Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airlines is a proud sponsor of WTS (Women's Transportation Seminar) International. Kyla D’Sa shares her story about attending the Transportation YOU DC Summit and how it inspired her to achieve her career dreams. Although the WTS Transportation YOU DC Summit only lasted five busy days in June, the memories and connections will last a lifetime. Each day presented a unique opportunity to explore the evolving field of transportation. The Summit, a program of WTS Foundation, opened my mind to the variety of careers associated with transportation. One of my most valuable takeaways was just how complex and diverse the transportation field and community is. Every speaker inspired me to think about the world through a slightly different lens. Having the ability to view the world with a more open mind has allowed me to think of more creative solutions to some transportation challenges, such as varied trip chains, and understand how the transportation system must work for every citizen, including those with disabilities.   On the first day I listened to women speak about their specialty mode or role within the Department of Transportation, their journey to get there, and advice they had for young women like me. There were a few common themes among the advice that the speakers offered: ‘put yourself out there,’ ‘take healthy risks,’ and ‘be passionate about learning.’ Throughout the next few days, these themes were echoed by other women in at Amtrak, Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, and the National Transportation Safety Board.   While sitting at the beautiful Washington, D.C., monuments the second night of the summit, I realized there are millions of people walking and biking around me, driving on the roads next to me, taking the subway underneath me and flying over me. Relative to all of the motion and people, I felt still and small, though, I quickly noted that I am one woman with great aspirations. I realized that I was not alone and had the support of my family and friends, the amazing women who played a role in the Summit, community members, WTS Foundation, and the companies that support it, such as Southwest Airlines, without whom I could not have participated. With all of this support, I feel more empowered than ever—a feeling that continues to affect me as I work to confidently pursue my passion to work with, and for, a safe and efficient community and transportation system for all of its citizens. ... View more

Seven years ago, I wrote a blog that touched on the last event I attended before becoming a mother. Even though I felt as big as a house, I was determined not to miss listening to former Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. (When you meet the two-time Cabinet Secretary, Congressman, and former San Jose Mayor, he will graciously insist you call him “Norm.”) I was proud that Southwest had sponsored the 25 th anniversary of President Ronald Reagan’s signing of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, the legislation that officially apologized for forcibly relocating and interning 120,000 innocent Japanese Americans during World War II. As a resident of San Jose’s Japantown, the same neighborhood from which Norm and his family were hauled away in 1942, it was important for me to hear first-hand accounts of many neighbors and to better understand a very dark and tragic part of American history. Listening to Norm recount his personal experiences solidified why I deeply admire this humble American hero. From overcoming internment at Heart Mountain, WY as a child; to sponsoring and cosponsoring 479 bills that passed into law in his 21 years as a member of Congress; to safekeeping our country’s transportation system during 9/11; to other unparalleled achievements, Norm has broken glass ceilings for the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. He epitomizes what it means to forgive and rise above, to lead with integrity, and to always serve the greater good. In my role as a Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader, I’ve had the honor to work with dedicated AAPI organizations and leaders throughout the country. Over the years, I’ve learned that many of those organizations and their programs, even Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, were founded by Norm. One such organization is the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), which helps build the political pipeline for AAPI leaders and is dedicated to promoting AAPI participation in all levels of the political process. At a recent APAICS reception in Washington, D.C., Southwest Airlines Diversity & Inclusion Senior Manager Liji Thomas and I had the pleasure of sitting next to Norm. I could have listened all night to his many stories about our Company’s Co-founder Herb Kelleher! He and Herb have been friends since they worked closely on the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. I’d love to be a fly on the wall listening to two great storytellers reminisce about the good ol’ days. The grandpa of 10 affectionately shared a “sweet” story of the time Herb visited him at Walter Reed Hospital and brought a big Snoopy jar filled with jelly beans. My heart smiled. I left that evening thinking about these two extraordinary icons who not only had a hand in changing the course of aviation history but have positively impacted lives worldwide for more than 40 years, and will for generations to come. I just celebrated my 20 th anniversary with Southwest, and I ponder as I write this blog: How did a Vietnam refugee come to fulfill her American dream to work for the best airline and to know and learn from true Legends and Leaders?   ... View more

The following is a guest blog from Joy Yo Thanks to Southwest Airlines, the Official Airline of the 2015 Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) Higher Education Summit, 20 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Scholars from across the country were able to participate in the Summit in Washington, D.C. on June 23, 2015. For many, it was the first time that they took a plane ride, visited the nation’s capital and mingled with nation’s top community and corporate leaders. The sixth annual APIASF Higher Education Summit convened around the theme, “Ensuring AAPI Student Success: Prospering in America’s Future Workforce.” Leaders from all sectors – nonprofit, policy, corporate, higher education, and community – discussed the important role that institutions play in developing AAPI students into graduates who are poised to prosper in today’s economy. However, the critical component of the Summit is that it gives student a seat a table and allows them to participate in the national education dialogue. Throughout the event, Scholars played an active role in shaping recommendations and developing action plans to help further AAPI student success. Additionally, for the first time, the APIASF Higher Education Summit incorporated various new platforms to amplify impact and bring the conversation online. As a result, the critical conversations expanded to thousands more: For the first time, APIASF launched a microsite dedicated to the 2015 APIASF Higher Education Summit – allowing for ease to get all event information and updates – to more than 1,100 unique users. For the first time, the 2015 APIASF Higher Education Summit was live streamed on the event’s microsite to broaden the reach of the conversation and allow online audience to tune in and engage – reaching 530 unique viewers throughout the day. The #APIASFSummit conversation was extremely lively and engaging – reaching over 1 million impressions online. “As the nation's fastest growing community, it is critical for us to provide opportunities to inspire and empower our next generation of leaders," said APIASF President & Executive Director Neil Horikoshi. "Thanks to Southwest Airlines, we were able to provide these students with the tools needed to become change agents in their local communities and help them become positive role models for other students looking to make a difference." To learn more about APIASF and the Higher Education Summit, visit http://summit.apiasf.org.       ... View more

 “And the Winner is…” Stomp, stomp, stomp, and more stomp, stomp, stomp!  Forty eight thunderous feet created a human drum roll, as I unsealed the envelope and announced that the New York chapter had received a coveted achievement award at the annual OCA Chapter Awards luncheon.  And with a party mix booming in between award presentations, the high energy luncheon was a great way to kick off a very special Saturday.  Southwest was the official airline of the four-day OCA “Get out to Las Vegas, Get Out the Vote” National Convention August 2-5.   Based in Washington, D.C., OCA (formerly called Organization of Chinese Americans) is a national nonprofit that aims to embrace the hopes and aspirations of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs).   I not only appreciate what OCA National has contributed to the APA community over the past 39 years, but I applaud their leadership in standing up for what is right and building coalitions around issues affecting APAs.   Just this year, OCA has been working hard to fight harassment in the military, racism in the fast food industry, and anti-Asian political rhetoric.  More recently, OCA showed its solidarity with the Sikh community after the tragic shooting in Oak Creek, Wisconsin and asked that we all work as a community to cultivate tolerance for all. Over the years, Southwest has worked alongside OCA to accomplish many things together.  From supporting OCA’s efforts to help the New Orleans fishermen community after the Gulf Coast oil spill, to giving wings to various youth and leadership development programs, Southwest has been proud to partner with OCA. To top off the exciting day in Vegas, Southwest was honored to receive the “Corporate Partner of the Year” Award.  As OCA President Ken Lee said, “On behalf of OCA and over 80 chapters and affiliates across the United States, we are pleased to recognize Southwest Airlines for their continued support and commitment to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans.” Southwest shared the spotlight during the Saturday night Gala with individuals who were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the APA community.  They  included the Pioneer Award honorees:  Major Kurt Chew-Een Lee, USMC, Ret. and author Maxine Hong Kingston; and Unsung Heroes: Clara Chiu (OCA-Greater Los Angeles), Victoria Ma (OCA-Greater Houston), Wooiyi Yin (OCA-Georgia), and Susie Yuen (OCA-New York).  And last but not least, the Outstanding Citizen Achievement Awards were given to amazing community leaders and wonderful Southwest friends J.D. Hokoyama, Floyd Mori, and Karen Narasaki. In my opinion, the real winning moment for Southwest occurred when Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion Ellen Torbert and I were sitting at the pre-Gala reception. Two summer interns named Christina Phan and Harris Leung introduced themselves and graciously thanked us for flying all the interns to the convention.  After we had talked about how much FUN we’d all had at the Chapter Awards Luncheon, Ellen asked them if their internship had been a good one so far.  Harris immediately replied, “No…it was life-changing.”  His sincere words melted our hearts, and I got a little choked up.  With bright eyes and a beautiful smile, Ellen commented, “Isn’t that what it’s all about?”   I couldn’t agree more. Thank you OCA for not only for honoring Southwest, but for also nurturing tomorrow’s leaders.  OCA is doing an extraordinary job in getting our young adults involved within their communities and opening their eyes to the challenges that the diverse APA community continues to face. We are ALL winners for it! All photos courtesy Rui Barros Photography  ... View more

Rachel Barry and I are still pinching ourselves (and massaging our feet) to make sure we didn’t dream all the priceless moments that happened when we raced the marathon of events that Southwest had the privilege of supporting earlier this month in Washington, D.C.,  as we celebrated Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Month!   Ready, Set, Go! For the warm-up mile, we met the attendees of the first South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT) Young Leaders Institute. (http://www.saalt.org/) Fifteen university students, representing 13 campuses and cities, convened to explore South Asian American history and issues that impact South Asians in the U.S.  Participants also learned how public policy is shaped; developed professional skills; connected with mentors; and created action plans to enact change on their campuses and in their communities.  “Southwest changed the lives of 15 emerging young agents of social change.  Thanks to Southwest, the Young Leaders were able to travel to our nation’s capital, learn about important issues and strategies, and engage in peer exchange around shared experiences and ideas.” said Deepa Iyer, Executive Director of SAALT. Vishal, a participant from the University of Maryland, added: "It's been a meaningful experience to see the constant exchange of ideas and networking and to see so many prominent officials doing what I want to do. There's so much room in politics for South Asians to grow.”   Then we trekked on to the National Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans for Community Development’s (http://www.nationalcapacd.org/) first National Convening of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPI).  Southwest flew 25 NHPI community leaders to help create a national network and provide a unified voice for NHPI issues.  “It was a very historic convening for our community in the development of a Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Blueprint,” said Tana Lepule, Executive Director of Empowering Pacific Islander Communities.  “NHPIs and the Southwest family share the same Core Values:  LUV - treating each other with dignity, respect and caring - and Fun.  Therefore, we are OHANA (family)!!!  It is our "Cultural Responsibility" as people of the Pacific Islands to have that Warriors Spirit, Servant's Heart and Fun-LUVing Attitude.  Thanks again Southwest for your support in this Journey.”  “Thank you again (and again and again…), for supporting this transformative gathering!  Southwest’s investment is going to have long-term ramifications on the ability of our community to strengthen ourselves through advocacy at the federal level and amongst other National AAPI organizations,” commented Sefa Aina, Vice-Chair, President's Advisory Commission on the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.    Next, I headed to the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies’ (APAICS) 12 th Annual Leadership Academy luncheon. Executive Director Gloria Chan noted that this year's Academy included over 100 participants from 37 states and U.S. territories. “We wouldn't have been able to do it without Southwest,” she said.  Southwest also flew APAICS alumni to attend the inaugural Alumni Awards Breakfast. Congratulations to award winner Victoria Tung, a former APAICS fellow who’s now an associate director at the U.S. Department of Commerce; and Cerritos, Ca. Councilmember Mark E. Pulido, a former APAICS intern.  Keeping up the PACE We were so excited to finally meet the 40 ticket winners who, as part of celebrating Southwest’s 40 th anniversary, flew from Los Angeles to participate in  Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment’s (http://pacela.org/) Project “Diversity and Democracy: America’s Strength.” PACE brought a sampling of their clients to share with elected officials how various federal programs have helped them become self-sufficient. The ticket winners took time off from work and away from their families to participate; one of the small business owners who attended told us that in true small business fashion, his calligraphy shop was closed while he was away for four days. We were moved to tears to hear how PACE had changed their lives. PACE’s efforts were recognized at a Tri-Caucus Briefing on Capitol Hill and documented in the Congressional Record. Kimberly Hua, a PACE Head Start Program Parent, said “This trip to Washington D.C. has truly been an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s opened my eyes to new and exciting opportunities. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to support the Head Start program and be an advocate for our families and communities. I went to bed with a dream and woke up with a purpose.” A big thank you to LAX Customer Service Manager Jeff Boyer for going above and beyond for the group and to Karen Price Ward for meeting the delegation at the Tri-Caucus Briefing! The Grand Finish Line with the President of the United States Finally, Rachel and I headed to a truly historic evening where President Obama was confirmed as the keynote speaker at the APAICS 18 th Annual Awards Gala!  Rachel and Southwest Airlines Governmental Affairs Director David (a.k.a. Kawaki) Richardson hosted our new NHPI ohana, and as you can tell, everyone knew that Southwest was in the house and having FUN!    “It was a very special occasion to have the President address our community’s rising leaders at our annual gathering,” said Gloria Chan, President and CEO of APAICS. “In the four decades since the first Asian American became mayor of a major U.S. city, the ranks of AAPI political leaders at all levels of government have grown by leaps and bounds. APAICS would not be able to help build the leadership pipeline without the support of Southwest Airlines.” I was extremely proud to stand with over 1,000 old and new friends to hear President Obama highlight the many struggles, triumphs, and contributions made by AAPI trailblazers and to inspire the young leaders who were present. And I was so happy to see our dear community friends recognized for their leadership within the AAPI community: Floyd Mori, Karen Narasaki, C.C. Yin, and the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans. For full transcript and video of President Obama's keynote: http://tobiko.us/APAICS/APAICS/Remarks.html  And as a Vietnam refugee from 37 years ago, I was deeply honored to briefly meet President Obama; my first time meeting a president.  I’m blessed to work for a Company that allows me to be me, to celebrate my Vietnamese heritage, and to give back to the AAPI community.  The Karaoke Cool Down At the end of all the speeches, pomp, and circumstance, Congressman Mike Honda, former chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, AAPI icon, and one of my mentors, wrapped things up doing what he does best!  In between learning to hula and singing to the worst of the 80s with our community partners, Rachel and I had an unforgettable 72 hours celebrating AAPI Heritage Month at our nation’s Capitol. Cheers to an extraordinary Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! ... View more

We're about to reunite with a very special group who won our hearts last year.  In celebration of Southwest's big 4-0 last summer, we gave away 40 tickets to 40 nonprofits (for a total of 1,600 roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines).  One of the lucky winners was the nonprofit organization Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment (PACE).  It just so happens we're about to be at the same place as them, in celebration of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. This year to celebrate, we’re excited to sponsor and participate in a range of national events. We'll be participating in the first national youth leadership summit put on by South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), and the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development's inaugural Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander National Convening.  Finally, we'll represent Southwest at the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies' National Leadership Academy and 18th Annual Gala Awards Dinner. But having the opportunity to meet our friends at PACE will be truly special. Founded in Los Angeles in 1976, PACE works to create economic solutions to meet the challenges of employment, education, housing, business development, and the environment in the Asian Pacific and other diverse communities.  PACE will be using their 40 tickets to help fly clients and staff to the AAPI Month festivities. “We are very excited for our Diversity and Democracy: America’s Strength project that has been made possible by your Showing LUV to our Communities for 40 Years Contest.  We are deeply grateful to Southwest Airlines," said Kerry Doi, PACE President and CEO. The stars aligned for us when I learned through another community partner that PACE would be in D.C. at the same time we would.  My Coworker Rachel Barry and I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to see our tickets in action, and to get to know Kerry and his amazing colleagues, who captivated us with a compelling essay entry last year.  According to the 2010 Census, the Asian population grew faster than any other race group in the United States.  17.3 million people (5.6% percent) in the U.S. indentify as Asian, either alone or in combination with one or more other races.  Southwest is proud to support the AAPI community throughout the country and year. To learn more about our community efforts, please visit our Asian Outreach page. We’ll tell you all about our trip when we return, but until then...  Happy Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month! ... View more

I’ve waited 2 ½ years to share my feelings about this exact moment in time. My only child, James Phan Delevett, has now reached the same age I was -- 2 ½ -- when I fled my homeland of Vietnam, in April 1975, and was separated from my biological mother, Nuoi Thi Phan.  My 10-year-old brother and I would never see her again. My mother was supposed to be on the same flight with us, but because she wanted to say goodbye to my uncle in a small town hours from Saigon, she got caught up in the mass exodus of refugees -- and missed the plane with her only children on board.  As I’m constantly amazed by what my toddler already comprehends and remembers, I catch myself  wondering: when I was his age during a scary and chaotic wartime, did I understand that no one knew when my mommy was coming back to caress me in her arms again?  How much did I cry, hurt, and yearn for her?  I see in James my childhood self. I wonder if, before we fled Saigon, I flew across the hallway every morning as he does, looking for mommy and gleefully shrieking, “Hug and kiss!”  And once, while trying to brush James’ teeth, I discovered a small wad of breakfast that must have been tucked in his pudgy cheek for half an hour.  I immediately thought of how in the refugee camps, I used to hold onto food in my cheeks, because I wasn’t sure when I was going to be fed again. Thankfully, I was too young to remember those camps, or seeing people shot outside of our house in Saigon; I don’t recall the sounds of heavy artillery and the shrill of my mother’s fearful voice as she tried to safeguard her family.  Unfortunately, my brother has those memories, and it is because of his fragmented stories that I’m able to piece together my formative years.  Last year, after Southwest posted my life’s story on the Company’s Internal website during Asian Pacific American Month, I was very humbled and deeply touched by many heartfelt messages from Coworkers from across the country, most of whom I had never met. I have to admit, I was a little uncomfortable when I was asked to share my interview with our 35,000 Employees.  But as I read the LUVing notes of gratitude, I was so pleased to know that my story was helping others of all backgrounds to look inside themselves and better appreciate their lives, families, roots, opportunities, and Freedoms. As many of you already know from the NBC interview, I grew up ashamed of my identity and heritage.  It was not until after college, in 1994, that I boarded a plane back to Vietnam to learn about my roots – and unexpectedly reunited with my uncle and his extended family. That trip began the process of finding myself. Ironically, it was also in the month of April – April 28, 1996, to be exact – that I launched my career with the LUV airline.  Never in my wildest dreams did I think that through my Community Affairs & Grassroots work, the girl who grew up ashamed of being “different” from her peers --  teased for her slanty eyes, having no baby pictures for Show and Tell, embarrassed by the simple question “Where were you born?” -- would be afforded opportunities to share her journey and help other young adults. One particular experience that is etched in my mind happened last year, while I was a guest speaker for an Asian Pacific American summer youth leadership academy in Cupertino, CA.   During the Q&A, the executive director posed the question: “How many of you have ever wanted or would like to be another color?”  The majority of the classroom raised their hands; my heart and soul ached for each of them. Every one of us has a unique story.  This May, I want to make sure that more voices are heard during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.  I’ve asked partners, community leaders, Employees, and Customers to answer one question:  What does being Asian American & Pacific Islander mean to you?  Each day of the month, their quotes will reveal our collective histories, the pride in our many triumphs, the conviction in our continued struggles, and our hopes for generations yet to come.  The quotes will tell our Asian Pacific American story. To me, being Asian American is finally being comfortable in my own skin. It’s being vulnerable enough to share the painful parts of my past, to let others who might be feeling alone and confused know that we can lean on each other and find solace and healing in our commonalities.  It is our responsibility to preserve and tell our stories, to help our children understand their past and take pride in their being.   I pray that my son will never feel ashamed of his heritage or for looking, well, like an American!  I’m proud to be Vietnamese-American, and to be among the 17.3 million family members of Asian descent. On behalf of the little man who’s the joy of my life, thank you to all the aunties and uncles who contributed their poignant words for our special month.  Each of you has already made, and will continue to make, a difference in his budding life. From San Francisco to New Orleans to Washington, D.C., Southwest will honor the month with various local and national organizations throughout the country.  Please visit our Asian Outreach webpage and click on Upcoming Events to see a calendar of events and programs in May.  And during Asian Pacific American Month, please keep in mind the victims of the Japanese tsunami and their loved ones here and abroad.  You can support the relief efforts by donating to the Red Cross. We hope you share and celebrate your unique histories with LUVed ones this month, Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! This post is brought to you in honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. ... View more

Well, the results are finally in, and a few event details have been confirmed--judging by your nearly 200 comments, there was unequivocally a favorite pick.   By a wide margin, Dave was your favorite --and most importantly, Chef Ramsay’s, too.  The “One-Armed Bandit” stole the competition, and I have to admit, I was rooting for him as well.  What a fighter to the very suspenseful finish. But KUDOS to Kevin and the only “Madame” left cooking in the final three.  Even though Kevin and Ariel didn’t win Araxi’s top spot, they’re welcome to cook for me anytime! Now, on to the BIG winner: which of you not only predicted the correct winner, but offered the best reason why? Our judges LUVed reading all of your posts, including: “As a Hell's Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay fanatic, I can honestly say that Dave is the most talented and motivated chef to ever grace that red and blue arena of doom. Dave, with one arm, has cooked circles around the competition and has so much determination, I would be comfortable flying on Southwest with him as my captain. Dave's passion for quality, consistency, and holding his standards high make him my choice as winner for this year.” Brad H — Tue, 10/13/2009 - 09:59 “I think Dave should win. He's not cocky like Kevin and is quick even with one arm. Dave has certainly proven his skills! Imagine how great he will be with two hands 🙂 He is driven and awesome. I hope he wins so he can afford a hair cut. Won't he be oh so cute with short hair? Yes. Yes, he will :)” Jones — Tue, 10/13/2009 - 10:29 On Facebook, Kim Leah Harris’ post made us chuckle: "DAVE!! I am quite certain he could even handle the exit row and baggage stowing! The PA might be a bit monotone though, he could make up for it with a cooking demo following his seatbelt demo but some of the ladies might need oxygen ...... 🙂 What a great prize guys!" But the one that we liked the best was from Felicia Hamm in Jacksonville, FL: "Who should win - Dave (Broken hand); Kevin (Broken Foot) or Ariel. I am torn between the two guys. However, I am going to go with Dave since he has been cooking with 1 hand the entire season and I have had 2 healthy hands and burn microwaveable popcorn. Go Dave." Her comment on our Facebook wall struck a chord with all of us in Communications. Our break room tends to suffer from burned popcorn more than we'd like to admit... Thanks HK fans for posting your picks, and tune into Hell’s Kitchen next season.  And congratulations to Felicia! We hope you have a fabulous Southwest flight to Los Angeles for your VIP visit at Hell's Kitchen.  Thanks to all of our HK fans for your patience, and for posting your picks and fun reads!  ... View more

I just filled out my profile on Southwest’s new online tool, Travel Guide.  And I’m really excited about its debut this week!   Ever since we got hitched in 1997, my hubby Peter and I have taken more than 35 (vacation) trips to over 20 countries. We couldn’t begin to count how many domestic trips we’ve flown on Southwest.  We can’t help it, we’re TRAVELHOLICS!  In case you didn’t catch my blog “Marry Me, Fly for Free. And He Did,”  you know that the Delevett Family LUVS to pack up and go on a moment’s notice.     However, the preparation isn’t always so simple.  Since we’re too frugal to work with a travel agent, we usually invest the time to survey friends, family, and Coworkers on their opinions about the local hot spots for dining, live music, shopping, etc.  Then we spend hours researching various web sites for additional historical, tourist, and logistical information.  When traveling abroad, we always keep trusted copies of Lonely Planet or Fodor’s on hand; however, the Southwest Travel Guide will be our source for domestic travel information.   After visiting the user-friendly Southwest Travel Guide and reading what the other travelers had to say about places we’d like to see or have already visited, I learned a lot of great information in just a few clicks.  I even learned a few new things about where I live!  It was nice to have hot deals, real testimonials, and FUN factoids all in one place.   So before we take to the sky again, we’ll now log onto www.southwest.com/travelguide to check out the  inside scoop that will help save us a lot of time and money for our next trip.   What a fabulous travel tool, thanks Southwest!   ... View more