Southwest Airlines Community

Innovating Today for a Greener Tomorrow Complex economic issues and serious environmental concerns surround the energy consumption of enterprise computing and data centers. Many companies are continuously working to improve the efficiency of their data centers by implementing best practices and utilizing lean, clean, and green computing modalities to bring costs and energy consumption down. In order to highlight the important achievements of these companies, the Uptime Institute has created The Global Green 100 List. The purpose of the list is to identify and provide global recognition for those companies that demonstrate an integral commitment to and progress toward reducing their energy consumption and carbon footprint. To see the entire list, visit: http://uptimeinstitute.org/content/view/247/204/ ... View more

The Clark County Department of Aviation will reopen one of McCarran International Airport‘s four runways next week, several days before its previously announced May 1 return to service. Runway 25L/7R and the adjacent taxiway Alpha have been closed to aircraft since Nov. 1 so contractors could replace their former asphalt surfaces with more-durable concrete and asphalt surfacing. The runway’s actual reopening date will be decided early next week based on the progress of some final preparations by McCarran’s Airside Operations division. “We’ve said all along this work would be finished well before the start of the summer travel season,” said Randall H. Walker, director of the Clark County Department of Aviation. “Despite some wet and windy weather, and even a significant December snowstorm, the team worked night and day to get this job done on time.” Las Vegas Paving served as the project’s primary contractor. Workers began preparing the site in August, three months before the runway was closed to air traffic. This advance work included building a temporary concrete plant; planning for job site egress and ingress; and erecting enough temporary fencing to separate the nearly 10,500–foot-long runway from other active runways and taxiways close to the work site. Since November, approximately 144,000 cubic yards of asphalt were demolished and replaced with 200,000 cubic yards of concrete and another 57,500 cubic yards of new asphalt. This was equivalent to the amount of material needed to construct a 5-foot-wide sidewalk spanning nearly 790 miles, greater than the distance between Las Vegas and Portland, Ore. Workers also replaced nearly 350,000 linear feet of conduit used to power and control portions of McCarran’s airfield lighting system. The runway project also featured a notable effort to recycle all of the asphalt, non-reinforced concrete, electrical cable and scrap metal removed from the work site. The asphalt was re-used at other construction sites at McCarran and elsewhere in the valley, while the demolished concrete was crushed and processed offsite for use as sub-base material in other construction projects. The Federal Aviation Administration and McCarran met regularly while the runway was closed to discuss how to maximize the use of McCarran’s three other runways and maintain a steady flow of flights both in and out of Las Vegas. The FAA also contributed $30.9 million toward the project’s costs; the remainder was financed through airport business operations, not local tax dollars.   CONTACT: Chris Jones Public Information Administrator (702) 261-5290 ... View more

The Massachusetts Port Authority yesterday approved a $30 million project to consolidate security checkpoints in Terminal C at Logan International Airport - a move that officials say could help travelers more quickly connect to other flights and eliminate the need for additional screening. To read more, visit: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/04/17/redesign_could_cut_wait_times_at_logan/ ... View more

I’ve always thought our Southwest Flight Attendants were undercover superheroes, and after chatting with Christie Volkmer of The Amazing Race, I’ve realized it’s true—she is truly one tough cookie. Together with fellow Flight Attendant Jodi Wincheski, they traveled throughout Germany, Romania, Russia, Siberia, and India—before elimination on the fifth episode due to bad directions and a befuddled cab driver. Christie and Jodi are both based in Houston, and met through Southwest six years ago. Funnily enough, though they’re buddies in real life, Christie first wanted to apply for the show with her husband. But there was just one problem: he wasn’t a U.S. citizen. Luckily, Jodi jumped on the bandwagon, and off they went to compete in the adventure of a lifetime. So how did being a Southwest Flight Attendant prepare her for the arduous journey of The Amazing Race? Christie credits her communication skills: "You meet all kinds of people every day when you fly. Every age, every race, every creed. The other teams were so surprised that Jodi and I weren’t afraid to go up to strangers and ask questions, but Southwest encourages you to always interact and have FUN with your Customers." When she’s not giving exclusive interviews to our blog, Christie can be found in Choctaw, Oklahoma, with her husband of almost two years and a multitude of animals. If there’s any seasoned traveler you should listen to, it’s a Southwest Flight Attendant. Check out Christie’s Travel Guide post on one of her favorite vacation spots: Lake Tahoe. And keep your eyes peeled the next time you fly…you might just see a superstar in your midst. To read an in-depth interview with both Christie and Jodi, check out this link. If you’d like a recap of our Flight Attendant’s performance throughout The Amazing Race, peruse all of Hollye Chacon’s posts on our blog! ... View more

by Jerome Chandler Greener airplanes are great, but while most folks focus on the promising development of bio-fuels such as algae, there's more than one way get green. Consider the idea of flying from Point A to Point B more directly. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is. So too are some major airlines. The new green tool is called Performance-based Navigation, or PBN, and it marks a major shift. Traditionally, aircraft navigate using ground-based electronics: radar, beacons, and such. Performance-based Navigation is pegged to satellites. The upshot: shorter, more precise passage between airports. That cuts fuel burn, and that reduces CO2. Put succinctly, PBN will help reduce airport and airspace congestion, conserve fuel, and protect the environment, asserts ICAO President Roberto Kobeh Gonzlez. to read more, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-4696-AirlinesAirport-Examiner~y2009m4d13-Airline-flights-get-greener--the-satellite-solution ... View more

"With the sudden reversal of the global economy, businesses are struggling not only with shrinking income and budgets, but also with seismic shifts that are upending entire industries, from autos and retail to banking and entertainment." To see the complete ranking, please visit: http://bwnt.businessweek.com/interactive_reports/innovative_50_2009/?chan=magazine+channel_in%3A+inside+innovation ... View more

By Paul Makishima, Boston Globe April 14, 2009 Southwest Airlines, which in February said it would launch service from Logan International Airport in Boston by the fall, yesterday detailed its plans, saying it will offer five daily nonstop flights each to Chicago Midway Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, starting Aug. 16. "We are very enthusiastic and optimistic about Boston Logan," said Bob Jordan, Southwest's executive vice president of strategy and planning. "We're starting very conservative, but I wouldn't be surprised to see us adding flights eventually." To read more, visit: http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/04/14/southwest_will_start_logan_run_in_august/ ... View more

Carrier Will Operate Ten Daily Nonstop Flights to Two Destinations: Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington International Beginning August 16, 2009     DALLAS —April 14, 2009—Southwest Airlines is touching down in Beantown! Southwest Airlines today announced the carrier's low fares and flight schedule from Boston Logan International (BOS) beginning on August 16, 2009. The airline will begin service with ten daily nonstop flights: five to Chicago Midway and five to Baltimore/Washington International. Southwest is offering these new flights with fares as low as $89 one-way for Chicago and $49 one-way for Baltimore/Washington (see fare rules below). To view a complete list of Southwest’s flights from Boston Logan, visit: www.southwest.com             "Today’s announcement allows us to fully serve the Boston area,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning. “Our new Boston Logan service will complement our current presence at T. F. Green Airport in Providence and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester , New Hampshire . People in the central Boston area have been asking for Southwest Airlines service for many years, and we can't wait to introduce them to our legendary Customer Service, as well as our low fares, ontime flights, and no hidden fees."   As part of its expanded New England service, Providence and Manchester Customers can fly to Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington International for the same fares offered for the new Boston Logan service.   In addition to the ten daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington International, Southwest Airlines’ new service out of Boston Logan will offer direct or connecting service to 48 other destinations, including: Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, and San Francisco, just to name a few. To view all of Southwest’s destinations from Boston Logan visit  http://gallery.swamedia.com/photos/value=open/type=jpg. Southwest Airlines will operate from gates E1A and E1B in Terminal E at Logan , and will have about 40 full-time Employees.   "Southwest's much anticipated arrival at Boston Logan will benefit the traveling public with great service and even greater fares," said Edward C. Freni, Director Aviation for the Massachusetts Port Authority. "Southwest's August landing leaves no doubt that Logan is the choice for both cost conscious leisure and business travelers without compromising service. Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington are two important markets for New Englanders."   “We are thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines to Boston Logan. Southwest Airlines’ strong reputation for both quality Customer Service and competitive pricing will generate more business and leisure travel to Boston ,” said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President and CEO, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau.   When shopping for Southwest online, it’s important to know that Southwest Airlines’ low fares are available only at www.southwest.com. Not only will Customers find Southwest’s great online rates, but the site also hosts Southwest’s Travel Guide where Customers can check out Boston travel tips posted by those who frequent the New England area. For an insider’s look into the new Boston Service, a long-time Southwest Employee and native Bostonian writes about her “wicked awesome” observations on growing up in this particular Northern town on Southwest’s blog—Nuts About Southwest.  To view her post, visit:  http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/a-bostonians-guide-english-language.    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 and no hidden fees. 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 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas , Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.   Fare Rules The sale fares between Chicago Midway and BOS and Baltimore/Washington International and BOS are available on southwest.com or swabiz.com. Customers must purchase from April 14 through April 20, 2009, and before 11:59 pm (PDT) for travel August 17 – October 29, 2009. Travel is valid every day except Friday and Sunday. Fares do not include federal excise tax of $3.60 per take off and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $9.00 and government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Seats are limited.  Fares may vary by 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. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares. Fares are not combinable with Senior Fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are not available through Group Desk. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. ... View more

Southwest's CEO Gary Kelly has been named one of America's Best CEOs by Institutional Investor magazine. Gary ranked number one in the consumer section and was followed by Lawrence Kellner of Continental Airlines. To read more, visit: http://www.iimagazine.com/Rankings/rankingsCorpCEOAmerica09.aspx?src=http://www.iimagazinerankings.com/rankingscorpCEOamerica09/index.asp ... View more

by Terry Maxon U.S. carriers in 2009 recorded their best February on-time performance in seven years, with 82.6 percent of flights arriving within 14 minutes of schedule, the U.S. Department of Transportation said. The February numbers were the highest since 2002 when airlines said 84.7 percent of their flights arrived on schedule or with 14 minutes. Leading the group was Hawaiian Airlines Inc. with 91.2 percent, followed by Southwest Airlines Co. at 88.3 percent. At the bottom was Alaska Airlines Inc. at 76.3 percent. To read more, visit: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/04/airlines-improve-on-time-perfo.html ... View more

Despite growing up with a pilot for a father, ESPN NASCAR pit reporter Shannon Spake admits she has always been one to comment about bad landings on commercial airline flights – until now. “I’m never judging again,” said Spake, who flew a Southwest Airlines simulator at the airline’s Dallas headquarters Thursday prior to heading to nearby Texas Motor Speedway to work ESPN2’s telecast of Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series event. To read more, visit: http://www.espnregionalmedia.com/now/?p=758 ... View more

Wanna get away? Now’s your chance to take advantage of super low fares from Southwest Airlines. The airline is offering airfares starting as low as $49 one-way only on southwest.com. These fares require 14-day advance purchase for travel by June 25, 2009. So start planning your budget getaway today! Fares are available for travel Monday through Thursday or Saturday. To get these special online fares, click here. Examples of these special fares include (see Fare Rules below): ·         $49 one-way between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh ·         $49 one-way between San Francisco and Orange County ·         $49 one-way between Phoenix and Southern California cities including Los Angeles, Burbank, Ontario, Orange County, and San Diego ·         $79 one-way between Phoenix and Northern California cities including San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, and Oakland ·         Travel from Denver to any Southwest Airlines destination for $49-$129 one-way (excluding Ft. Myers and West Palm Beach ) After almost 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.  At Southwest Airlines, there are no hidden fees. Customers can check their first two bags 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 65 cities in 33 states. 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 only available on www.southwest.com. Southwest Airlines sale fares are available with a 14-day advance purchase beginning April 6, 2009, and travel must take place between April 20, 2009, and June 25, 2009.   Blackout dates apply from May 21, 2009, through May 26, 2009. 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. Travel to/from Ft. Myers , FL or West Palm Beach , FL not included in the sale.  Seats are limited. Fares may vary by flight and day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares are available for one-way travel. Fares may be combined with other combinable fares.  Fares are not combinable with Senior Fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. 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. Standby travel requires an upgrade to the Anytime Fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Fares are valid on published, scheduled service only.   www.southwest.com ... View more

Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.7 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in March 2009, essentially flat with March 2008.  Available seat miles (ASMs) decreased 1.5 percent to 8.6 billion from the March 2008 level of 8.7 billion.  The load factor for the month was 77.3 percent, compared to 76.5 percent for the same period last year.  For March 2009, the Company estimates passenger revenue per ASM decreased in the 10 to 11 percent range as compared to March 2008.                For first quarter 2009, Southwest flew 16.9 billion RPMs, compared to the 17.6 billion RPMs recorded for the same period in 2008, a decrease of 4.0 percent.  Available seat miles decreased 4.1 percent to 24.2 billion from the 2008 level of 25.2 billion.  The first quarter 2009 load factor was 69.9 percent, compared to 69.8 percent for the same period last year.              ... View more

Southwest Airlines announced today that the carrier’s award-winning frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, is offering Members a chance to earn A-List status by booking and flying just five roundtrip flights today through June 15, 2009.  Members who qualify will receive A-List status through December 31, 2009.  A-List Members are automatically checked in for their flights, most likely receiving the coveted “A” Boarding Pass , allowing them to be one of the first to board the aircraft.  A-List Members also have access to “Fly By” airport security lanes where available.  To register for this promotion, visit: www.southwest.com/alistfast.               “Granting A-List status to our Members is our way of rewarding our most frequent flyers,” said Ryan Green, Southwest’s Director of Customer Loyalty. “This promotion offers our Customers a fast track to achieving A-List status and making travel easier.”                   The A-List typically applies to Rapid Rewards Members who fly 16 roundtrips or more within a 12-month period. But for a limited time only, when Members book and fly five roundtrip flights between April 2 to June 15, 2009, Members can earn A-List status through December 31, 2009.  It is fast and easy to earn free travel through Rapid Rewards.       About Rapid Rewards Rapid Rewards Members earn credits by flying or using the frequent flyer program’s Preferred Partners.  It takes just eight roundtrips to qualify for an Award, but Members can accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature Card, 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, the Southwest Airlines Award may be transferred by the Member to anyone he/she chooses.  The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip.          ... View more

April 1, 2009 Southwest Airlines announced today that the Company has absolutely no plans to expand service between the carrier’s newest market in the Twin Cities and the Mile High City with three new daily nonstop flights.  Southwest did admit, however, that if the airline were to add service between the two cities, there is no way that fares would be as low as $89 one-way, not including fees and taxes.  To learn more about why Southwest will not be adding this new service, visit: APRIL FOOL’S!  To read a blog post, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-to-fly-to-st-olaf.         “Okay, okay – we just couldn’t pass up an opportunity to have fun on April Fool’s Day.  We will indeed be adding new low-fare service with three daily nonstop flights between Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines’ Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution.  “The new flights link Denver , our fastest growing city, to our newest city, Minneapolis/St. Paul.  The response we have seen to our new service in the Twin Cities has exceeded our expectations; Denver is a great destination and opens up our network to the West Coast for Minnesota travelers; and of course, Denver has been and will remain a focus city for us.”          BEGINNING MAY 26, 2009:   Three new daily nonstop roundtrips between Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Southwest Airlines launched service into Minneapolis/St. Paul on March 8, 2009, with eight daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway, and direct or connecting flights to an additional 57 destinations.  In just a little more than three years, Southwest has grown to offer 115 daily nonstop flights to 32 destinations from Denver .       After nearly 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.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest convenient and simple.  And, best of all, Southwest Airlines is famous for No Hidden Fees!  Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 65 cities in 33 states.  Based in Dallas , Southwest operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.   ADDITIONAL FARE RULES  Fares are only available on www.southwest.com. Southwest Airlines sale fares are available with a 14-day advance purchase now through April 6, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, and travel must take place by August 14, 2009.  Blackout dates apply: May 21 through May 26, 2009.  Travel valid everyday except Friday and Sunday.  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. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares are available for one-way travel. Fares may be combined with other eligible fares. Fares are not combinable with Senior Fares. When combining fares, all rules and restrictions apply. Fares are nonrefundable by may be applied toward 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. 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 is pleased to announce that its Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and Freight Agent Employees represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 555 voted to ratify the tentative, three-year agreement both parties reached in February 2009. The new contract is active through June 30, 2011. The official Collective Bargaining Agreement will be signed in Dallas on April 7, 2009.   “We’re very pleased our hard-working Employees represented by TWU 555 voted to ratify this new contract,” said Greg Wells, Senior Vice President of Operations. “Today’s positive vote allows us to reward our Ramp, Operations, Provisioning, and Freight Agent Employees for their contributions to Southwest, but at the same time enables the Company to sustain its success in an increasingly tough economy.” The new contract delivers raises in exchange for work rule improvements and scheduling flexibility along with productivity and gained efficiencies. TWU Local 555 represents approximately 7,780 Southwest Airlines Employees. ... View more

Southwest Airlines announces today that the Company has reached a tentative agreement with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing more than 9,800 Southwest Flight Attendants. The tentative agreement is for a new, four-year contract through May 31, 2012. The current contract became amendable on May 31, 2008. Southwest Airlines and the TWU 556 began contract negotiations in May 2008. “We are pleased with this mutually beneficial contract that delivers enhancements to pay and benefits for our hard working Flight Attendants,” said Daryl Krause, Senior Vice President of Customer Services. “This agreement demonstrates TWU 556’s commitment to maintain Southwest's unique Culture, competitive position, and financial strength during these challenging economic times.” Earlier this morning, the TWU 556 Board voted for the Tentative Agreement to be presented to the Flight Attendants for their vote. The TWU 556 membership will be given the full details of the agreement and will have the opportunity to vote on ratification in the next few weeks. ... View more

Southwest ranked number seven out of 20 in Chief Executive Magazine’s list of “Best Companies for Leaders” for 2008.  This was the fourth year the magazine has conducted the survey, and the first time Southwest has made the list.  More than 1,100 companies from 89 countries participated in the 2008 survey, which identified the top 20 companies across the world that demonstrate the importance of Leadership development.  All of the companies chosen were recognized for their formal, in-depth development programs and their cultures that make Leadership development a priority. Southwest’s MIT Program is a great example of how our Company educates and encourages our Leaders.  Find out more about this amazing honor and our MIT Program by reading a blog post by Senior Director Talent Development Elizabeth Bryant titled, “Leadership Southwest Style:  Building our Bench Since 1971” on the blog. To read the article, visit: http://www.chiefexecutive.net/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=Publishing&mod=Publications%3A%3AArticle&mid=8F3A7027421841978F18BE895F87F791&tier=4&id=BF3221D721F74109BD2FA95B404E4AC6 ... View more

Rob Verger's blog on the Travel Channel's WorldHum pays tribute to our 'Twitcom' contest: To read more, visit: http://www.worldhum.com/travel-blog/item/a-twitcom-from-southwest-airlines-20090324/ ... View more