Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airlines Announces 20 Firm Boeing 737-800 Deliveries in 2012 Wed, Dec 15, 2010 DALLAS, Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Today, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO spoke at the Wings Club in New York City and shared additional details on introducing the Boeing 737-800 to the Southwest fleet. Kelly announced the Company will substitute 20 of its 737-700 orders for -800s, with the first delivery scheduled for March 2012. With both its Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Unions ratifying their contracts to add the -800 to their current collective bargaining agreements, the Company is continuing to finalize discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the -800s for the -700 positions, and configuration and equipage options. "The -800 represents many exciting opportunities for our Employees and our Customers," Kelly said. "We are looking to the future and the -800 sets the stage to bring more destinations into the realm of possibilities for Southwest, to operate a more economical aircraft, and to offer better scheduling flexibility in high-demand, slot-controlled, or gate-restricted markets." The current plan is to deliver these 20, 737-800 aircraft in full Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) configuration. The current configuration also includes the Boeing Company's Sky Interior that offers a quieter cabin, improved operational security features, and LED reading and ceiling lighting. After nearly 40 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 nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements related to Southwest's plans and expectations regarding the introduction of the Boeing 737-800 to its fleet. These statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fuel prices and economic conditions on the Company's overall business plan and strategies; (ii) consumer demand for air travel; (iii) actions of competitors, including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities; (iv) the impact of governmental regulations on the Company's operations; and (v) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, and under the heading "Forward-looking statements" in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2010. southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines to Offer More New Service and More Low Fares From Newark Liberty International Airport Low Fares to New Nonstop Destinations Today, Southwest Airlines announced ten additional daily nonstop flights from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), three daily nonstops to Denver International (DIA), two daily nonstops from Houston Hobby (HOU), and two daily nonstops to Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), beginning June 5, 2011. These cities join the previously announced nonstop service from Newark to Chicago Midway (MDW) with six nonstop flights, and St. Louis (STL) with two nonstop flights—which begins March 27, 2011—providing Newark a total of 18 daily Southwest Airlines departures. To celebrate this new service, Southwest Airlines is now offering fares as low as $49 one-way, for a limited time, between Baltimore International Airport (BWI) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), in addition to great deals to other cities. Take advantage of these super low fares available only at southwest.com. These fares are available for purchase today through Dec. 17, 201011:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, good for travel between June 5, 2011, and August 12, 2011. To see the list of markets and take advantage of these special fares, visit southwest.com. Examples of fares include (see additional Fare Rules below*):   $49 one-way between Newark Liberty International and Baltimore/Washington International $109 one-way between Newark Liberty International and Denver International $129 one-way between Newark Liberty International and Houston Hobby $129 one-way between Newark Liberty International and Phoenix Sky Harbor International “Southwest is proud to offer its low fares to a very popular market. This announcement is the second wave of Southwest’s new schedule at Newark Liberty International to fulfill additional demand to and from ”xn-location">New York City for our Customers," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. “More service, more flights, and more connections mean a stronger network from East to West.” This Newark service will join New York LaGuardia International Airport and Long Island Islip MacArthur International Airport in strengthening Southwest’s presence in the New York-area. To read more about this announcement, visit nutsaboutsouthwest.com. In August, Southwest Airlines announced its intent to serve Newark Liberty International through a lease deal with Continental Airlines contingent upon the closing of the already approved Continental and United Airlines merger, certain governmental approvals, and all conditions for service have been met. With this agreement, Southwest Airlines has the right to operate up to 18 daily roundtrip flights at Newark Liberty International. About Southwest After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its commitment to the triple bottomline of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com/ * Fare Rules These fares are available for purchase from Dec. 15 through Dec. 17, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time only at southwest.com or swabiz.com. Travel valid from June 5 through August 12, 2011. Fares do not include 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 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. 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 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. 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. Offer applies to published, scheduled service only. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Statement Regarding Stock Clerk Vote on Its Tentative Agreement Tue, Dec 14, 2010 DALLAS, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today offered a statement in response to the "no" vote by its Stock Clerks, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division on the tentative agreement it had with the Company: "We reached a tentative agreement that delivered healthy wage increases to our hard working Stock Clerks, even during this difficult economic time," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Both sides put a lot of effort into getting to this point, and for this agreement to be rejected after assistance from a mediator is a disappointment for all involved." IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees. Earlier this year, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Honored by the American Meteorological Society for Its Innovation in Advance Applied Meteorology Southwest In-House Meteorology Team is Honored for Advances in the Aviation Industry DALLAS, Dec. 9, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines’ in-house Meteorology Team was recently recognized when the Council of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) named Rick Curtis, Southwest’s Chief Meteorologist, the recipient of the 2010 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology. This award will be presented to recognize Southwest Airlines’ outstanding contributions in advancing the use of meteorology within the airline industry to further enhance safety and efficiency of operations. “As a weather-dependent operation, the Meteorological Team is the eyes and ears of Southwest. We depend on them to provide Operational Leaders a precise forecast every day to secure the safety of our Customers, our Crews, and our aircraft,” said Greg Crum, Southwest Airlines Director of Operations. “We are proud of the great work the Meteorology Team does every day, and we congratulate them on this great achievement.” Rick will be honored at the American Meteorology Society Annual Meeting awards banquet to be held on January 26, 2011, at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. The AMS Annual Meeting will gather the nation’s top contributors in the fields of atmospheric, aviation, oceanic, and hydrologic sciences to focus on the advancement of meteorology within a variety of industries. Rick has been at Southwest Airlines for 13 years and serves as Chief Meteorologist for the Southwest Airlines Operations Coordination Center. He graduated with a Bachelor in Science in Meteorology from Lyndon State College, and was a 2005 Southwest President’s Award winner. He concentrates on strategic weather forecasting, weather research, weather instruction, and is Southwest’s primary representative to the aviation meteorology community. ABOUT THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of more than 14,000 professionals, professors, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes nine atmospheric, related oceanic and hydrologic journals, both in print and online, sponsors more than 12 conferences annually, and offers numerous programs and services. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded; now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the One Report. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com/ SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Reports November Traffic DALLAS, Dec. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.5 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in November 2010, a 10.7 percent increase from the 5.9 billion RPMs flown in November 2009. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 5.7 percent to 8.1 billion from the November 2009 level of 7.7 billion. The load factor for the month was 80.1 percent, compared to 76.5 percent for the same period last year. For November 2010, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the seven to eight percent range as compared to November 2009.   For the eleven months ended November 30, 2010, Southwest flew 71.4 billion RPMs, compared to 68.5 billion RPMs flown for the same period in 2009, an increase of 4.3 percent. Available seat miles remained flat from the November 2009 level of 90.2 billion. The year-to-date load factor was 79.2 percent, compared to 76.0 percent for the same period last year. This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at southwest.com. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE TRAFFIC STATISTICS NOVEMBER 2010 2009 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 7,362,817 7,028,993 4.7 % Enplaned passengers 8,858,830 8,255,414 7.3 % Revenue passenger miles (000) 6,506,882 5,879,163 10.7 % Available seat miles (000) 8,127,548 7,686,018 5.7 % Load factor 80.1% 76.5% 3.6 pts. Average length of haul 884 836 5.7 % Trips flown 91,159 89,286 2.1 % YEAR-TO-DATE 2010 2009 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 80,901,928 79,273,009 2.1 % Enplaned passengers 97,281,181 92,983,281 4.6 % Revenue passenger miles (000) 71,398,991 68,486,053 4.3 % Available seat miles (000) 90,166,606 90,168,802 - Load factor 79.2% 76.0% 3.2 pts. Average length of haul 883 864 2.2 % Trips flown 1,021,956 1,034,327 (1.2)% SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. ... View more

Southwest Airlines Pilot's Union Ratifies Boeing 737-800 Tentative Agreement Company Set to Move Forward With Decision to Add -800 To Its Fleet DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines' Pilots' Association (SWAPA), voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the Company in October to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Pilots' current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable August, 2012, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company's financial performance. SWAPA is made up of more than 5,600 Southwest Pilots. "We've said all along that we wouldn't introduce a new aircraft type into the fleet without involving our Flight Crews as part of our deliberations," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Since we began evaluating the opportunity to introduce the Boeing 737-800 into our fleet, both our Pilots and Flight Attendants quickly grasped the potential benefits along with the added operational complexities associated with this decision. All Southwest Employees and Customers should be excited at the opportunities adding the 737-800 to our fleet will bring." The Company will now move forward finalizing discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the 737-800s for the -700 positions, and configuration and equipage options. Southwest currently expects to take delivery of its first 737-800 in the first quarter of 2012. Two weeks ago, Southwest Flight Attendants, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, ratified its tentative agreement reached with the Company to add the Boeing 737-800 to its current collective bargaining agreement. After nearly 40 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 nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Announces Rapid Rewards Triple Credit Offer Exclusively for Facebook Fans A Million Strong and Counting! DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines has become the first airline to reach one million fans on Facebook! And while there are a million ways to celebrate, we’ve decided to offer our fans a special Rapid Rewards promotion, available today only! Facebook Fans can earn triple Rapid Rewards credit on all their flights purchased today for travel between December 1 and December 31, 2010! With this promotion, Members can earn a free* flight after just three roundtrips! Registration is required through the airline’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/southwest). Fans who are not yet Rapid Rewards Members can join today and receive a special enrollment offer of up to five credits and become eligible for the triple credit promotion. This promotion is offered exclusively through our Facebook fan page.   “For five years, we’ve been involved in social media as a way to engage our Customers,” said Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Communication and Strategic Outreach. “We’ve built a massive online following for one simple reason – we care about our customers. Through this effort, we’ve identified what our Customers want, what we’re doing well, and how we can improve. If a million fans is any indication, it’s working!” It takes 16 credits to qualify for an Award; however, Members can accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase, doing business with any of the airline’s other Partners, or by purchasing Southwest’s Business Select Fares when flying. Plus, once an Award has been earned, Southwest Airlines allows the Member to transfer the Award to anyone. After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and now serves 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. Terms & Conditions * The Rapid Rewards Award is free, but travel is subject to the government-imposed September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip. Travel is good on Southwest Airlines published, scheduled service. Two additional credits per one-way will be issued, exceptBusiness Select.Business Select Customers will receive 3.25 credits for flights less than 750 miles and 4.0 credits for flights 750 miles or longer. Member must be a Southwest Airlines Fan on Facebook. Member must register for this promotion on December 1, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. CST, and registration must be completed prior to commencement of travel.Valid on new reservations only. Reservation must be booked on December 1, 2010 by 11:59 p.m. CST. Qualifying travel must be completed between December 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010. Rapid Rewards account number must beentered at the timeof booking.Travel on an Awardor Companion Pass does not qualify for promotion. Bonus flight credits do not count toward A-List qualification. Rapid Rewards credit will post to your account within four days of completing travel.Changes made to the itinerary after purchase may eliminate qualification for this promotion. All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. BN035  southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

In the just released 2010 Zagat Airline Survey, Southwest scored first in the following categories:  Top Website, Best Consumer On-Time Estimates--Domestic, Best Luggage Policy--Domestic, Best Value--Domestic, and Best Checki-in Experience.  For details, click the link above. ... View more

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants' Union Ratifies Boeing 737-800 Tentative Agreement DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that its Flight Attendants, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the Company in September to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Flight Attendants’ current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable May 31, 2013, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company’s financial performance. TWU 556 is made up of more than 9,700 Flight Attendants. “Since we began evaluating the opportunity to introduce the Boeing 737-800 into our fleet, the TWU negotiating committee and Leadership Team quickly grasped the potential benefits along with the added operational complexities associated with this decision,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “This was an important step in our due diligence process, and we are pleased that our hard working Flight Attendants recognize the long-term benefits of adding this new aircraft to our fleet.” The decision to add the -800 still isn’t final. The carrier is still waiting for a ratification vote with its Pilots’ Union, SWAPA, and is continuing to evaluate network and configuration options. Any details regarding firm orders with Boeing, timing, and quantity of deliveries are still to be determined. If the Company pursues the -800, a joint committee would meet to work on the logistical details related to scheduling and bidding procedures that adding a fourth Flight Attendant will require. After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report TM . Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Appoints New Member to Board of Directors Thu, Nov 18, 2010 DALLAS, Nov. 18, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors today appointed Tom Nealon to the Board, effective December 1, 2010. Nealon is Group Executive Vice President of J.C. Penney Company, Inc. For a photo of Nealon, please visit: www.swamedia.com/photos. Nealon's JCPenney responsibilities include Information Technology, jcp.com, Corporate Strategy and Planning, and Digital Ventures. Nealon joined JCPenney as Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer in 2006. "We couldn't be more excited to have Tom join the excellent talent that already resides on the Southwest Board of Directors," said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. "Tom's extensive knowledge in technology and his leadership skills will serve Southwest and its People well." Nealon earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Dallas.Prior to joining JCPenney, Nealon was a partner with The Feld Group, where he served in a consultant capacity as Senior Vice President & Chief Information Officer for Southwest. Nealon has also served as Chief Information Officer for Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo.Nealon is the recipient of the 2010 MIT Sloan School of Business Award for Innovation Leadership and was recognized by Information Week as a "Premiere 100 CIO'" in 2006 and 2010. Nealon will initially serve for a term lasting until the Company's next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2011. Other members of Southwest's Board of Directors are: David W. Biegler; Douglas H. Brooks; 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 nearly 40 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 nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com ... View more

Southwest Airlines Declares 137th Consecutive Quarterly Dividend   Southwest Airlines’ (NYSE: LUV) Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2010 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 137th consecutive dividend will be paid on January 6, 2011. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

 Southwest Airlines Adds Three New Nonstop Destinations From Denver Carrier Adding New Daily Nonstop Flights to Columbus, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh   DENVER, Nov. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the carrier will add three new nonstop destinations from Denver with daily, nonstop flights to Columbus, Jacksonville, and Pittsburgh. For sale beginning today, Southwest will add one daily roundtrip flight each between Denver and the new markets, with service beginning on June 5, 2011. To book travel, visit: www.southwest.com. To view a blog post, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com   BEGINNING JUNE 5, 2011 (open for sale today):   One new daily nonstop roundtrip between Denver and Columbus. One new daily nonstop roundtrip between Denver and Jacksonville. One new daily nonstop roundtrip between Denver and Pittsburgh. Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on January 3, 2006, with 13 daily nonstop departures to three destinations. The airline currently operates 141 daily nonstop flights from the Mile High City, making Denver the fastest growing city in the Company’s history. By June, Southwest will operate 150 daily nonstop flights from Denver to 45 destinations. Southwest is actively engaged in the Denver community through sponsorships of the Downtown Denver Partnership, the Denver Nuggets, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Denver’s Road Home, the Mile High Pedicab Company, and many more local organizations. Southwest recently opened The Southwest Porch at Skyline Park along the 16th Street Mall (at 16th Street and Arapahoe), and the airline is teaming up with the Downtown Denver Partnership to bring an ice rink to Skyline Park, which will open on Nov. 26, 2010. To learn more about Southwest’s dedication to Denver, visit: www.southwest.com/denver. After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

 Southwest Airlines' Employees Celebrate 'Heroes Month' With Special Military Tribute at San Antonio Airport DALLAS, Nov. 11, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines, along with the City of San Antonio, opened a special exhibit to honor more than 1,000 soldiers who come through the Airline’s gates either on their way to or returning from the battlefield. This unique display was created by Southwest Employee Kevin Kincaide, Ground Operations Supervisor, and it embodies a respectful salute to the military with a wall exhibition of family photos of Employees and/or family members who currently serve, have served or have lost their lives serving in the military. The wall is called: “24/7 a tribute to the military” because it depicts how the military is always vigilant, morning, day, and night to protect our country. This exhibition also will include some military memorabilia from the participants and will be available for the general public to see at the San Antonio International Airport Terminal A, until Nov 22. “I can think of no better place than Military City, U.S.A., to host a poignant exhibit like this — one that salutes our brave military men and women,” Mayor Julian Castro said. “I applaud Southwest Airlines for putting this exhibition in a location where it will be seen by thousands of visitors and residents of San Antonio.” Congressman Gonzalez also dedicated the exhibit. “President Obama proclaimed November as Military Family Month. He called ‘on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in the support of our service members and our Nation.’ I can think of no better example than this collection of art and images,” said Congressman Gonzalez. This tribute is one of Southwest’s national efforts to commemorate the Military heroes that everyday risk their lives for our Freedom. To see more of Southwest’s Military celebrations, please visit: nutsaboutsouthwest.com. “The heart and soul of this exhibition is the true LUV our Employees feel for the military, and the great sacrifices they make,” said Kevin Kincaide, Southwest Airlines San Antonio Employee. “We are proud to present this tribute created with the help of many great Employees and we thank the City of San Antonio for helping us make this dream happen.” Southwest Airlines also was included in the G.I. Jobs Military-Friendly Employers list for the second year in a row and has more than 750 Employees who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserves, along with thousands of Customers who served or are serving in the armed forces. About Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for our Freedoms. This year, G.I. Jobs Magazine again named Southwest Airlines one of the Top 100 Military-Friendly Employers. After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Selected by G.I. Jobs as One of 2011 Top Military Friendly Employers(R) Southwest Celebrates Its Inclusion on the Prestigious List for the Second Year in a Row. GI Jobs magazine recognized Southwest Airlines today as one of the top military friendly companies in the nation, with its eighth annual list honoring corporate best practices. To see the list visit: www.gijobs.com/top100pr. “Southwest Airlines is built upon the core values and strengths our Employees bring to the Company. The heart and soul of these men and women give us a competitive advantage and enduring strength,” said Jeff Lamb, Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief People Officer at Southwest. “As with the US Armed Forces, our People are highly skilled and reliable Employees who have the dedication, and training needed to get any job done.” The G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Employers® list, in its eighth year, serves as the primary benchmark of corporate recruiting programs aimed at veterans. The annual survey conducted by G.I. Jobs magazine is one of the primary tools used to determine the nation’s most Military Friendly Employers®. “This isn’t about charity or patriotism. It’s about good business. The companies on our list understand that,” said Rich McCormack, who heads G.I. Jobs’ list research. To honor the more than 750 Employees who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserves, along with thousands of Customers who served or are serving in the Armed Forces, Southwest Airlines is proud to call November its “”http://swamedia.com/releases/5b75cddb-f654-8300-e459-cb004cd43f1a">Military Heroes Month." The airline is working with select nonprofit organizations across the country throughout November to thank and give back to military service members and their families. To see more about Southwest military celebrations please visit: nutsaboutsouthwest.com ABOUT G.I. Jobs G.I. Jobs (www.gijobs.com) is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company also publishes Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GIJobsMagazine or Twitter @GIJobsMagazine. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded; now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the One Report. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

    * Published On: Tue, Nov 09, 2010 Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings Each Receive Antitrust Second Request   Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) announced today that each received a request yesterday for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Southwest’s previously announced proposed acquisition of AirTran. This action, often referred to as a “second request,” is a common part of the regulatory approval process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Both parties are in the process of gathering information to respond to the second request and will continue to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the transaction. Completion of the transaction remains subject to the approval of AirTran stockholders, receipt of DOJ and any other necessary clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. While a definitive closing date cannot yet be determined, Southwest and AirTran maintain their expectation that the transaction will close in the first half of 2011. About Southwest Airlines After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. About AirTran Airways AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI) and a Fortune 1000 company, has been ranked the number one low cost carrier in the Airline Quality Rating study for the past three years. AirTran Airways is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet. AirTran’s low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary XM Satellite Radio on every flight. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders Communications in this press release do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval.The proposed acquisition of AirTran by Southwest Airlines will be submitted to the stockholders of AirTran for their consideration.In connection therewith, Southwest Airlines will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that will include a proxy statement of AirTran that also constitutes a prospectus of Southwest Airlines.Southwest Airlines and AirTran also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction.SOUTHWEST AIRLINES URGES INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AIRTRAN TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents containing important information about Southwest Airlines and AirTran, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov.Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest Airlines will be available free of charge on Southwest Airlines website at www.southwest.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or by contacting Southwest Airlines Investor Relations Department at (214)792-4415.Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by AirTran will be available free of charge on AirTran’s website at www.airtran.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or by contacting AirTran’s Investor Relations Department at (407)318-5188. Southwest Airlines, AirTran and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of AirTran in connection with the proposed transaction.Information about the directors and executive officers of Southwest Airlines is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April16, 2010.Information about the directors and executive officers of AirTran is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April2, 2010. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.These include statements relating to Southwest’s plans and expectations with respect to the acquisition of AirTran, including the anticipated timeframe for closing of the acquisition.These forward-looking statements are based on Southwest’s and AirTran’s current intent, beliefs, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them.Factors include, among others, the possibility that the transaction is delayed or does not close, including due to the inability of Southwest and AirTran to obtain all approvals necessary or the failure of other closing conditions. Southwest and AirTran caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in Southwest’s and AirTran’s most recently filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other SEC filings.Southwest and AirTran undertake no obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereof. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.; AirTran Airways ... 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 Southwest Airlines Offers Nationwide Fare Sale for Winter Travel Air fares Starting as Low as $59 One-Way to Select Destinations   Don’t let the cold weather keep you at home this winter—get out of town and take advantage of Southwest’s latest fare sale! Southwest Airlines is offering Customers nationwide air fares starting as low as $59 one-way to select destinations. Take advantage of these super low fares available only at southwest.com and start planning your winter vacation today! These fares are available with a 14-day advance purchase today through Nov. 22, 2010, and are good for travel between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 16, 2010, and between Jan. 4, 2011, and Feb. 16, 2011. To see the list of markets, prices, and to take advantage of these special fares, visit www.southwest.com. Examples of fares include (see Additional Fare Rules below):   $59 one-way between Denver and Los Angeles $86 one-way between Austin and Panama City Beach $94 one-way between New Orleans and Tampa Bay After nearly 40 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 nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states with service to Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg beginning March 13, 2011. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest Airlines is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. ADDITIONAL FARE RULES Fares are available only on http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNSALE000000100720. Southwest Airlines fare sales are available with a 14-day advance purchase today through Nov. 22, 2010, 11:59 p.m. PST, and travel must take place between Dec. 1, 2010, and Dec. 16, 2010, or between Jan. 4, 2011, and Feb. 16, 2011. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.70 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 Washington, D.C. (Dulles) and Ft. Myers, is not included in the sale. Seats are limited. 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 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 SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Wow, that was a busy day!  Last Thursday was Media Day 2010, where media representatives from all over the nation had access to our Officers.  We filled their day with updates on major projects and breaking news. We began the day in Freedom Hall here at Headquarters with a Brand Update from Kevin Krone.  Kevin talked about the success and history of our Bags Fly Free campaign, emphasized our commitment to not charge change fees on tickets, and gave a look at our current “You Can Only Book on southwest.com” commercials.  Kevin’s blog post recaps his presentation. Although only four weeks have passed since the announcement that Southwest intends to acquire AirTran Airways, we received several questions during a panel discussion. The inquiries centered around how the two airlines would come together if approval is granted by various regulatory authorities. Until the acquisition is approved, Southwest and AirTran will continue to operate as separate organizations. Among other topics, Southwest Leaders EVP Strategy & Planning Bob Jordan, EVP & Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven, and SVP Administration & Chief People Officer Jeff Lamb reported on the initial meeting of the Integration teams from both airlines. They were clear that after only one month from announcing the agreement, there are still many answers to be determined. Here’s a quick recap from their session: A full story on the Integration Team Kick-Off in Dallas last week is now posted to LowFaresFarther.com, the official public site for information on the acquisition. Throughout the Integration Planning process, the focus remains on leveraging the best of both airlines and finding ways to integrate them to benefit all Customers once the deal closes. “We’ve been very impressed with the People, the spirit, and the innovations at AirTran,” Jordan said. Employees from both airlines are top of mind for the Integration teams, as they seek to understand how everyone can play a role in this exciting time in our history, Lamb said.  The roll out of fleet-wide WiFi (via Row 44) on Southwest Airlines is continuing, as is our analysis of AirTran’s inflight connectivity system. Southwest and AirTran are excited at the possibilities of extending low fares farther into new markets around the country. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to serve more people in more places,” Jordan said. As stated previously, the intent is for Southwest’s popular Bags Fly Free policy to continue, and for the combined airline to not charge change fees. The discussion also turned to Southwest assumption that its open seating philosophy will continue. Jordan said the response from Customers to the prospect of acquisition has been “vastly positive,” acknowledging there are still “a lot of unknowns.” Noting that Southwest will need time to educate potential Customers about Southwest, “we want to assure them that they will get the same, or better, experience on Southwest than they would on another carrier.” Jordan referenced Southwest’s successful entry into key business markets such as New York LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee where we had to win over new fans accustomed to such amenities as business-class and assigned seats. Citing Southwest’s position as the largest carrier in terms of Customers boarded, Jordan said, “We feel there are many benefits” to flying Southwest that new Customers will like. He noted business-traveler friendly programs such as Business Select (automatic checkin that allows for an early boarding assignment), A-List Membership (which allows for higher boarding priority), and FlyBy (dedicated) Security Lanes helping to smooth the transition to offer business travelers similar advantages to what they currently experience on other carriers. In fact, as Gary Kelly said later during Media Day, these new programs at Southwest have proved tremendously popular among business travelers. Also mentioned during the session, but relevant; Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program is being refreshed to offer exciting new benefits that would better allow for an expanded Southwest route system, among other enhancements. After that, attendees toured our Operations Coordinator Center, and the highlight was a look at our Dispatch room, which is the operational heart of our airline.  Then, it was off to lunch at one of our Maintenance Hangars. The highlight of the lunch session was a panel with Bob Jordan, Robby Byam, Director Partnership Alliance, and two representatives from Volaris, Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris, and Holger Blankenstein, their Chief Commercial Officer.  The big news here is that, effective November 12, the International Connect page on southwest.com will begin offering connecting flights to Mexico with Volaris.  Bill Owen’s blog post has more details. WiFi was the after-lunch Media Day entrée.  Dave Ridley and Brian Hirshman not only updated the progress of the WiFi installation on our fleet, they gave pricing details for the product—a flat $5.00 introductory fare for the installation period.  (Some of the features like a moving map display will be free.)  Our Boeing 737-700 fleet should be completely equipped with WiFi by the end of 2012.  Check out Dave’s blog post for more information. Then, everyone returned to Freedom Hall to hear Gary Kelly’s presentation.  Our CEO took questions from the media representatives about the information they received during the day, and he also had some breaking news.  Gary announced that we will begin service to Newark on March 27 with an initial eight roundtrips a day—six to Chicago Midway and two to St. Louis.  Bill Owen has a post with details. Thanks to all of the media representatives who attended this year for making this Media Day a success. ... View more

This week, our friends over at AirTran are completing their 17th year, and I thought it might be interesting to “flashback” to what Southwest was like on our own 17th birthday back in 1988.  We began the year with 75 aircraft and 5,765 Employees.  (AirTran currently has 138 aircraft and about 8,000 employees.)  The year previous, we had opened two new cities, Birmingham and Detroit Metro.  When 1988 dawned, our frequent flyer program, the Company Club was six months old, and like any new year, hopes were high. We didn’t waste any time in opening the year by announcing that we had become the Official Airline of SeaWorld of Texas on January 5, 1988.  SeaWorld California would join the partnership in May.  The first Shamu debuted on May 23 to celebrate the partnership.  (A few years later, it would participate in the opening of Baltimore/Washington, above.)  On March 7, we introduce Fun Pack mini-vacations, which were among our first air/ground package offerings.  Previously on February 8, the Company Club began a bonus program where Members only needed five roundtrips through the end of the year to earn an Award. Also in March, we announced a major increase in the number of flights to be flown on April 3 with additional nonstop flights between Dallas and New Orleans, a nonstop flight from Phoenix to New Orleans, additional one-stop service from Phoenix to Albuquerque, Houston Hobby, Ontario, San Diego, San Francisco, and Tulsa, and a nonstop from San Antonio to Los Angeles.  The growth continued with Phoenix gaining 23 additional departures, a flight increase of 25 percent, on June 2.  Compare 1988's first quarter load factor of 51.6 percent with our recently announced 2010 third quarter load factor of 80.9 percent.  I think the event of the year that was most typical of Southwest occurred on April 22.  To ease our smoking Customers (remember when Passengers smoked on airline flights?) into new federal regulations prohibiting smoking on flights of two hours or less duration, we distributed 200,000 lollipops over the next few days.  This had to be a (perhaps, intentional?) homage to Telly Savalas’s Kojack character.  With the addition of close-in Detroit City Airport to our route map on July 6, Southwest now operated almost 900 daily flights to 27 airports in 13 states.  Herb and Detroit Mayor Coleman Young (above) cut the ribbon to inaugurate Detroit City service.  On the same day at Houston Hobby, we added the six former TranStar gates on Concourse C to our nine existing Concourse A gates, thus creating a layout that would perplex Houston’s connecting Customers for years to come as they had to reclear security while going from one concourse to the other.  The new Hobby concourse that was completed in the last few years finally removed this inconvenience.  On September 30, the LUV Classic golf tournament raised almost $36,000 for the Dallas Ronald McDonald House.  In comparison, this year’s classic raised $600,000 for Ronald McDonald Houses in Dallas, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and St. Louis.  Then on November 15, 1988, we broke ground for our current Headquarters Building, and a few days after that on November 29, the Houston Maintenance Base opened.  Our 17th year was very similar to that of a human teenager.  Like most kids who finish high school and enter the adult world at age 18, Southwest kind of “grew up" too during our 18th year.  We would open what is now our current Bay Area anchor, Oakland, and Southwest would become a major airline under the Department of Transportation measurements as our annual operating revenues exceeded $1 billion.  We most often look at our landmark birthdays, the tenth, 20th, and 30th, but oftentimes, those in-between years offer much significance. ... View more

The presentations have just started.  Kevin Krone, our Vice President Marketing, Sales, and Distribution, is speaking about the status of the Southwest Brand. ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES FARES AND FLIGHTS TO/FROM SOUTH CAROLINA Airline Will Operate Seven Daily Nonstop Flights Each To/From Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg Airports Beginning March 13, 2011 DALLAS—Oct. 20, 2010— Southwest Airlines is coming to the Palmetto State! Today, Southwest announced it will begin service to/from Charleston International Airport (CHS) and Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) on March 13, 2011. In Charleston, the carrier will operate seven daily nonstop flights to four destinations:  three to Baltimore/Washington, two to Chicago Midway, one to Nashville, and one to Houston Hobby. Southwest Airlines will operate from gate B5 in Charleston’s main terminal. In Greenville-Spartanburg, the airline will begin service with seven daily nonstop flights to five destinations:  two to Baltimore/Washington, two to Chicago Midway, one to Nashville, one to Houston Hobby, and one to Orlando. Southwest Airlines will operate from gates A3 and A4 in Greenville-Spartanburg’s main terminal. To celebrate the addition of Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg to the Southwest network, Southwest Airlines is offering a special two-day fare sale only on southwest.com. Through 11:59 p.m. PDT on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, Customers can find fares as low as $30 one-way to any nonstop market to/from CHS and GSP for travel through April 6, 2011 (see fare rules below).  When the $30 fare sale ends, Customers will still be able to book fares as low as $59 one-way for travel every day except Fridays and Sundays March 14, 2011, through May 25, 2011. To view these special offers only available on southwest.com, visit http://www.southwest.com/southcarolina?src=PREMNASCHSGSPOPEN101020. “Southwest Airlines is delighted to bring our special brand of low-fare, high-quality Customer Service to travelers in Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston,” said Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management. “For nearly 40 years, we have been liberating Customers across the country from the tyranny of high fares and poor service. We can’t wait to continue this mission by introducing our wonderful People, low fares, and Boeing 737 jet service to the Palmetto State.” In addition to the seven daily nonstop flights to/from these cities, Southwest Airlines’ new service will offer direct or connecting service to more than 60 destinations including: Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas Love, Sacramento, and Salt Lake City. To hear more about the new service, check out Southwest's blog at www.blogsouthwest.com for a video from Southwest Executives Dave Ridley and Bob Montgomery on how Southwest is bringing big planes, low fares, and great people to South Carolina. “The arrival of Southwest Airlines will absolutely be a game changer for the entire Upstate,” said Dave Edwards, GSP Executive Director. “Not only will passengers benefit from low fares and additional destinations, but we’ve already heard from those working in the area of economic development that they are getting calls from business and industry groups from around country that never would have considered the Upstate without Southwest Airlines.” “Southwest Airlines’ announcement to bring new service and value pricing to Charleston International Airport is clearly welcome,” said Susan Stevens, Director of Airports for Charleston County Aviation Authority. “Southwest’s vast national network will be linked to the Charleston region and will offer both residents and visitors new options for travel to and from the Lowcountry,” The entrance into South Carolina marks the 36th state in Southwest’s network. Greenville-Spartanburg will be the carrier’s 70th city, and Charleston will be its 71st. After nearly 40 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 nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states.  Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet.  To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™.  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. $30 One-Way Fare Rules Fares are available only on www.southwest.com. Southwest Airlines fare sales are available for purchase October 20, 2010, through October 21, 2010, 11:59 p.m. PDT, and travel must take place between March 13, 2011, and April 6, 2011.  Fares do not include a federal excise tax of $3.70 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 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 valid for travel to nonstop destinations only. 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.   Introductory Fare Rules Fares are available on www.southwest.com or swabiz.com. Southwest Airlines fare sales are available for purchase October 20, 2010, through December 31, 2010, 11:59 p.m. PDT, and travel must take place between March 13, 2011, and May 25, 2011, excluding April 21-25, 2011. Travel valid every day except Fridays and Sundays. Fares do not include a federal excise tax of $3.70 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 destination, 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 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