Southwest Airlines Community

In February, we kicked off a nationwide search for the Next Great Southwest Storyteller. Thousands entered their best travel photos using the #SouthwestStorytellers hashtag on Instagram, but only one storyteller could be crowned the grand prize winner. After careful evaluation based on not only ability to create content but also understanding love for the brand and travel, we’re thrilled to announce Alicia (@aesthetiica) as our Next Great Southwest Storyteller.   All of our finalists will be awarded prizes and are worthy of mentioning and congratulating for their creative talents and compelling stories.   Grand Prize Winner Name: Alicia F. (@aesthetiica) Hometown: Chicago, IL Home Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Favorite Southwest Memory: One simple incident comes to mind. I am a calm traveler and I don't fluster easily but I recently had a moment where I was late for my flight with an overweight bag. I was off to the side throwing away full-size bottles of hair products that had been gifted to me during the trip when a Southwest Agent hurried over and said, "Absolutely not. You're not throwing these away, I'll take care of you." It was funny and a relief. I don't even remember where I was going. But I remember her changing my entire mood with her cute and helpful spirit.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Jasmine A. (@jasminealley) Hometown: Dallas, TX Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Number of Years Flying Southwest: 25 years. Technically, I've been flying Southwest since before I was born. My mom still gets mad at my dad for not investing in Southwest back in the day. Bucket List Destinations: I'd cross off my bucket list items and seek out hidden gems across America, invigorating my senses along the way. I'd see a tangerine sunrise over Mt. Rainier and taste Cajun spices throughout New Orleans. I'd feel the sleepy haze of Savannah, the hot sun over Joshua Tree. I'd smell the salty air at Badwater Basin, the sweet grapes in Oregon's Willamette Valley. I'd hear powerful waves crashing down in Big Sur, all the while bringing my audience along for the ride because you don't need things to be content. You need love, beauty, nature; all things found in travel.’   Top 10 Finalist Name: Cherrie L. (@cherrielynn) Hometown: Santa Clara, CA Home Airport: Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) Favorite Southwest Memory: Honestly, every time we fly Southwest, I know that we're in for an amazing time. We always fly Southwest to visit families from Vegas or celebrate an important birthday or milestone. We’ve never had bad experience with Southwest and we know we can always rely on it to take us to our destination safely and hassle free. So it isn't just an airline for us. It is symbolic of some of the happiness and anticipation of the important moments in our lives and every trip is memorable because of this.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Kyle F. (@kyle.fredrickson) Hometown: Lincoln, NE Home Airport: Eppley Airfield (OMA) Bucket List Destination: In 2018, my wife and I made it a New Year’s resolution to go on a new adventure each month. Because of the Southwest Companion Pass earned last year, we have been able to financially make it a reality. In 2019, we have plans to fly to, or near, Death Valley, Hawaii, Glacier National Park, Big Sur, Idaho, Vermont, NYC, the PNW, and ideally an international tropical destination such as Aruba.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Ciara J. (@hey_ciara) Hometown: Nomadic Home Airport: All Favorite Southwest Memory: Thanks to Southwest, I had a wonderful experience in Cuba. Last week, I received an email from Mirtha, the woman who hosted me in Havana. I wrote about my experience in her home over a year ago & shared how it was so full of love. As a result, many of my followers booked her place. The average monthly salary in Cuba is $25, so this is HUGE! Mirtha has the ability to earn money on her own terms, connect with people from around the world, and give them a temporary place to call home in Cuba.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Alec B. (@alec_basanec) Hometown: San Diego, CA Home Airport: San Diego International Airport (SAN) Bucket List Southwest Destination: When traveling I always make it a goal to see the most beautiful locations, get out of my comfort zone, meet new people, learn new ways of life, and see how different life is for people in other countries versus mine. Besides visiting other countries, it's a goal of mine to visit as many or all 50 states of the United States, so if Southwest powered my travel for the year it would help this dream become a reality.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Michelle C. (@michellechannn) Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK Home Airport: Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) Favorite Southwest Memory: I wouldn't be where I am today without Southwest Airlines. Literally. Two and a half years ago, I hopped on a one-way Southwest flight to Oklahoma City, a place I had never visited, with two checked bags, a carryon, and a personal item, but I wasn't worried. I knew that all of my favorite places and my support system were just a flight away. With Wanna Get Away fares and free cancelations, I'm able to always have something planned, but stay flexible if something else comes up, which is a luxury I don't have with other airlines. Yes, they could make all flights non-refundable, but they know that by earning our trust, taking care of the Customer first, and having something to continually offer, that we will keep coming back; as a new business owner, this is something I took to heart when making the decision to offer free returns. I love everything that Herb Kelleher has built and the heart behind it.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Michelle R. (@moderndaymoguls) Hometown: Nashville, TN Home Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA) Bucket List Southwest Destination: We choose cities to fly into that can offer unique experiences around them. Phoenix is next on our agenda. Starting in Phoenix ending in Los Angeles and exploring in between. Showing my kids desert life and all the beauty that exists out there. We also have a trip planned to Vegas then up to Lake Powell this summer. A little city exploring followed by outdoors and nature experiences. Adult only is also on schedule. BNA to Caribbean is a short flight and makes long weekends totally doable.   Top 10 Finalist Name: Alexis B. (@alexis.belbel) Hometown: Dallas, TX Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Favorite Southwest Memory: If Southwest powered my travel for a year, I would love to visit Hawaii. From the amazing, fresh fruits to the volcanoes, beaches, and gorgeous nature to see (zip lining and hiking), it would be a once in a lifetime experience.     Top 10 Finalist Name: Brittany M. (@brittwilltravel) Hometown: Sarasota, FL Home Airport: Tampa International Airport (TPA) Favorite Southwest Memory: My first flight after my accident I was a ball of nervousness. I was nervous of what the flight would do to my arm, nervous about the 14er I was going to attempt, would I be able get my bag up top without getting laughed at or making a fool of myself?  There were two guys at the back who helped me, made me hot chocolate, and high-fived me, and wished me luck as I was getting off the plane on my hike.  They'll never know how much I needed them that day, or what they did for me.   Stay tuned to see where this year’s Southwest Storytellers travel by following along on social through the #SouthwestStorytellers hashtag and on the Southwest social channels. ... View more

Last year, we had the world meet our Southwest Storytellers. Eleven incredible influencers, content creators, adventure seekers, and Southwest social brand ambassadors from across the United States who collectively traveled hundreds of thousands of miles in just a few short months. Our inaugural class of Southwest Storytellers sipped wine in Napa, enjoyed private concerts in Austin, and helped us even launch some new routes to Turks & Caicos and Cabo.     Once again, we’re looking for a diverse, talented, and passionate group of travelers.   We heard from many of our Customers via social media, email, and even phone calls to our Customer Service Team that you wanted to join this incredible program.     That’s why for 2019, for the first time ever, we’re opening up the opportunity to the public in Southwest’s Search for the Next Great Storyteller! One grand prize winner will win roundtrip travel for the year—a total of 24 tickets supplied by Southwest.   We're searching for a group of social influencers who love Southwest Airlines to travel with us and create compelling content that will inspire others to create their own travel stories. You could win the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to and explore some of Southwest's 99 destinations in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.   Follow the steps below to enter the contest by submitting your best travel inspiration content via Instagram.     Head on over to swa.is/BeAStoryteller for more information. Rules and restrictions may apply but more information can be found on the website or by contacting swa.is/StorytellerHelp. ... View more

In 2017, when Southwest introduced the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to our fleet, we were able to take advantage of the capability to play music during the boarding process on those aircraft to enhance our Customer Experience. We’ve heard requests from many Customers who want to know what songs are included in the playlist, so check out the details of the winter playlist (playing now through April) below!   In curating this playlist, we focus on blending recognizable radio hits while also providing the opportunity for our Customers and Employees to discover up-and-coming artists and new music.     Songs in the playlist are categorized and played onboard according to the time of day and respective mood. There is “Uplifting Chill” for early morning or late evening departures, “Seize the Day” for mid-day flights with our afternoon crowd, and “Soaring Anthems” for late afternoon and evening flights.    “Uplifting Chill” Playlist “Run” by Dansu “Take Me There” by Future Generations “Capricorn” by Elderbrook “In Camera” by Yumi Zouma “Show Me” by John Splithoff “PARAD(w/me)E” [Rostam Remix] by Sylvan Esso “Tidal Wave” by JP Cooper “Lights Down Low” by Gizo Varillas “Easy Way Out” by Broncho “Close Enough” by R.LUM.R “The Ways” by Khalid “Beautiful Renegades” [The Knocks Remix] by X Ambassadors “Me and You” by HONNE “Where Did I Go” by Jorja Smith “Mt. Joy” by Mt. Joy “If I Could Be Like You” by Castlecomer “Doesn’t Matter” by Gallant “Shed a Light” [Acoustic Version] by Robin Shulz & David Guetta & Cheat Codes “It’ll Be Alright” by Donkeyboy “Seize the Day” Playlist “Here We Go” by Wild “The Bright Side” by Summer Kennedy “Are You Ready to Fly” by Crush Effect “Imagine All You Can Do” by Animal Island “Finally Free” by Niall Horan “Connection” by OneRepublic “Making It Up” by Jason Mraz “All My Friends” by Revivalists “Sunday Morning” by Parmalee “All I Am” by Jess Glynne “Me and My Friends” by Juliet Roberts “Dancing” by Saint Raymond “I Like Me Better” [Ryan Riback Remix] by Lauv “Somethin’ I’m Good At” by Brett Eldredge “Warriors” by Allen Stone “Boom Boom” by Lucas Hoge “High Five” by Sigrid “Feel Good” [Radio Edit] by Tall and Small “Travelin’ Light” by Dierks Bentley “Soaring Anthems” Playlist “Heatstroke” by Aaron Sprinkle “Let’s Go” by Passenger “A Week Ago” by Wild Rivers “Up Up and Away” by Newton Faulkner “Over and Over” by Ben Rector “Hands Up” by New Respects “Higher” by Broke Royals “Forever” by Billy Raffoul “Yesterday’s Song” by Hunter Hayes “Clean Eyes” by Syml “Coming Home” by Sheppard “Land of the Living” by Plain White T’s “Tempt My Trouble” by Bishop Briggs “Paradise” by Ofenbach “Fire And Water” [Ash Howes Radio Edit] by Wandering Hearts “By the Way” by Lindsay Ell   Which song is your favorite? Let us know by commenting below! ... View more

“I’m at that place in life where I’m always trying to gain new experiences and see new cultures.”—Brett Eldredge, Musician Photo by Cameron PowellCountry music star Brett Eldredge’s latest hit song and U.S. tour might be all about “The Long Way,” but when it comes to air travel, he’s all about the reliability and connectivity of Southwest Airlines. Even though he travels regularly for his shows, Brett still considers traveling to be his favorite hobby. Not only is he an A-List Preferred member, but he’s also a longtime Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmember—in July, he even became the first Customer to upgrade to the new Priority Card. Brett makes good use of the Rapid Rewards points he earns, and thanks to no blackout dates, he can sneak away to rest his vocal cords whenever he has a few unexpected days for vacation. Sounds like music to our ears!   —Brie Strickland, Marketing   Why Southwest “Everyone is always really kind, and they always treat my guitar well, which is a huge deal because it’s like a family member to me.”   Helping Hand “Traveling in the most comfortable way you can is a big part of my career because you need to get in the right headspace to go give all of yourself onstage.”   Old Friends “I started flying regularly when I did my first radio tour. I was on Southwest at least three times a week, catching 6 a.m. flights to visit with radio stations and showcase my music.” ... View more

Earlier this year, Southwest Airlines welcomed the inaugural group of Southwest Storytellers to our Headquarters in Dallas for a dose of Southwest Hospitality and history before they began their year-long journey as the Company's first social media ambassadors. The Southwest Storytellers program brings together a group of loyal Customers who are also influential on social media to share their travels with their many followers. The inaugural group spans both coasts and includes a former professional football player, a radio personality, and a barefoot water skier. You can follow along on their adventures using the hashtag #SouthwestStorytellers or through their personal social media handles on all social channels.   And if you're also interested in collaborating with Southwest Airlines, please complete our Southwest Airlines Creator Application so we can learn more about you!                                                                                                                                                                             The 2018 Southwest Storytellers     Name: Dani Austin, @Daniaustin Hometown: Dallas, Texas Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Number of Years Flying Southwest: 25 years. Technically, I've been flying Southwest since before I was born. My mom still gets mad at my dad for not investing in Southwest back in the day. Favorite Southwest Memory: My favorite Southwest memory is when my fiancé flew out both of our families to Los Angeles on Southwest buddy passes (his dad works on the Ramp at DAL!) when he proposed to me on a helipad. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Costa Rica   Name: Joey Price, @joeyvpriceHR  Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland Home Airport: Baltimore–Washington International Airport (BWI) Number of Years Flying Southwest: 11 Favorite Southwest Memory: It's so hard to choose but I have to go with flying Southwest during Labor Day Weekend 2017 to see my Terps beat the Texas Longhorns in a surprise upset! I'm sure there will be many more memories though. Southwest consistently connects me with the people— and experiences—that I love! Bucket List Southwest Destination: Grand Cayman Islands!(with my out of office message up on email and my phone on do not disturb for the entire trip)!     Name: Justin Forsett, @jforsett Hometown: Prosper, Texas Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Number of Years Flying Southwest: Over 15 years Favorite Southwest Memory: The plane ride home after my retirement from football. I was traveling to my new home in Texas with my entire family. It was special because we were starting a new chapter together. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Hawaii!       Name: Karen Putz, @agelesspassions Hometown: Naperville, Illinois  Home Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Number of Years Flying Southwest: Since they started service in 1985 in Chicago! Favorite Southwest Memory: I sent out a tweet about how thankful I was to be able to fly my wetsuit bag for free—after my last barefoot water skiing week in Florida in October. Southwest sent me a warm fleece blanket to get me through the winter months until I could barefoot again! Bucket List Southwest Destination:  I want to barefoot water ski in Hawaii and Turks and Caicos—both are on the bucket list!     Name: Kody McCormick, @the_outboundlife Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois  Home Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Number of Years Flying Southwest: Four years. I’m an adventure filmmaker, which means I always travel with a lot of stuff. You know the saying … bags fly free. Favorite Southwest Memory: In fall 2017, I flew to Portland and proposed to my fiancée, Lisa, at Cannon Beach. We are getting married in September 2018! Bucket List Southwest Destination: Hawaii! I think we’re all waiting for this destination to hit the market.      Name: Kyler McCormick, @the_outboundlife Hometown: Lake Zurich, Illinois  Home Airport: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) Number of Years Flying Southwest: Four years. At the time we started The Outbound Life, it quickly became clear that every other airline was going to charge us out the wazoo to bring all the camera gear we needed. We never looked back! Favorite Southwest Memory:  One time I accidentally left my laptop on a plane after landing for a really important project. My heart just about stopped. I run my business off my computer, and I couldn’t back up footage without it. Southwest’s Customer Service Agents ended up going full out Batman and updated us throughout the night until they found it, and sent it back our way. I’ve always loved Southwest, but I think that’s the moment I became a lifelong fan. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Montego Bay, Jamaica     Name: Leslie Harvey, @tripswithtykes Hometown: Alameda, California Home Airport:  Oakland International Airport (OAK)  Number of Years Flying Southwest: At least 30 years—maybe longer! Favorite Southwest Memory: The time a Flight Attendant gave my pretzel-loving eight-year-old daughter all the leftover Southwest pretzels on the plane. My daughter had Southwest pretzels in her lunchbox every day for weeks! Bucket List Southwest Destination: Anywhere in Hawaii, of course!     Name: Lucas Hoge, @Lucashoge Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee  Home Airport: Nashville International Airport (BNA) Number of Years Flying Southwest: Over18 years Favorite Southwest Memory: A few years ago, I was boarding a Southwest flight at BNA and one of the Flight Attendants recognized me from my music and that I was a Cabelas ambassador. We proceeded to talk about Cabelas and I gave him my Cabelas hat that I was wearing and he was thrilled! I love encounters like that and I hope to cross paths with him again one day. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Hawaii.     Name: Rob Sesser, @robsessed85 Hometown: Born and raised in Walla Walla, Washington now living in Dallas, Texas  Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Numbers of Years Flying Southwest: 10 years Favorite Southwest Memory: Flying the Love to Love party plane to see the Beatles Love Cirque Du Soleil show in Vegas Bucket List Southwest Destination: Mexico City         Name: Rocky Turner, @rocktholla Hometown: Dallas, Texas  Home Airport: Dallas Love Field (DAL) Number of Years Flying Southwest: 18 Favorite Southwest Memory: When I gave up my seat to a crying elderly woman that was on standby of a full flight trying to get home. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.         Name: Sakura Considine, @sakuraconsidine Hometown: Tokyo, Japan but I now live in Phoenix  Home Airport: Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Number of Years Flying Southwest: 13 years Favorite Southwest Memory: I remember getting stuck in the airport for hours in San Francisco one time because of the weather and the Southwest Crew lifted everyone’s spirits by orchestrating a big scavenger hunt at the gates around us so we could have some fun! I thought that was the most clever thing I had ever experienced. Bucket List Southwest Destination: Hawaii! I am really excited about Southwest beginning service to Hawaii. ... View more

Written by Willow Creek Elementary Librarian Elizabeth Davis   As the Librarian of Willow Creek Elementary, students often tell me they "lost" their library book if it's missing for awhile and can't find it. This happened to one student, so he paid the fee to replace it. After the school year wrapped up, our school office received a phone call from a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant named Scott who found a library book on his plane.   Scott shared that he is an avid reader and wanted to help keep books in our students hands—this is why he wanted to help this book find its way home. When I got back to school from summer break, the book was waiting for us with a note, and since it was returned within the time limit, we were even able to issue a refund to the kiddo who lost it!    We figured a few pictures, a heartfelt note from the student who lost the book, and a little token of appreciation was the least we could send Scott for showing our book the world. It was neat to see someone who cares about books as much as we do. At our school, we strive to build lifelong readers who associate reading with positive feelings and real-world connections, so this act of kindness matched perfectly with our values. Thank you, Scott!  ... View more

This is a guest blog post from Tech Ops Specialist, Jake Garboletti    For the last two years, the Supply Chain Management Culture Committee has adopted a local Dallas Elementary School, Onesimo Hernandez Elementary School, to build a strong partnership with our local community around Love Field. Over this time, the Committee has hosted special events for the school such as Career Day, Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, and Clothing drives. They have even planted over 90 trees, installed benches, and created an outdoor learning area on the school grounds by working with the Texas Tree Foundation.   This summer, against all odds, the school’s soccer team won a tournament hosted by the City of Dallas which earned them an invitation to play at an International Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Unfortunately, the team did not have the funds to fly to attend the tournament. Nearly 25 percent of the school's population identifies as homeless, so a pricey trip to Orlando seemed out of the question.   When the Culture Committee heard about this opportunity, there was not a second thought – we had to help the children make it to Orlando after their incredible accomplishment! The team quickly took off running and was able to secure flight donations for the team as well as provide custom uniforms to help the team represent their elementary school on a world stage.    Not only was getting to play in this tournament a unique opportunity for the children, but it was also their first time flying. To make this flight even more special, the Committee Southwest surprised the children and coaches with Southwest goodies before their early morning flight. After greeting the team at the ticket counter with a team sign and assisting with check-in and security, the Committee met the team at the gate to present them with gift bags and first flight certificates (thanks to the DAL Customer Service Team!). The kids loved their airplanes, Southwest sunglasses, sports bottles, playing cards, and sticker books--all would help make their first flight memorable.   To put the icing on the cake, Customer Service Supervisor Pat worked with the Ops Agent and Flight Crew to allow the kids to come down early, meet the crew, and see the cockpit! This surely is a flight they will never forget. Huge thanks to all of the people at Southwest who helped us do what we do best. Best of luck in Orlando, Onesimo Hernandez Stars!     ... View more

“Success is infinite. Someone else getting their slice of the pie doesn’t mean there’s less for you.”                                                                —David Holmes, Chiropractic Sports Physician     David Holmes didn’t earn 1.4 million Rapid Rewards points overnight. A Twin Cities–based chiropractor who works with elite and professional athletes, David travels coast to coast to serve his clients. Changing flights with ease and without fees is key in a field where unexpected sports injuries are just that—unexpected. When not flying in planes, David is jumping out of them, and he and his wife use the Companion Pass to skydive in different destinations. David also plans on launching LogicalBody, a website dedicated to helping others understand their health and better manage injuries on the go. There are a million reasons we’re proud to fuel David’s practice and adrenaline rushes.    Points Party “When I hit one million Rapid Rewards points, the Southwest Employees in Columbus signed a banner and announced it over the PA system.”   Boise Bound “My wife and I have been taking weekend trips to new states so we can experience something that makes that state exceptional. Next up: Idaho.”   Juice Break “It’s important to eat healthy while traveling. On layovers in Denver, I eat at Root Down because of their organic options.”    Travel Tips “I’m a minimalist when I travel and keep my bag organized. Fly By Priority Lanes are a must since they allow me to skip long lines.”     ... View more

Have you ever thought that one trip would change your life forever?         This happened to our Customers Michelle and Rocky. Michelle, a young talented hair stylist travelled for work. Her flight got delayed and she had to change flights to avoid misconnection. As she boarded her new aircraft looking for her seat, she found one that she thought was a nice, peaceful place where she can get comfortable and listen to her music and just enjoy the ride.  She asked a man, with the calm energy, if she could sit in his row. He stood up and allowed her to get settled. Rocky (the calm energy guy) who flies on Southwest Airlines frequently and has held A-List Preferred status for almost 10 years met his new seat mate on that day and she has been intriguing him ever since.   Their friendship grew deeper like nothing they have ever experienced. Michelle has become a RR companion as he continues to add number of flights on his A+ status in the friendly sky on his favorite airline.         Spring flowers are blooming as well as love between Michelle and Rocky. Rocky had a bright idea of moving his commitment to the next level. He wants Michelle to be his companion for life. Where is the best place to create BIG magic? Of course where they first met and gotten to know each other. Rocky made a call to Southwest Airlines for assistance and planning the proposal.         On February 26 th Rocky and Michelle boarded the flight from Austin to Orlando. Once the seat belt sign turned off, Rocky shared how much he loves Michelle over the PA system and to Michelle surprise, he got on one knee and asking her to be his LUV and companion for life! It was magical and beautiful. Each Customers congratulated them. A little girl told Michelle that she was a princess. The Captain let the newly engaged couple sit in the cockpit for pictures.          As Michelle and Rocky walked down the jet way, the door was shut. Rocky knocked and opened the door to a huge celebration! Everyone cheered for them. Flowers, Mickey Mouse style bride and groom hats, a bouquet of balloon flowers made by a Southwest Airlines Customer waiting to board his flight, and a bottle of champagne were given to the lovely couple. A Southwest Airlines Employee serenaded them with a beautiful song while Michelle and Rocky enjoyed posing for many pictures as the gate area was decorated to welcome them on their special day.         To Michelle and Rocky, congratulations LUV birds!   —Noparat "Boom" Elg, Manager of Customer Service at Southwest Airlines Co.   ... View more

These guest blogs are written by Mindy Scott and Rachel Henry, who won an Instagram contest with The Bucket List Family to take their families on a trip to Disneyland on Southwest Airlines.    The Scott Family Our family had the amazing blessing of being chosen by world-traveling family bloggers, "The Bucket List Family," for a trip to Burbank, California. I have always loved Disneyland and for many years, my husband and I had dreamed of taking our kids there. We kept telling the kids “soon,” but unfortunately, that dream was cut short when my husband lost his battle with cancer in November. We miss his dearly and know that he would’ve loved this trip. I feel so incredibly blessed to have spent time with my kids on an once-in-a-lifetime adventure.      I was a little concerned to fly by myself to California with my three kids until I learned that we would be flying on Southwest. We always choose Southwest Airlines because their prices, service, and employees are the best. I love that the family boarding allows us to board the plane together so I always sit with my kids and they can be entertained all flight long free TV on the flight – that means mom gets some peace and quiet! My kids were so excited to fly on an airplane and it met all their dreams and expectations.    Disneyland was incredible, exciting, happy, dreamy, and everything else you think of when you think of Disneyland! I loved walking into the park and hearing the Disney music as we strolled through Downtown Disney. The smells, sights, sounds … it’s all just so wonderful! Our trip home went well, but had its challenges. My kids were exhausted from the endless fun, and my sweet six year old had a terrible headache. Once again, I was so grateful to be flying with Southwest. They provided a wheelchair that my daughter could ride through the airport so her head wouldn’t hurt as bad. Once on the plane, they worked with us so she could lay comfortably. The service from Southwest made the return flight possible, and I am so grateful.   What a dream come true this entire trip was for our family. Thanks Southwest and The Bucket List Family for bringing such much joy into our life.    The Henry Family   This past December our family of seven received the best Christmas surprise we could have imagined.  After submitting a nomination to "The Bucket List Family" for a trip to Disneyland, we were shocked when they contacted us saying they had chosen our family and we'd be going to California in one week!  Going to Disney is probably on most families' bucket lists, as it was for ours, but with five young children we kept putting it off so that the youngest might remember some of it.  Anyone with multiple children knows that saving up for a vacation can take a lot of time, so actually flying anywhere with our kids seemed like it may never happen.     Our five youngsters had never flewn before so were were excited to share that experience with Southwest Airlines.  Simon and I had both flown Southwest in our younger days, so we were familiar with their open seating and free checked bags.  We also loved the "family boarding" area that allowed us to board at a designated time with other families with kids.  As a large family, we headed straight to the back of the plane so we'd be close to the bathrooms! Our kids were so excited about the drinks and snacks (and as a mom I might've actually been more excited than them because it was one less snack and drink I had to provide!).     One special memory from our first flight (four hours from Indianapolis to Phoenix) was when our one year old boy was getting restless, and our kind Flight Attendant didn't hesitate to offer assistance.  He played with Mason to soothe his reastlessness.What a relief to have a few moments of stillness while knowing our baby was in good hands!  Our oldest son who is eight actually said this memory is his favorite from our flying experience.   People have asked me what my favorite part of Disneyland was and I've had a hard time narrowing it down to one ride, or event, or moment.  But I think the overall feeling I had while being there; the feeling of receiving such an amazing gift, seeing my children's awe in the parks and riding their first big rides, and the overall sense of adventure you feel when traveling; those feelings were my favorite part, and they won't be soon forgotten. My gratitude for Southwest Airlines and the Gee Family is endless!   ... View more

“Don’t be too shy with your seat neighbor. You never know how interesting the person might be.”                                                                                        —Branden Harvey, Digital Storyteller   Branden Harvey’s love for Southwest Airlines began when he and his now wife, Sammi, lived on opposite sides of the country. What started as a way to manage a long-distance relationship with low fares and reliability turned into a lifestyle for this digital storyteller. With his trademark blond curl and camera in hand, Branden is on a quest to find the good in this world. He’s often inspired by the actions of Southwest Employees and the stories of people he meets from his seat of choice: the middle seat. With plenty of good left to discover—not to mention nonstop service from his home base of Nashville—this Instagram and Snapchat storyteller will keep on soaring. Follow him @brandenharvey.    Memorable Moment “On one of my first Southwest flights, I saw someone propose to his girlfriend. The whole plane started cheering.”   Rapid Redemption “I love spontaneity, so I love my Rapid Rewards points. When I hear about something amazing happening, I don’t hesitate before cashing in for a ticket to go tell the story.”   Right Now “I focus on telling hopeful stories. I do that through a podcast, Sounds Good, and a weekly roundup called ‘Goodnewsletter.’”   Photo by Jason Myers ... View more

Pat says trips to New Orleans, nearly 2,500 miles away from her home in Spokane, happen almost annually. She was recently diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer related to lymphoma and leukemia. Within days of enjoying the Big Easy, despite cancer, Pat noticed increased tiredness and difficulty in catching her breath. When she couldn’t breathe one morning, her daughter called the paramedics who took her to Tulane Medical Center. From there, Pat says she doesn’t remember much. “I was out like a light … the doctor and my family didn’t think I was going to make it,” Pat says. “I woke up on the seventh day and said, ‘Hi.'”   Pat’s waking up prompted the necessary process of transporting her from New Orleans back to Spokane to begin rehabilitation. Pat was still hooked to IV lines and tubes, and the journey would be a difficult one as she was unable to stand or move around. Her son, Roy, with the help of Tulane’s case managers, sent out requests for admission to facilities in Spokane. Dr. Jones received one of these requests via email while coincidentally on a business trip in New Orleans, just blocks from Pat’s hospital room. Dr. Jones found Pat’s son pacing the hospital hallway and introduced herself. He was astonished that a doctor from St. Luke’s was at Tulane. Timing was crucial to obtain an admission into a rehabilitation hospital and get Pat the additional help she needed to recover. Southwest Airlines had one flight readily available that stopped in Chicago on the way to Spokane, but it left the next day.   “Southwest Airlines was just amazing getting us the tickets we needed,” Pat says. “They had the wheelchair there ready to go each time and ensured I had priority boarding to make the process as easy as possible. And when my daughter and her family flew back a few days later, the zero baggage fees came in handy since she had all of mine with her in addition to her own.”   At St. Luke’s, Pat received the full spectrum of therapies available, and because travel is part of her life, Pat practiced transfers and walking in a replica Southwest Airlines fuselage donated to St. Luke’s several years ago. Therapists use the airplane therapy module every day with patients who plan to travel.   Pat remained focused on her rehabilitation and regained her ability to walk. She was discharged home, where she uses a cane along with the exercises she learned at St. Luke’s to continue her progress. She says she will always be grateful for the amazing medical and airline teamwork that brought her back home. ... View more

When a teacher walks into a classroom full of young minds each morning, her call-to-action is immediate and meaningful. Purpose isn’t something she has to search for, it’s always clear and right in front of her. The same can’t always be said of my current role, communicating through the Southwest Airlines social channels. Since leaving education, my purpose at Southwest is real, and the impact is meaningful, but I don’t have those same face-to-face moments from my teaching days.   Nearly six months ago, Elizabeth Kellogg posted a picture onTwitter of her pre-k classroom turned Southwest Airlines baggage claim, terminal, and airplane.  Mrs. Kellogg was using her favorite airline to teach the little minds in her Scottsdale classroom about geography, math, and customer service. When I responded through the Southwest Airlines Twitter account, Mrs. Kellogg and I immediately connected over our teaching backgrounds and I asked if I could send a little something to her small Southwest fans. Our Team sent inflight goodies and wings for everyone, as well as a Southwest mug to keep Mrs. Kellogg "fueled." It was a small gesture for our loyal and creative fan.   Months and months later in mid-June I heard from Pam Korzeniowski who works in Southwest's Training Department (Southwest University) who asked if I knew an Elizabeth Kellogg from Arizona.   Pam emailed: “Elizabeth is just finishing up her final week in CS&S training. She’s been telling all of us that you’re the reason she’s here. You’re her Southwest story! Something about a message you sent her on Twitter and gifts you sent her classroom. I’d love it if you could come to graduation Friday so you two could meet in person."   I read the email over and over again, in disbelief. A few days later I found myself, beaming and cheering at Elizabeth’s graduation. As I introduced myself, tears rolled down my and Elizabeth's faces as we hugged for the first time, now as Cohearts. Having never considered applying before, Elizabeth was inspired by Southwest’s friendliness and willingness to go above and beyond to make a Customer feel special; she knew that this was something she had to be a part of.   At the graduation, Elizabeth handed me a key necklace with the word “Believe” engraved into it; a token of her appreciation for how my words and actions made her believe that this new journey of hers was possible. Her words and actions might’ve served to thank me, but in reality, I needed to thank her. Elizabeth reminded me that every role in this Company has the power to impact, inspire, and enrich the lives of others, even if our role doesn’t put us face-to-face with the Customer.   Elizabeth and me at her CS&S graduation in TOPS     ... View more