Southwest Airlines Community

We love hearing about youngsters who have a passion for aviation. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Blair, a five-year-old girl with a Heart for the skies.   As told by her father, Jared: “I moved to Washington, D.C., for work at the beginning of 2015 while my daughters Blair and Salem stayed in Atlanta with their mom. I often fly down to Atlanta via DCA to spend weekends with them. A few times a year, I will bring Blair and Salem to Washington to spend time with me. We fly Southwest because it is very easy to travel with kids thanks to the open seating and friendly service.     The first time Blair flew, she immediately noticed the Pilots in the airport. When she realized they were the ones flying the plane, she was hooked. After her second flight, she told me she wanted to be a Pilot so she can fly to see me whenever she wanted. She has had her mind set on being a Pilot ever since. For her fifth birthday, she received a Pilot costume and has worn it the last few times she has flown. Last time she visited me in Washington, we went to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which is the Air and Space Museum at IAD. She was amazed by all the different types of planes—she wore her Pilot costume there too! We have discussed how much work and dedication is involved in becoming a Pilot, and it’s still her dream. With every chance she gets, she tries to learn more about aviation. On her last trip, she brought her pretend yoke and checklist that came with her Pilot costume. She sat in her seat and “helped” the plane take off and land while I had to work the checklist and navigation.   She has noticed there are fewer female Pilots, and she is determined to change that when she grows up. Hopefully she will continue to be interested in flying when she is old enough to start taking lessons. In the meantime, we will continue to use Southwest to connect with each other.”   Blair’s love for aviation is unmistakable—we have no doubt that one day, we’ll be able to reintroduce you to Captain Blair. ... View more

This past weekend, Southwest Airlines® took love to new heights when two of our most loyal Customers tied the knot at 35,000 feet!  Rapid Rewards® Members Keith and Dottie Stewart showed their love for each other—and the LUV airline—on the very first nonstop flight from Nashville to Dallas Love Field.  The Southwest-themed wedding was held in conjunction with our celebration of eight new nonstop destinations from Love Field following the expiration of the Wright Amendment restrictions on October 13, 2014. While the lovebirds didn’t meet on a Southwest jet, Keith and Dottie travel weekly for their jobs and fly Southwest as much as they can.  Along the way, the couple racked up more than 1.5 million Rapid Rewards points, many of which they cashed in to bring 40 close friends and  family along for their big day in the sky. We had been working with the couple for months on the details of their special day, but it was a complete surprise for more than 100 other Customers on Flight #4058.  Thanks to our friends at Nashville International Airport, the couple received a very special sendoff complete with music, decorations, and commemorative tokens for each Customer onboard.  The wedding party was easy to spot, as they were festively decked out in red, blue, and yellow themed attire! Once up in the air, it was time for the main event.  A “peanut girl” kicked off the ceremony and was closely followed by the dancing, joyful bride.  Keith’s brother served as the officiant, asking anyone with objections to “ring the Flight Attendant call button.”  Of course, no one objected, and the two were pronounced husband and wife! Upon arrival in Dallas, Keith and Dottie walked off the plane hand-in-hand and were greeted by cheers and congratulations from Southwest Employees and Customers alike.  After a few quick photos, they were whisked off to a reception at one of Love Field’s premium dining options, Cool River Café. The nonstop love wasn’t finished!  As a final wedding gift for the happy couple, Southwest provided complimentary airfare for a fabulous honeymoon in San Juan, Puerto Rico!  Rapid Rewards partner Marriott® chipped in as well, generously providing a four night honeymoon suite at the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. We couldn’t be happier for the newlyweds.  Thank you for letting Southwest Airlines be a part of your big day, Keith and Dottie.  May your new life together be full of LUV and happiness always! ... 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! Even though I moved to Texas to work for Southwest, California will always have a special place in my heart.  Having been born and raised in Orange County, I grew up a mere five miles from the coast where I spent much of my childhood on some of California's most beautiful beaches.  I'm excited to see Orange County get some Nonstop Love because I'll not only get to visit my family, but I'll also get to work on my tan! In terms of daily departures, Orange County runs 52 nonstop flights to ten cities each day, making it an ideal destination for those who are craving a little time in the sun.  Grab your sunglasses and your surfboard—here are my insider tips on what to eat, do, and see in “The OC”! Your Orange County to-do list: To Eat: Nick’s Deli:  Any Orange County native will agree:  Breakfast burritos are a staple in a Southern California diet.  Head to this local favorite in Seal Beach for breakfast burritos steps from the beach. In-N-Out:  You can’t talk about food in Orange County without bringing up our favorite fast food.  Orange County natives swear by the famously fresh burgers, fries, and shakes.  Have you tried the secret menu? To Do: Disneyland:  A trip to Orange County would be incomplete without a stop at where the magic all began.  Built on 160 acres of orange groves in 1955, Disneyland continues to capture the hearts of children and adults alike. Balboa Island:  Balboa Island is only 15 minutes away from John Wayne Airport, but you’ll need to hop aboard the iconic Balboa Ferry to get there.  Once you reach the quaint island, don’t forget to ride the Ferris Wheel at the Fun Zone and enjoy an infamous Balboa Bar (I have one every time I go home!). To See: Crystal Cove State Park:  This picturesque state beach boasts three miles of beaches and tide pools, 400 acres of bluffs, and 2,400 acres of canyons.  It’s the perfect location for a relaxing hike followed by a picnic on the sand. Mission San Juan Capistrano:  Mission San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful Spanish mission located in the heart of Orange County.  If you grew up in Orange County, the odds are you attended at least one field trip to this treasured historical landmark and museum, famous for the annual migration of the Swallows who inhabit its grounds. My City Secret: The Wedge:  This “secret” surf spot in Newport Beach isn’t for the faint of heart—the large wedge shaped waves can reach almost 15 feet!  Join the crowds that often gather to watch local surfing legends tackle the waves. ... View more

October 13 is officially less than a month away, which means the countdown to the end of the Wright Amendment is ON!  As you can imagine, this is a historic day for our Company, North Texas, and most importantly for you—our Customers!  This milestone wouldn’t be possible without your LUV and support, which is why it’s time to celebrate YOU.  Please mark your calendars and join us for several celebratory events as we gear up to Set Love Free.  Say Goodbye Wright Amendment, Hello America! Nonstop Love Concert Series | Every Tuesday from September 23 through October 14 Grab your friends and join us at the Southwest Porch at Klyde Warren Park for the Nonstop Love Concert Series sponsored by the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards® Credit Card.  Every Tuesday, a different artist will take the stage for a free outdoor concert open to the public.  Check out the lineup below: Jon McLaughlin - September 23 from  5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Scars on 45 - September 30, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Zane Williams - October 7, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Marie Miller - October 14, 2014 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Tweet to Meet on the Street | Ongoing; Begins September 27 Starting September 27, we will tweet out a DFW Metroplex location from our Twitter handle, @SouthwestAir.  Plug that location into your GPS and come find us—a Southwest Representative will be waiting for you with a Rapid Rewards scratch off card!  Customers who show us their Rapid Rewards Credit Card will also receive a bonus prize.  Make sure to follow us on Twitter at @SouthwestAir, and keep your eyes peeled for the next surprise location. LUV Classic | Friday, October 3 It’s fore LUV!  The 29th Annual LUV Classic and Party benefiting the Ronald McDonald House is back.  Named one of Dallas's top charity golf tournaments by the Dallas Business Journal, we’ve added a special twist this year.  Look out for a special nod to the Wright Amendment out on the greens.  We have also changed locations to Brookhaven Country Club.  Our new cart path is right under our flight path.  Tee up by registering here. Freedom to Fly Celebration | Sunday, October 12 On the eve of a historic day, we have something big planned for those who have been with us every step of the way: our Customers.  The Freedom to Fly Celebration kicks off at 2:00 p.m. and features some of your favorite Texas musicians at Klyde Warren Park—the lineup includes favorite son Jack Ingram; singing and songwriting stand-alones Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison; Texas swing rajah Ray Benson with jazz-grassers MilkDrive; young Austin roots rock heroes Uncle Lucius; and a surprise guest.  Celebrate the sunset of the Wright Amendment with great music, local food trucks, and fireworks.  For more details, including directions and parking, visit www.klydewarrenpark.org. We are looking forward to celebrating our Freedom to Fly from our home, Dallas Love Field, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you. ... View more