Southwest Airlines Community

Forty years is what we could easily say forms a generation.  Twenty-five years could be called “a long time.” I can remember that far back in my own life—I know, I’m dating myself—but there you have it.  Forty years ago we launched service to Houston with only three 737 Boeing jets.  Since then, we have continued a steady pace adding to the dynamic fabric of the City of Houston.  Twenty-five years ago, in April, we opened the Houston in-flight base going from zero in 1987 to over 1,000 Houston-based flight attendants today.  Also 25 years ago, we opened our Houston based call center.  Today, the Customer Support & Service Center, with more than 455 caring People, has expanded its role to offer the best Customers service handling your questions and concerns about any aspect of travel.  When you call Southwest Airlines, you do not get a recording, you get a caring person, who wants to talk to you, without routing you through a maze of frustrating, recorded, auditory options that end up dropping your call. We have continued to make good choices and become the most profitable airline in the industry.  We have shared our success by creating good jobs.  We want to continue doing that.  We have shared our success with the Houston community.  Our charitable donations, our community support, and civic engagement in Houston surpass investments of all other Southwest cities.  We don’t just hand out blank checks willy nilly.  Instead, we are proud to champion causes that matter most in the daily lives of Houstonians.  Our people get involved creating a wonderful pool of time, talent and treasure that adds to the quality of life in Houston.  Check out the Southwest Community Impact tab on www.freehobbyairport.com to see some of those meaningful community partnerships in the Houston area. Well, as I think of all the great things we’ve done in 25 and 40 years, starting international service three years from now, doesn’t seem that long.  We’d like to start flying to Mexico, the Caribbean and cities in Central and South America.   To do that, we need to do some solid ground work.  We have to start now. Because really, 3 years is no time at all!  We have many more exciting years to come!  We want to add more jobs.  We want to continue investing in the Houston community.  Please consider visiting www.freehobbyairport.com to see how you can be part of this historical journey to prepare Hobby for international service. In another 40 years, who knows where we’ll end up!  We’d love to have you with us looking back on the next generation. ... View more

Southwest Airlines has a plan that would significantly stimulate jobs, economic growth, and air travel in the greater Houston area. Here’s how… Earlier this year we submitted a proposal to the City of Houston asking for the approval to construct a new five-gate international facility at Hobby for proposed service to Mexico, the Caribbean and cities in Central and South America. The expansion of Hobby to initiate international service would be an economic windfall for the City of Houston, worth more than $1.6 billion annually, according to a third-party study released by the Houston Airport System (HAS). The study, compiled by by InterVISTAS Consulting LLC and GRA, Incorporated, also shows that with lower air fares and increased travel options, more than 1.5 million more Passengers would travel each year and more than 10,000 jobs would be created across the Greater Houston metropolitan area. The downside? There isn’t one - unless you’re Chicago-based United-Continental Airlines and want to maintain a stranglehold on international air service from Houston, especially to Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. United-Continental is pulling out all the stops to prevent fair competition and it is up to us to give Houstonians and millions of air travelers a choice when it comes to international travel. It’s time to take a stand! It’s time to www.freehobbyairport.com! Southwest has served Houston since June 18, 1971. Hobby Airport is home to Southwest Airlines, with more than 2,700 Employees serving more than 134 flights every day. Its geographic location is convenient to the metro area’s burgeoning Hispanic population and provides a convenient gateway to more people wishing to travel to Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. How can you help? Take a moment and log onto www.freehobbyairport.com to learn more about the proposal and to voice your support to City of Houston Leadership!  It’s time to open up the skies.  It’s time to FREE HOBBY! ... View more

Only rarely in someone's career do they get a chance to be a part of something really big, something that will last.  The new Dallas Love Field project that was proposed to the City this week is one of those opportunities. Fortunately, in my career I've gotten that opportunity many times.  Just working here at Southwest day in and day out for over 30 years has been big and has been lasting.  As Southwest's chief Airport geek, I've gotten chances to develop airports all over the country.  I can tell you that this new terminal will leave a mark on the City of Dallas that will impact all future generations of travelers. Many of our Customers have been inconvenienced by the "Wright Amendment" since 1979. Due to the hard work of many people, including many of you, this unique restriction is on its way out.  This means that many more people are enjoying our particular brand of freedom here at Love Field, and that has highlighted many of the shortcomings of our old, faithful facility. Today's flier expects more.  They tell us they want short security lines (something Love Field is noted for).  They want convenience, comfort, choices in concessions, enough space to thwart congestion, and they want a good value.  The plan we've worked on with the City of Dallas provides all those things, and more.  It will contain a new, 20-gate central concourse, reliable air-conditioning, larger and more comfortable restrooms, and a shorter walk to the gates.  It will bring ticket counter and roadway improvements, more convenience, and a great walk-up appeal.  And......(drum roll), it won't break the bank. Many cities talk about public/private partnerships, but the result is nothing like it.  However, due to the leadership at Dallas City Hall and the Aviation Department, we are in the process of creating the kind of partnership that will deliver low costs and fast construction.  The fruits will benefit our Customers, the City, the concessions, the other businesses at Love Field, and the airlines.  A lot of work remains to make this a reality, but the unity of vision we've enjoyed so far has made this a very fun project. If done right (no pun intended), this terminal will become the new home of Southwest and of many of our Customers.  I call that big, important, and lasting. ... View more