Southwest Airlines Community

“If your goal feels unattainable, complete small tasks every day that move you toward the big objective.” —Cassie Dispenza, Senior Director of Marketing & Partnerships, Saffire   Photo by Jessica AttieWhen it comes to business travel, this ain’t Cassie Dispenza’s first rodeo. Cassie works as the senior director of marketing and partnerships at Saffire, a software company that provides integrated websites and ticketing systems to events and venues. While serving Saffire’s wide-ranging client base, she has visited more than 70 festivals, stock shows, and county fairs across the U.S. With a job that entails setting up booths at 20 trade shows a year, Cassie can’t always pack light. Thanks to the bags fly free® policy at Southwest®, she’s able to bring everything she needs for work—and save money. Cassie’s frequent work travel also allows her to earn Rapid Rewards® points, which she uses to take vacations with her husband. We love seeing you onboard, Cassie!   —Adam Rucker, Technology   Hometown Hangouts “My favorite things about Austin are the live music, the delicious tacos, and the outdoor lifestyle, which is ideal for going on long walks with my dog.”   Lone Star State of Mind “With Southwest, I always feel at home when I travel because the Employees greet you with a Texas-sized hello.”   Birthday Surprise “While I was traveling during my birthday month last year, Southwest paged me at the airport to tell me they were adding 1,000 free points to my Rapid Rewards account.” ... View more

“You don’t need a certain job title to be a leader. Start acting like one, and the rest will follow.”                                                   —Heike Young, Content Innovation Lead, Salesforce     Heike Young spends most of her time in the clouds. As host of the Marketing Cloudcast, a podcast from Salesforce, Heike travels from the digital cloud to real ones 35,000 feet in the air as she crosses the country for events. A Southwest Companion Pass holder, Heike often plans weekend getaways with her husband, Khad, to explore local restaurants. Recently, she even cashed in Rapid Rewards points for her first international trip flying Southwest to Liberia, Costa Rica, and Khad got to come along for the ride. Here’s to many more memories, Heike. See you in the clouds!    Why Southwest? “Southwest’s flexibility is a huge lifesaver. If my work requires an additional stop or I want to tack on a personal trip, I don’t have to worry about a fee.”    Get Moving “My No. 1 travel tip: Instead of sitting at your gate for two hours, go for a walk. This burns extra calories and improves your mood and state of mind.”    Career Advice “Own your opinions and mistakes. One of the greatest bosses I’ve had was a well-respected leader, but if he did something wrong, he was the first to acknowledge his mistake.”   Self-Starter “I’d never podcasted before the Marketing Cloudcast. I became an apprentice of the craft and taught myself how to build an audience.”     ... View more

“I’m thankful to be surrounded by some of the most talented folks in the business.”                             —Shannon Ryan Nicosia, Director of Marketing, Pixar Animation Studios   Shannon Ryan Nicosia An 11-year member of the Pixar Animation Studios team, Shannon Ryan Nicosia knows a thing or two about delivering a high-quality product. As director of marketing and communication, she works with promotional partners to share Pixar’s stories, the ones audiences know and love. Shannon’s role often requires quick trips from Pixar Animation Studios near Oakland, California, to Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. With Southwest, Shannon can attend meetings at Disney and still be home for dinner. And it’s not just the ease of travel she values—it’s the quality. Shannon appreciates that Southwest Employees are committed to making their Company the best, just like her colleagues at Pixar.    Sushi Stop “On my trips to Burbank, I try to fit in lunch at Katsuya, my favorite sushi spot.”    Passion Project “I’m excited about our upcoming adventure film, Coco, which comes out this fall. It follows a 12-year-old boy who discovers a generations-old mystery at a family reunion.”   Speak Up “I have a secret dream to be a ‘scratch’ voiceover actor at Pixar. Early on in production, we use non-professional voice actors for characters before the final actors are recorded.”   ... View more

The holidays are upon us, and to help kick off the season of giving, we partnered with our friends at Nintendo to give one special flight an unforgettable experience.   Along with YouTube sensation and Southwest A-Lister, iJustine, Southwest and Nintendo surprised every Customer onboard a flight from Dallas to Los Angeles with their very own New Nintendo 3DS XL and the new Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS game!     You can join in on the fun too by entering our sweepstakes where winners will be awarded one of dozens of prizes, and one grand prize winner will receive a trip for four to New York City with air travel provided by Southwest and a shopping spree at the Nintendo NY store! The sweepstakes runs from December 16, 2016 to January 15, 2017. So don’t miss your chance to win! For full rules and to enter, visit: www.sayyessweepstakes.com ... View more

“Change is constant. I’ve learned how to be flexible and take things as they come.” —Alexis Adams, Project Specialist, Technology   At Southwest, different departments collaborate to make our airline the best it can be. For some Employees—like Alexis Adams in Technology—their part in that success takes place behind the scenes. A Dallas-based Project Specialist in the Customer Sales and Distribution area, Alexis is used to operating in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple responsibilities. Right now, her team is working to ensure a smooth transition as Southwest moves toward a new reservation system next year. Alexis, we appreciate your dedication to this Company. Thanks for being a star! —Sophie Smith, Communication & Outreach   Lend a Hand “I always jump at the chance to volunteer through Southwest. I also volunteer as an usher at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and help with the North Texas Food Bank.”   Strong Showing “I love seeing live music and concerts. I enjoy indie and classic rock ’n’ roll.”   In Good Company “Southwest does a fantastic job of hiring the best people. Everybody works hard to contribute and be supportive.”   Photo by Justin Clemons ... View more

“Meeting people and hearing their stories—those are always my favorite moments while flying.”                                                          —Sarah Harmeyer, Founder, Neighbor’s Table   Throughout 2011, Sarah Harmeyer set out to serve 500 people at a farmhouse-style cedar table in her Dallas backyard. Her mission was simple: to celebrate the power of people gathering to share a meal and their stories. Sarah met her goal that year, and since then has served nearly 2,500 people at her original table. She’s now started a nationwide love mission called Neighbor’s Table, and with her father, she has delivered handmade “Neighbor’s Tables” to homes across the U.S. Sarah uses Rapid Rewards points to fly home after deliveries, and Southwest is happy to have played a role in her efforts. Keep spreading the love, Sarah!    Change of Pace “I’d like to visit Mackinac Island in Michigan. The absence of cars seems refreshing.”   Good Eats “Nothing tops Escalante’s in Houston. It’s a priority when I land!”   Have a Nice Flight “Be generous and gracious when you fly. It makes everyone’s experience more pleasant, including your own.”         photo by Justin Clemons  ... View more

Ready for takeoff? Our new iPhone app is your digital pilot, guiding you through the Southwest experience. It’s loaded with easy to use features like express check out and mobile boarding pass with Apple Wallet. With an all-new look and feel, Southwest has worked to boost the Customer experience with an updated app that provides a faster and more streamlined interface. In addition to browsing and booking flights, Customers also may book rental cars, access upcoming trip information, and save boarding passes to Apple Wallet from within the app. Integration with a user’s Rapid Rewards® account allows Members to use the new express check out feature as well as access a fresh interface for tracking progress toward Rapid Rewards A-List, A-List Preferred, and Companion Pass tier status. To download the app for iPhone, click here. ... View more

A Fun-LUVing Attitude is a required skill for working at Southwest. That’s why when Nintendo asked if we would like to create our own level in the new Super Mario Maker™ game for the Wii U™ console, we jumped at the opportunity. Beginning today, Wii U users can play the Southwest Air Adventure level by visiting Course World in Super Mario Maker. Users will take to the skies in an air-travel adventure, with unique Southwest-themed obstacles before ending at our signature Southwest Heart, made out of coins, of course! The Southwest level for Super Mario Maker also offers players the exclusive chance to unlock the Sky Pop costume in the game. Once players locate a Mystery Mushroom in the Southwest Air Adventure level, they are able to play the level in the classic Super Mario Land plane costume. Also, by completing the level, players can use the costume in future levels of their choosing! Play and enjoy  Southwest Air Adventure, and share your  clear time with us at @SouthwestAir! If you’re up for an even greater challenge, you can also try to set the World Record for fastest clear time! ... View more

Southwest is pleased to announce our newest Rapid Rewards Partner, Laithwaite’s Wine! Rapid Rewards Members can now take their love of wine and turn it into points by initiating a new wine club membership. To celebrate the launch of our partnership with Laithwaite’s Wine, Rapid Rewards Members will be awarded a 2,000 point bonus with each new club membership to the Laithwaite’s Wine 4 Seasons club. In addition, Members will receive three complimentary bottles, making it a total of 15 bottles for $69.99, plus shipping & handling.  Following the launch, Members will be awarded 1,000 points for every succeeding 4 Seasons club shipment received. So come join the club! For more information on our partnership with Laithwaite’s Wine, or to become a Rapid Rewards Member, visit Southwest.com. Cheers!   Terms/Conditions: Earn 2,000 Rapids Rewards bonus points with your purchase of an introductory 4 Seasons wine club case. Then earn 1,000 points for any future 4 Seasons case you choose to take. Please allow six-eight weeks for points to be posted to your account. Southwest reserves the right to amend, suspend, terminate, or change the program and/or program rules at any time without notice. Rapid Rewards Members do not acquire property rights in accrued points and awards. Bonus points do not count towards A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass qualification. Cualquier información publicitaria, promocional o de mercadotecnia contenida en este correo electrónico solo será efectiva y únicamente será aplicable en los Estados Unidos de América.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. Offer available to first-time 4 Seasons wine club members only and limited to one case per Rapid Rewards account number. Offer subject to availability. In the unlikely event of a wine becoming unavailable, a substitute of similar style and of equal or greater value will be supplied. Every three months, you will be notified about the next 4 Seasons selection and will automatically receive your case unless you request otherwise. You will save at least 20% on all future 4 Seasons cases – yours for $139.99 (plus $19.99 shipping and applicable tax). Once eligible, each year you will also be offered two extra-special cases – one for summer and one around the holidays. There is never any commitment and you may cancel your membership at any time. 100% money-back guarantee applies to all wines. Licensed retailers/wineries only accept and fulfill orders from adults at least 21 years or older and all applicable taxes are paid. Delivery available to AZ, CA (offer may vary), CO , CT, FL , IA , ID, IL , IN, LA, MA, MI, MN, MO, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR (not eligible for free gift), SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV, WY and DC. Void where prohibited by law. Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2015 laithwaiteswine.com. All rights reserved. ... View more

We're celebrating the new name, look, and products of Southwest: The Store with a promotional offer for our Customers. Using one of the discount codes offered on our Facebook and Twitter pages, Customers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on select products. Please see terms and conditions below for more information, and happy shopping! 20% off, using code 20OFFFB Terms – Coupon Terms: Offer valid 9/14/2015 at 12:00 a.m. EST through 9/30/2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST on regular-priced merchandise in South­west: The Store. Offer may be redeemed online using code 20OFFFB and in-store. This promotional code is valid only for one purchase online. In-store prices may vary and may differ from online prices. Offer cannot be redeemed on purchase of Gift Cards, model planes, leather bags, pet carriers, prior purchases, or telephone orders placed to store or customer service number: (855) 792-7467.   Discount is applied before taxes and shipping and handling charges.  Not combinable with other offers or discounts online or in-store. Offer is not transfer­able & not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No photo copies or reproductions of this coupon will be accepted.   20% off, using code 20OFFTW Terms –   Coupon Terms: Offer valid 9/14/2015 at 12:00 a.m. EST through 9/30/2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST on regular-priced merchandise in South­west: The Store. Offer may be redeemed online using code 20OFFTW and in-store. This promotional code is valid only for one purchase online. In-store prices may vary and may differ from online prices. Offer cannot be redeemed on purchase of Gift Cards, model planes, leather bags, pet carriers, prior purchases, or telephone orders placed to store or customer service number: (855) 792-7467.  Discount is applied before taxes and shipping and handling charges.  Not combinable with other offers or discounts online or in-store. Offer is not transfer­able & not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No photo copies or reproductions of this coupon will be accepted. Coupon code – 20% off, using code 20OFFFB Terms – Coupon Terms: Offer valid 9/14/2015 at 12:00 a.m. EST through 9/30/2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST on regular-priced merchandise in South­west: The Store. Offer may be redeemed online using code 20OFFFB and in-store. This promotional code is valid only for one purchase online. In-store prices may vary and may differ from online prices. Offer cannot be redeemed on purchase of Gift Cards, model planes, leather bags, pet carriers, prior purchases, or telephone orders placed to store o r customer service number : (855) 792-7467 .   Discount is applied before taxes and shipping and handling charges.  Not combinable with other offers or discounts online or in-store. Offer is not transfer­able & not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No photo copies or reproductions of this coupon will be accepted. Coupon code – 20% off, using code 20OFFTW Terms – Coupon Terms: Offer valid 9/14/2015 at 12:00 a.m. EST through 9/30/2015 at 11:59 p.m. CST on regular-priced merchandise in South­west: The Store. Offer may be redeemed online using code 20OFFTW and in-store. This promotional code is valid only for one purchase online. In-store prices may vary and may differ from online prices. Offer cannot be redeemed on purchase of Gift Cards, model planes, leather bags, pet carriers, prior purchases, or telephone orders placed to store or customer service number : (855) 792-7467 .  Discount is applied before taxes and shipping and handling charges.  Not combinable with other offers or discounts online or in-store. Offer is not transfer­able & not valid for cash or cash equivalent. No photo copies or reproductions of this coupon will be accepted. ... View more

At Southwest, we’re used to doing things a little differently than everyone else. Our sponsorship of the 2015 ATX Television Festival is no exception. In the past, we’ve presented concerts through our Live at 35 program, and even welcomed models onboard for a fashion show, but we couldn’t say that we had hosted a television panel in the sky. That’s why we leapt at the opportunity to host the very first panel of this year’s Festival onboard our “ATX Party Plane” flight from Los Angeles to Austin. An outstanding panel of women in television including Marta Kauffman, co-creator of “Friends”; Keiko Agena, star of “Gilmore Girls”; and Stacey Oristano, star of “Bunheads” and “Friday Night Lights,” answered a series of questions posed by our friends from Entertainment Weekly. Passengers onboard even had an opportunity to ask their own questions. You can watch a recap of the panel in the video below. (Fun Fact: One of Marta’s favorite “Friends” jokes is when Joey defines a “moo point.”) Southwest also was the official music presenter at the annual fan favorite Friday Night Lights Tailgate event, during which we presented performances from Delta Spirit, a band whose song “Devil Knows You’re Dead” is featured in the final episode of “Friday Night Lights,” and a surprise performance from the fictional-turned-real-life band, Hep Alien, from “Gilmore Girls.” (Our inflight panelist Keiko Agena on drums!) We strive to offer our Customers a truly unique experience both in the sky and on the ground. We’re lucky that the ATX Television Festival allows us to do both. ... View more

Whether he’s in front of a room of college students or sitting on a Southwest Airlines plane, New York Times best-selling author Jon Acuff loves talking to people. His books—Quitter, Start, and his latest release, Do Over—all support his mission of helping people enjoy the work they do, and he often finds inspiration for his writing in the people around him. Jon travels the country using Southwest as his own personal “book tour plane.” He cites the airline’s ontime performance as a big reason he keeps coming back. Even more so, he touts the friendliness of Employees as something he can always count on. “Southwest doesn’t see me as a number but as Jon Acuff,” he says. The Fun-LUVing attitudes of Southwest Employees help create an onboard community where Jon can engage with a wide variety of  people and hear their stories, many of which  end up in his books. He says much of Do Over was written in his favorite office—the window  seat of a Southwest plane. He even credits our open-seating policy with inspiring one of his books: A conversation with a seatmate became the heart of Start. Additionally, the fact that two bags fly free on Southwest pays off in a big way for Jon. “I take books with me to sell at events, and it makes a big difference if the cost to check my bags is more than what I’ll bring in.” Because of his frequent travels, Jon is an  A-List Member of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program. He often redeems points for trips that he can enjoy with his wife and two daughters. “I like to show my kids the connection between the work I do and the fun we get to have as a family.” The Acuffs look forward to planning family vacations together and love that Rapid Rewards helps get them there. We’re happy to support your mission, Jon. It’s because of Customers like you that we love the work we do. Photo courtesy of Jason Myers ... View more

All the other guys are doing it, so Southwest Airlines is excited to announce our new Bag Fee Bandwagon Bonanza! Beginning right this red-hot second, Southwest Airlines is implementing a simple and easy-to-understand bag fee policy. You instantly qualify for our new flying colors fee of $401.15 on weekdays* if your bag is: Red Green Yellow Chartreuse Plaid *except Wednesdays, when the fee doubles for teenagers and Passengers over 6' Fees will not apply to bags with wheels or power steering. Bags with two wheels must be approved one year and six days prior to your travel day. These may cause: Indigestion Extreme frustration Loss of appetite Clinical sad face syndrome Isn't it time you got rid of tiresome, excess cash and joined the bag fee bandwagon? The other guys think so. But at Southwest, we think bag fees are a joke--perfect for April Fools. Foolish fees don't fly with us! ... View more

Do you look for Hidden Mickeys wherever you go? Are you prone to whistle while you work? Most of us have a #DisneySide, even if we don’t realize it. Here at Southwest, we have a Disney Side that we recently let show on our first nonstop flight from Dallas to Orlando on October 13! We would love to give you a chance to show YOUR Disney Side through our “Fly direct to the magic” sweepstakes! Enter for your chance to win a vacation for four to Walt Disney World ® Resort from Southwest Airlines (with a one night stay in Cinderella Castle, too). While there, you can show your Disney Side in a multitude of ways. Our friends at Disney Parks gave me the opportunity to try my hand at all sorts of Disney Sides. I found that I love to show my #DisneySide in all sorts of ways. Are you a Resort Lover, Character Meeter, or Adventure Seeker? Watch the videos below and share your #DisneySide with us on Twitter @SouthwestAir! “Resort Lover”- Scoot on by Disney’s Art of Animation Hotel, cook up a meal at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, and visit a pirate themed room at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: “Character Meeter”- Get tips on how to be awesome from the one and only Gaston, visit Ariel under the sea, and check out Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade: “Adventure Seeker”- Learn how to sail the seas with Mack the pirate, get the inside scoop on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train® ride from a Disney Imagineer, and go “Behind the Seeds” at Living with the Land in Epcot®: ... View more

Beginning October 13, Dallas Love Field is FREE!  The restrictions of the Wright Amendment will be gone, ushering in nonstop destinations that span from coast to coast.   Southwest has been counting down the years and weeks (literally—we have a billboard at the Love Field entrance and a countdown clock in our Headquarters lobby) until we can say, “Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"   We are excited to begin this new era by serving five new nonstop destinations on October 13, followed by ten additional new nonstop destinations on November 2.  The addition of these 15 new nonstop destinations will bring Southwest to a total of 31 nonstop destinations from Love Field. In anticipation of this momentous event, each week we will take a look at one of the cities that North Texas Customers will be able to soon visit nonstop on Southwest.  Each post is written by a Southwest Employee who is affiliated with the city and can give an insider’s view of what to see and do while visiting.  Enjoy! I was lucky to spend a semester working as a part of the Walt Disney World College Program, so I have great memories working and living at one of the happiest places on earth.  Obviously, I’m biased, but I recommend visiting Orlando for the theme parks!  Walt Disney World Resort is a must-do and an absolute blast. Although I live in Dallas now, I take multiple trips a year to visit my many friends there and check out new park features—I’ve even gotten to chronicle some of these experiences for Southwest’s YouTube channel. In terms of daily departures, Orlando is Southwest’s tenth busiest airport, serving connections to over 40 cities.  It gives a great glimpse of Florida, and lets people of all ages relax and explore.  Who needs a beach when you have so much excitement right in front of you?  From tranquil resort get-a-ways to fast-paced adventure spots, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.  Here are some of my favorites! Your Orlando to-do list: To Eat: Rocco’s Tacos:  Located on Little Sand Lake, the taco and tequila bar takes food and drink service to the next level.  Rocco’s Tacos has a great atmosphere and delicious, reasonably-priced food.  Be sure to try their tableside guacamole—it’ll rock your world. Butterbeer:  If you aren’t a Harry Potter fan (or if you’re just a Muggle), this may sound strange, but trust me: you have try frozen Butterbeer at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Universal Studios.  You won’t regret it.  It’s a special concoction based on a drink of the same name in the series, and it’s nonalcoholic. To Do: Walt Disney World:  Of course, I have to recommend Walt Disney World!  I’ve been to all of the parks many times, but still haven’t done everything there is to do.  Go explore and have FUN!  You’ll never have the same visit twice, and be sure to stop by Soarin’ in Epcot (it’s one of my all-time faves). Universal Orlando:  With a variety of high-thrill rides, Universal Orlando has something for all the adrenaline junkies.  And as I mentioned before, you have to try Butterbeer and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.  Its new additions will put you right in the middle of the stories! To See: Gatorland:  It may sound a little terrifying, but Gatorland is super cool. At Gatorland you’ll be able to get up-close and personal with not just alligators and crocodiles but a variety of different animals—birds, snakes, turkey, and more.  There’s also a 1,200-foot zip line that takes you right above their alligators and crocodiles. Discovery Cove:  See the dolphins and sharks at Discovery Cove.  And by “see,” I mean swim with them.  They have a Dolphin Interaction activity and a snorkel-friendly bay that puts you just a glass barrier away from reef sharks!  The whole park is all-inclusive, so spend your day there. My City Secret: CityWalk:  Universal Orlando’s CityWalk literally has something for everyone.  Want to karaoke?  See a show?  Eat ice cream?  Shop?  The list is never ending.  Stop by the Hard Rock Café for a show or CityWalk’s Rising Star to sing your heart out.  The possibilities are endless. ... View more

This past weekend, we had the opportunity to fly Web personality and YouTube superstar, iJustine to the South by Southwest events in Austin, Texas.  Justine let me know that one of her dreams has always been to dance on a plane, and here at Southwest, we like helping make dreams come true.  With the help of our awesome Las Vegas-Austin Crew, we were able to make one very "Happy" dance in the sky. The videos below show Justine's dance at 35,000 feet and a new episode of her series, "Ask iJ," where she answered questions received from her fans while logged into our onboard WiFi! Happy Dance: Ask iJ: ... View more

The Lone Star (One) at night is big and bright High in the sky of Texas Texas holds a special place in Southwest Airlines’ heart. More than 40 years ago, SWA began flying out of Dallas Love Field to San Antonio and Houston. Like any good Texan rooted in the Lone Star State, SWA LUVs to celebrate Texas Independence Day. This past Sunday, to celebrate Texas Independence Day, our friends from TexasHumor tweeted from our @SouthwestAir account for a Twitter takeover. They also helped us with some good ol’ fashioned FUN as we boarded our flight from Dallas to Austin, the capital of Texas. TexasHumor's Jay B. Sauceda, quizzed our Passengers on their way from Dallas to Austin -- an original SWA route--with some fun Texas trivia questions and awarded them all with 'Ain't Texas' T-shirts, courtesy of TexasHumor. Our thanks to everyone who participated to make this a great Texas Independence Day! Yeehaw! Don't forget to enter our "Spot Lone Star One" contest by Friday, March 7 for your chance at roundtrip tickets on Southwest! ... View more

Happy Texas Independence Day, y’all! The stars are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas and so is our Lone Star One aircraft! Southwest Airlines LUVs the Lone Star State and wants to celebrate in a big Texas way. Snap and share an original picture of Lone Star One anywhere in the US this week; tag us on Instagram or Twitter using @SouthwestAir, and use the hashtag #LoneStarOne to be entered to win one pair of roundtrip tickets on Southwest.  See Official Rules below for details.  Good Luck!   ‘Spot Lone Star One’ Sweepstakes Official Rules Sweepstakes: Spot Lone Star One #LoneStarOne 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 Sweepstakes a. Southwest Airlines’ Spot Lone Star(“Sweepstakes”) will run from Sunday, March  2, 2014 to Friday, March 7, 2014. (“Sweepstakes Period”). 9:00 a.m. C.T. on March 2, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 7, 2014. During the Sweepstakes Period potential entrants should follow Southwest Airlines on Instagram® via the handle @SouthwestAir, Facebook via Southwest Airlines page, and/or Twitter via the handle @Southwestair to receive notice of the Sweepstakes and be directed to the Official Rules on the Nuts About Southwest blog. b. To participate in the Sweepstakes, you may enter via the following method: Submit an original Instagram or Twitter photo during the Sweepstakes Period of Lone Star One anywhere in the US; incorporate the Southwest Airlines brand via the Southwest Airlines Instagram or Twitter handle @SouthwestAir, using the hashtag #LoneStarOne. Entrants may also share all Lone Star One Instagram and Twitter photos on Facebook®, but they will not be entered in the Sweepstakes from that channel. 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 other than those mentioned above. 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, or 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 Sweepstakes. 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 Sweepstakes, you agree to abide by these Official Rules and acknowledge that this Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and you agree to hold Sponsor, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of same harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes. c. One entry per person is permitted each day of a Sweepstakes Period. Any person found using multiple Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter accounts to enter will be found to be ineligible. 2. Eligibility Restrictions a. The Sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, excluding Rhode Island, who are 18 years of age or older and the age of majority in their place of residence and have a valid e-mail address and an Instagram or Twitter account as of the beginning of the Sweepstakes Period.  Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law. The Sweepstakes 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 Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. b. Only one winner per household is permitted in any Sweepstakes administered by Southwest Airlines. c. Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Sponsor will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent. Sponsor will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and 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. Grand Prize: One winner will be awarded two (2) Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.  Southwest Airlines tickets are subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply. No blackout dates. Tickets valid on Southwest-operated, published, scheduled service only in the United States and Puerto Rico. Tickets are not valid on code-share or AirTran operated service or any international service.  Airline tickets awarded will expire one year from date of issue. Expiration dates will not be extended, and tickets will not be refundable or redeemable for cash or credit at any time, nor will tickets be replaced if lost or stolen. Tickets may not be sold to a third party. Prizes must be accepted as awarded.  Approximate Prize Value (“APV”) of grand prize is $800.00.  Value of actual prize awarded may vary based on winner’s choice of destination. No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prize is 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 and any other costs and expenses associated with the prize are solely the responsibility of the winner. b. In the event that a prize 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. 4. Selection of Winners: A random drawing from all eligible entries received during the entry period will be conducted by Sponsor on or about March 10, 2014. Sponsor’s decisions are final on matters relating to this sweepstakes. The prize is guaranteed to be awarded.  Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value.  Odds of winning for an entry period will depend on the total number of eligible entries received during that entry period Potential winners will be notified via their entry method, either on Instagram or Twitter.  Entrants need not be present to win. Potential winner notification will be made on or about the Tuesday following the end of the entry period, by Sponsor via Instagram or Twitter. Potential winner will be direct messaged on Instagram or Twitter and given an e-mail address to contact for validation. Once the validation occurs, the potential winner must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release in which they agree to hold Sponsor, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of same harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes. Affidavits will be mailed or emailed based on the potential winner’s preference upon account validation and 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, is unable to validate their account, 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 and return of required affidavits and release, winners should expect to receive their prize in the mail within two weeks.   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 Sweepstakes, the winner agrees to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this Sweepstakes, including the Winner’s List, 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. Sponsor in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website, or otherwise in violation of the rules. It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes 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 Sweepstakes, including the substitution of a prize of greater or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement. f. Failure to comply with the Sweepstakes rules may result in an entrant’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 Sweepstakes, or in the announcement of a prize. h. Copies of the written Sweepstakes rules and a list of winners (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines, Emerging Media P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. For a winner’s list, send a self-addressed return envelope, after March 24, 2014 All requests must be received by April 11, 2014.   6. Sponsor Southwest Airlines Co., Emerging Media, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611. ... View more

We LUV a good challenge and a chance to show our Team Spirit, and the Big Game provided an opportunity for two of our stations to do both. On January 31, we announced a contest between our Denver and Seattle stations, and over the past week, Southwest Employees at both airports decorated their ticket counters to show LUV to their hometown teams.  We let our Customers and Fans be a part of the fun as well by posting images from each airport on our Facebook Page.  Likes and Shares on the albums and photos were counted all the way up until kickoff of Sunday’s Big Game. Both Southwest Teams did a great job of showing off their Spirit, but the Team with the most votes (5,190, to be exact) was DENVER!  So while they may not have fared as well in the Big Game, our Denver Team will be treated to a cookout provided by their fierce competition, Seattle, who ended the competition with 3,646 votes. Thanks to all our Employees, Customers, and Fans for taking part in our FUN competition. (Click image to view larger in separate window.) Congrats, DEN! ... View more

BIG things are happening in the Big D, and we are thrilled to celebrate the new nonstop destinations to which Southwest will fly from Dallas Love Field when the Wright Amendment expires in October of this year. And, we want to share the nonstop LUV with you. Here’s your chance to visit one of our 15 new nonstop destinations straight from the Big D! Snap and share an Instagram or Twitter photo at the Southwest Airlines themed-BIG structure located in "Love Landing" (upstairs, above security near Dunkin Donuts) at Dallas Love Field Airport; tag us on Instagram or Twitter using @SouthwestAir, and use the hashtag #DallasLUV to be entered to win one of 15 pairs of roundtrip tickets on Southwest! See official rules below for details: Dallas Nonstop Destinations Sweepstakes Official Rules Sweepstakes: Dallas Nonstop LUV Sweepstakes #DallasLUV 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 Sweepstakes a. Southwest Airlines’ Dallas Nonstop LUV (“Sweepstakes”) will run for fifteen (15) weekly periods between Monday, February 3, 2014 and Sunday, May18, 2014. (“Sweepstakes Period”). The fifteen (15) Sweepstakes entry periods are:   Week 1: 9:00 a.m. C.T. on February 3, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on February 9, 2014. Week 2: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on February 10, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on February 16, 2014. Week 3: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on February 17, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on February 23, 2014 Week 4: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on February 24, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 2, 2014 Week 5: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on March 3, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 9, 2014 Week 6: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on March 10, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 16, 2014 Week 7: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on March 17, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 23, 2014 Week 8: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on March 24, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on March 30, 2014 Week 9: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on March 31, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on April 6, 2014 Week 10: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on April 7, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on April 13, 2014 Week 11: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on April 14, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on April 20, 2014 Week 12: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on April 21, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on April 27, 2014 Week 13: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on April 28, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on May 4, 2014 Week 14: 12:01 p.m. C.T. on May 5, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on May 11, 2014 Week 15 12:01 p.m. C.T. on May 12, 2014 until 11:59 p.m. P.T. on May 18, 2014 During each sweepstakes entry period potential entrants should follow Southwest Airlines on Instagram® via the handle @SouthwestAir, Facebook via Southwest Airlines page, and/or Twitter via the handle @Southwestair to receive notice of the Sweepstakes and be directed to the official rules on the Nuts About Southwest blog.   b. To participate in the Sweepstakes, you may enter via the following method: Submit an Instagram or Twitter photo during the Sweepstakes Period with a photo of the Southwest Airlines themed-BIG structure at Dallas Love Field Airport; incorporate the Southwest Airlines brand via the Southwest Airlines Instagram or Twitter handle @SouthwestAir, using the hashtag “#DallasLUV”. Entrants may also share all “Dallas Nonstop LUV” Instagram and Twitter photos on Facebook®, but they will not be entered in the Sweepstakes from that channel. 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 other than those mentioned above. 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, or 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 Sweepstakes. 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 Sweepstakes, you agree to abide by these Official Rules and acknowledge that this Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram, Twitter or Facebook and you agree to hold Sponsor, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of same harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes. c. One entry per person is permitted each day of a sweepstakes entry period. Any person found using multiple Instagram, Facebook, and/or Twitter accounts to enter will be found to be ineligible. Unselected eligible entries from a sweepstakes entry period will not be eligible for subsequent entry period drawings. 2. Eligibility Restrictions a. The Sweepstakes is open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, excluding Florida, New York, and Rhode Island, who are 18 years of age or older and the age of majority in their place of residence and have a valid e-mail address and an Instagram or Twitter account as of the beginning of any Sweepstakes entry period.  Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited or restricted by law. The Sweepstakes 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 Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. b. Only one winner per household is permitted in any Sweepstakes administered by Southwest Airlines. c. Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Sponsor will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent. Sponsor will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and  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. Grand Prizes: Fifteen (15) winners will each be awarded two (2) Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.  Southwest Airlines tickets are subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply. No blackout dates. Tickets valid on Southwest-operated, published, scheduled service only. Tickets are not valid on code-share or AirTran operated service or any international service.  Airline tickets awarded will expire one year from date of issue. Expiration dates will not be extended, and tickets will not be refundable or redeemable for cash or credit at any time, nor will tickets be replaced if lost or stolen. Tickets may not be sold to a third party. Prizes must be accepted as awarded.  Approximate Prize Value (“APV”) of each prize is $800.00 and total APV is $12,000.00.  Value of actual prize awarded may vary based on winner’s choice of destination. 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 and any other costs and expenses associated with the prize are solely the responsibility of the winner. b. In the event that a prize 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. 4. Selection of Winners: On or about the following dates, a random drawing from all eligible entries received during the entry period will be conducted by Sponsor. Week 1: February 10, 2014. Week 2: February 17, 2014. Week 3: February 24, 2014 Week 4: March 3 2014 Week 5: March 10, 2014 Week 6: March 17, 2014 Week 7: March 24, 2014 Week 8: March 31, 2014 Week 9: April 7, 2014 Week 10: April 13, 2014 Week 11: April 21, 2014 Week 12: April 28, 2014 Week 13: May 5, 2014 Week 14: May 12, 2014 Week 15: May 19, 2014 Sponsor’s decisions are final on matters relating to this sweepstakes. Prizes are guaranteed to be awarded.  Sponsor reserves the right to substitute prize of equal or greater value.  Odds of winning for an entry period will depend on the total number of eligible entries received during that entry period Potential winners will be notified via their entry method, either on Instagram or Twitter.  Entrants need not be present to win. Potential winner notification will be made on or about the Tuesday following each weekly drawing date, by Sponsor via Instagram or Twitter. Potential winners will be asked to contact Southwest with a given e-mail address provided via comment on the entrant’s Instagram entry. Once a potential winner and Southwest make e-mail contact, Southwest will provide a photo for the potential winner to upload to the Instagram account the user uploaded their entry photo with in order to validate their account. Once the validation occurs, potential winners must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release in which they agree to hold Sponsor, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of same harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes. Affidavits will be mailed or emailed based on the potential winner’s preference upon account validation and 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, is unable to validate their account, 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 and return of required affidavits and release, winners should expect to receive their prize in the mail within two weeks. 5. Conditions a. Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winners. Winners may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent. b. By participating in the Sweepstakes, the winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this Sweepstakes, including the Winners’ List, 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. Sponsor in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website, or otherwise in violation of the rules. They further reserve the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Sweepstakes 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 Sweepstakes, including the substitution of a prize of greater or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement. f. Failure to comply with the Sweepstakes rules may result in an entrant’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 Sweepstakes, or in the announcement of a prize. h. Copies of the written Sweepstakes rules and a list of winners (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 19, 2014 All requests must be received by June 10, 2014. 6. Sponsor Southwest Airlines Co., Emerging Media, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235-1611.   ... View more

The word “star” has a wide variety of definitions. You may think of people who shine on the silver screen, sing the latest Top 40 hits, dance the cha-cha, or all three. But at Southwest Airlines, people like Diana Barth are the ones who truly shine. After more than 23 years as an Employee with the LUV airline, Diana’s Fun-LUVing Attitude, Warrior Spirit, and Servant’s Heart make her our favorite kind of triple threat. Diana began her Southwest career as a Reservations Agent in Phoenix, assisting Customers over the phone. Several years later, she shifted her star power to the ticket counter as a Customer Service Agent. Not long after that move, Southwest began service to Spokane, Washington, where Diana has been a Customer Service Supervisor since day one. The relocation was not a tough one, as Spokane is where Diana was born and raised. Living there gives her the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including bike riding in the spring and snowshoeing in the winter. She also LUVs spending time with her adult children, Whitney and Dillon, and is still a member of the booster club at the high school they attended. At the airport, “no two days are ever the same,” Diana says. There are occasionally irregular operations that require an extra level of attention, but she notes that the most challenging times can also be the most rewarding. “We are put in a position where we really need to react quickly and think outside of the box. “As Southwest Employees, we are encouraged to  color outside the lines,” Diana adds. “It’s not only OK  to have a sense of humor, it’s absolutely encouraged.”  This perspective is invaluable in her role supervising the Customer Service Agents in Spokane every day. Diana, we consider Employees like you our greatest asset. When it comes to “stars,” you’re the kind we LUV to look up to. ... View more

This year's 12 Days of LUV contest was one of the best yet! We teamed up with Dr Pepper once more to spread the LUV during the holiday season, and were overwhelmed with the responses. While it was hard to choose one winner each day among all the entries, here are the posts that came out on top: Day 1: Dress your Dr Pepper up like a Southwest Airlines Employee Day 2: Make a Southwest-themed Snowman Day 3: Create a video of your journey home for the holidays  Day4: Wrap your favorite Dr Pepper product Southwest style! Day 5: Dress your pet up like something Southwest-themed! Day 6: Make a Dr Pepper ornament Day 7: Create a Southwest holiday song/jingle (VIDEO) Day 8: Take a Southwest-themed awkward family photo Day 9: Create a Dr Pepper-themed dessert Day 10: Create a Dr Pepper and Southwest-themed cocktail Day 11: Do a random act of kindness in your community (VIDEO) Day 12: Take a holiday-themed picture of your Dr Pepper on a Southwest plane   ... View more

We recently started a new series on our Facebook Page called “The Besties,” where we ask our friends to share their favorite airports for a variety of topics.  This week, we asked what our Customers think is the best airport for pets.  Among the top vote getters were Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), and Dallas Love Field (DAL). But the winner, by far, was Phoenix, Arizona’s Sky Harbor International Airport, which boasts three dog parks: the Boneyard, Paw Pad, and Pet Patch, giving pets and service animals a place to exercise, drink water, or “use the facilities” while traveling with their two-legged friends. What do you think? Did we miss your favorite spot? Tell us in the comments below! ... View more

Our friends at the Walt Disney World Resort recently kicked off their "Monstrous Summer" event, and Southwest was there to help celebrate. If you follow us on Twitter (@SouthwestAir), you may have seen our Monstrous Disney Scavenger Hunt (or #MonstrousDSH, for short). We tweeted several Disney-related trivia questions and photos throughout the day while exploring both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The fastest responders were entered to win a pair of roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines! We filmed our adventure all along the way so you could take a peek inside at some of Walt Disney World's latest and greatest attractions (including New Fantasyland). So give your Disney knowledge a test and let us know how you do in the comments! To plan and book your Walt Disney World vacation, visit southwest.com/disney ... View more