Southwest Airlines Community

Luv, luv, luv this story! Too cute! And may I add that with the excitement of the Royal wedding and the marriage of 2 great airlines, we, meaning hubby and I will celebrate our 35th Anniversary soon!! Luv this marriage thing :-) Congrats to all!!! ... View more

Sorry but that speech seemed more political than anything to me.. It didn't really hit on any of the real key points of concern.. What seems to be hitting me in the heart more than anything is a post by someone named Dennis regarding boarding with his children.. The SW response to his concern regarding being given boarding numbers that put as many as 50 people between him and his children truly doesn't seem adequate.. Because he brought his children he is no longer an A lister?? Basically you are saying either he moves back in the line because he is an A lister or he is to leave his children alone and save them a seat?? So he loses his privileges for flying so many times with SWA or he leaves the kids behind and hopes that they will be ok unattended..?? So the perks of becoming a frequent flier are good unless of course you have children and you are calling this "catering to families"??? Maybe its me but the common sense on this one truly eludes me... So say my husband and I make the A list as we would have many times in the past and we want to take our grandchildren on a trip, that means that when we want to fly with them we are no longer A list customers... This tells me that actually unless of course your kids don't go to school most of the year and they travel with you most of the time, these programs are catering more to adults than to families whether that be children or grandchildren... So the perks of this program are what??? I realize that you have worked hard on this program but why can't you see that it could have areas that are flawed and maybe need some tweeking a bit... I could fly 200 times a year but if I bring my grandchildren on only two trips a year the other 198 trips don't count while traveling with my grandchildren because on those two I have brought them with me and they are not on the A list.. I'm not sure exactly how this reward program could possibly be looked at as family friendly in the real world the adults, moms, dads, grandparents are more likely to be part of the A list which leaves A list folks with children that are not A list to always be behind the remaining A list folks or leaving their children unattended while they save seats.. In other words unless entire families are ALL A list, children included, families have to make the choice of staying together in the airport or taking advantage of a program that is basically set up for adults that travel much more than children do.. Maybe its worked for some that were lucky enough to get numbers close enough together but I see a potential problem with adults getting numbers as many as 50 between them and the kids...Which has obviously happened as per the post by Dennis.. Your catering to the most frequent fliers and generally that isn't the children, so get your A list boarding pass, just don't bring the kids with you or you ALL lose... ... View more

My husband and I were very loyal SWA customers for years.. This past year is the first in a while that we didn't get a free flight because of a family member that was ill and eventually passed away.. The one thing that we always loved about SWA was that everyone was always equal..We were the only ones that knew that we were flying free or that we had earned drink coupons..We had the same chance as everyone else to get that coveted "A" boarding pass..No one was any better than anyone else... We are not business travelers, we fly much more often for leisure..It took us most of our lives to get to this point that we have this luxury of travel as often as we do.. We were always like walking billboards for SWA because of the way they treated each and every passenger.. I have booked so many people on your airline, family, friends and even friends of friends.. The changes that you have made, whether intended or not have made me as a customer feel unimportant to you... We like to travel with our family, particularly our grandchildren...As leisure travelers you have left us to make a choice of paying twice the price to get to where we want to go or risking that our grandchildren could be left to sit alone and scared.. I realize that there would be a chance that we could possibly get those "A" or "B" boarding passes but given that we would travel more than likely when the kids are off school and everyone else is traveling there is a chance that planes would be full and it is just a risk that we would not be willing to take.. In our minds you have taken the "family" out of the "SWA family culture".. I know that this corporate decision was made for revenue but with no assigned seating and giving adult business travelers the perks the kids are left behind.. So while your business travelers sit comfortably where ever they want the leisure traveler is left with possibly leaving their family member alone.. Money is something that we all work for but at what cost to the customer? This new structure you are so proud of has given adults more advantages to get to their place of work while leaving families behind.. Whether a child is 3, 6 or 12 they are not adults and this plan of yours with boarding these adults first if they pay the price, no assigned seating and the families to hope for the best, is sure to cause undo stress, more upset mothers, fathers, grandparents and scared kids... Everyone talks a lot about family values but when it comes down to it, its the bottom line and the money that seems to come first... My family will always come before my work and its just too much of a risk to pay for a flight without knowing if when you board, the trip will be stressful before it even begins... So where is that SWA "family "culture now?? It seems like SWA business culture to us... In my mind someone didn't think this through..Its not the end of the world as one blogger put it... Its great for those adult business travelers, just a bit too risky for those people that have that coveted "family" trip... What has happened to all of you?? You have left us behind on this one... I never thought I'd see the day when you would forget about families to line your pocketbooks.. I am heartbroken and so disappointed... ... View more

Thanks again Capt. Ray! I wish that all pilots would have that great attitude and respect for all as you do.. Guess thats what makes SWA soar high above all the others... Cindy ... View more

WOW!!! What a story!! I almost felt as though I was there in that plane with you!! You should write a book... I have to admit that as much as I like to fly, I am glad I wasn't there with you on this one!! lol Cindy ... View more

Happy Birthday Leah!! I would sing to you but I'm afraid they might block me from the site...lol Hope you have a great 21st B-day, don't forget to make a wish when you blow out those candles!! Birthday ((((((((hugs)))))))) to you!! Cindy ... View more

Now thats two really BIG pieces of cheese that you are moving!! You know, the logical part of me can truly understand why it would be time for you to make these changes...You are such a huge part of why SWA has become such a great company.. Although, I have never met you, I seem to be a bit emotional over this press release.. I go back to the logical part of me that knows that you not only know whats best for this wonderful airline but you could use that 5 day work week after all these years of service in such an extremely demanding and dedicated position.. I read your columns and they help us, the customers, see what a caring and wonderful person you seem to be and I have no doubt that your shoes will be huge to fill.. I seem to find myself wanting to both congratulate you and hug you at the same time.. I can only say that I wish you all the best in your change and there is no doubt that your (other) family has to be more than happy to finally have some time with you and you with them... Both you and Herb have made this company like no other, through hard work, caring and LUV, you have given all of us so much more than an airline...You have given us friendships, trust and the best group of people in the industry!! Not to mention free drinks, peanuts and lots of smiles.. :o) Tell Herb that I will be drinking a toast to both of you and give yourself a ((((((BIG HUG))))))))) from me!! Congrats to both of you!! I hope your spare time is filled with all the LUV that you have shared over the years with all of us.. ... View more

I love that SWA doesn't charge any change fees..Not that I change my flights a lot but there have been times that after I booked a flight I found out that my grandchildren could take the trip with me and if there weren't any seats available for my original flight then I can change it to another so we can all fly together .. Thats really BIG to me!! I am not a travel agent but I am known to all of my friends and family as the travel whiz and for all the reasons mentioned above I have booked more friends, family and even friends of friends on SWA flights because I always know that I can trust all of you with anyone I recommend to fly with you.. Oh, and it sure doesn't hurt that I can find those low fares that seem to always surprise everyone.. :o) Your no change fee policy is a big plus when I tell people about it, if I help someone that doesn't travel much with a flight on Southwest, they are shocked when I tell them that they can change their flight without cost if something comes up.. Well, gotta go, its storming here in the midwest! ... View more

Don't forget... Free drink coupons Candy corn, oops I mean peanuts and thats for all of us economy class folks, oh yea forgot, we are all in the same class when we fly SWA!! We can book a low cost flight and get it all with a smile and sense of humor!! No better way to fly! Cindy ... View more

We always have a really big party the saturday before the 4th of July..Lots of family and friends, BBQ, drinks , games, lots of fireworks and fun!! My hubby and I are taking our son and granddaughter to Florida for the actual 4th of July so we will be seeing you tomorrow night flying from STL to TPA, my granddaughter is so excited about this trip!! Have a great 4th everyone!! ((((hugs)))) Cindy ... View more

Francisco, What can I say... I LUV reading your diary.. It helps us understand a little more about what goes on in the daily lives of our servicemen.. You guys are all amazing!! I think I'll spread the LUV by sending you and your shipmates a ....... ((((((((((((((((((HUGE HUG))))))))))))))))))))))))) for all you do for us!! Cindy ... View more

Paul, There are already numbers at the bottom of your boarding pass that tell you that.. On your next flight out look at the bottom of your boarding pass, you will see the number... ... View more

Over the years my hubby and I have flown with quite a few airlines.. SWA quickly became our airline of choice after our 1st flight with them many years ago and they still are our 1st choice.. We have many reasons why but for anyone that has flown SWA and the others its easy to figure out why.. 1.) There are NO other airlines with employees like SWA.. 2.) If your only complaint is the boarding process then try talking to the gate agents of those other aairlines, that can be scary! 3.) No fee for changing your flight 4.) No fee for calling an CSA on the phone 5.) Best fares generally speaking 6.) Best FF program available period + free drinks :o) 7.) They actually like their jobs, amazing isn't it? 8.) Their blog teaches all of us how to open those pesky bags of peanuts...lol I could go on and on but anyone that flies alot and has flown with the others already knows that SWA has no competition when it comes to customer service.. Tamra...See, theres the difference between SWA employees and other aairline employees...You actually try to be nice to grumpy passengers and they (the other aairlines) have never considered that option.. ... View more

Happy Birthday!! Belated of course.. :o( Sorry I'm late.. I can't believe its been a whole year, thats amazing!! I agree that all of you are the best and I love coming to this blog and reading both informative info and all the silly stuff.. I'm hoping that we will still be celebrating this occasion year after year.. Keep up the good work.. Luv Ya, Cindy ... View more

Welcome back to ABQ Matt!! Good luck with your new job and hoping that your move is an easy one.. I'm also from a small town in Missouri, have never been to ABQ but hope to go soon.. Congrats on the promotion and hope to see you blogging soon! Cindy ... View more

(((((((((((((Francisco))))))))))))))) Sending you this hug and will be saying a few extra prayers for all of you!! You are all our heros and we will miss you !! Also hoping for a safe and speedy return to your friends and loved ones here... Take care of you!! Cindy PS: Hey guys, I have an idea..What if we all light a candle at say 8 PM ET this Sunday night and say a prayer or send your good thoughts to Francisco and all of his shipmates..If we can get enough people to do this then we can have candles lit all over the country for his safe return.. ... View more

Hmmmmmmm....maybe men in hot pants??? lolololol Sorry....couldn't help myself!! ... View more

Brian, Nothing to worry about, if you look at that guys left hand in the picture, he is telling her no way he is sticking his hand in there so if your quick you have time to run out and get it... Looks like your gonna have to find a better hiding place!!! ... View more

He's really sneaky, point that flashlight here... Yep, there it is, his stash of candy corn!! ... View more

We fly to Florida alot and my pet peeve is some of the preboarders.. I know there is no way to stop it and so its silly but I have seen as many as 8 grownups boarding with one small child and they have "C" boarding passes...The other is the person that says they are disabled and sit in the preboarding area in a wheelchair but I just saw them running on the other side of security.. As long as there are people there will be people that take advantage of things like that I guess.. Also people with bad manners that don't cover their mouth when they are coughing/sneezing sitting next to you... ... View more

Ok....I admit it, I was also one of those nuts trying to open those mean little packages that torment us on every flight!! As I said above I "was" because I found a very creative way to figure out the proper way to open those things without totally embarassing myself or the people traveling with me... The first step is to have a child, this child has to be very smart , that way they can apply and be hired into a management position at an airfreight company... This airfreight company must use SWA to ship.. Those SWA reps that go to the airfreight companies are VERY generous (not surprising) and are always giving my daughter gifts.. Yes, they gave her an entire box of those nuts and in turn I received a full unopened bag, not sure but there must have been 50 of those little bags in the bigger bag.. I practiced opening those little monsters in the privacy of my kitchen, where no one could see how silly I looked until I finally got the hang of it... Now I can board those SW flights and actually look like a pro with my nuts!! lol I know, I know.....Thats cheating, but hey you'd do it too!! ... View more

Welcome home Francisco!! I also want you to know how much all you do means to me.. You are our very own USS Blog Boy HERO!! Once again all of you great people at Southwest have gone way above and beyond to show just how much you care.. Francisco, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful time at home with your family and friends and as always I will be looking forward to reading any and all updates from you while your away.. Sending you all some heartfelt ((((((((((hugs))))))))))!! PS: so, why no Leah?? lolol ... View more

Oops Liz, Sorry, I should have been a better listener/reader.. If your travel agent booked your reservation using your RR # you can go into travel tools and click on MySouthwest@southwest.com and your itinerary should come up on that page...It shows your confirmation # there.. Hope that helps!! ... View more

Lisabeth, Become a RR member and you can access your itineraries thru My Southwest on the site... Give your travel agent your RR # (Rapid Rewards) and have her book it under your # and you can pull up your trips easily... Not only will you be able to pull up your trips but you will also earn free trips quicker than any other airline... ... View more

I read this article early this morning on CNN..I know it surprised you but it really didn't surprise me at all.. All of you at SWA are so far ahead of the rest of those airlines that in my eyes I'm not sure they can ever even be seen as competitors.. Your just in a totally different class, way above the other guys.. You started out with so much more..That caring attitude has brought you to a place that is beyond all the other airlines grasp.. As they say, you can't teach an old dog new tricks, too bad they didn't realize from the beginning what you have known all along...........No tricks, just absolutely great customer service.. What can I say...........................Congrats once again to the company that has worked the hardest in assuring each of us that you are not only here for us but for each other and hey, what can be better than that?? Luv you guys!! ... View more

Love that video, you need to pass him around to all the airports...lol We have had quite a few flights that were made more fun because of someone with SW but we have never had anyone sing to us... At Christmas I gave all the FA's little pins with angels holding airplanes to wear on their uniforms because of all the great flights we have had with them and at the end of the flight to TPA from STL they gave me a bag full of goodies..They didn't have to do that, I didn't expect anything at all, what a great group of people you have!! I try to show my appreciation in small ways but for some reason the SW people ALWAYS get the last word...lol I've said it before and I'll say it again, Thanks for making our trips so much fun!! ... View more

Really great post!! I have a group of friends that I met on a website years ago..For the last 8 or 9 years we have tried to get together at least once a year..These friends are from all over.....Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, Minneapolis, New England, Florida, even St. Croix...Just about everywhere... We plan out our adventure and the night before we all post to each other that we will see each other tomorrow.. We try to arrange our flights as closely together as possible and more times than not we have a big group that manages to meet at the airport of our destination.. Generally we have a member that is the host in their hometown and that gives us the opportunity to experience different places each year.. Within a few hours of leaving our home towns we are together, sitting and drinking margaritas, laughing so hard that we hurt and making memories.. Air travel makes all this possible and brings us all together, our friendships have grown and year after year we seem to add some new faces to our group... Like you, I love to travel and it always amazes me that within a very short time I can be a world away from my everyday life, experiencing new places and having the time of my life! ... View more

Could you please come over here and clean off my monitor and keyboard?? I should know better than to try and drink anything while I am reading some of the posts here!! Just reading this blog tells me that you won't really have any problems speaking at your sons wedding, although from the sound of it your daughter- in- law might just be a bit nervous about her perspective father- in- law speaking at her funeral, oops, sorry mean't wedding.. After 31 yrs of marriage I think the sense of humor is a must!! Another biggie is time put aside for each other but also time alone to do those things that you enjoy that your spouse might not.. Oh, did I mention sense of humor??? Big, really BIG!! Congrats to all of you and I bet you'll do great as long as you can remember that your at a wedding...lol You'll have to come back and let us know how it went and don't forget to pass those ((((((((hugs))))))) out.... ... View more

Thanks for the gifts...I recieved them yesterday.. Felt a little guilty keeping them given the fact that I didn't even answer correctly...lol But wanted you to know that they came and Thank you, thank you, thank you!! My hubby wanted to know what I did to get gifts from SW, I told him it was a long story but to make it short, the blog boy was eating candy corn and got caught.... ;o) ;o) ;o) (((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))) ... View more

OK, I know this isn't what your looking for but just couldn't help myself...;o) The best thing I've seen in recent months is sunny skies and boats on the ocean after leaving the midwest with ice 2 inches thick and more on the way!! As you get closer to landing you can see all those people in convertibles and you know that in just a couple of hours flight time you went from the polar ice cap to wearing your shorts!! Life is good!! ... View more