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Chili is not taken lightly in Texas—and it’s pretty serious business at Southwest Airlines, too.  Everyone  has their own taste preference—whether mild or hot, beans or no beans!  Luckily, at Southwest’s Annual Chili Cookoff there are plentiful chili varieties to please everyone’s taste buds! So, a frequently asked question is why this terrific annual event has the words “and Last” stuck right in the middle of it…almost like finding a rock in your chili!  Well, during the planning of the first event 42 years ago, the expectation was that it would be a “one time event”  so the name was a bit of a play on that idea.  But, just like airline that kept on going, this event has grown to become one of our most loved and longest-lived Culture traditions. In fact, now the Southwest Chili Cookoff is one of the longest running annual Chili Cookoffs in the World! For those who don’t know the history, the name “XX and Last” Chili Cookoff can be misleading and confusing; when really, the purpose of the original naming has a sobering story in itself... Flashback to 1973, Southwest faced serious financial struggles.  That year, the famous “$13 Fare War” was born when Braniff offered half price tickets from Dallas to Houston, Southwest’s most profitable route.  The Fare War caused quite a stir, and despite our Employees’ hard work and enthusiasm, they were in check with the reality that Southwest might not be around the following year.  Thankfully, our maverick Employees did everything possible to overcome huge odds and Southwest did survive!  And even better,  we prospered  to now become America’s largest domestic airline, but, the Cookoff’s title of “X and Last…” stuck, and remains as a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted. A picture speaks a thousand words, and these photos tell the rich history of Chili Cookoffs throughout the years… The above photo is from our very “First and Last” Chili Cookoff in 1973.  Southwest Cofounder, Rollin King, was one of the judges that year and is pictured in the middle with the white hat and dark jacket.  Pictured to Rollin’s left are Provisioning Employees Ken Hargrove (currently our Amarillo Station Manager), and Steve Spurrier.  The gentleman on the far left, Hondo Grouch, was another Chili judge that year, he was the “Ambassador from Luckenbach, Texas,” and a Texas legend.  To Rollin’s right are two more judges, Charlie and Gordon Fowler, sons of the Texas Chili legend, Wick Fowler. Pictured is Sandra Bogan during a Chili Cookoff in 1978.  She was our first Flight Attendant and an original Employee. The above photo is from our Chili Cookoff in 1979.  Several of the Chili Cookoffs during the ‘70s seemed to have had a “Western theme.”  Pictured is Diana (last name unknown), who was a Flight Attendant, and later, a Manager in the Inflight Department.  She also became one of our Southwest LUV Couples as she married Captain Fred Hines shortly before we opened our PHX base. Pictured is original Employee, Sherry Phelps, with her husband and son in 1980.  Sherry worked in the Executive Office. From 1980, pictured on the left is Sandra Force, one of our original five Flight Attendants.  The gentleman is Marketing Employee Rich Robertson who came up with the idea to start the Chili Cookoff! Fast forward to 1991 (and color photos), this, of course, is Herb being adorned by a group of female Employees. At the 1994 Chili Cookoff, Southwest and Morris Air Pilots presented Herb with a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail.  The motorcycle is now on display at the Frontier’s of Flight Museum in Dallas. ... View more

At Southwest, we’re known for our Fun-LUVing Attitude, but one thing we take very seriously is our LUV for Halloween!  Of course, who better to champion that LUV than our Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, Gary Kelly?  With Halloween just around the corner, Gary needs your help deciding who or what he’ll be this year to outdo all of his previous costumes. Need a refresher on some of Gary’s past costumes? Last year, Gary went as Phil from Duck Dynasty, accompanied by Ethel Lewis as Ms. Kay; Julie Hildebrand as Willie; Shelley Beckman as Korie; Nan Barry as Jase; Andrea Mathews as Missy; and Vance Toler as Si. Frankenstein made an appearance at Headquarters in 2011 when Gary routed for a more traditional Halloween Costume.  We thought he looked pretty scary! Gary traded in his CEO hat for a cowboy hat in 2010 when he dressed as Woody from Toy Story.  Howdy partner! Of course, how could we forget the time Gary went mad?  He went as the Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland in 2012. With so many FUN costumes, Gary needs help choosing one that is bigger and better than ever before!  Leave Gary your ideas below in the comments, and check the Nuts About Southwest Blog on Halloween for his grand costume reveal.  He may be the walking, talking version of your idea! ... View more

We have a long history of supporting and hiring the men and women who fight for our Freedoms.  We’re proud that many of our 45,000+ Employees have served or currently serve in one of the military branches. And even though we know that Memorial Day honors those brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and our freedoms, Southwest is committed to commemorating this and other military holidays, and to upholding our longstanding partnerships with several military organizations, including:  The Armed Forces Foundation, The Mission Continues, The Wounded Warrior Breckenridge Family Adventures, A Million Thanks, The Honor Flight Network, and the Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America, just to name a few. Because our Company is so connected to our military personnel, we would like to “tip our hats” to honor these brave and selfless servicemen and servicewomen.  We’ll be allowing all Servicemen and Servicewomen the opportunity to pre-board during Southwest and AirTran flights.  Once onboard, all Customers (21 and over) may enjoy a free drink, on us. We appreciate your help in supporting our troops. And no matter where you are on Monday, please take a few moments to honor the memory of all those who have given their lives for our Freedoms. ... View more

In Texas, Chili is taken pretty seriously.  There will always be the debate—beans or no beans, onions or no onions, spicy or mild, and the list goes on.  Despite your preference, you’ll find a little of it all at Southwest’s Annual Chili Cookoff. The irony is that the event that was only expected to happen once has now grown to be one of our longest-lived Culture traditions!  In fact, the Southwest Chili Cookoff is one of the longest running annual Chili Cookoffs in the world! As for the “X and Last Chili Cookoff” naming tradition, that has a sobering story in itself.  Flashback to 1973, when Southwest faced serious financial struggles.  That year, the famous “$13 Fare War” was born when Braniff offered half-price tickets from Dallas to Houston, Southwest’s most profitable route.  The Fare War caused quite a stir, and despite our Employees’ hard work and enthusiasm, they were in check with the reality that we may not be around the following year.  Well, we did survive, and more than that, we conquered to now become America’s largest domestic airline, but, the Cookoff’s title of “X and Last…” stuck, and remains as a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted. Since a picture speaks a thousand words, we’ll let these photos tell the rich history of Chili Cookoffs throughout the years: This photo is from our “First and Last” Chili Cookoff in 1973. Southwest Cofounder, Rollin King, was one of the judges that year and is pictured near the center of the photo wearing a white hat and dark jacket. Pictured to the right are Provisioning Employees Ken Hargrove (currently our Amarillo Station Manager), and Steve Spurrier. The gentleman at the far left of the photo, Hondo Grouch, was another Chili Cookoff judge that year; he was a Texas legend and known as “the Ambassador from Luckenbach, Texas.” Also pictured on the left are two more judges, Charlie and Gordon Fowler, sons of the Texas Chili legend, Wick Fowler. Pictured is Sandra Bogan during a Chili Cookoff in 1978. She is an original Employee and one of our very first Flight Attendants. The above photo is from our Chili Cookoff in 1979. Several of the Chili Cookoffs during the ‘70s seemed to have had a “Western theme.” Pictured is Diana (last name unknown), who was a Flight Attendant, and later, a Manager in the Inflight Department. She also became one of our Southwest LUV Couples as she married Captain Fred Hines shortly before we opened our PHX base. Pictured is original Employee, Sherry Phelps, with her husband and son in 1980. Sherry worked in the Executive Office. Also from 1980, pictured on the left is Sandra Force, another of our original Flight Attendants. The gentleman is Marketing Employee Rich Robertson who came up with the idea to start the Chili Cookoff! Fast forward to 1991(and color photos!). This, of course, is Herb being adorned (and adored) by a group of female Employees. At the 1994 Chili Cookoff, Southwest and Morris Air Pilots presented Herb with a Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. The motorcycle is now on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas. Last year, we hit a milestone when we celebrated “the 40th and Last Chili Cookoff.”  As always, the friendly competition ran hot, and Departments and groups came together to continue the tradition and to cook their version of the best Texas Chili. With the help of our Employees, we’ll continue to grow this great tradition and have several years of “last” Chili Cookoffs to come! ... View more

No tricks, just treats for this year’s Southwest Airlines Halloween extravaganza!  You know that at Southwest, we tend to do things a littttttle differently—in a good way, of course!  Examples include Bags Fly Free, No Change Fees, Open Seating, and most importantly, our Legendary Corporate Culture, which makes us the most FUN and Friendly to fly! Halloween at Southwest is a B-I-G deal—we LUV to Own the Holidays. But on Halloween, we really have FUN!  Nowhere is this demonstrated more than with the lavish costumes our CEO Gary Kelly wears every year… Don’t believe it?  Take a look for yourself… Okay, so you get the idea … Just when we think, “there’s no way he can outdo last year,” he does! With only eight weeks until Halloween and no costume in mind, our once-a-year Halloween Superstar Gary needs your help in choosing his next “knock your socks off” costume. This is your chance to help select “who” or even “what” Gary will be for Halloween.  Share your costume suggestions below, and on Halloween Day be sure to check back here on Nuts About Southwest for the big reveal of the costume Gary chose.  You never know, he may be the walking, talking version of your idea! ... View more

Moms need timeouts too, which is why we’re offering a complimentary beverage for all moms traveling with us Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day!  Happy Mother’s Day, Moms!  Southwest LUVs you! ... View more

What’s the only thing better than beer?  Free beer, of course!  Well, you’re “Lucky in LUV,” because we’ll be offering a free cocktail onboard our flights today!   Join us in a toast as you fly the airline that LUVs you on the day of the Irish!  Cheers! ... View more

At Southwest and AirTran, our hearts beat true beneath the red, white, and blue!  Okay, so Independence Day didn’t land on the most “ideal” day of the week this year, but nonetheless, we never miss out on a chance to celebrate! As a big thank you to all our Servicemen and Servicewomen please enjoy a free cocktail and priority boarding with Military I.D. when flying us Wednesday, July 4!  Thank you for all the Freedoms you protect, including one near and dear to our heart, the Freedom to Fly! ... View more

Southwest celebrates 41 wonderful years today, and to help celebrate Employees were asked to submit their unique videos “wishing Southwest Happy Birthday." From impressive video effects, to an acoustic guitar, a rapper, or Employees in crab cooking mitts, Southwest Employees showed off their FUN-LUVing Attitudes.  The contest was a nail-biter, driving several Employees into the wee hours of the night to “Like,” comment, and cheer each other on waiting for the contest's midnight deadline on Wednesday, June 13. Ultimately, the grand prize winner was the Chicago Customer Service and Support Center. Congratulations, Chicago! Be sure to check out Chicago’s winning submission, as well as a few other LUVly submissions below.  Carrollton, GA Customer Service and Support Center: Southwest Cargo Department: Cabin Services Department: Accounts Payable Department: And finally... the grand prize winners: Chicago Customer Service and Support Center: ... View more

Look no further! Southwest will be turning on our FUN-LUVing Attitudes this Friday through Monday as we celebrate Father’s Day and our 41 st  Birthday!  Fathers Day:  To show all hardworking Dads our appreciation, we’d LUV to give them a complimentary drink of choice onboard our aircraft this Sunday! And, if you’re flying to see your dad and forgot to grab a card, don’t worry; we have some Avanti cards on hand, too!  Is your Dad the type who already “has it all?” Well, give him the gift of a destination with a southwestgiftcard.  Southwest is Turning 41: Wait, did we just flashback to 1971? You might think you have! Be on the lookout for some Southwest Employees sporting their vintage Southwest Airlines uniforms this weekend! If you spot them, be sure to share it on our Southwest Airlines Facebook page or tweet it to @SouthwestAir. Of course, we wouldn’t be here without all of your LUV and Loyalty so be prepared to enjoy a complimentary drink to toast many more years of LUV! ... View more

What special treatment do you receive at your job for working a holiday? A few extra bucks? No doubt, that’s always nice. Maybe some glazed donuts and coffee in your break room? Wonderful…that contributed well to my workout regimen. It’s pretty much business as usual, right? Being in the operational and Customer Service industry, Southwest Employees, like many other Companies, have to spend part of their cherished holidays away from their families, and instead on the clock. But what makes Southwest different is as they leave their family “at home,” many are at ease, as they’re joining their Southwest Family at work—a type of Culture that’s perplexed and been attempted by other companies time and time again. An appreciation of the Southwest and AirTran Moms this past Sunday at Ft. Lauderdale (FLL) gives a glimpse into the Culture that drove 193,363 resumes into Southwest in 2011 alone. As the dedicated Moms arrived to work on Mother’s Day, they were treated as superstars—literally! The hallway that led them to the time clock was transformed into a red carpet event, complete with balloons, marquee, confetti, and SWA paparazzi. Each mom received a card, roses, a cupcake, tiara, and big Mother’s Day hug! It’s simple, yet meaningful appreciations like this that help our Employees fall in LUV with Southwest all over again. Yes, we do, in fact have a “Own the Holidays Committee” at our Southwest Headquarters, but our Former President and the “heart” of Southwest Airlines, Colleen Barrett, has always emphasized it’s not the Southwest Way to live in a world of “corporate initiatives and programs." Instead, our Culture comes from within the people we hire. Colleen states, “You have the opportunity to think with your heart and your head, and to use that gray area; everything is not black and white, we use that as an excuse to make decisions that aren’t from the heart.” ... View more

March 17th is your lucky day! Enjoy a free drink from your green airline! “Here’s to a long life and a merry one. A pretty girl and an honest one. A cold beer – and another one!” This is a classic Irish toast, displaying the character and charisma of the Irish. Like the Irish, here at Southwest we LUV to show our playful spirit, and holiday pride. That’s why we’re going to join you in celebrating and give anyone flying on March 17 one free drink of choice! No worries, it’s on us! May the Luck O’ the Irish be with you! ... View more

Mr. Dusek, a Passenger on a flight from MCO to PHX, was raving to one of our Flight Attendant's, Donna Woods, that his wife and he are A-Listers and LUV Southwest. As they chatted, Donna noticed the man’s wife making her way down the aisle holding an unusual package—a Dalmatian costume. Mr. Dusek explained that his company had a costume party and his wife dressed as Cruella DeVille, so she “made” him dress up as a dog!  Donna’s mind immediately starting racing… “I’ll give you a free drink if you put the costume on!” Donna declared. After several attempts to entice the shy businessman through free drinks, a private changing area, and even adjusting the A/C to make him more comfortable, Donna thought her persuasive touch was gone. Then, out of nowhere, Mr. Dusek appeared in the galley, “Okay, if I decide to do this, how are we going to work it out?” he asked. Donna was ecstatic! As Mr. Dusek prepared for his grand debut, Donna immediately began her PSA announcements, “Ladies and Gentlemen we allow pets onboard, but they MUST be kept in their carriers at all times. We have a dog loose on the plane! Please help us find him!” Customers frantically began looking around their seats! Just then, the “missing dog” appeared in clear view as Mr. Dusek made his way down the aisle in full costume. Both adults and children roared with laughter—they LUVed it! With the help of the Flight Attendants he clumsily passed out coloring books, and had the whole plane doing the wave by the time he made it to the front! As they landed in PHX, Southwest surprised Mr. Dusek and his wife with a bottle of champagne in appreciation for all the FUN! Thanks Mr. Dusek and Donna for upholding Southwest’s Fun-LUVing spirit and giving our Passengers a Flight they’ll never forget!  ... View more

Being born and raised a Cubs fan, playing baseball through the middle of October is something unknown to me. September always brings the same shrug, “Maybe next year,” and my insistence that it’s football season.  However, after recently moving to Dallas, I have found myself in the middle of Ranger Nation, where winning, unlike my Cubs, isn’t anything new. Now that the end of the playoffs is upon us, the competition is getting fierce-- but the rivalry isn’t only on the baseball field. In typical Southwest fashion, Dallas Love Field and St. Louis-Lambert International Airport are facing off by wearing their respective team’s gear at ticket counters and gates throughout the final showdown between the Rangers and the Cards. And to up the ante, the Dallas and St. Louis Station Managers have a friendly bet: the losing team’s Station management has to fly some fine fare to the winner's station! Even more importantly, the winning Station gets the bragging rights that come along with the victory. We're excited at Headquarters, too, and recently held a pep rally to show support for our hometown Rangers. The series is currently tied 1 - 1. Good luck, and may the best team win!  ... View more