Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airlines named November our “Military Heroes Month,” to show appreciation for the military men and women who protect our many Freedoms. Currently, we have more than 750 Employees serving in the National Guard and Reserves. To celebrate all service members, Southwest works with various nonprofit organizations across the country throughout the year and has events planned around our system for Customers and Employees throughout the month. Here’s what you can expect when traveling with us this Veteran’s Day: Onboard all flights and at all Southwest airports, announcements will be made for the men and women of the military to priority board; they will also be encouraged to deplane first. We have partnered with A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign that shows appreciation to service members through letters, e-mails, and cards, to provide postcards in all Southwest airports and on our aircraft to enable our Customers and Employees to write a letter of thanks and encouragement for our military members on Veteran’s Day. These postcards will then be sent to service members to appreciate and recognize their service. If you happen to travel through the San Antonio airport, you will see Employees celebrating Veteran’s Day by dedicating a commemorative exhibit titled “24-7 Southwest Airlines’ Family & Friends Tribute to the Military.” Our San Antonio Employees organized this exhibit to pay tribute and say thanks to service members who pass through the airport every day. A ceremony will be held at noon with the San Antonio Mayor and Southwest Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, and President Emeritus, Colleen Barrett, dedicating the art to our military men and women. As you see service members on Veteran’s Day, please say thanks to them for protecting our Freedoms.   ... View more

Whenever I tried to do chores as a kid, I’d always get distracted and find something to play with rather than do the chores. Honestly, I could almost be a candidate for Hoarders. I do clean, I’m amazingly organized when it comes to work, and I don’t have any farm animals living in my house. I still have way more “stuff” than I should, but I like stuff—it’s interesting to me. I don’t have as much junk as I used to, but I still love things most people consider junk. I also love Southwest, so clearly I’m fascinated by all our old promotional materials. The storage room in Communications at Headquarters is filled with old promotional materials, and is a stuff-lover’s heaven. Thus, a Flashback Fridays filled with pictures of fun promo materials—and a little history behind them. Obviously I couldn’t do this without our historian, Brian Lusk, so I owe him a huge thank you for explaining the background of some of the things I unearthed!   Planes I’ll start with my favorite—the inflatable planes. The Nolan Ryan inflatable plane was created for the unveiling of the Nolan Ryan Express on January 7, 1999—a plane with an autographed decal. The planes were given out at the celebrations in Dallas, Houston and Austin. The California plane was created sometime after the introduction of the California One on August 11, 1995. The planes are used as promotional materials at various events and are a crowd favorite. The New Mexico One replica is a car antenna ornament that could be purchase through the Freedom Shop in headquarters. The Pins The pins are all really fun. Each has an interesting story—and quite possibly a more interesting (and often fitting of the time period) design. Starting from the top left and moving clockwise: Shamu- These pins were worn by Employees to promote the Shamu plane, which was released May 23, 1988 to celebrate the partnership between Southwest and SeaWorld San Antonio. I actually got to ride on the Shamu plane as a kid—and I love SeaWorld San Antonio! “Just Plane Smart”- This slogan from the early 90s resulted in our founder,  Herb Kelleher, arm wrestling with the CEO of Stevens Aviation in 1992 for rights to the slogan. The money raised during the arm wrestling match was donated to charity. Herb lost, but Stevens allowed Southwest to continue to use the logo because of the press and goodwill created from the arm wrestling match. “Together we make it great”- This pin was created for Employees to commend the efforts they make to keep this great Company running. “Just Say When”-The "Just Say When" campaign was created in 1985, and it publicized that Southwest was the most convenient point-to-point carrier in the nation. “Southwest Flyers Have More Fun”-Summer of 1986- Just a reminder to Passengers about Southwest’s corporate key word: FUN! “Fun Fares”- Introduced in 1986. Name for discounted advance purchase tickets. The pins were worn by Employees to promote the name of our discounted advance-purchase tickets. “Umbrella”- Just a fun pin worn by Employees to bring a smile to Passengers’ faces. “Save Love. Beat BI”- This pin was created when Braniff Airways created a fare war on flights between Houston Intercontinental and Dallas Love Field. Southwest then began giving away free bottles of liquor with the purchase of a ticket to win the war. “Triple Crown”-These were created in 1993, the first year that Southwest won the Triple Crown for having the highest Customer Satisfaction rating, the best ontime performance, and the fewest mishandled bags.    Wright is Wrong Cow Bell- The bell was given to all employees for the introduction of the “Wright is Wrong” campaign to use at the first rally to overturn the Wright Amendment. The bells were repurposed when Colleen Barrett retired as President because of her family tradition of ringing a bell when there is good news to share. Bracelet- Introduced for the rolling out of the web site, Setlovefree.com, a site that combated the Wright Amendment. The bracelets were given to Employees and supporters of our efforts to repeal the amendment. Random Items Ramen cup- Click ’n Save was introduced on August 11, 1998. The cups were most likely used as promotional items for travel agents, fliers and events. This one just entertains me because ramen noodles are a college kid staple and affordable—just like our fares! This bunny sticker has a special and personal story. My sister found a few of them and sent me a picture of them. They’re from sometime in the 90s, and we think they’re from our aunt who is a Flight Attendant for Southwest. The stickers made me think of the idea to write a blog post, but the supply room pushed me over the edge. So much stuff! I couldn’t resist playing with it. The wings are also a personal favorite. I remember getting a set when I was younger and flew Southwest. I’m pretty sure I thought they were the coolest thing ever. I have a set on my desk at Headquarters, so clearly I still think they’re pretty cool. And, clearly, I’m still a collector of stuff! ... View more

I’ve had the most amazing first week working here as an Intern in the Southwest Airlines Communication Department. Everyone I’ve met is extremely friendly and welcoming. It’s not just the Communication Department either. Employees I have never met greet me in the hallway just because it’s the nice thing to do.  It’s also been exciting being back in Texas. I don’t know what it is about Texas, but I love it. I can’t explain my love for Texas. I lived in Texas for five years and attended elementary school in League City, Texas, before moving to Alabama, where I’ve lived for the past 11 years. I still know the Texas state song. My heart flutters every single time I enter the state of Texas. Maybe they put something in the water, or maybe, it’s just a really great place. There’s an intense sense of pride instilled in me that I can’t describe. Most people who have lived in Texas understand the feeling, but I believe it takes living here to fully understand the love for Texas. I believe Southwest is the same way. Once you’ve been invited into the Southwest family, you understand. You LUV the Culture, you LUV the People and, most importantly, you LUV your job. I’ve always liked Southwest Airlines. My Aunt has been a Flight Attendant here for 18 years and has only wonderful stories to share. I liked the Company before. Now, I LUV everything about Southwest. I wasn’t sure if I was more excited to be moving to Texas or to be working for Southwest Airlines. While both are exciting, the excitement of being back in Texas has been diminished because my excitement for Southwest has increased tremendously. I’ve flown more times than I can count, and I've seen my fair share of planes, but that doesn’t stop me from getting excited whenever I see a Southwest plane fly overhead. Many of you are probably picturing a Southern girl who says "y’all" and "howdy." But that couldn't be farther from the truth. I have no accent, and most people have no guess as to where I’m from. I don’t wear cowboy boots or ride horses, but I’m a Texan at heart and know I always will be. ... View more