [Connecting with customers using social technologies is deceptively challenging, as most outsiders don't recognize the leadership to change internal cultural. Now, in public, let's recognize those who are paving the way] to read more, visit: http://www.web-strategist.com/blog/2010/01/30/list-of-corporate-social-media-strategists-in-2010/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+WebStrategyByJeremiah+%28Web+Strategy+by+Jeremiah%29 ... View more

Southwest Airlines is offering Customers airfares for the next 72 hours starting as low as $30 one-way to/from Denver.  Take advantage of these super low fares on southwest.com and start planning your getaway today!  Fares are available in select markets for travel Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays when purchased by Feb. 4, 2010, at 11:59 p.m. PST.  These fares are only available on southwest.com for travel between April 6, 2010, and May 26, 2010. To book these special online fares, visit: http://travel.southwest.com/specialoffers/offerDetails.html?id=31894854.   Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below): •    $30 one-way between Denver and Salt Lake City •    $60 one-way between Denver and Las Vegas •    $90 one-way between Denver and Boston             For travelers with flexible schedules, Southwest’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. 2, 2010, through 11:59 p.m. PST Feb. 4, 2010, and travel must take place beginning April 6, 2010, through May 26, 2010. Fares are available only on southwest.com. Fares are available for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, 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. 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

Published by Dan Webb After testing Row 44’s internet service on four 737-700 aircraft for nearly a year, Southwest Airlines has decided to equip its entire fleet of 737s with the service, according to a post on the company’s blog. Installation will begin in the second quarter of this year with about 15 monthly installations. Southwest hopes to get that number up to 25 monthly installations, and will have entire fleet equipped by early 2012. to read more, visit: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thingsinthesky/2010/02/01/southwest-to-install-wi-fi-across-entire-fleet/ ... View more

Yesterday's post on AirTran reminded me that I had yet to post about Southwest Airlines' new flights to the Florida Panhandle. The announcement came around the holidays and it totally slipped past me. My apologies. But better late than, like, never. Beginning May 23 (too late for spring break), Southwest will operate two daily flights from Baltimore to Panama City Beach, part of the Panhandle region named among the top 10 destinations for 2010 by Frommer's. Southwest's 737s will fly into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) - a brand new airport that comes online in May. The airport replaces and relocates what used to be the Panama City-Bay County Airport. The project is designed to be the nation's greenest airport, utilizing sustainable materials, no-irrigation required landscaping and a LEED-certified terminal.  The airport will be served by Delta and Southwest. Flights in late May start at $109 each way. Southwest made several changes for its May schedule, which was released last month. They brought back nonstop coast-to-coast flights from Baltimore to Los Angeles and Seattle. The Cranky Flier has a good post about the sked and how it reflects the jockeying between AirTran and Southwest. It's all fine by me - a little competition gives travelers more options and lower fares. to read more, visit: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/2010/01/southwest_booking_new_route_to.html ... View more

Southwest Airlines announced today that nearly 30 hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in its Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest is proud to announce the Company has increased its giving by 23 percent in 2010, the program’s third year. In total, the airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to 29 medical organizations who then provide tickets to patients and family members in need. The grant list includes 11 hospitals and three medical transportation charities that assist patients nationwide. This year, Southwest has added hospitals in Philadelphia and Denver. To see a full list of recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/cares.    “Southwest Airlines cares about our Customers and the Communities we serve,” said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. “We are proud to provide much-needed assistance to families in need during a difficult time.” To read an excerpt from a few of the families who received free transportation through a grant in 2009, visit Southwest Airlines Nuts About Southwest blog: www.blogsouthwest.com. To learn about qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, which each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets. About Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines’ “Share the Spirit” program embodies the Culture of positive impact in the communities it serves, demonstrated through Southwest’s charitable giving, Employee volunteerism, and community relations pro¬grams. Southwest Airlines is one of the most honored airlines in the world, consistently appearing on FORTUNE Magazine's "Most Admired Companies" list.  After 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 (NYSE: LUV) now serves 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 who work hard each and every day to provide excellent Customer Service and make a difference in the community. To learn more about Southwest’s community involvement, visit www.southwest.com/cares. ... View more

— The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors today appointed Doug Brooks, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Brinker International, to the Board, effective Feb. 15, 2010. For a photo of Brooks, please click here: http://gallery.swamedia.com/imageSingle/ImageID=SWA2010012760239/tpl2=images/type=jpg Brinker’s portfolio includes Chili’s Grill & Bar, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Maggiano’s Little Italy. Brinker currently owns or franchises more than 1,700 restaurants in 50 states, 29 countries, and two territories, and has more than 125,000 employees. Brooks joined Chili’s in February 1978 as a manager at the company’s original location on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. He rose through the ranks at Chili’s, holding numerous positions including General Manager, Area Director, and Regional Vice President. Brooks was named President of the brand in 1994. In January 1999, he was promoted to President and COO of Brinker International.  CEO and Chairman of the Board were added to his title and responsibilities in 2004. "We are delighted to have Doug join and know that he will be an excellent addition to the quality Leadership that currently sits on the Southwest Board of Directors," said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. “His business knowledge and hands-on experience will complement the existing talent and serve as a tremendous benefit for our Team.” Brooks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from the University of Houston in 1975. He serves on the board of directors for Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Limbs for Life Foundation, Kenny Can Foundation, Dallas Citizens Council, AT&T Performing Arts Center, and on the professional advisory board of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Outside of the restaurant business and his community activities, Brooks spends his time with his wife of 32 years, Holly, and their two adult sons, Taylor and Kyle. Brooks will initially serve for a term lasting until the Company’s next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2010. Other members of Southwest’s Board of Directors are: David W. Biegler; C. Webb Crockett; William H. Cunningham, Ph.D.; John G. Denison; Travis C. Johnson; Gary C. Kelly; Nancy B. Loeffler; John T. Montford; and Daniel D. Villanueva. 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. www.southwest.com Media Please Contact: Southwest Airlines Public Relations at (214) 792-4847 ... View more

Your iPhone is perfect—you just wish you could hear that Southwest trademarked DING!, right?  Well now you can. Southwest Airlines announces its first app for iPhone and iPod touch now available from the App Store.  Customers can book reservations, checkin for flights, check flight status, view flight schedules, and download DING! to get exclusive, deeply discounted fares on Southwest flights.  And, in true Southwest style, the app is free!  To check it out, click here: www.southwest.com/iphone or visit www.itunes.com/appstore/. “Southwest is known for convenience and simplicity, and our new app is a great example of that,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution.  “Whether you are managing Rapid Rewards credits or need to checkin for your flight, the Southwest Airlines App now offers Customers the flexibility to do that and more—with plenty of Southwest flair!” To celebrate the new app, Southwest Airlines is offering special DING! fares for Customers today.   These fares are only available through the DING! feature so Customers have to download the app and register for DING! to access them.  Click here for details: www.southwest.com/iphone 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. ... View more

The Airport Authority surprised our very own Customer Service Supervisor Chris Alioto this morning.  Chris was recognized by Columbus Regional Airport Authority for Outstanding Customer Service in helping a passenger whose keys had been left in a rental car.  He was presented with a plaque, certificate, and his very own balloons. We congratulate Chris on his award and thank him for proving what we knew all along: that Southwest Employees know how to give Outstanding Customer Service. for more information on CRAA, please visit http://www.columbusairports.com/about/ ... View more

A new and exciting concept has popped up at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Those who fly regularly on a particular airline or have no problem paying for the First Class ticket get to experience the VIP airline lounges often. Now, you don’t have to have thousands of miles or thousands of dollars to be treated like a VIP. A new pay-by-the-hour lounge at LAX gives you ability to get VIP treatment at an economy-seat price. to read more, visit: http://www.airlinereporter.com/2010/01/relax-at-the-airport/   ... View more

Greg and I were in Las Vegas last week for the Affiliate Summit and we flew Southwest. What an experience and I had to ask, just why is Southwest airlines so friendly? This is actually as much of a question as it is a statement. Each flight we have been on with Southwest has been a pleasant experience and this one was no exception. Actually, this is only our second trip with Southwest. The first one was back in 1999 to Los Angeles but our experience was just about the same. to read more, visit:  http://www.sweetiestraveladventures.com/2010/01/southwest-airlines-review-fly-friendly.html ... View more

to read more, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-12585-Minneapolis-AirlinesAirport-Examiner~y2010m1d25-So-you-want-to-work-for-an-airline-Your-options-are-limited-but-there-are-jobs-to-be-found ... View more

It started with an invitation to participate in an art show that would present works by couples on Valentine's Day. Two MICA alumni, Christina Ayala and John Morris, decided to give it a try, and a twist. "I had been kicking around the idea of telepathy for a while," says the Georgia-born Morris, 35, an adjunct photography faculty member. "We wanted to see if we could create art using the telepathic process." Ayala, 40, who works for Southwest Airlines (she's originally from Texas), met Morris when they were both students at MICA about a decade ago. She was focusing on drawing and painting, not mind-reading. But the idea they came up with for that collaborative show was for Morris to concentrate on a single image and have Ayala attempt to draw it. to read more, visit: http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bal-ae.telepathy24jan24,0,4323460.story ... View more

To show support for our Customers’ passion points, Southwest Airlines is the official airline of the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  Festival attendees will get the Southwest experience in Park City, Utah.  We have recreated our comfortable gate area seating in the Festival Headquarters with our leather seats and charging stations.  At each film screening, ticket holders receive a “boarding pass” with a Southwest Airlines letter and number on it.  They line up for screenings just like we board our planes!  Festival goers can enjoy SWA peanuts, pretzels, and receive Bags Fly Free bag tags. Southwest is also partnering with Variety magazine to host the Variety Studio where filmmakers come to relax, talk about their latest project, and enjoy LIFT coffee served by our wonderful SLC Employees.  Filmmakers check in for the studio at the Southwest “Arrivals” ticket counter.  We will also presence at the Variety “10 Directors to Watch” Awards event. Southwest Airlines will be all around the Sundance Film Festival to support the arts and independent filmmaking! ... View more

By David Hatfield, Inside Tucson Business Despite the fact that United Airlines has two non-stop flights a day from Tucson to San Francisco, a Tucson business man told me that when he had to make that trip on three-days’ notice this month, his airline of choice was Southwest, even though he knew he would have to make a least one stop enroute. “I’m already going to pay the highest fare because it’s a last-minute ticket, I don’t want to pay for baggage on top of it,” he told me. to read more, visit:  http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2010/01/23/news/inside_business_travel/doc4b59dc21a109a967022934.txt ... View more

Southwest Airlines has announced its “Vows in the Valley” contest. “To celebrate 35 years in Harlingen [TX], we’re awarding two lucky LUV-birds an opportunity to exchange vows in the Valley and fly away on a complimentary honeymoon. Nominate your favorite couple to tie the knot, Southwest-style!” to read more, visit: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/roadwarriorette/2010/01/22/anyone-getting-married-soon/ ... View more

Well, earnings season has started this week, with results from American, Continental, and Southwest and more on the way next week. To be honest, I haven’t had the time to give the earnings releases the time they deserve. I’m hoping that over the weekend I can look over the SEC filings and listen to a few conference calls. to read more, visit: http://boardingarea.com/blogs/thingsinthesky/2010/01/22/southwests-numbers-show-excellect-capacity-restraint/ ... View more

Flights into and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were expected to stop Thursday afternoon because of high winds from a winter storm. Southwest Airlines said it was canceling all operations at the nation's 10th-busiest airport as of 2 p.m. MST (4 p.m. EST). The exact number of Southwest flights affected wasn't available, but the airline has 173 daily nonstops from Phoenix to 44 cities and additional service to 22 cities, said spokeswoman Olga Romero. There are a similar number of arrivals. to read more, visit: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9626785 ... View more

Flying against the headwinds of a recession and volatile fuel prices, Southwest Airlines Co. made money in the fourth quarter and extended its string of annual profits to 37 years. Southwest said Thursday it earned $116 million in the quarter, which was enough to lift the company to a full-year profit of $99 million after it lost money during the first nine months of 2009. to read more, visit: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9621566 ... View more

With the wind, rain, and cold, it's hard to imagine taking a vacation right now.  However, vacation may be the perfect thing to plan as now is the time to take advantage of airfares.  Southwest Airlines is offering more deals for Spring travel. to read more, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-24883-Sacramento-Budget-Travel-Examiner~y2010m1d19-Another-Southwest-fare-offer ... View more

I feel like I’ve approached this topic before, but in light of the airlines raising bag fees once again to $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second, I thought it was worth revisiting. There are a lot of people complaining about bag fees going up, but that’s not going to do any good. You need to take action if you’re not happy. to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2010/01/19/how-you-can-get-airlines-to-stop-raising-bag-fees/ ... View more

One way Southwest Airlines differentiates itself is by charging much less for handling passengers' bags. Dallas-based Southwest, which in the New York City area flies out of the La Guardia and Long Island MacArthur airports, allows passengers to check in up to two bags for free. to read more, visit: http://www.northjersey.com/travel/deals/82025782_Southwest__bags_fly_free__ads_taking_off.html ... View more

It’s time for another edition of Food Flight, and this one leads us to the one and only Windy City. Chicago is famous for its foodie-friendly delights, and its Midway Airport is no different.  These three offerings are sure to tempt your palate before you head out into that arctic blast they call “winter.” Superdawg There’s an old saying: “When in Chicago, one must have a hot dog.” Okay, I made that up, but it might as well be true. A classic Chicago hot dog must offer the following: a poppyseed bun, pickle, tomato wedges, celery salt, onions, neon green relish, and of course…an all-beef hot dog. No pork, thank you very much. I was first drawn to Superdawg’s retro look. Then I tried their hot dog. I got the classic Superdawg with some Superfries. It came in a fun little box, which was easy to transport. You definitely want to eat the Superdawg in a quiet corner, as it can get a little messy. It definitely hit the spot, but I wouldn’t bother with the Superfries next time. A waste of time and calories, if you ask me. Some hot dog purists might turn up their nose at Superdawg, but when your choices are limited…trust me, this’ll do. (Some day, I will visit their drive-in location.) http://www.superdawg.com/ Potbelly Potbelly has a cult following that I can’t quite understand. It’s hard for me to enjoy my cheesy, fatty sandwich when I know an actual potbelly will be the result. Nevertheless, if you want a wide variety of sandwiches, chips, and tea—you’ve come to the right place. I recommend getting The Skinny—it’s less meat and cheese on “thin cut” bread. At least it cuts down on the guilt. I hear glowing reviews about the Meatball and Pizza sandwich, but I play it safe with a Turkey on wheat. Check out the soups while you’re at it. http://www.potbelly.com Nuts on Clark If you ever want to start a fight, ask a group of Chi-town natives which popcorn is better: Nuts on Clark or Garrett? Both are Chicago originals that somehow manage to combine caramel and cheesy popcorn into a delicious mash-up of flavors. The flavors shouldn’t work together, but they do. To be honest, they taste the same to me, but only Nuts on Clark can be found at Midway. It’s the perfect snack after your hot dog or sandwich, just beware—it’s not unheard of to eat an entire bag in one sitting. http://www.nutsonclark.com/ So how ‘bout it, fellow foodies and frequent fliers? Let me hear your favorite places to nosh at when you’re flying through MDW… ... View more

By DAVE MICHAELS / The Dallas Morning News dmichaels@dallasnews.com WASHINGTON – The White House says it wants to make government more customer-friendly – so it turned to an airline for advice. In an industry in which companies keep alienating customers with fees and late arrivals, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines has done the opposite. The carrier has managed to embed loyalty in employees and travelers. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/011510dnbussouthwest.3cfbe51.html ... View more

to read more, visit: http://www.anna.aero/2010/01/15/southwest-takes-no1-spot-in-st-louis-as-american-ditches-hub/ ... View more

Congratulations to Southwest Airlines @SouthwestAir  on becoming part of the 1 million twitter follower club. Southwest joins @JetBlue  as the only two major airlines to have this distinction. to read more, visit: http://twarketing.com/2010/01/14/1-million-twitter-follower-milestone-for-southwest-airlines/ ... View more