Southwest Airlines Community

As we celebrate Veterans’ Day and our “Heroes Month” at Southwest Airlines, we take time to reflect on a different kind of military service. For years, Southwest Cargo has transported fallen soldiers to their final destination and I’m incredibly proud of the way our Employees show their respect for these heroes and their families. These men and women have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we are privileged and humbled to provide this service for our military families. The transport of a fallen soldier is an emotional experience.  And, it’s one that requires immense Teamwork in order for everything to go smoothly. It begins when our Southwest Cargo Customer Care Center is contacted to book the transport. The Representative reaches out to our Employees at the designated airports, Pilots, and others involved to ensure that everyone is aware of which flights the soldier will be traveling on and to communicate logistical details.  For example, the airport may need to coordinate escorts for a family or Honor Guard, and the Flight Crew must know how many individuals will be accompanying the soldier from the origin to the final destination. Because of the cooperation across several different workgroups, we are able to provide our utmost care and respect. The day of the transport, our Crews on the ground and in the air honor our heroes in a variety of ways.  During the loading and unloading all work on the ground ceases. We don’t add bags; we don’t fuel our aircraft.  Instead, all attention is focused on the brave fallen soldier, along with his or her friends and family. Our Ground Operations Agents spontaneously remove their hats, bow their heads, and clutch American flags. Pilots and Flight Attendants offer their support for the escorts, and let our Customers know what precious cargo we are carrying. And when the flag-draped casket is taken off the airplane at the soldier’s final destination, it is incredibly moving. In this month of Heroes, these particular heroes have done so much for our country, and together our kindhearted, patriotic Employees were honored to pay tribute to each one on his or her final flight home. For this week of November, our theme is Sacrifice. Please share your photos using the hashtags #Sacrifice and #MilitaryHeroes. ... View more

It is no secret that Southwest Airlines Cargo has the best Employees in the industry. The dedication and efficient service our Cargo, Ramp, and Operations Employees provide our Customers continues to amaze me every day. Our incredible Team and award-winning Customer Service is apparent through numerous accolades we have received over the years. We didn’t become the most highly decorated airline on the planet in terms of air cargo excellence by being average! Our Cargo, Ramp and Operations Employees continue to win the hearts and minds of Cargo Customers all over the country. We are also fortified by the tremendous support and dedication of Ground Operations and Station Leadership.  In addition, the superb Teamwork and support of Flight Ops, the OCC, Communications, and other Teams we count on every day enhances our overall performance. As a result of all the exemplary Teamwork I’ve mentioned above, I am proud to announce that this year we have been presented with not one, but four awards for our incredible Relentlessly Reliable® service and dedication! Here’s a look at the awards we have received this year: AIR CARGO EXCELLENCE (ACE) AWARD: The ACE Survey, published annually by Air Cargo World, is based on more than 600 members of freight forwarding industries. Southwest was presented with the Diamond Award, the top award given in the “up to 299,999 tonnes” category.  This is the 11 th consecutive year Air Cargo World Readers have recognized Southwest. We were the highest rated carrier in three of the four performance categories: Customer Service, performance and value. Caption: Southwest Airlines’ Jim Mckeon, Strategic Advisor, accepts Air Cargo Excellence Award. DOMESTIC AIRLINE OF THE YEAR and EXCELLENCE IN WEB SITE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS: The Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA) Awards are based on an annual survey of association members who use the services of commercial passenger airlines for their express deliveries around the world.  For the 13 th year, Southwest has been placed on XLA’s Airline of the Year list. This is the 3 rd year the Excellence in Web Site and Technology Award has been received. Southwest Airlines Cargo Employees accept XLA Awards. DOMESTIC CARRIER OF THE YEAR AWARD: For the fourth year in a row, Southwest has received the Airforwarders Association (AfA) “Domestic Carrier of the Year” Award.  The AfA is an alliance of Indirect Air Carriers, Cargo Airlines, and affiliated businesses located throughout the global transportation community. This award was presented based upon Southwest’s ontime performance, Customer Service, problem resolution, claims handling, technology support, service options, and overall value. Matt Buckley and Fellow Southwest Airlines Cargo Employees accept the AfA “Domestic Carrier of the Year” award. The People of Southwest Airlines are unique to the Cargo industry and our Employees keep us winning awards year after year. With our AirTran Cargo Connectivity launching on April 14th, we will broaden our service offering with hundreds more flights and new nonstop markets for our Cargo Customers to choose from.  We are excited to leverage the outstanding reputation AirTran has earned as they join us in our quest to win more Cargo Customers with service.  Thanks to all the hard working employees at Southwest Airlines for putting us in the enviable position of being the most beloved niche Air Cargo provider in the world! ... View more