Southwest Airlines Community

I promise this is not the start to a joke, so bear with me.  Three musicians and a songwriting friend were hanging poolside at a Tennessee lake house.  What started off as a fiddle riff eventually lead to the hook and chorus for a song and a feeling that would bring together and form a Country Music trio—The Farm. Fast forward to more than three years later, and Nick, Damien, and Krista with The Farm rocked out a plane full of Southwest Customers with “Home Sweet Home,” a tune that will have you tapping your foot to the beat before you know it.  At Southwest Airlines, we have the privilege of connecting people to what’s important in their lives through travel, but there’s something to be said about the feeling of coming home.  This song is definitely a great soundtrack to the feeling we hope our Customers have when the Flight Attendant comes on the PA before landing and welcomes you to your destination, which just might happen to be the place you call home. When Nick started warming up his fiddle in the front galley, I instantly knew the Customers onboard Flight #2345 were in for a treat.  Check out The Farm’s foot-tapping performance in this video—it’ll be a treat for you too. Want to get your hands on the Southwest-themed GS Mini that Damien is playing?  Head on over to southwest.com/taylortour and enter for your chance to win! ... View more

These past few weekends, I’ve really enjoyed sitting out on my deck with the beautiful weather here in Dallas.  It’s also given me inspiration to plant some native Texas flowers in my garden before those triple-digit days are here.  Recently, as I was getting ready to water my newly planted flowers, I realized that my garden hose was leaking.  Instead of throwing it away, I decided to poke holes along the length and turn it into a drip sprinkler.  Here are a few other yard items that you can repurpose or recycle: Grills: if your grill is no longer working, check with your local recycling service as they may offer a pick-up service.  If not, you can disassemble the grill and take the metal parts to a scrap yard.  Scrap Metal Junkie even tells you how to sell your scrap metal! Yard Waste: Are you a composter?  You can add grass clippings, branches, leaves, etc. to your compost pile.  If not, check with your city to see when they will pick up yard waste.  They will typically use your yard waste to make mulch, which is a great way to save this landfill space!  Sand: If your kids are no longer playing in your backyard sandbox, you can use that sand to fill holes in your yard, use it in the bottom of your planting pots to stop water from leaking, or add it to your compost!  Scrap wood: Instead of throwing away an old swing, leftover wood from a deck, or your wooden garden border, save it for your firewood or reuse it for a new project. Have any other ideas on yard items you can keep out of our landfills?  Let us know by commenting below or by e-mailing green@wnc.com.  DING!  You are now free to be green! ... View more

Happy Earth Day!  You read that headline right—with the help of our green-conscious Customers and Employees, Southwest diverted more than 9,800 tons of material from our landfills and into recycling facilities since our co-mingled recycling program began in 2008.  That’s the weight of about 232 of our red-bellied Boeing 737-700s!  This milestone wouldn’t be possible without our Employees operating with a green filter, so thank YOU to them and thank you to our Customers for encouraging us and letting us know that caring for our Planet is important to you. The next time you hear your Flight Attendant ask for your recyclables toward the end of the flight, thanks for helping to reduce the impact on the environment by passing them along.  Together, we can protect our Planet for many years to come! How are you celebrating Earth Day?  Let us know by commenting below or by e-mailing green@wnco.com DING!  You are now free to be green! ... View more

One thing that hasn’t changed since our LUV jets first took to the skies more than 41 years ago is our belief in making our communities a better place.  And, it’s no surprise that four decades later, our strong roots in the communities we serve have continued to grow as thousands of Employees have rolled up their sleeves to volunteer. This April is our second annual “Month of Giving Back” where we continue our year-long pledge to sustainability and our dedication to volunteerism as our Employees take part in hands-on conservation projects with the Student Conservation Association, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, Earth Day Dallas, and other environmental nonprofit organizations all in the name of being kind to Mother Nature. For our Employees, giving from the heart is nothing new.  In fact, looking through old photos of volunteer projects, we stumbled upon this one of Herb on October 15, 1990, when Southwest joined the tree planting program in Phoenix. The LUV airline announced Smart-Scaping, where we planted the first tree in the program and donated $25,000 in “seed money.” For our 40 th anniversary, you may remember our Conservation in Action Tour where Employees completed more than 40 volunteer projects to plant trees, clean parks, and beautify communities. We know that places are the hearts of our communities, so in honor of the Month of Giving Back, we hope that you’ll give a little of your time to keep the heart of your place beating strong.   What are your plans to celebrate National Volunteer Week and Earth Day?  Let us know by commenting below!   Southwest Employees roll up their sleeves during the Month of Giving Back: April 5: Southwest Porch at Park Tavern Opening, Beautification Project at Piedmont Park | Atlanta, GA A central focal point of Atlanta’s Midtown community, Piedmont Park is the ideal location for Southwest Employees in the Atlanta area to promote environmental initiatives in their city.  In conjunction with the park’s 2013 expansion and the opening of Southwest Porch at Park Tavern, Southwest Employees will assist in Piedmont Park’s mulching process. April 14: Make-A-Wish Dream Trips Granted During Southwest Inaugural Openings | Rochester, NY; Charlotte, NC; Flint, MI; Portland, ME Southwest Airlines aims to do all it can to give from the heart and make a difference in people’s lives.  To celebrate Southwest’s inaugural service to Rochester, NY; Charlotte, NC; Flint, MI; and Portland, ME; the carrier will host send-offs for four special Make-A-Wish® kids and their families as they travel on the LUV airline to experience their one, true wish. April 17: Volunteers of LUV Celebration | Dallas, TX Every year, Southwest Airlines celebrates the boundless Servant’s Hearts of its Employees nationwide who volunteer in the communities where they work and live.  Southwest Employees participate in many activities, including the airline’s Adopt-A-Pilot Program; working with kids to build confidence and help overcome obstacles; and cleaning up local communities, beaches, and parks.  Each year, Employees are nominated by their peers and nonprofit organizations for the Volunteers of LUV award and are recognized at a formal celebration at Dallas Headquarters. April 17: Lunch & Learn—A Lesson on Being Water-Wise | Dallas, TX Southwest is hosting a Lunch & Learn at its Dallas Headquarters to educate Employees on how to water their gardens and plants responsibly.  In conjunction with the Southwest Community Garden’s partnership with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Urban Water Program Coordinator Patrick Dickinson will speak and share his expertise with attendees.  Literature and water conservation tools will be provided by the City of Dallas and the Dallas County Master Gardeners Association. April 21 through April 30: “Spring Into Action” Employee Volunteer Projects with the Student Conservation Association | Nationwide To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Southwest Airlines is teaming up again with the Student Conservation Association, the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and other environmental nonprofit organizations to help amplify the importance of promoting ongoing stewardship and sustainability through hands-on conservation projects. During this week, Southwest and AirTran Airways Employees give back to their communities through various environmental-based volunteer opportunities.  AirTran is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. April 20 - 21: Earth Day Dallas | Dallas, TX Founded in 2010, Earth Day Dallas seeks to elevate environmental awareness and influence the way North Texans think, live, and work.  The Southwest Airlines Green Team will be manning an exhibit at Fair Park that highlights Southwest’s sustainability initiatives and will be handing out sunflower seedlings to encourage gardening and outdoor participation. April 26: Trinity River Volunteer Activity | Dallas, TX In partnership with the Trinity River Corridor Project, Southwest Employees will participate in cleaning up Dallas’ Trinity River.  In addition, Southwest Airlines is excited to announce a grant for the creation of the Trinity River Conservation Corps. April 27: Concerts for Kids Community Day | Denver, CO Concerts for Kids Community Day will bring together hundreds of volunteers to complete a combined 6,000 hours of work in one six-hour day in the Denver-metro area.  Volunteers will work to complete multiple improvement projects including painting, landscaping, cleaning, roofing, carpeting, and more. #LUVFromtheHeart ... View more

Emily Kasinger never imagined that a Southwest Airlines Pilot would play a huge role in taking her dream on the dance floor to 30,000 feet.  Helping kids dream big dreams—that’s the mission of First Officer Gary Hooyman who volunteers for Southwest’s Adopt-A-Pilot Program. This video highlights the amazing things that happen because of our unique Adopt-A-Pilot volunteer program and that our Pilots do more than teach math and science through aviation-related activities in fifth-grade classrooms—they inspire kids to stay in school, set goals, and dream big. We’re excited to announce that we’ve entered this video in the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship (BCCCC) 2013 Film Festival.  The BCCCC festival highlights entries that demonstrate the power of video to communicate the positive impact of a company’s work in its community.   TAKE ACTION | VOTE! We need your vote for Southwest to become one of the ten finalists, which will then be reviewed by a panel of judges to choose the winner.  Voting ends today.  You can vote by clicking here.  And, be sure to tell all your friends and family to watch and VOTE for the LUV airline!   Southwest may be an airline, but we do some of our best work on the ground, and it always comes from the heart.  Get the Word Out! Facebook: Vote for Southwest Airlines’ BCCCC Film Festival video—Southwest Pilot Takes Kids’ Dreams to 30,000 Feet: http://www.bcccc.net/index.cfm?pageId=2244 Twitter: Vote for @SouthwestAir’s @BCCCC video, Southwest Pilot Takes Kids’ Dreams to 30,000 Ft: http://www.bcccc.net/index.cfm?pageId=2244 ... View more

Not that long ago in Breezy Point, NY, families gathered around the dinner table to talk about their day or took a moment to breathe in the fresh air and walk along the Atlantic Coast.  Today, as you walk through remnants of what someone once called their home, all that’s recognizable is a radio flyer wagon missing two wheels and a red fire truck sitting on cement that once made up the front steps of a home.  Something else catches your eye.  A house that was completely demolished by the Superstorm and later fires, except for one thing left standing.  The American flag—caught on metal wires.  Someone wrote bigger, better, stronger, which is exactly the visual and statement this community is latching onto with all of their strength right now. The people who come to our aid every day now need our help after Hurricane Sandy.  The New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD) needed saving seven years ago after Hurricane Katrina devastated their community.  The New York Fire Department (FDNY) sent their bravest to help rebuild The Big Easy.  The strong bond that unites NOFD and FDNY began after 9/11 when New Orleans Firemen traveled to New York to show their support by attending funerals of fallen firefighters.  FDNY paid it forward after Hurricane Katrina, and now NOFD repays the favor.  Southwest helped send three waves of New Orleans bravest to the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Sandy. In this video by Stephen M. Keller, you’ll meet Captain Billy Shanks and Captain Steve Lambert of the NOFD.  Captain Shanks knows what it’s like to feel helpless after his home in New Orleans was covered in nine feet of water after Hurricane Katrina.  This understanding allowed him to bring hope to the victims of Hurricane Sandy.  Captain Lambert lost his home in Hurricane Katrina and again recently after Hurricane Isaac.  His home is not repaired after the latest storm, yet, he went to New York, without hesitation, to pay it forward to those who saved him when he needed it the most. I invite you to join Captain Shanks and Captain Lambert with the NOFD, and show your support to those who may have lost everything.  In addition to flying in volunteers like the NOFD to help with the recovery effort, Southwest is proud to work alongside the Red Cross to provide assistance and response where needed. As a member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, we help ensure that the Red Cross can be on the scene of a disaster at a moment’s notice. When disasters like Hurricane Sandy occur, the Red Cross is there to provide shelter, food, emotional support, and other assistance to people in need.  Make a donation here if you wish to help those in need: http://american.redcross.org/southwestairlines-pub. ... View more

Since Southwest’s beginnings more than 40 years ago, the LUV airline has always approached business differently—instituting the ten-minute turn, democratizing the skies with affordable air travel, delivering Legendary Customer Service—the list goes on and on. One thing that has remained constant since Southwest took to the skies four decades ago is doing the right thing and focusing on the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet.  Recently, The Civic 50 revealed the companies who ranked in its national initiative to survey, rank, and recognize America’s S&P 500 most community-minded companies.  We’re proud to share that Southwest Airlines was named in the top 20 for demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate civic engagement in the communities we serve.   A partnership among Bloomberg News, the National Conference on Citizenship, and Points of Light, the Civic 50 survey is the first to scientifically measure corporate civic behavior.  The initiative fills a notable gap in existing research and creates a roadmap for businesses seeking to become better stewards of their community.  You can view the complete Civic 50 list, by visiting Businessweek’s web site.   We want to continue providing our Legendary Customer Service for many years to come, so thank you to all of our Employees for helping us attain that goal by building meaningful relationships in our communities. ... View more

Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines, and we are proud of all those who serve, especially the nearly 5,800 Active Duty, Reservists, and Veterans who are part of the Southwest Family.  We support men and women in uniform all year long through relationships with nonprofit organizations like the Armed Forces Foundation and Honor Flight Network.  In celebration of Military Heroes Month, you’ll hear about and read blogs about service, how we honor the military, the sacrifice these heroes make, and how we celebrate the brave who fight for our Freedoms. Southwest’s military support isn’t just limited to November, but this gives us the opportunity to show how much we care and to remind us why it’s so important for us to give back and thank our nation’s heroes.  So, in honor of Military Heroes Month, wear red on Fridays, say thank you to those who are serving or have served, and show how strong your Servant’s Heart beats by finding a special way to appreciate and honor our men and women who have given so much. Who’s your hero?  How do you appreciate the military?  Share your story by commenting below. Southwest says thank you during Military Heroes Month: Nov. 1 | Armed Forces Foundation “Busch-Whacked” Event, Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track, Fort Worth, Texas Southwest will join the Armed Forces Foundation and supply volunteers at the “Busch-Whacked” mud run event at Texas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track to raise money for military families. Nov. 5 | Military Appreciation Luncheon, Jacksonville, Fla. Southwest is supporting the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce’s Military Appreciation Luncheon to honor military for their outstanding commitment to the country.  It’s a way Southwest can show gratitude for the area’s active duty and retired men and women of the U.S Armed Forces.  Southwest will host 200 military personnel and their spouses.  Nov. 5-9 | Operation Caring Classroom/Armed Forces Foundation, Nationwide Senior Chief Pilot and former Top Gun Pilot Terry Gleason is featured in the Armed Forces Foundation classroom video themed, “Military Transitioning to Civilian Life,” which will be incorporated into elementary school curriculum in military connected communities in all 50 states reaching more than 100 classrooms nationwide. Nov. 7-8 | Continuing the Legacy in Aviation, Dallas, Texas Southwest Airlines will host its fifth annual “Continuing the Legacy in Aviation” program where students and their chaperones tour a number of Southwest Airlines’ facilities where students can learn about the airline’s operation. The students also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from the amazing experiences of the National Tuskegee Airmen. Nov. 9-11 | A Million Thanks, We LUV Our Troops Customer Card Campaign, Nationwide In honor of Veterans Day, Southwest is distributing Support Our Troops cards and patriotic heart décor to all Inflight bases for Flight Attendants to share with Customers and give them the opportunity to say thanks as they travel to their destination.  These cards will be sent to the nonprofit organization “A Million Thanks” who will distribute them to Troops serving across the world. Nov. 9-12 | Operation Freedom Bird, Welcome Home Celebration, Washington, D.C. This year marks the 25 th anniversary of Operation Freedom Bird (OFB), which provides a unique healing journey to Arizona's combat Veterans of all wars.  Approximately 50 Veterans have been selected to participate in a four-day healing journey on Veterans Day and visit the War Memorials in Washington, D.C. Southwest Airlines has supported OFB with travel and a celebration of their return home for more than a decade. Nov. 11 | Veterans Day Parade, New York City Southwest Airlines is honoring nine Navajo Code Talkers for their heroic work during World War II by providing complimentary travel to attend the New York City Veterans Day Parade. Nov. 12 | Veterans Day Parade, Dallas, Texas Southwest Airlines is sponsoring and volunteering at the Dallas Veterans Day Parade to celebrate those who safeguard our country and say thank you to those who served or are serving. Nov. 14-15 | Veterans Day Tour with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club, Washington, D.C. Southwest Airlines and the Texas Rangers Baseball Club will take recent Military Veterans and their families to Washington, D.C., for a Veterans Day tour. Photo: Southwest Airlines has joined forces with photographer Robert X. Fogarty and Dear World, which works through the medium of photography to give its subjects a simple and profound voice through photos. ... View more

If baking soda in my fridge keeps my food fresh, and it’s in my toothpaste to make my smile bright, I recently wondered what other world problems it could solve in my own home.  Just so happens, you can save green while you clean green.  Here are a few ways to do that. DIY Cleaners:  With three parts of baking soda to one part of water, you can scour those surfaces in your home.  And, with a little bit of honey and cornmeal, you can have your own hand cleanser. At Home Facial: With the same three parts of baking soda to one part of water, you can use this formula to exfoliate your skin.  It’s gentle enough to use daily if needed. Small Appliance Cleaner: Use about one tablespoon of dry baking soda on a flannel cloth, and with a little bit of elbow grease, you might be able to start to see your reflection in your blender or food processor. Oven Cleaner: No one likes this cleaning duty, but this doesn’t sound so bad.  Sprinkle about ½ cup of baking soda (more if needed), and spray it with water.  Let it sit for several hours or overnight, and then start scrubbing those stains and spills.  Be sure to rinse with water. Toilet Cleaner/Deodorizer: Sprinkle ¼ cup of baking soda in your toilet bowl and then add ¼ cup of vinegar before you scour it with your toilet brush. Do you know any secret uses for baking soda or have tips to make your own cleaners?  Let us know by commenting below or by e-mailing green@wnco.com.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

Happy Green Tuesday!  If you’ve ever wondered how Southwest is doing its part to make a positive difference, that headline should help answer that question.   Since 2008, Southwest Airlines has recycled the weight equal to nearly 165 Boeing 737-700 aircraft with our co-mingled recycling efforts.   Operating with a green filter is important to us, and through our co-mingled recycling program, Mother Earth gets to benefit since we are diverting those soda cans and newspapers from our landfills, minimizing future greenhouse gas emissions, and preserving raw materials as well as the energy and water required for processing raw materials.  On top of all that, the rebates we receive for recycling fund our recycling program so it’s cost neutral to Southwest, and we are able to purchase renewable energy-driven equipment like the solar compactor we installed at the Las Vegas Provisioning Station last year. The weight of 165 red bellies is a lot, but we’re not stopping there.  Over the next four years, we aim to increase the quantity of materials recycled onboard our aircraft and in our facilities by 2.5 percent per year for a total of ten percent improvement by 2015. Are you helping your family and Coworkers recycle?  Let us know how by commenting below or by e-mailing green@wnco.com.  DING!  You are now free to be Green!  ... View more

Imagine a child has a tumor that requires travel across the country each year for treatment. The parents declared bankruptcy, lost their home, and their car. How do they afford travel? For a woman from Lexington, KY, air time is more than just a flight to St. Louis where she can receive treatment at Barnes-Jewish Hospital. Air time is a second chance at life, despite multiple lung transplants. Two children traveling to be fitted for leg braces find hope and relief from Denver Employees willing to go above and beyond to make their trips as comfortable as possible.  LUV Making A Difference.  Southwest Employee Debra Benjamin shows how Southwest is dedicated to making a positive difference in the communities we serve. These examples are a mere glimpse into the thousands of lives who have received complimentary transportation through Southwest Airline’s Medical Transportation Grant Program.  Today, Southwest is accepting applications from hospitals and medical transportation charities to participate in the 2013 program.  To join the more than six dozen organizations nationwide, nonprofits can apply online by visiting southwest.com/medicalgrant now through Sept. 30. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share more heartwarming stories where we’ve had the privilege of making a positive difference. The photos you’re looking at are some emotional and impactful photographs taken by photographer Robert X. Fogarty and Dear World that help convey the message of hope, the importance of the Medical Transportation Grant Program for patients and caregivers, and Southwest’s commitment to making a difference.  A Reason to Hope. No Limits.  Emily Merlau, a patient from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, proclaims no limits, surrounded by her supportive family. Over the past five years, we’ve been humbled to lessen the burden of travel expenses for nearly 20,000 families who are facing serious illness through this unique program by donating roundtrip tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations.  In 2012, Southwest provided more than $2.4 million in free transportation to more than 70 hospitals and organizations nationwide. Travel for Treatment. Debbie Wafford, who manages the Medical Transportation Grant Program at Southwest, links arms with Michelle Merlau, Assistant to the Controller at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, who helps distribute tickets to patients. We hope that the caring attention of our Employees and the travel assistance helps ease the difficulties for these patients and families who are already going through so much.  The opportunity to use our airplane seats for good and our Employees’ Servant’s Hearts are just another reason why I LUV working for a Company that cares so much for the people who live in the communities we have the privilege of serving. Encourage Others. Texas Scottish Rite Hospital patient and Southwest Employee Kati Garrett share the way they make a difference. ... View more

Southwest celebrated turning 41 this year, and we’ve been blessed to have four exciting decades filled with a lot of happiness, innovativeness, and success thanks to our Employees, Customers, and Shareholders.   Whether you’re celebrating a milestone birthday such as Community Relations & Giving’s fearless Leader Debra Benton (I’m not revealing which milestone birthday, because I LUV my job), or you’re toasting to another year, do your part to reduce party waste and be nice to Mother Nature.  Here are some easy ways to make your party not only cheaper, but green as well! Send out Evites to all of your BFFs to save on the cost and waste of paper and money on stamps. The décor of a birthday party can be just as important as the party itself.  Use large leaves from your backyard as place cards, and then write each guest’s name on them in permanent ink. Purchase baby trees from your local nursery for centerpieces, and you can plant them when the party is over!  Use reusable cloth napkins instead of paper ones, and prevent waste by using as little paper and plastic items as possible. When it comes to food and drinks, make sure your guests are recycling them.  Place baskets that are labeled as trash and recycling in a common area so they know what to do.  Aluminum is an easy material to recycle, so canned drinks are always better than having drinks in plastic bottles. Buying organic or sustainable food and drink is another important aspect to a successful green birthday party. Parties will always be fun events, but by implementing some of these green tips, you can have an environmentally responsible party as well.  Birthdays are great, which is why we want to preserve our Planet and help it have as many birthdays as possible! Have an idea of how to make your next birthday party green? Let us know by e-mailing green@wnco.com or by commenting below. DING!  You are now free to be Green.  ... View more

This year, Southwest turned 41 years young, and to celebrate the occasion, we surprised and delighted hundreds of Customers across the Southwest system on June 18 with a little music serenade.  Not too long ago, we put a call out to musicians to submit a :30 second music video incorporating Southwest and our 41 st birthday for the chance to play their music live at 35,000 feet.  Southwest fans from across the nation casted their votes, and our three finalists—the Eric Grant Band from Laconia, NH, the Bad Cactus Brass Band from Phoenix, and The Gajillionaires from Los Angeles, CA, sang Southwest’s birthday wishes for Customers during inflight concerts and passing through select airports on the LUV airline’s birthday. In this video, you’ll witness a first—a brass band inflight concert complete with a tuba featuring the Bad Cactus Brass Band as well as the Eric Grant Band and The Gajillionaires rockin’ out with our Customers.  Enjoy!   ... View more

As you walk away from the aroma of fresh fish just off of Fisherman’s Wharf and head to the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you can start to feel remnants of musicians and artists past as you approach Columbus Avenue.  Just near the historic City of Lights Bookstore and Jack Kerouac Alley where you’ll find engraved poems by John Steinbeck, sits Bimbo’s 365 Club, which looks like someone stopped time after the jazz club opened its doors on Columbus Avenue more than 60 years ago.  From the coat check in the foyer to the sharply dressed bartenders ready to serve you, Bimbo’s is a refreshing getaway from the traditional music scene as it emanates that 1950s glamour with a stage that has seen an array of acts from dancers to crooners over the years.   In Stephen Keller’s video, Live From The Artists Den Executive Producer Mark Lieberman says that there are very few places that have a long history where they’ve kept the integrity of their architecture alive.  In their effort to celebrate the rich history of a place, Bimbo’s was an ideal choice for this Artists Den performance featuring The Wallflowers.  San Francisco is the birthplace of the Artists Den where the series started in Mark’s living room in Cow Hollow years before the TV series to bring interesting bands from the area into a private home.  As the Artists Den revisited their roots in San Francisco, Southwest was able to help with this special performance by flying in sound, lighting, camera, and stage folks from around the country to capture and create the night.  As The Wallflowers took the stage with more than 600 fans filling the room, the reminiscing for me and many others began as the acoustics from one of their staple songs—Three Marlenas—traveled throughout the room.  I heard this song for the first time half my life ago, and have followed the Wallflowers ever since—and I’m very much anticipating their new album to come out since Rebel, Sweetheart released seven years ago. I realized that this moment of connecting people with their love and passion for music (mine too) was just another reason why I’m proud to work for the LUV airline that helps build meaningful relationships just like this one. ... View more

Today Southwest is turning 41 years young, and we’re celebrating our over the hill birthday plus one by surprising and delighting a few lucky Customers across the Southwest system with a music serenade.  A little more than a month ago, we put a call out to musicians from across the nation to submit a :30 second video incorporating Southwest and our 41 st  birthday for the chance to play their music live at 35,000 feet.  Last month, fans casted their votes, and now hundreds of Southwest Customers will have the chance to rock out in select cities on our 41 st  birthday with music from our three finalists—the Eric Grant Band from Laconia, NH, the Bad Cactus Brass Band from Phoenix, AZ, and The Gajillionaires from Los Angeles, CA. For Customers traveling through Manchester, Baltimore/Washington, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Oakland, and Seattle, be sure to check out the concert times and flight numbers below to see if these shining stars will be traveling with you on your flight, or you might just see them in the gate area!   We hope you can join in on the fun and celebrating 41 years of that good ol’ Southwest hospitality with fun, reliable, and efficient service.  Happy Birthday to the LUV Airline! Band: Eric Grant Band Music Video: Eric Grant Band Music Video   Band: Bad Cactus Band Music Video: Bad Cactus Brass Band Music Video   Band: The Gajillionaires Music Video: The Gajillionaires Music Video ... View more

When I got my latest Texas Monthly in the mail, I was reminded of their Monthly Outdoor Guide app that I recently downloaded that tells me all the best places to hike, bike, picnic, and more things to enjoy outdoors in Texas.  It also reminded me that I need to put some air in my bike tires so it’s not just an ornament in my garage.  June 2 is National Trails Day, so, what better motivation to go check out a greenbelt just north of me that connects Ray Roberts Lake with Lake Lewisville. The Texas heat is starting to rise, but when I actually do get out to a trail, even during the most humid summer days, I realize that 90 is hot, 100 is hot, and 110 is hot.  So, might as well load up with my 50 SPF and lots of water and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.  Here are some other trails around the country worth checking out: Silver Comet Trail: This 62-mile trail is just outside of Atlanta where Southwest recently began service in February. You’ll enjoy a 500-foot long trestle, pine forests, and rock cliffs along the way. Ohio to Erie Trail: From Cincinnati to Cleveland, this 300-mile trail spans the state of Ohio and is great for mountain bikes.  The trail passes through rural areas, farmlands, nature preserves, and regional parks. The Colorado Trail: You’ll want a good mountain bike for some backcountry riding on this 470-mile trail through Denver.   Mt. Tamalpais: If you’re craving some scenery full of forests, meadows, lakes, and ocean views, this is your trail near the San Francisco Bay area. National Wildlife Association (NWRA): The NWRA is a great resource to find thousands of trails near the closest Southwest city to experience landscapes, plants, and wildlife up close. Where do you escape outdoors?  Let us know your favorite trail by commenting below or e-mailing green@wnco.com.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

“There always on time, so just kick back and relax.”  “Pack your bags and get away—let’s celebrate a special day.”  “It’s just me and my suitcase; even two is okay.”  Last month we asked if you had the skills to play live music at 35,000 feet on a Southwest 737 to help celebrate our 41 st birthday.  These are just a few lines from the songs we received from around the country from musicians vying for the chance to surprise and delight Customers on our birthday, June 18.  Now, we need your help to choose our top three musicians for the chance to play their music live at 35,000 on a LUV jet on our birthday.  To cast your vote,  tell us your top three by commenting below or by clicking the YouTube links below no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on May 30.  Our judges will take into account your comments and video views when selecting our top three winners.  Stop back by here on the NUTS blog on May 31, and we’ll announce which bands will rock out their tunes for lucky Southwest Passengers on June 18. Good luck to the finalists!   Band: HN-88 Music Video: HN-88 Music Video   Band: Eric Grant Band Music Video: Eric Grant Band Music Video   Band: Bad Cactus Brass Band Music Video: Bad Cactus Brass Band Music Video   Band: The Gajillionaires Music Video: The Gajillionaires Music Video   Band: Marci Geller Music Video: Marci Geller Music Video   ... View more

Happy Green Tuesday! The Memorial Day Holiday Weekend will be here soon, where we all have the opportunity to take a moment to be still and think about the brave sacrifices of the service men and women who have fought for the Freedoms we enjoy and appreciate every day. This weekend also kicks off summer, so whether you plan on celebrating this time of remembrance by planning a picnic to enjoy the outdoors, attending a parade, or hosting a grilling or BBQ party, here are a few ways you can think green while you’re sporting your patriotic American spirit by wearing red, white, and blue: · Shop local organic. Head to your local organic food store or farmers market to serve up that veggie appetizer plate for your guests. Not only will you be eating healthier, but you’ll be supporting your local economy at the same time! · Reduce waste. If you’re packing up your picnic basket or ready to serve food at your BBQ, reduce your waste by using reusable picnicware. If you’ve stopped in stores like Target or Crate & Barrel lately, they have fun, festive picnicware designs that will brighten up your party or get together without adding waste to the landfill after everyone has enjoyed some lemonade and barbecued ribs. · Recycle. If you’re hosting a party at home or at a public place, make sure you have a designated recycling bin, and let your guests know about it so they can drop any aluminum, paper, and plastic in a recycling bin rather than piling it into the trash. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American produces about 4.4 pounds of garbage a day. Do your part and help reduce this number! · Clean Up Naturally. After everyone has enjoyed full bellies and a day of being together, make sure to use green cleaners like Simple Green or Green Works by Clorox and biodegradable trash bags. And, when you can, use towels that can be washed and reused rather than paper towels. However you plan on honoring this day, consider observing the National Moment of Remembrance. On Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. local time, whether you’re a Southwest Employee taking care of the thousands of Customers who will fly this weekend or if you’re celebrating with friends and family, pause for a minute and have a moment of silence to honor those who secured our Freedoms. How do you plan on adding green to your Memorial Day Weekend celebration? Let us know how you live and work Green by commenting below or by e-mailing Green@wnco.com. ... View more

Giving back is just part of the Southwest DNA.  In my almost five years at Southwest, I’ve had the privilege to volunteer alongside my Co-Hearts to plant trees, paint schools, clean-up parks, help build trails, and the list goes on.  Just last year, nearly 5,000 Southwest Warriors rolled up their sleeves to volunteer more than 114,000 hours to support almost 900 different organizations in the communities where they work and live.  Being a good neighbor and making a difference in people’s lives is something our Employees are passionately focused on throughout the year. Last month, Southwest Airlines celebrated our dedication to volunteerism and our commitment to sustainability with a “Month of Giving Back” by working with multiple nonprofit organizations to host a variety of activities and contests around National Volunteer Week and Earth Day. Here’s a look at some of the impact made possible by our Employees and Customers: Employees Give Back:  We kicked off National Volunteer Week with our systemwide Share the Spirit initiative where Southwest and AirTran Employees will give back to one local school in their city.  When it’s all said and done, hundreds of Southwest and AirTran Employees will complete more than 70 projects in over 70 cities. All in the Name of Earth Day: Southwest provided Customers the opportunity to give back with flowers by handing out 15,000 free wildflower seed bookmarks in 30 Southwest cities on Earth Day.  We also handed out 1,000 bookmarks at Earth Day Dallas where Southwest was a proud sponsor of this two-day festival celebrating everything green. Customers and Employees Learn Together:  Southwest hosted a Lunch & Learn at its Headquarters to educate attendees to discover the recipe to compost.  Nearly 200 Customers and Employees in attendance learned how to compost and reduce the amount of waste that ultimately ends up in landfills.  Southwest also gave away free compost bins to every attendee, which were donated by the City of Dallas.    Southwest has a commitment to our triple bottomline of Performance, People, and Planet, and I’m proud to be apart of that cause to do the right thing.  What are you doing to make a difference in the backyards of your community?  Let us know by commenting below! ... View more

Turn an empty wine bottle into a vase or candleholder for your table.  Wrap your gifts or ripen up your tomatoes using old newspapers.  Cut plastic bottles into sections to have a container garden.  These were just a few ideas I mentioned recently to get your creative juices flowing to share your fun and unconventional ways you recycle ordinary objects like water bottles, T-shirts, and newspapers into something new—all for the chance to win a dream green getaway to San Diego. There was certainly no shortage of creative entries, and now I have some ideas of my own to try.  Like, whoever thought about turning an old kettle into a lamp?  Thanks to everyone who not only entered, but for showing your commitment to our Planet and looking for ways to take the three R’s—reduce, reuse, recycle—to heart. Congrats to our grand prize winner, Nicole from New York, who is following Southwest’s motto of operating with a green filter by planning her wedding so that she and her guests reduce their impact on the Planet.  Among her “green” theme, Nicole’s centerpieces are made of reused items—wine corks, wine bottles, and various glass jars—the wine corks are secured together with ribbon and the seam hidden with a wooden heart painted blue.  Additionally, her program will be displayed on a menu board, which will be placed out for all of the wedding guests to see.   An excerpt from Nicole’s entry: Last spring, I became the happiest girl in the world because the most awesome and caring man I have ever known asked me to be his bride. As we began planning our big day and  researching area venues, we realized there must be a better way to do thing to decrease our carbon footprint. We ultimately selected a venue that is a vineyard.  Not only is the place stunning, but it is also practical, and green.  The food that will be used to cook dinner for our wedding guests is either grown on the vineyard or within 100 miles of the vineyard.  That was one way that I could feel better about the impact my special day was going to have on the Earth. We are also making a donation to a local charity in lieu of traditional favors.  Planning a wedding is hard, and trying to make a wedding green is not without its challenges, but my fiance and I are committed to making our wedding as green as possible—as committed as we are to each other! Congrats, Nicole, on winning, and of course, for your upcoming wedding!  We wish you all the best and much happiness, and we hope you enjoy sunny San Diego at the Sheraton Hotel & Marina, your annual park passes from the National Park Foundation, AND your Southwest-branded bike.   DING!  You are now free to be green!  What are you doing to reduce, reuse, recycle in your community?  Let us know by commenting below! ... View more

Air Transport World (ATW) Magazine recently revealed the winners of its inaugural 2012 Eco-Aviation Awards, and Southwest Airlines was named the Eco-Pioneer of the Year for our focus on efficiency long before environmentally-sound business practices were understood or recognized.  Whether it’s diverting more than 7,300 tons of material from landfills and into recycling facilities since August 2008 (the weight of about 173 Boeing 737-700 aircraft) with our co-mingled recycling program or unveiling Evolve, our all-new eco-friendly cabin interior that emphasizes comfort and personal space, Southwest continues to operate with a green filter. Since our beginnings more than 40 years ago, Southwest Airlines has always approached business differently—the ten-minute turn, Bags Fly Free, no furloughs—the list goes on and on.  One thing that has remained constant since we took to the skies four decades ago is doing the right thing in our triple bottomline for Performance, People, and Planet.  To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™.  ... View more

Do you have the skills to play live music at 35,000 feet on a Southwest 737?  We’re looking for a few good musicians to surprise and delight our Customers with an inflight concert.  On June 18, Southwest turns 41. To help celebrate our birthday, show us what you’ve got in a :30 second video or less.  Make sure your song theme includes Southwest Airlines and our 41 st birthday, and we’ll pick our top 10 to feature on the NUTS About Southwest blog.  Whoever the people say are the top three shining stars will get the opportunity of a lifetime to perform their music live at 35,000 feet on a LUV jet. Don’t wait—upload your video to YouTube and tweet @SouthwestAir using #SWATurns41 no later than 5:00 p.m. CT on May 8.  On May 22, we’ll announce our top 10, and by May 29, you’ll learn which bands will rock out their tunes for lucky Southwest Passengers on June 18, our birthday. What are you waiting for? Good luck! OFFICIAL RULES “Day of Music” Contest NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID IN PUERTO RICO AND WHERE PROHIBITED. 1.   How to Enter the Contest a.    Southwest Airlines “Day of Music” ("Contest") will begin on or around 10:00 a.m. CT on Tuesday, April 24, 2012 and will end on or around 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 8, 2012.  b.    To participate in the Contest, you may enter via the following method: Upload a creative music video on YouTube and share the link on Twitter mentioning @SouthwestAir and #SWATurns41 that “includes the theme of Southwest and our 41 st birthday" for the chance to perform music live on a Southwest flight on June 18, 2012.  All entries submitted will not be acknowledged or returned. By entering, Entrant grants Sponsor an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, freely transferable license to use the video for all purposes, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised. Videos must not be copied.  Entries may not violate any third party rights nor use any third-party intellectual property such as logos or background signs, music, or lyrics.  Entrants acknowledge and agree that their entry does not violate any rights of privacy or publicity and that they have the written permission of those appearing in their video to submit their image.  Entries must not disparage; contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, or vulgar; or promote bigotry, racism, hatred or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation.  Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest.  Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches.  By entering this Contest, you agree to abide by these Official Rules. c.    One entry per person is permitted. Any person found using multiple email addresses to enter will be found to be ineligible. 2.   Eligibility Restrictions a.    The contest is open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older and the age of majority in their place of residence as of April 24, 2012.   Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law.  The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and is offered only in the United States.  Employees of Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, and the members of their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their spouses) and individuals living in the same households of such employees are ineligible to enter or win. The contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.    Only one winner per household is permitted in any Contest administered by Southwest. c.    Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and Southwest Airlines will also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. 3.   Prizes: a.   Three (3) grand prizes to consist of the opportunity to play the winner’s music live on a Southwest flight on June 18, 2012.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Prize subject to availability and the Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable.  Sponsor will provide winners with a roundtrip ticket (subject to Southwest terms and conditions) on a Southwest Airlines flight originating from the nearest airport to winner’s residence serviced by Southwest Airlines for travel on June 18, 2012.  Approximate retail value per roundtrip ticket: $400.  Winner must have valid government ID.  All other transportation or other related expenses are the responsibility of the winner. b.    In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Sponsor is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate. 4.   Selection of Winners Decisions of judges with respect to the Contest are final.  This is a contest of skill. Your chances of winning depend on how well your entry reflects the judging criteria, as compared to the other entries in the contest. The judges will be judging on the following qualities: Creativity and Originality: 30%  Entertaining: 25% Southwest Appeal: 25% Rules: 20% Read and complied with the official rules. a.    The top video submission will be selected by a panel of judges. You need not be present to win. b.    Potential winner notification will be made by Sponsor via email. Potential winner must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release in which they agree to hold Sponsor and its parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use of the prize or participation in the Contest.  Affidavits will be mailed or emailed based on the potential winner’s preference beginning May 22, 2012.  Affidavits must be executed and returned within seven (7) days or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize.  Upon timely completion of required affidavits and release, winners should expect to receive their prizes in the mail by May 29, 2012. 5.   Conditions a.    Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent. b.    By participating in the contest, the winner agrees to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation unless prohibited by law, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize. c.    Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, mangled, miss-delivered, postage due, illegible, incomplete or late entries, telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, equipment malfunctions and any other technological difficulties that may prevent an individual from entering or claiming a prize. d.    Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules.  It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort. e.    Sponsor reserves the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize of greater or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  f.     Failure to comply with the Contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Sponsor. g.    The Sponsor is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize. h.    Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of the winner (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines, Emerging Media P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611.  For a winners list, send a self-addressed return envelope, after May 29, 2012.  All requests must be received by June 30, 2012.  6.   Sponsor:   Sponsor is Southwest Airlines Co., Emerging Media, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. ... View more

So, your fave music tee just got a rip – do you part with it or think about how reincarnation could make that T-shirt live on. Maybe that AC/DC shirt will become part of your next quilting project to keep you warm while you watch a movie, or it could replace the cover on an old journal, or it could be turned into a shopping bag! At Southwest, we’re always looking for ways to recycle and use our resources responsibly. In fact, since we rolled out our co-mingled recycling program in 2008, we’ve diverted nearly 7,000 tons of materials from landfills and into recycling facilities. That’s equal to the weight of nearly 165 Boeing 737-700 aircraft. Now, we’re asking you to show us your commitment to the environment—share your creative and unconventional ways you recycle ordinary objects like water bottles, t-shirts, and newspapers for the chance to win a Southwest-branded bike, two annual park passes from the National Park Foundation, and a green vacation getaway for two to sunny San Diego including air fare, Hybrid car rental from Alamo, and hotel accommodations for two nights at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, courtesy of Southwest Vacations. All you have to do is e-mail a creative photo and 500-word essay or less to write.southwest@wnco.com no later than Friday, April 27, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. CT that shows how you’ve found a new way to use ordinary items and divert waste from your local landfill. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing: • Turn an empty wine bottle into a vase or candleholder for your table • Wrap your gifts or ripen up your tomatoes using old newspapers • Cut plastic bottles into sections to have a container garden We’re excited to hear your creative ways on how you’re applying the three “R’s”—reduce, reuse, recycle! OFFICIAL RULES “Dream Green Getaway” Contest NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID IN PUERTO RICO AND WHERE PROHIBITED. 1. How to Enter the Contest a. Southwest Airlines “Dream Green Getaway” ("Contest") will begin on or around 10 a.m. CT on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 and will end on or around 5 p.m. CT on Friday, April 27, 2012. b. To participate in the Contest, you may enter via the following method: Submit a creative photo and 500-word or less essay to write.southwest@wnco.com that illustrates "your most creative or unconventional way to recycle ordinary objects like plastic water bottles, wine bottles, t-shirts, newspapers, etc." All entries submitted will not be acknowledged or returned. By entering, Entrant grants Sponsor an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, freely transferable license to use the photo for all purposes, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised. Photos must not be copied. Entries may not violate any third party rights nor use any third-party intellectual property such as logos or background signs. Entrants acknowledge and agree that their entry does not violate any rights of privacy or publicity and that they have the written permission of those appearing in their photo to submit their image. Entries must not disparage; contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, or vulgar; or promote bigotry, racism, hatred or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation. Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited. Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest. Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest. Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches. By entering this Contest, you agree to abide by these Official Rules. c. One entry per person is permitted. Any person found using multiple email addresses to enter will be found to be ineligible. 2. Eligibility Restrictions a. The contest is open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older and the age of majority in their place of residence as of April 18, 2012. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law. The contest is open to legal residents of the United States and is offered only in the United States. Employees of Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, and the members of their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their spouses) and individuals living in the same households of such employees are ineligible to enter or win. The contest is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. b. Only one winner per household is permitted in any Contest administered by Southwest. c. Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent. Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and Southwest Airlines will also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. 3. Prizes: a. One (1) grand prize to consist of two roundtrip tickets valid for 12 months on Southwest Airlines from the closest major airport to winner's residence served by Southwest Airlines, on published, scheduled service (subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply), to San Diego. Grand Prize to also include a two (2) night (double occupancy) stay at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina in the continental U.S., rental car from Alamo for two (2) days, two (2) annual National Park Foundation passes, and a Southwest Airlines bicycle. Approximate Retail Value of Prize: $1,780 ($400 for each Southwest Airlines roundtrip ticket, $420 for the hotel stay, $200 for the car rental, $160 for the annual park passes, and $200 for the bicycle). No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Sponsor. Prize subject to availability and the Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable. Taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner. b. In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss. Sponsor is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate. 4. Selection of Winners Decisions of judges with respect to the Contest are final. This is a contest of skill. Your chances of winning depend on how well your entry reflects the judging criteria, as compared to the other entries in the contest. The judges will be judging on the following qualities: Creativity and Originality: 20% Entertaining: 25% Southwest Appeal: 35% photo should reflect our Culture and Fun-LUVing Attitude. Rules: 20% Read and complied with the official rules. a. The top photo and story submission will be selected by a panel of judges. You need not be present to win. b. Potential winner notification will be made by Sponsor via email. Potential winner must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release in which they agree to hold Sponsor and its parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use of the prize or participation in the Contest. Affidavits will be mailed or emailed based on the potential winner’s preference beginning May 7, 2012. Affidavits must be executed and returned within seven (7) days or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. Upon timely completion of required affidavits and release, winners should expect to receive their prizes in the mail by May 21, 2012. 5. Conditions a. Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner. Winner may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent. b. By participating in the contest, the winner agrees to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation unless prohibited by law, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize. c. Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, mangled, miss-delivered, postage due, illegible, incomplete or late entries, telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, equipment malfunctions and any other technological difficulties that may prevent an individual from entering or claiming a prize. d. Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules. It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort. e. Sponsor reserves the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize of greater or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement. f. Failure to comply with the Contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Sponsor. g. The Sponsor is not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize. h. Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of the winner (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines, Emerging Media P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. For a winners list, send a self-addressed return envelope, after May 7, 2012. All requests must be received by June 30, 2012. 6. Sponsor Sponsor is Southwest Airlines Co., Emerging Media, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. ... View more

As you can imagine, as an airline, it’s not easy being Green.  But, we are always looking for ways to reduce our impact on the environment and use our resources responsibly.  Here are our top 10 reasons why you shouldn’t pinch the next Southwest Employee you see OR the next LUV jet you fly on because here’s how Southwest goes Green: 10.          Purchasing Renewable Energy | To power Southwest Airlines-controlled Dallas and Houston facilities, we’re continuing our five-year commitment to purchase 30 percent renewable energy credits, making Southwest one of the EPA’s Green Power Leaders.    9.            Electric Ground Support | On the ground, we continued our electric GSE conversion program and now have nearly 1,100 GSE in our fleet that use cleaner-burning technology. We also announced our commitment to enter new markets with electric belt loaders and baggage tractors. 8.            Community Garden | Currently, volunteers regularly cultivate the Community Garden at Headquarters, which has now grown to include 2,500 square feet and uses compostable waste from The Landing café. This past season, the Team harvested an array of fruits and vegetables, which were donated to a local Dallas food bank. 7.            Partnering with Green Suppliers | The suppliers we select must share our high standards of efficiency and desire to provide Green products and services. 6.            Co-Mingled Recycling | As a result of our ongoing environmental stewardship commitment, we have diverted nearly 7,000 tons of material from landfills and into recycling facilities since August 2008 with our co-mingled recycling program.  That’s equal to the weight of nearly 165 Boeing 737-700 aircraft.  5.            Green Team | Comprised of Employees from every operating group, the Green Team helps collect, share, and implement our environmentally responsible ideas and initiatives and help Southwest put a Green filter on business decisions. 4.            Green Ambassadors | Our Green Ambassadors  across our System support the Green Team’s efforts and help to foster and grow environmental stewardship in the cities we serve. They promote our mission to operate with a Green filter in these communities by sharing eco-friendly ideas, leading volunteer activities, and hosting green events. 3.            Evolve: The New Southwest Interior | On Jan. 19, 2012, Southwest introduced a new sleek cabin experience to improve Customer service, improve fleet efficiency, and give back to the environment.  The cabin update on Southwest’s 737-700s and new 737-800s joining the Southwest fleet in April feature durable and environmentally responsible products that reduce waste and create a weight savings of 635 pounds.        2.            Volunteerism | We are committed to doing our part to Protect the Planet and its natural habitats by partnering with organizations like the National Wildlife Refuge Association and the Student Conservation Association to take service projects to the backyards of our Employees’ work locations.  1.            Operating with a Green Filter | Our Green filter is evident in our environmental programs, education and outreach efforts, and stakeholder involvement.  For us, it’s more than just doing the right thing.  Environmentally responsible decisions make good business sense. Other than wearing something Green to avoid that St. Patty’s pinch, what are you doing to be Green and give back to the environment where you work and live?  Let us know by e-mailing green@wnco.com or by commenting below.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

You’re standing in between the recycle bin and the trash can with your beverage bottle in your hand.  Which bin does it go into?  Trash or recycle?  Check out the bottom of your bottle for the recycling logo and see which stamped number is inside those triangular chasing arrows.  If you see #1-7, you can toss that bottle into the recycling bin—maybe even practice your basketball skills.  Either way, you should feel good about not adding one more bottle to sit for years in a landfill. At Southwest, as a result of our ongoing environmental stewardship commitment, we have diverted nearly 7,000 tons of material from landfills and into recycling facilities since August 2008 with our co-mingled recycling program.  That’s equal to the weight of nearly 165 Boeing 737-700 aircraft.  When we divert waste into the recycling stream, we’re saving money by reducing waste pickups, which are fees the Company pays in some locations—this is direct, bottomline savings. We all know recycling saves on resources and keeps the trash out of our landfills, but what goes in which bin?  I know it can be confusing at times, so here are some basics that will hopefully make recycling more convenient while at the same time helping you reduce your environmental footprint. Oh, and if your community doesn’t have a recycling program, bring your paper/plastic/aluminum directly to Provisioning (if you work in a Provo city), or to locations where we offer recycling! Glass Do Recycle: Unbroken food and beverage containers like wine, beer, and ketchup bottles Don’t Recycle: Household glass—window panes, mirrors, and tableware (donate these instead) What Happens?  Glass becomes food containers, tiles, landscaping pebbles, and road surfacing. Brownie Points: Return compact fluorescent tubes to a recycler—more info on energystar.gov/cfls. Plastic Do Recycle:  Most programs take plastics #1-7, which include many beverage bottles, milk jugs, dish and laundry detergent bottles, and peanut butter jars. Don’t Recycle:  Anything greater than #7, and some other no-no’s include juice boxes. What Happens?  Plastic becomes fencing, pipes, fleece, and beverage and shampoo bottles. Brownie Points:  Pack your lunches in reusable containers, take a cloth bag to the grocery store to carry your purchases home, and use a travel mug for your morning cup of Joe. Metal Do Recycle: Aluminum and steel beverage and food cans, empty paint cans, and disposable aluminum pans Don’t Recycle: Aerosol cans and batteries What Happens?  Metal becomes cookware, bike parts, tennis rackets, and appliances. Brownie Points: Some states pay you green to be green! You can return aluminum cans and some glass and plastic bottles for recycling to get cash. Paper Do Recycle: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, and my favorite, all of that junk mail you get every day Don’t Recycle: Tissues, brightly-dyed paper, wax paper, pizza boxes, and anything containing plastic What Happens?  Paper becomes boxes, insulation, and animal bedding. Brownie Points:  Pay your bills online and save a stamp and the envelope to mail, opt out of junk mail by going to dmachoice.org/MPS/, and view your magazine subscriptions online. Of course, some communities might have stricter guidelines in place, like asking that you separate paper from plastic from glass, and so on.  Be sure to check your community’s web site to make sure you’re coloring inside the lines when it comes to recycling.  And, remember, if your community doesn’t have a program in place, bring it to work and drop it in a recycle bin. Do you have any recycling tips?  Let us know by commenting below, and send your tips to Green@wnco.com.  DING!  You are now free to be Green! ... View more

After 88 Southwest flights, 62 airports, and dozens of jokes, Actor/Comedian Owen Benjamin landed in Raleigh-Durham yesterday to officially break the RecordSetter world record for the most unique airports visited in 30 days.  Funny on the Fly took off in Dallas on November 21, and Southwest Customers and Employees across our system have had the chance to experience nonstop laughs with Owen during his record-breaking quest.  Throughout Owen’s journey, he racked up 232, 416 Rapid Rewards points.  Those points could take you from Phoenix to Paris (not Texas!) and on a trip from Cancun to D.C.—there are so many other possibilities!  You still have a chance to be the lucky winner of Owen’s points through the end of the year, so be sure to visit flyingfunny.com to enter for your chance to win.  The lucky winner of Owen’s Rapid Rewards points will be announced after the New Year.  And, today, we’ll be giving away a roundtrip ticket on Southwest AND a Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet on flyingfunny.com—don’t miss out! If you were flying Southwest Airlines in the past 30 days, we hope you had the chance to share some laughs with Owen during his journey across the Southwest system.  And, if you’re flying Southwest soon, we hope you have a wonderful holiday season filled with blessings and wonderful memories. Owen brought the funny over the last month, but many Southwest Flight Attendants make me giggle, too.  What’s your favorite Southwest inflight joke?  Let us know by commenting below! ... View more

If you’re like me and weren’t brave enough to venture out on Black Friday and go shopping (I don’t have enough football padding to survive that madness) and you missed Cyber Monday, there are still plenty of deals out there to be had.  If you want to save green and be green, I have just the shopping fix for you.  Nonprofit organization Green America is pushing for a new annual holiday shopping tradition—Green Tuesday (that’s today!).  To kick off the first Green Tuesday, Green America is offering new deals and discounts every 24 to 48 hours from national and local green online businesses on GreenDeals.org.  Since its launch one year ago, GreenDeals.org has acquired more than 160,000 green members and has featured over 150 deals from green businesses.  If you love giving great holiday gifts, while also giving back to the Planet, you’ll love this green “Groupon-esque” spin-off. Here are just a few deals and discounts you’ll find: Fromwartopeace.com – Jewelry made from recycled nuclear bomb equipment; Backtotheroots.com – Indoor mushroom garden kit (as featured in the Wall Street Journal) Driwater.com – Self-watering system for indoor or outdoor plants Organic Essence Lip Balm – USDA organic certified balm for chapped lips this winter Better World Club Annual Membership – The green auto (and bicycle!) club Indigenous Designs Clothing – Stylish fair trade and organic clothes for women and men If you can’t find what you’re looking for on GreenDeals.org, I encourage you to check out GreenPages.org or Green America’s Holiday Green Gift Guide, which both feature great deals on green products. Let us know how you plan on greening up your holiday shopping by commenting below.  DING!  You are now free to be green! ... View more

Southwest Airlines and Lenovo today bid bon voyage to comedian and actor Owen Benjamin as he begins his journey to set a new world record for the most unique airports visited in one month.  Funny on the Fly takes off in Dallas, and from now until December 20, lucky passengers traveling on Southwest Airlines from Los Angeles to New York and everywhere in between can witness Owen’s record-breaking feat first-hand in Southwest gate areas and on flights.   For everyone else, Owen will post daily updates on the Funny on the Fly web site at www.flyingfunny.com.  Using the #FunnyontheFly hashtag, Southwest Passengers and curious fans can interact with Owen on Twitter along the way, asking questions ranging from grooming tips using airport restrooms to where to find the best airport munchies.  We will also update this blog post with photos and stories from Owen as he travels across the Southwest network.    Throughout Owen’s journey, he will earn thousands of Rapid Rewards points, and Customers can enter to win them through the Funny on the Fly web site. Visitors can also sign up once a day for the entire month to win cool prizes like a Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet and roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Daily winners will be announced via the Funny on the Fly web site. Owen will also give away $25 Office Depot gift cards to lucky travelers.   Check out this video for a glimpse at Owen’s hilarious stand-up comedy, and be sure to follow along for the next 30 days as Owen attempts to set a new world record.  If you’re flying Southwest Airlines in the next 30 days, in addition to our funny and friendly Flight Attendants, you might have the chance to enjoy a short comedy routine by Owen.  Be sure to comment below and tell us about your experience if you do! ... View more

Today is America Recycles Day—a day nationally recognized and dedicated to encourage more Americans to commit to recycling every day of the year.  Every pledge counts—if all Americans recycled just one more can per week, the U.S. would be recycling at a rate of 75 percent and would save enough energy to power almost 300,000 average U.S. homes for a full year.  That’s a staggering number. At Southwest Airlines, we know the right thing to do is to reduce, reuse, and recycle.  In August 2008, we awarded Republic Services, Inc., our recycling contract. Republic Services was willing to accept a co-mingled recycling stream from both facilities and aircraft, similar to some municipal recycling programs.  On November 1, 2009, we reached a significant milestone when we officially launched onboard recycling on our entire fleet of 548 aircraft. In our partnership with Republic Services, our co-mingled recycling program has grown to include our Headquarters Campus in Dallas; six Customer Service & Support centers; 22 Provisioning facilities; and our Aircraft Maintenance bases in Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Chicago. As a result of our ongoing environmental stewardship commitment, Southwest Airlines has diverted more than 4,200 tons of material from landfills and into recycling facilities since August 2008.  That’s equal to the weight of nearly 100 Boeing 737-700 aircraft. We’ve seen success with our co-mingled recycling program, but we can’t rest!  In 2011, our goal is to increase the total amount of paper, plastic, aluminum, and cardboard recycled from our facilities and aircraft by ten percent over our 2010 total.  We are at 7.5% now, and if we all work together for the remainder of the year, we will make our ten percent goal!  To read more about our environmental efforts, check out the 2010 Southwest Airlines One Report, which can be found on the Need to Know tab. Get involved in your community and make a difference—find out what can be recycled, when, where, and how at http://americarecyclesday.org/find-recycling.  You can also join the conversation on Twitter by using the #recyclesday hashtag.  Happy America Recycles Day, everyone! ... View more

Fall is my favorite time of year, and I love to watch the leaves change from the vibrant green in the summer to the beautiful fall colors—red, orange, and yellow.  As I watch the leaves change, I’m taking the time to change my focus to things that truly matter.  You’ve probably heard these: Find your inner-peace.  Life is too short—enjoy it right now.  Work/life balance.  These are just a few things I’m refocusing on as we move into the fall season and closer to the holidays.   •  Eat better.  Organic food is healthier for you and for the Planet.  Organic means the food you are eating is without the use of conventional pesticides, artificial fertilizers or sewage sludge, and that they were processed without food additives (like chemical preservatives).  In the past, it might have been challenging to find organic foods since you could typically find them at community farmer’s markets.  Grocery stores are getting on the wellness bandwagon—organic foods are now on the shelves at your local Wal-Mart and most grocery stores. •  Invest in you time.  If you’re not able to take advantage of public transportation or carpooling to reduce your impact on the environment, consider leaving earlier or later than rush hour to reduce car smog and the amount of time you’re on the road.  Take that extra time in the morning or evening to have some quiet time or spend time with family and friends. •  Green your mind with exercise.  With the fall season comes cooler temperatures, and if you’re like me, you’re finding every opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine.  Take your yoga mat with you to a park or your backyard, or find an area near your neighborhood to take a walk and breathe in the fall air. •  LUV yourself and others.  Hold the door for others, take the opportunity in an elevator to say hi, or try something new you’ve always wanted to do.  It’s the simple things that can show people you’re thinking about them, and it’s the little things you can do for yourself on a regular basis to help keep you and those you LUV happy. Let us know your thoughts on how you stay happy and maintain your wellness.  Have a tip for Green Tuesday?  Let us know in the comments section below. DING!  You are now free to be Green. ... View more