Southwest Airlines Community

“Hard work beats talent. You’re only the most talented until someone more talented shows up.” —Dior Ginyard, Senior Player Manager, NFL Players Association   Photo by Cade Martin When a college injury derailed Dior Ginyard’s plans of becoming a professional football player, he found another calling—helping others. In his role as senior player manager for the NFL Players Association, Dior works directly with athletes to equip them with the skills they need to succeed off the field and to successfully transition when their playing careers come to an end. The job requires quite a bit of travel for meetings, events, and games. Dior loves our friendly Employees and enjoys the ease of flying Southwest, from purchasing a ticket to boarding the plane. He likes being able to earn Rapid Rewards points every time he flies, and he hopes to use them for a future trip to Turks and Caicos. Thanks for flying Southwest, Dior!   —Ro Hawthorne, Communications & Outreach   Prime Time “I pride myself on being punctual, and I love that Southwest shares that sentiment. Their flight consistency has played a crucial part in ensuring I make it to work events on time.”   Just for Fun “My Rapid Rewards points are always used for vacation. My motto is ‘Work hard, play hard.’”   On the Run “I stop short of calling myself an avid runner, but it’s something I’m passionate about. It’s how I decompress from the day.” ... View more

“You can have everything in life you want, but you can’t have it all at the same time.” —Patricia Brennan-Gac, Director of State & Local Partnerships, American Institutes for Research   Photo by Cade MartinFamily, fun, and flexibility—these are the values Trish Brennan-Gac cherishes most, and they’re the reasons why she’s become an A-List member. Travel is inevitable in Trish’s job at the American Institutes for Research, where she serves as the Director of State and Local Partnerships. Our bags fly free ® policy, our no change fees, and our Employee’s Fun-LUVing Attitudes keep Trish and her colleagues flying Southwest. Her frequent flying has earned her a Companion Pass and plenty of Rapid Rewards points, both of which she uses to travel with her family. We’re grateful for your loyalty, Trish, and it’s our pleasure to serve all your travel needs!   —Stuart Johnson, Customer Relations   Work Perks “Southwest’s flexibility helps when I’m booking flights around a client’s schedule, and the fares make it affordable for my team to travel.”   Frequent Flyer “Flying often for work allows me to earn Rapid Rewards points, which I use for family vacations.”   Bucket List “My family loves to ski. We want to fly to Boise, Idaho, and travel to Sun Valley to experience the slopes there.”   Scoring Points “My son travels to soccer camps around the country, and my Companion Pass makes it easier for us to make that happen.” ... View more

2019 is here which means it’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions! We know that between drinking more water and getting more steps into your daily routine that it’s important to have new goals centered on adventure.   If you want to travel more in the New Year, then be specific about where you want to go. We recommend determining when you want to travel, and what you’d like to do when you get there. Tip: planning ahead will help you create a budget, start a travel fund, and let you friends and family know that you’re planning an upcoming trip. Letting others in on your plan will help keep you accountable.   New Year; new bucket list. Start booking flights to complete your 2019 adventures. With Southwest’s low fares and reliable flights, the possibilities are limitless. Need some inspiration? We’ve got you covered with a list of seven Southwest cities to visit and local attractions to check out while you’re there.   1. Travel to bayou city. Houston has always held a special place in the hearts of Texas-based avgeeks and those that love Southwest Airlines. The bayou city has been a fan favorite as one of Southwest’s original “Texas Triangle” markets when the Company originally started service in 1971.   Nowadays, Southwest has expanded its route map to serve more than 99 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries. Low fares to abroad destinations like Aruba, Belize, Montego Bay, and more can be accessed from Houston Hobby.   The city of Houston is known for more than just being an international gateway and one of the original “Texas Triangle” markets. Houston is known for its space exploration, shopping, traffic, and so much more. We’ve pulled together a few of our favorite local attractions to add to your to-do list the next time you’re stopping through the area.   Children's Museum of Houston The Children’s Museum of Houston is located in Houston’s Museum District where there’s something different and new to do every day! Packed with 90,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, the Museum offers 14 hands-on galleries with plenty of fun and learning opportunities for the young and young at heart. Exhibits include Kidtropolis, a real-life kidtropolis complete with a skyline, city government, and occupations; Challenge Course, a ropes challenge where physical agility, stamina, and balance are put to the test; and Maker Annex, an area for children to invent, construct, and showcase their creative work.   Biscuit Paint Wall Looking for an instagrammable moment? Houston’s Biscuit Paint Wall is a popular mural photo destination located in the Montrose area of Houston—it even has its own hashtag #BiscuitPaintWall. Painted by French, Houston-based artist Sebastien “Mr. D” Boileau of Eyeful Design, the Biscuit Paint Wall debuted in 2014. The wall is accessible at all hours and located at 1435 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77006.   Kemah Boardwalk Located just 20 miles from downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk offers 60-acres of fun for the entire family from fabulous waterfront restaurants with a variety of different cuisines to amusement rides, shopping, and events.   2. Hike a trail less traveled in the mile high city. Denver, the capital of Colorado, is known for its park system, weather, and more. The city offers several hiking trails along scenic routes. Whether you are taking a solo trip to take in the beauty of Mills Lake or grabbing your friends to explore Bear Creek Trail, Denver offers a variety of things to see and do. We’ve pulled together a few spots to check out the next time you’re making your way through the mile high city, regardless if you’re a fan of mother nature or not.   Rocky Mountain National Park Comprised of more than 415 square miles, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. Its majestic beauty is evidenced by its outdoor recreation, wildlife, and peaks offerings. Open 365 days, 24-hours a day, choose your own adventure any day throughout the year! The weather is known to change quickly and varies by elevation so visitors are encouraged to dress in layers, drink plenty of water, and pack a sense of adventure visiting the largest national park in Colorado.   Red Rocks Amphitheatre Red Rocks Amphitheatre is known as one of the world’s best concert venues thanks to its amazing acoustics and natural beauty. It’s a 15-mile drive from Denver and a must-see for Colorado residents and tourists alike. While there, you may also have the opportunity to take in a film, hike, dine, or just enjoy the history of this National Historic Landmark.   Denver Biscuit Company What’s a good getaway without some grub? Denver Biscuit Company (DBC) owners Ashleigh and Drew Shader decided that Denverites deserved a true Southern breakfast when they opened their first DBC location in 2009. Today, they have three locations in Denver, one in Aurora, and one that just opened in Colorado Springs. It doesn’t matter which location you plan to go to as you’ll likely have to wait because the food is just that good. Come hungry with an appetite as the food is massive and delicious. And be sure to save room for their amazing Giant Biscuit Cinnamon Roll—we promise it’s worth every calorie.      3. Read a good book ... on a beach.  Fort Lauderdale is the perfect place to plop down on a towel, feel soft sand between your toes, and read whatever book is on your must-read list. The city, located on Florida’s southeastern coast, boasts beautiful beaches and boating canals. If you find yourself in “Laudy”, here are a couple quintessential things to do. And if you’re looking for even more ideas, check out some hidden gems from Southwest Employees who live and work in the area too.   FATVillage Located 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, a once empty warehouse district is now thriving as FATVillage. FAT (Flagler + Arts + Technology) Village is downtown Fort Lauderdale's creative enclave home to art galleries, artist studios, and businesses. This new downtown hotspot is helping to sustain an artist community through its integration with artists and designers. The four block district also hosts an ArtWalk the last Saturday of every month (besides December) from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. showcasing new art exhibits, local artisans, a variety of food, and more.   Hillsboro Beach Nicknamed the “millionaires’ mile,” Hillsboro Beach is officially known as the Town of Hillsboro Beach. The beachfront town is also home to the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse located on the north side of Hillsboro Inlet. The light marks the northern limit of the Florida Reef, an underwater coral formation on the lower east coast of the state.   Wilton Creamery Wilton Creamery is an upscale boutique ice cream shop located in the heart of Wilton Manors offering seasonal and rotating flavors—plus options for vegans and dogs. The four-year-old shop offers ice cream nachos, served with cinnamon chips and a variety of toppings. As their menu says, it may just make you question your lifetime of dessert choices!    4. Jet off to the "Hollywood of the South." Discover what makes Atlanta a truly unique Southern city more than just being located in the Peach State and known as the state location with the most feature films produced. The city of Atlanta played an important role during the civil rights movement and today is also known as having one of the world’s busiest airports by passenger traffic. Make the most of your trip to Georgia by checking out a few can’t-miss Atlanta experiences.   Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Park Visit this family-friendly and free historic site to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In total, the historical site encompasses almost 35 acres and includes buildings such as his childhood home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and "I Have a Dream" World Peace Rose Garden. Note: Dr. King’s Birth Home Tours are free, but limited to 15 people and filled on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the tour. It’s recommended to visit early in the week (or Sunday morning) and early in the day to secure your spot. Annual events celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January typically draw large crowds.   Georgia Aquarium Georgia Aquarium is most known as home to more animals than any other aquarium. Located in downtown Atlanta, this aquarium has more than 10 million gallons of water for tens of thousands of animals. The largest exhibit holds more than six millions gallons of water and is home to four whale shakers, four manta rays, and other beautiful sea life. We recommend arriving early to beat the crowds and taking advantage of their Behind the Seas tour to get an exclusive look at their galleries and habitats. Tours are only $15 and run every half hour starting at 10:30 a.m.   Ponce City Market Breathing new life into the historic Sears, Roebuck & Co., building, Ponce City Market is Atlanta’s premiere mixed-use development. At the heart of Ponce City Market is the marketplace itself which offers the most popular places to gather, eat, shop, and play. The rooftop—skyline park—is another main attraction which boasts a mini golf course, boardwalk-style games, and gorgeous views of the city. Admission to enter the roof and tower is $10 per person for adults and kids (over 12), $7 kids (12 and under), or free (kids under 3) and includes a wristband good for the entire day.   5. Take in the historic sites at our nation's capital. Bordering Maryland and Virginia sits Washington, D.C., our nation’s capital and home to monuments, iconic museums, and eclectic neighborhoods. Thanks to convenient public transportation, spend a day or weekend getaway to explore all that one of the most visited cities in the world has to offer. See below to check out a few things to do while you’re here.   Dupont Circle A popular and lively residential neighborhood, Dupont Circle is thriving with its dining and nightlife. The neighborhood encompasses bistros, bookstores, galleries, and is a gathering place thanks a unique fountain in the center of a traffic circle. Dupont Circle is located in the “Old City” of Washington, D.C. and its architecture includes many rowhouses primarily built before 1900. The area offers a little something for everyone and has been a vital DC community since the late 19th century, and continues to be a hot spot for residents and visitors of all ages.   Tidal Basin This partially man-made reservoir is a focal point of the National Cherry Blossom Festival held each spring. Initially created to provide recreational space, the Tidal Basin is located between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel. Visitors are drawn to the area because of its beauty, especially during the cherry blossom season. Each year, people flock from all across the national to welcome spring and take in the beauty of more than 3,000 cherry trees. Take a stroll along the Tidal Basin and enjoy the breathtaking views of the trees and the city's most iconic landmarks.   Lincoln Memorial The Lincoln Memorial is an essential part of any Washington, D.C. visit. This iconic landmark is a tribute to the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and was built to heal division caused by the Civil War. The Memorial is located on the National Mall, towers over the Reflecting Pool, and is an easy walk from other nearby monuments. Although the Memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, it’s recommended to visit early in the morning or after dark when the Memorial is less crowded.   6. Eat some good Texas BBQ. Howdy, and welcome to Texas! Austin, the state capital of Texas, is an incredible place to live, work, and play. The city is known for its many parks and lakes, culture and contemporary life, and live-music scene. There’s always something to see or do! Austin also offers amazing BBQ—get ready for some mouthwatering brisket. We’ve pulled together a few places to visit that solidify why this city has been named the No. 1 place to live in the United States for 2017 and 2018 by U.S. News & World Report.   Franklin Barbecue This lunch-only BBQ spot is open at 11 a.m. six days a week (closed on Mondays). However, the line for brisket, pulled pork, and other smoked meats is known to start at 6:30 a.m. every morning without fail—with waits up to four hours or more—and lasts until the food runs out. Aaron Franklin started his joint in 2009 in a small trailer before opening a brick and mortar location in 2011. Today, Aaron has received countless accolades thanks to his incredible brisket and is known as one of the most influential pitmasters in the United States.   Barton Springs Pool Often referred to as one of Austin’s crowned jewels, Barton Springs is a three acre outdoor swimming pool filled entirely with water from nearby natural springs. The Springs, located within Austin’s Zilker Park, are a popular venue and ideal for year-round swimming as they have an average temperature of 68-70 degrees. This iconic swimming hole is always at or near the top of lists of things to do in Austin so it’s no surprise that it attracts a diverse crowd of visitors every year.   Paramount Theatre Built in 1915, Paramount Theatre is Austin’s original performing arts venue. The Theatre hosts more than 200,000 audience members each year, 250+ performances a year, screens more than 100 movies, and hosts multiple iconic festivals in Austin throughout the year including SXSW and the Austin Film Festival. With its historic architecture, the Paramount remains the best venue in town to take in a classic movie, show, or concert.   7. Catch some thrills on a roller coaster at the theme park capital of the world. We all know Disney has no age limit. Ride Thunder Mountain in Orlando and get ready for a lot of magic. Orlando, home to more than a dozen theme parks, is one of the world’s most visited family destinations. The city of Orlando offers many other activities for those looking to explore all of this, and much more.   Orlando Brewing Company Orlando Brewing Company is Orlando’s only certified organic brewery and an oasis for local and beer-loving travelers alike. The micro-brewery features more than 24 brews on tap, free tours, and outdoor live music. Free brewery tours are offered from Monday to Saturday at 6 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. Note: there are no tours on the 30th of each month or special occasions like Oktoberfest. They also have a variety of other free events, from concerts to yoga sessions.   Disney Springs Disney Springs is a bigger and better version of the entertainment district once known as Downtown Disney. This favorite free local attraction in Orlando includes outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area is also known for live musical performances and free family activities. Self-parking in most lots and parking garages is complimentary. Take in the sights and sounds on a fun date night or make it an outing for the entire family.   East End Market A trendy neighborhood market and food hub, East End Market offers a vast array of artisanal vendors from pasta makers to coffee roasters. The two-story structure houses dozens of merchants, a large event space, test kitchen, offices, retail, and more. Inspired by Central Florida’s local farmers and food artisans, there’s something for everyone here to enjoy. Guests can sit outside in a community space, take in live music, or hang out at the picnic tables and enjoy a treat.    Wanderlust is a staple of the traveling community—we hope Southwest’s low fares and route map inspire you to explore more this year!              For more 2019 travel inspiration and adventures, check out our Travel Inspiration Discussion Board, or share your ideas with other Community Members in the comments below. ... View more

The holiday season is here which means airports are busier than usual as travelers head to visit family and friends. While holiday travel may seem daunting, there’s no need to fret! At Southwest, we want holiday travel to be as stress-free as possible so we’ve pulled together a few tips and tricks to make the season a little brighter.      Before Your Flight: Get the 411 on Southwest’s Check In Process and EarlyBird We recommend Customers check in 24 hours in advance to get the best possible boarding position. And if you download the Southwest App, you can check-in for your flight while you’re on the go (if notifications are turned on, then you may be sent a reminder too!). Southwest has open seating, so when you get on the plane, you can sit wherever you’d like!   Want Southwest to do the work for you? Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®. With EarlyBird, we’ll automatically check you in and assign your boarding position within 36 hours of your flight’s departure—12 hours before general boarding positions become available. With our open seating policy, EarlyBird improves your seat selection options to help you choose your favorite seat, and it’s one less thing to think about prior to travel.     Time Flies: Leave Plenty of Extra Time before You Head out the Door Depart from home far earlier than you would at any other time of the year. We recommend arriving at least two hours prior to your flight to allow ample time to check your bag(s), receive or print your boarding pass, go through security, and even grab a bite to eat before your flight departs. Flights typically begin boarding 30 minutes prior to their departure time.   Wouldn't you rather avoid the panic if you run into traffic congestion, crowded public transit, or long security lines? Relax and read, watch planes take off, or listen to music while you wait for your plane to depart.     Plan Ahead: Reserve Airport Parking or Book a Lyft Ride from the Southwest App Airport parking is at a premium and often fills up around the holidays. However, some locations allow you to prebook.   Want to avoid the crowded shuttle bus altogether and spare yourself the mad dash to park your car before your flight takes off? The Southwest Mobile Team has partnered with rideshare company Lyft to integrate a new day-of-travel banner into the Southwest apps. On the day of travel, a Lyft banner will be available for all logged-in users four hours prior to their flight. It will also be available for an hour following their arrival. The banner will link the user into the Lyft app or mobile website to book a Lyft ride.     The Luggage Lowdown: Think Twice about Holiday Gifts and Fruitcake Bags Fly Free on Southwest Airlines! Customers can check up to two bags for free (size and weight limitations apply), so don’t worry about what you’ll do with those Christmas presents you need to take home. Carryon items are limited to one bag plus one smaller, personal-type item like a purse, briefcase, camera, etc. Southwest limits carryon bag dimensions to 10 x 16 x 24 inches.    Wait before you wrap! If you do take gifts along, make them small and packable, and don't wrap them beforehand. Even if they're in checked luggage, security personnel may need to open them for inspection. If you've got a lot to haul, consider shipping gifts and gear a week or two before you leave.   Food items such as pies and cakes are permitted, but may require further inspection. If travelers are not sure if a food item is considered a liquid or gel, it is best to pack the item in checked baggage or ship it to its final destination in advance.     In the Air: Be Entertained while you’re on Your Way We encourage travelers to bring along their own personal device to enjoy Southwest’s Inflight Entertainment Portal.* The Portal features a flight tracker, arrival and connecting gate information, free movies 1 , and access to southwest.com at no charge! You can also enjoy free messaging 2 , free on-demand TV 1 , Free Live TV 3 , free music 3 , and web browsing (with paid WiFi access) during your flight. Note: you must download the Southwest app before boarding if you want to view a movie or on-demand TV.   If you forget your device or want to unplug from the digital world for a few hours, check out Southwest: The Magazine onboard. You’ll have an opportunity to read about the people and places that make this country special. Who knows? You may even get inspired to visit a new place that Southwest serves!   And be sure to pack plenty of snacks for yourself or any kiddos in tow. Pretzels are always complimentary, as well as an assorted list of non-alcoholic beverages. Select snacks are available on longer flights.     We love making flying simple and fun for both our Customers and Employees. If interested in learning more about how we do just that, take some time to further familiarize yourself with how we do things.   We can't wait to see you onboard and wish you and yours a happy holiday season!   --   Inflight Entertainment Disclaimers *Available only on WiFi enabled aircraft. 1To view movies and select on-demand TV content, download the Southwest app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store before your flight. 2Messaging service only allows access to iMessage and WhatsApp (must be downloaded before the flight). 3Due to licensing restrictions, on WiFi-enabled international flights Free Live TV and iHeartRadio may not be available for the full duration of flight ... View more

Southwest now serves 99 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries, so if you’re looking to get away, there are always places to go and experiences to be had! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Omaha area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!     Henry Doorly Zoo, Lauritzen Gardens Omaha's Botanical Center, TD Ameritrade Park, The Durham Museum, Joslyn Art Museum, St. Cecilia's Cathedral, Old Market, Omaha Children's Museum, Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, Joslyn Castle, General Crook House Museum, Kenefick Park              Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.    Go Wild “In 2014, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha was named the best zoo in the world by TripAdvisor. It’s a must see whenever you visit! With more than 160 acres of plants, animals, and unique habitats from around the world my favorites include: the African grasslands with elephants, white rhinos, cheetahs, sable antelopes, bongos, ostriches, and impalas; the butterfly exhibit, and the aquarium. They even have a baby giraffe! After your visit to the zoo, you’ll be hungry so stop by Twisted Fork in downtown Omaha. The smoked gouda mac and cheese is yummy!” —OMA Operations Agent Trinity Gondella   Check out the Views “For cool views of downtown Omaha, check out the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge or Heartland of America Park. Or try your luck at one of three casinos just across the river.” —Regulatory Programs and Compliance Sr. Investigator John Drake   Cheers! “Omaha has several micro-breweries in the area. I recommend Brickway, Infusion, and Upstream.” —LAS Assistant Station Manager Ramp & Ops Tim Jeter   “The Berry & Rye is a fantastic cocktail bar!” —Safety & Security Lead Auditor Station Assurance Scott Nese   Up, Up, and Away “When you’re in Omaha, I recommend driving about 40 miles southwest to Ashland—voted one of the 10 most beautiful cities in Nebraska—to the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum.” —Flight Attendant Ashley Thomas   Batter Up! Since 1950, Omaha has hosted the College World Series. These Division I Baseball Championship games are played in June (currently in the TD Ameritrade Park). The event is a must for college baseball fans!” —OMA Customer Service Agent Lori Bogle     Old World Charm “A place I definitely visit whenever I’m in Omaha is the Old Market. The area offers a variety of good food and eclectic stores.” —MCO Flight Attendant David Stanfield   Urban Development “Midtown Crossing is centered around the revitalized Turner Park and is an awesome shopping and entertainment destination. Aside from exceptional restaurants, Midtown Crossing also hosts many different events, especially in the summer! Options include “Yoga Rocks the Park” on Sundays, Monday movies in the park, Wednesday Night Workouts, Jazz on the Green on Thursdays, Night Market, and more.” —MDW Flight Attendant Nicole Niebauer ... View more

“It’s so gratifying to make others smile. It shows me I’ve positively affected their day.”—Gary Wilson, Provisioning Agent Photo by Mark Katzman Gary Wilson promises that his job is one of Southwest Airlines’ best-kept secrets. As a Provisioning Agent in Orlando, Gary works behind the scenes to support our operation by stocking planes and ensuring Flight Attendants have what they need to provide exceptional Hospitality. Gary joined the Southwest Family 23 years ago, and he displays his Servant’s Heart every day—at work and in his personal life. While on the job, he does what he can to make everyone’s day a little brighter, whether that’s by saying hello to Pilots or making a Flight Attendant laugh. At home, Gary supports his church’s efforts to help the homeless community. Thank you, Gary, for bringing a ray of sunshine to those you serve!   —Ashley Frost, Communications & Outreach   We Are Family “It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes our entire community to make the Company work. No matter your title or position, it takes all of us.”   The Wheel Deal “Visit the Orlando Eye—it’s a big Ferris wheel. It takes you up so you can see the entire skyline for miles. It’s a beautiful view, especially at night.”   Labor of Love “If you enjoy what you do, it makes your job so much easier. My team has a blast laughing and being goofy.” ... View more

If you’re looking to get away for a few days or even a week, there are always places to go and experiences to be had—especially when you get to visit one Southwest’s 99 cities across the United States and 10 additional countries! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Cincinnati area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!     Smale Riverfront Park, Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum, Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, Cincinnati Art Museum, Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati Music Gall, Roebling Suspension Bridge, American Sign Museum, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum              Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.    Enjoy a Variety of Restaurants Cincinnati is the perfect place to visit with an appetite! The city is known for its Three-way Skyline Chili! You can pour it over a hot dog, or what we call a coney, or be a traditionalist and have it over spaghetti. I prefer spaghetti style and love the sweet flavor. For extra crunch and flavor, I like to add a touch of hot sauce with crackers on top!   If you want to hang with all the “hipsters,” Bakersfield is a trendy bar and restaurant that serves authentic street tacos in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. My favorite menu items are the al pastor tacos, baja shrimp tacos, and of course, the guacamole!     Spend Quality Time Outdoors On a perfect, sunny day, one of my favorite Cincinnati breweries to visit is Fifty West Brewing Company! You can hang out outside where the locals play volleyball and even bring your dog. Enjoy a beer, have a brat, kayak on the river, or listen to music. Take the kids to the Cincinnati Zoo or Coney Island while you’re in town for some outdoor family fun too.   And if you’re looking for more fresh air, our Southwest Porch is located in Washington Park. You can eat, drink, play games, and just relax! Other parks I recommend with amazing views in the area are Devou Park, Dree's Park, and Eden Park.     Soak up the Local History The William Howard Taft National Historic Site is a historic house of the 27th President of the United States. After, swing by the Taft’s Ale House for exceptional brews and bites. It was constructed in 1850 and was originally St. Paul's Evangelical Church in the Queen City. Many local events have been hosted here, including Southwest’s Cincinnati Opening Reception!   —CVG Customer Service Agent Amy Van Lieu   Cruise Down the River and Visit a Museum Cruise down the Ohio River on a scenic BB Riverboat Cruise. Enjoy live music, eat a captain’s dinner, and soak up the local surroundings for a few hours! The historic Loveland Castle & Museum Chateau Laroche, built by World War Veteran Harry Andrews, is the perfect destination for history lovers. Take a tour to dive into some of Ohio’s rich history and learn how he built the castle by himself over the span of 50 years.   Cheer on the Local Sports Teams FC Cincinnati is our local minor league soccer team. My wife and I aren’t big soccer fans, but after attending two games we loved it so much that we actually bought season tickets! If you’re into sports, I recommend a blissful day at Loveland Bike Trail, biking, running, picnicking, and more in the woodsy area.   Grab Some Brews at a Local Festival Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is an annual weekend festival and the second largest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich. I had a lot of fun at the celebration.  If you’re interested, this year’s Festival takes place September 21-23. If you’re looking for more of a local brewery feel, Braxton Brewery, pet friendly Madtree Brewery, or 16-BIT bar + arcade are my recommendations. At 16-BIT there are actually classic arcade games!   —CVG Ops Agent Ben James ... View more

“The biggest things I’ve learned here are patience and listening to people.”— Simon Cheung, Customer Service Agent Photo by Frank Rogozienski After 23 years in the airline industry, Simon Cheung says his favorite part of the job is still the satisfaction of helping others get to their destination. When he started as a Customer Service Agent, his Fun-LUVing Attitude and Servant’s Heart immediately distinguished him as a Leader. Whether he’s playing detective to locate a lost item or helping a Customer get the best fare, Simon always delivers outstanding Hospitality. Outside of his work at San Diego International Airport, he volunteers as often as he can and recently participated in a Walk for Water in Mission Beach. We’re proud to recognize an individual who works tirelessly to put smiles on our Customers’ and Employees’ faces!   — Megan Jenkins, Communications & Outreach   Spooky Style “When I worked in Las Vegas, we decorated for Halloween and even won an award. Each gate was a different theme.”   Sweet Sale “During our 25-year anniversary sale, I helped a Passenger find $25 fares for six hours. She bought me a box of chocolates because we were together for so long.”   A Super Hobby “I enjoy reading comic books. I like both DC and Marvel—I love the X-Men comics.”   Golden State “The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is really cool to see. It was built in 1912 and goes across Kate Sessions Canyon. When you cross it, it shakes.”  ... View more

“Vacations are the best reward to rest, refocus, and refresh the body, soul, and mind.” —Maryann Reyes Jackmon, Senior Director of External Relations, California State University Office of the Chancellor Photo by Melissa Valladares Whether it’s traveling for work, supporting her twins at their collegiate games, or enjoying a vacation booked with her Rapid Rewards points, you can always catch Maryann Reyes Jackmon flying Southwest. As the senior director of external relations at California State University, Maryann provides strategic leadership for the university’s system office, which oversees 23 campuses. Her role involves a lot of travel, so Maryann appreciates Southwest’s flexible policies. Maryann supports CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025, which focuses on closing achievement gaps, and, in honor of her parents, she launched the Gusmaro & Bernarda P. Reyes Scholarship to help students attend college. Thank you, Maryann, for your loyalty to Southwest and for making a difference.   —Kyndall Hinton, Communications & Outreach   Good Luck “Last fall, while boarding a flight in Las Vegas, I saw my cousin, a Southwest Flight Attendant from Chicago. Once we landed in Burbank, he joined my husband and me for a Cal Poly Pomona soccer game and he met my son, who plays for the team.”   Many Thanks “I carry Southwest’s ‘Kick Tail’ cards in my wallet and give them to Southwest representatives as a way to acknowledge them.”   See Sacramento “When in Sacramento, I recommend stopping at the Esquire Grill for a hot cappuccino, a hearty breakfast, or a delicious burger and fries.” ... View more

Our Vision at Southwest Airlines is to be the world’s most loved, most flown, and most profitable airline. We strive to deliver Outstanding Hospitality to our Customers day in and day out as we serve over 100 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries. Our Employees are the Heart of our Company and interact daily with our Customers. Read more to hear some of the recent travel stories that our Customers shared with us!   The Midnight Junior Flight Attendant Submitted by sayrajan27 I wanted to give a shout out to Danielle and the amazing Flight Crew on Flight #3574 from San Francisco to Denver. My daughters fly back and forth between Colorado and California often to visit their dad. On this particular flight my 7-year-old, Sophia, was having a rough night and flight back home to Colorado. She was sad to leave her dad but she was also very tired as it was a midnight flight.   Sophia started crying and sweet Danielle asked her if she would like to be a junior Flight Attendant. Sophia instantly stopped crying and helped the Flight Crew hand out snacks and pick up trash. She got a round of applause at the end of the flight making her a very, very happy little girl!! I cannot thank Danielle and the Flight Crew enough for doing what they did that night. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts!     Southwest’s Raleigh/Durham, NC Station Helps Save a 50th Anniversary Celebration Submitted by JorieWalker The Southwest ticket agent at your Raleigh/Durham Station saved my neighbors' 50th anniversary! They were told by the cruise line that they could not board the cruise ship without their passports, which they had accidentally left at home. This was terrible news because they had booked a cruise with their whole family—kids, grandkids, siblings, and friends included—so a lot of money and planning hours were invested.   Plus, these neighbors are the very best of people. They've given so much of their time and effort to others and they never hesitate to lend a hand when they're needed. Of all the people I know, these good souls deserved a celebration. But that was about to not happen. They were told about the passport problem on Saturday, and their cruise was due to leave Sunday afternoon, New Year’s Eve. I was called in to help get these passports to their hotel in Florida. I got the passports from their house and started frantically driving to or calling every shipping company I'd heard of. After having no luck with any of them, I stood in line at the Southwest terminal at RDU (which was the longest I'd ever seen—almost back to baggage claim) to see if there was anything they could do to help.   The ticket agent was a miracle worker! She helped me get a last-minute ticket on a holiday weekend that enabled me to hand-deliver their passports and still be back home in time to celebrate the holiday with my own family, all at a reasonable price. And she worked through this miracle with cheerful patience that was unexpected with that long of a line. The relief and joy she brought to an entire family was indescribable. Smiles and tears all around. She is just one of the reasons I will always search Southwest Airlines first. Thank you, Southwest Airlines and your RDU Station!     The Adventure of my Lost iPad Submitted by Egrant Late last year, I tearfully left Memphis en route to Tampa. It had been a rough two weeks due to a family situation, but I needed to get home and pack for my upcoming move to Memphis.    I arrived in Tampa and went home, got to work and then realized I had left my iPad on the plane. I drove to the airport and was met by the most professional Employee, Customer Service Agent Donna Gandy, who realized my distress and started to make calls. She called upstairs to my gate and asked OPS Agent Lakayla Nelson if an iPad had been turned in. By luck, OPS Agent Thomas Keesling overheard the call and a Flight Attendant had just handed him my iPad that had taken a journey from Tampa to LaGuardia back to Tampa.   My boyfriend and now fiancé, Mark Davis, and I have commuted on Southwest for over a year between Tampa and Memphis and plan to marry in 2018. We owe the solid building of our relationship to your reasonable direct flights between Memphis and Tampa. Thank you, Southwest!   Want to share your story? Have you witnessed an over-the-top act of Southwest Airlines Employee kindness? Let us know at Southwest.com/contact-us. ... View more

Southwest now serves 100 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries, so if you’re looking to get away, there are always places to go and experiences to be had! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Milwaukee area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!     Milwaukee Art Museum, Lake Michigan, Miller Park, Harley Davidson Museum, Veteran's Park, Wisconsin Dells, Summer Fest, Wisconsin State Fair, Basilica of St. Josaphat, Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear, Milwaukee Public Museum, Pabst Mansion, Great Lakes Distiller, Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee Public Market              Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.    Museums, Drives, and Strolls… Oh, My! “Art, history and science museums are located around the World, but there is only one Harley-Davidson Museum. The museum has over 450 motorcycles and a courtyard that overlooks the river. Another unique museum in the area is the Milwaukee Art Museum where visitors can view 30,000 different works of art. With its permanent collections and rotating exhibits, there is always something new to see.   For a beautiful, scenic drive in the historic area of Milwaukee, drive along Harbor Drive just west of Summerfest grounds as far south as you can go and then head east past the lighthouse. From there, I recommend driving around the Marcus Amphitheater and parking and walking along the island east of the Summerfest Grounds. You can also access the island near the Discovery World Science and Technology Museum on the shore of Lake Michigan.   I also recommend strolling through the lobby of the Pfister Hotel and visiting the Federal Courthouse across the street.”   —MKE Customer Service Agent Traci Bradshaw   Spend some time strolling around Milwaukee to see some of the best views of Lake Michigan. Milwaukee Traditions “There are countless restaurants to dine at around Milwaukee. Ma Fisher’s is a great place to eat at any hour on the east side of the city! If you’re looking for a more unique experience with a side of intrigue, try the SafeHouse. The SafeHouse is a thrilling spy-themed restaurant, bar, and nightclub and a must-do Milwaukee tradition! It’s a popular speakeasy that requires a password to get in.  Also, rent a bike and ride along the lake front or rent a kayak and float on the water. Tours of Miller Park, the Milwaukee Public Market, and the Lake Front Brewery are also a few of my favorites in the area.”   —MKE Customer Service Supervisor Jessica Roskopf   A Romantic, Italian, Hole-in-the-Wall Restaurant Located only 10 minutes from Downtown Milwaukee, The Pasta Tree is an Italian restaurant with a romantic atmosphere. The owner, Suzette is also the head chef and passionate about her restaurant. All sauces, pasta, and bread are made fresh daily right in the restaurant’s small kitchen, which has an open view as you pass from one quaint dining room to the next.   —MKE Station Admin Ann Greco   Day Trips, Bars, and Stadiums Downtown is the place to visit in Milwaukee. A lot of bars are around Water Street—Pourman's is a favorite of mine. Bugsy's Back Alley Speakeasy is also a really cool roaring 20s style place with swing dancing and fun happy hours. If you’re a sports fanatic, make sure to check out both Miller Park (Home of the Brewers) and Bradley Stadium where the Milaukee Bucks play! And lastly, if you’re looking for family friendly fun, check out the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, fly kites at Veteran’s Park by the lake, or drive to the Wisconsin Dells and spend the day at a water park!   —Visual Communications Specialist and Native Milwaukeean Dennis McMurray ... View more

“It’s the small things in life that often have the biggest impact.” —Connie Rivero, Station Administrator Photo by Cy Cyr Twenty-nine years ago, while working at a bank, Connie Rivero and her Fun-LUVing Attitude caught the eye of a Southwest Airlines Employee. He passed along his business card, and when Connie was ready for a change, she applied for a job at Southwest. During her interview, she showed the card that sparked the move, and the rest, she says, is history. A Station Administrator in Orlando, Connie goes the extra mile to help others, whether she’s hosting Station events, onboarding Employees, or recognizing others for a job well done. Outside of work, Connie volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, and she fulfills her passion for animals by raising money for Florida shelters. Thank you, Connie, for living the Southwest Way.   —Melanie Graham, Communications & Outreach   Others First “In every aspect of my career, my main purpose is to serve our Employees. If you do a good job for them, then they will do a good job for you.”   Curtain Call “I love crafting. One of my passions is sewing, and I enjoy making curtains for myself and loved ones.”   Life Lessons “Patience and tolerance will get you far in life. You should have a passion and love for what you do.”   Family First “Our Southwest Family is always there to lend a helping hand—we know how to cry and laugh together.” ... View more

Southwest now serves 100 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries, so if you’re looking to get away, there are always places to go and experiences to be had! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Seattle area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!     Space Needle, Seattle Great Wheel, Woodinville Wine Country, Museum of Pop Culture, Smith Tower, Chinatown-International District, Seattle Aquarium, Chihuly Garden and Glass, Experience Music Project, Museum of Flight              Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.     Stop by Pike Place Market to sample fresh fruits, browse artisan crafts, sip on great coffee, and buy a bright bouquet of local flowers. Sweeping City Views My family loves Seattle. We live right in the heart of it all and have yet to get bored! There’s a lot to love about Pike Place Market—Seattle’s most iconic attraction. Home of the original Starbucks and famous Gum Wall, the market is filled with tasty treats, floral bouquets, and local vendors year-round. The west side of the marketplace overlooks the waterfront where you can access the Washington State Ferry. En route to Bainbridge Island, you’ll see panoramic views of the skyline and harbor. The birthplace of Seattle, Pioneer Square, showcases some of the city’s history. Explore the depth of the district, and even take an underground tour!   Cutters Crabhouse is a step away from Pike Place Market, and they serve some of the freshest seafood on Elliot Bay. A close competitor is Ivar's Salmon House, where we like to watch the seaplanes land on Lake Union and the sunset over Seattle’s skyline.   We also enjoy spending time outdoors at our favorite parks in the city. Green Lake has a great walking path, wading area, and a miniature golf course. Volunteer Park offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city from the observation deck atop the water tower. The park is also home to the Asian Art Museum; although it’s currently closed for expansion.   —SEA Ground Ops Customer Service Supervisor Lindsay Taylor   Catch stunning waterfront views at seafood restaurants like Cutters Crabhouse and Anthony's Seafood Restaurant. Fun for Everyone If you’re looking for good eats, I recommend Salty's Seafood Restaurant. I love this restaurant because it’s located on the Puget Sound, and the fresh Pacific seafood is absolutely delicious. Anthony's Seafood Restaurant is also a great choice. They have several waterfront locations and fabulous chowder!   My family likes to explore Seattle's farmers markets, which are open every Saturday year-round. They have an abundance of fresh produce that’s grown across the southern and eastern regions of Washington. We also enjoy visiting the spray parks in the summer. Angle Lake Spray Park has a ton of water spray toys and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day—for FREE! We also love to watch the boats on the Puget Sound at Des Moines Marina. Breathe in the salty air while taking a walk on the pier or venture off to one of the various walking trails nearby. Parking at the marina is $1 per hour, so it’s very cost-effective.   Visit the home of our biggest professional sports teams—CenturyLink Field. In the fall and winter, you’ll watch the Seattle Seahawks. In the spring and summer, raise your scarves for the 2016 MLS Cup Champions, the Seattle Sounders FC. For a convenient and economical transportation option, take the Link Light to the stadium—it’s about a 10-minute walk to the entrance from the drop-off point. A roundtrip light rail ticket from SEA-TAC is $5.50.   If you’re looking for a fun night out on the town, I’d recommend visiting Cowgirls Inc. in Pioneer Square. The nightclub has a mechanical bull, and on Thursday nights, ladies get in free. Steel Creek in Tacoma is also a local favorite. The country-western hangout has line dancing lessons throughout the week and open dance nights on the weekends. Arrive thirsty with your cowboy boots and best southern drawl!”   —SEA Ground Ops Customer Service Agent Jess Adams   Hikes through Snowqualmie National Forest are great for all ages and skill levels and offer some of the most stunning views of Washington. Scenic Hikes and Views Some of the best hiking in the country is located a stone’s throw away from downtown Seattle. I suggest renting a car and driving to the Snowqualmie National Forest, which is just 45 minutes east of the city. There are excursions for all ages and skill levels, whether you’re looking for an easy stroll to Twin Falls for the whole family or a tough but rewarding climb to Snow Lake. I recommend checking out wta.org for photos, trail reports, and directions. No matter where your inner adventurer sways you, your pictures (and blisters) are sure to impress.   Nothing is more infamous in Seattle than Pike Place Market. Boasting incredible views of the Puget Sound and the Casacade Mountain range, there’s something for everyone at this funky local market. Go for the iconic photo opportunity with the Pike Place Market sign, and stay for the native produce, local seafood fare, and local crafts and gifts. Rumor has it that if you tell the fishmongers it’s your birthday they’ll let you ‘catch’ a tossed fish. Don’t forget to pop into the original Starbucks too!”   —Senior Customer Relations/Rapid Rewards Representative Liz Blumberg   ... View more

Southwest now serves 100 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries, so if you’re looking to get away, there are always places to go and experiences to be had! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Flight Ops Employees' favorite places in the Phoenix area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!     Heard Museum, Desert Botanical Garden, Heritage Square, Phoenix Art Museum, South Mountain Park, North Mountain Preserve and Shaw Butte, Taliesin West, Mystery Castle, Papago Park              Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.     Dining in Old Town Scottsdale Old Town Scottsdale is a wonderful place for locals and tourists alike. There are wonderful, hard to find local restaurant gems like The House Brasserie, Cafe Monarch, and Virtu. There’s also a delicious favorite Italian restaurant in Phoenix, Italian Grotto, which has been in Scottsdale for 30 years and is run by a bunch of guys from Bronx, New York! If you’re looking for a wonderful dessert place, then head on over to Sugar Bowl. This old-style ice cream shop has been around since the 1950s and has even been featured in the cartoon strip Family Circus, as the cartoon’s creator—Bill Keane—used to bring his kids there! Old Town is a “can’t miss” for food and entertainment!   Fun in the Water West Fork Trail is one of the most beautiful hikes on Earth. Not that I'm a huge hiker, it's just that this area is so scenic ... I love to share it with visitors. The West Fork Trail is in Oak Creek Canyon, near Sedona, Arizona—an easy two-hour drive north of Phoenix. The trail is an easy hike that crosses a stream at least 13 times as it winds through this wooded canyon. The canyon is surrounded by beautiful red rocks and red cliffs. The trail is dog friendly too. Our dogs absolutely love playing in the water. To quench your thirst after the hike, there are tons of outdoor breweries and wine bars a few miles down the road in Sedona.   —Todd Watts, Captain   Cool off from the desert heat at one of the lakes near Phoenix.  Hiking the Canyon Two places that my entire family really enjoys here in Phoenix are Lake Pleasant and the Salt River. The biggest misconception about our desert is the lack of water, but Phoenix actually has four major lakes with plenty of water sports to enjoy. Living on the north side of Phoenix, we frequent Lake Pleasant nearly every week during the summer. It has two large marinas and two restaurants where you can dock your boat. It has house boat rentals, jet skis, fishing guides, and booze cruises on a nightly basis. Lake Pleasant also has a biology and ecology center for our local elementary schools to explore.   Another fantastic summer tradition is floating down the Salt River on tubes. All you do is take in the sun, enjoy the cool water, and float for several hours with family and friends down the river. It’s always a great time and is very relaxing. Those are just a couple of fantastic summer gems we have here in beautiful Phoenix.   —Nancy Martin Belitz, Captain   Engaging with Nature A great family outing in the East Valley is a trip to the Riparian Reserve located behind the Southeast Regional library on the SE corner on Greenfield and Guadalupe. The Riparian Reserve is an urban recreational oasis with nearly 200 bird species, rabbits, owls, and ducks that have nested in a maze of hiking trails that navigate across its seven lagoons and scenic water streams. It's a great place to have a family picnic or fish in the stocked lake. Also located in the Reserve is an observatory that offers star and planet gazing on certain nights of the month. Entrance is free!   —Todd Tofaute, Captain ... View more

Photo by Kevin Miyazaki Timothy Flewelen spends his days teaching chemistry at Carroll University in Waukesha, Wisconsin. But his weekends are all about traveling with his 9-year-old daughter, Lily. Timothy and Lily have set the ambitious goal of visiting all 50 states together, and so far they’ve made it to 27. Timothy says they still have a lot of the Midwest to see, but thanks to Southwest Airlines, quick weekend trips are a breeze. This adventurous duo has achieved A-List Preferred status, making Lily one of our youngest expert aviators. We can’t wait to help them complete the list! —Victoria Powers, Customer Relations   Family Fun “We’d love to try some of Southwest’s international destinations. Punta Cana is at the top of our list.”   Broadway Bound “Lily is a huge Harry Potter fan so we can’t wait for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to make its way stateside. We saw Aladdin on our last trip to New York and she loved it.”   Shake it Up “When Lily was 3, a Flight Attendant made a rattle with a cup and filled the inside with pretzels. It was the attention to detail and effort she put into making Lily comfortable that set Southwest apart.” ... View more

“I don’t think of being a Southwest Flight Attendant as a job—it’s more of a calling.” —Irene Billingslea, Flight Attendant Photo by Harold Daniels As a seasoned airline professional and businesswoman, Irene Billingslea enjoys serving others in all facets of her life. Whether she’s assisting Passengers, helping fellow Flight Attendants, or educating women about the importance of home ownership through volunteer work, Irene is front and center doing her part for Southwest Airlines and her community. She likes to find the humor in life, and with her stage set at 30,000 feet with an airplane full of loyal fans, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Southwest is proud to recognize Irene for sharing her Fun-LUVing Attitude and Servant’s Heart on and off the aircraft.   —Cindy Hermosillo, Communication & Outreach   Giving Back “As a licensed real estate broker, I volunteer with Women’s Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project. My goal is to teach women about the importance of credit awareness and home ownership.”   Hit Refresh “I enjoy being an Employee of such an awesome Company where every day brings something new.”   Picture Perfect “I’ve been taking photos for over 20 years. I especially enjoy capturing the special moments and statements made at fashion events.”   ... View more

The following blog post was co-written by Debbie Wafford and Stephen Keller.    This year, Southwest Airlines celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Medical Transportation Grant Program by donating 10,000 roundtrip flights. This is how two of the 10,000 were used.     Wrenn received a double lung transplant as an infant. Ever since, she and her mom, Nicole, have traveled from her home in Orlando to St. Louis Children’s Hospital every six months. Now six years old, Wrenn has a sense of adventure, a passion for playing, and a dream of becoming a pilot.   Wrenn’s mom, Nicole, is especially thankful for our incredible Employees who go above and beyond to ensure Wrenn’s safety during their travels with us.   We’re honored to be a part of Wrenn’s story and be able to lessen the financial burden of serious illness.     ... View more

The Resilient Communities Impact Program is a whole-community effort, engaging local changemakers to take individual and collective action to ensure all neighborhoods are thriving places of opportunity.   By working collaboratively, Southwest, nonprofit organization Points of Light, and other local partners seek to strengthen cross-sector participation and connections, instill a greater sense of identity and pride, and increase the quality of life and support the livelihoods of residents. Projects are underway in three Southwest markets—Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix. Let’s hear from our PHX Southwest Coheart, Steve Land, Ground Operations – Provisioning Operations Manager, about his personal connection, involvement, and perspective about the Southwest Resilient Communities commitment to the Park South community.   I am thankful for our involvement in the Phoenix Park South community and am excited to be part of the project. This community is near and dear to my heart. Park South is the community that raised me and nurtured me throughout my youth. My family has been rooted there for decades and it is still home to my beloved parents, my Aunt, and other family members. The rich history of the neighborhood and dedication of its citizens makes a positive impact and helps strengthen the south Phoenix community.     When I learned that Southwest was teaming up with Points of Light and HandsOn Greater Phoenix for the Resilient Communities Initiative, I couldn’t wait to volunteer my time and put my heart in action. While Southwest Warriors have been doing great things in the Phoenix community for years, this new project in Park South is a great way for us to show off our Heart and serve alongside organizations who are all committed to strengthening our local communities. We have an opportunity to be part of something powerful that will make a strong impact and create meaningful change, not only in south Phoenix, but also in other communities throughout the country.   After attending community planning meetings and learning more about what we would collectively work to achieve, I couldn’t help but think of the many deserving residents. I know that this effort will rejuvenate their sense of ownership and pride, both of which have been lacking in the neighborhood for quite some time.     I am a product of this community and someone who visits family there almost weekly. I know the potential, the pride, and the resilience of the folks in Park South. This area was once a thriving, safe, and energetic subdivision of middle class families, high performing schools, and active youth programs. As a matter of fact, historically Park South was one of the first middle class subdivisions within the state of Arizona that was primarily African American. My parents purchased their first home here in the late 1960s and still call Park South home as do many other original homeowners and their descendants. They still hold on to hope, and they remain optimistic for what once was and what could be once more. During our first Resilient Communities project in late October, as I volunteered alongside many of my Cohearts, I was able to connect with and reunite with many residents who maintain the legacy of their family and remain dedicated to this area. Talk about making giving back personal…..this project really hits the mark for me!             I am so thankful to work for a Company that takes pride in providing quality service to our Customers, but more importantly, a Company that takes just as much pride in giving back to those very same communities. Thank you Southwest for providing an opportunity for me to put my HEART in action!   ... View more