Southwest Airlines Community

SWA Stew 62 is a little bit ironic, don't you think?  Okay, maybe not.  But Alanis Morissette was featured in this edition, so we're halfway there.  Alanis played a concert in support of our sponsorship with Live in the Vineyard.  Stay tuned for more Live at 35 concerts, coming your way very soon!   Joe DiNocco holds a special place in our hearts, and we were happy to help him meet some of his biological family members for the very first time.  See you soon, Joe! And see all the rest of you soon, at the Southwest Porch in Strauss Square!  Located in the heart of the AT&T Performing Arts Center, The Southwest Porch is a great place to relax, and features food by Wolfgang Puck and local craft beer (from Franconia) during concerts and other special events. The Medical Transportation Grant Program is number one in our hearts!  Southwest is donating $2.4 million dollars in travel to patients who need to travel to get to the care they need. Also, um... pirates.   ... View more

This week (if you can see me), we're talking about Joe's awesome biological reunion, and the Great Peanut Bombardment of 2012 (in honor of National Peanut Day).  Our World Premiere of The Voyage of a Dream has been met with a lot of praise.  Avast! Talk Like a Pirate Day was a real whale of a time, and we transformed southwest.com in our finest pirate speak.  Leading the pack once again, though, is our Medical Transportation Grant Program.   ... View more

This week's Stew tells a remarkable tale of bringing LUV home, finding friends in unexpected places, setting LUV free, and giving kids a fighting chance. ... View more

DALLAS—Sept. 13, 2012—Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is helping Rapid Rewards Members rack up reward points this fall!  Southwest launched a promotion that will reward Members of the airline’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, double points on all travel nationwide.  In other words, Members will receive 12 points (instead of six) for each dollar spent on Wanna Get Away ® Fares, 20 points (instead of ten) for each dollar spent on Anytime Fares, and 24 points (instead of 12) for each dollar spent on Business Select ® Fares.  Rapid Rewards Members simply need to register for the promotion at the website below prior to travel between Sept. 13 and Nov. 15, 2012, book between Sept. 13 and Nov. 15, 2012, and fly between Sept. 13 and Nov. 15, 2012, to receive the additional points.  Customers who want to enroll in Rapid Rewards and take advantage of this promotion may also click on the link below. To register, visit:  www.southwest.com/nationwidedoublepoints AirTran Airways ® , Southwest’s wholly owned subsidiary, launched a parallel promotion today offering AirTran Airways A+ Rewards ® Members double credit for all domestic travel and triple credit for all International flights.  To take advantage of this offer, Members simply need to register for the promotion at the website below prior to travel between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2012, book between Sept.13, 2012, and Nov.14, 2012, and fly between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2012, to receive the additional credits.  Customers who want to enroll in A+ Rewards and take advantage of this promotion may also click on the link below. To register, visit:   www.airtran.com/doubletriplecredits ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 42 nd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers by providing a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service.  Including wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, the Company now serves 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, six near-International countries, and employs more than 46,000 People. Visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™ and see how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen while underscoring a commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines, one of the most honored airlines in the world, is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded.  Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and serves the communities around 76 airports in Southwest’s network of domestic destinations.  To book a flight, visit southwest.com. AirTran Airways AirTran Airways, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., has been ranked the top airline in the Airline Quality Rating study three times in the past five years. AirTran offers coast-to-coast and near-International service with nearly 700 flights a day on North America's newest all-Boeing fleet. The airline's low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating and Business Class. To book a flight, visit airtran.com. Terms and Conditions: Rapid Rewards Promotion: Member must register for this promotion between Sept. 13, 2012 and Nov. 15, 2012, and registration must be completed prior to commencement of travel.  Valid on new reservations only.  Member must book between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 15, 2012.  Travel must be completed between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 15, 2012, on Southwest published, scheduled service.  Rapid Rewards account number must be entered at the time of booking.  Rapid Rewards earned points are calculated using base fare and excise tax.  Member will receive 12 bonus points per dollar spent on Business Select Fares, ten bonus points per dollar spent on Anytime Fares; and six bonus points per dollar spent on Wanna Get Away Fares.  Bonus points are in addition to the standard flight points earned through Rapid Rewards.  Bonus points will not count toward A-List and A-List Preferred qualification.  Bonus points will not count toward Companion Pass qualification.  Member will receive bonus Rapid Rewards Points within four days of completion of entire ticket.  Award, Companion Pass, Southwest Vacation Packages, Jackpot Deals, and reward travel do not qualify for promotion. Changes made to the itinerary after purchase may eliminate qualification for promotion.  All Rapid Rewards rules and regulations apply. A+ Rewards Promotion: Member must register for this promotion between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2012, and registration must be completed prior to commencement of travel.  Valid on new reservations only.  Member must book at airtran.com between Sept.13, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2012.  Travel must be completed between Sept. 13, 2012, and Nov. 14, 2012, on AirTran published, scheduled service.  AirTran account number must be entered at the time of booking.  Member will receive one bonus credit for every one-way domestic flight and two bonus credits for every one-way International flight.  When purchasing Business Class Fares, Member will receive 1.5 bonus credits for every one-way domestic flight and three bonus credits for every one-way International flight.  Bonus credits are in addition to the standard credit(s) earned through A+ Rewards®.  Bonus A+ Credit(s) will not count toward Elite status.  Changes made to the itinerary after purchase may eliminate qualification for promotion.  Please allow up to three weeks for A+ Bonus Credits to post to your account.  All A+ Rewards terms and conditions apply. www.southwest.com ... 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The 59th edition of the SWA Stew was taped by our good friends at Dish Trip, at the Curtis Hotel in Denver, Colorado.  This magical edition of the Stew features another look at Emily's Dream story, premiering on here and our Facebook page on September 18th.  Also heralded was our eventual entrance into Branson on March 9, 2013, which Branson announced with a lot of fanfare.  In the middle of the pack was our #LonghornLUV contest (congrats to Kate B., our randomly selected winner).  Cameron's story comes in at number two, as part of our series highlighting the Medical Transportation Grant Program.   Leading the pack was our announcement that Live at 35 is coming back!  Stay tuned for more inflight concert goodness!     ... View more

Hey, campers, we're going to Branson!  We're also helping out some great people get the care they need via our Medical Transportation Grant Program.  Once you're done flying, get driving via National Car Rental; it is our latest Rapid Rewards partner, after all!  And if you're still flying, why not fly on Colorado One?  We were very happy to introduce our latest specialty aircraft to the masses in Denver.     ... View more

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced that its Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Laura Wright, has advised the Company of her decision to retire. Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman, President, and CEO, said that Wright's decision was accepted with profound gratitude for her many significant contributions to the success of Southwest over the course of the last 25 years: "Laura has played a key role in the strong financial positioning of Southwest Airlines during the most challenging and difficult times our industry has ever faced," he said. "She has been a Leader who is respected throughout our Company, our industry, and the financial community." Under Wright's leadership, Southwest has maintained the strongest balance sheet in the American airline industry; the best fuel hedging position in our industry; and an award-winning aircraft financing strategy. Kelly also announced that Tammy Romo has been named to succeed Wright as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Romo has been serving Southwest as Senior Vice President of Planning. She joined Southwest in 1991 as Manager of Financial Reporting and has previously served as Director of Investor Relations, Vice President - Treasurer, Vice President - Controller, and Vice President of Financial Planning. Prior to joining Southwest, Romo was an audit manager at Coopers & Lybrand, LLP. "We are fortunate to have a deep and knowledgeable leadership bench," Kelly said. "Tammy is an excellent choice based on her strong accounting and technical background, outstanding strategic planning capabilities, and deep knowledge of our Company and overall corporate finance strategy." Romo said: "I look forward to working with our superb Finance organization to continue executing on our well-planned strategies and initiatives designed to enhance Shareholder value. We have great momentum on our plans, and I am honored to step into this role." Wright said the decision to retire was made easier by Southwest's succession planning. "We have an able successor already in place with Tammy, and an amazing Finance leadership team that won't miss a beat. I have a long list of things I'm anxious to tend to, including more time with family. With Gary's leadership and the strategies in place, I leave with confidence regarding the bright future of this great Company." Kelly said: "Although I will personally miss Laura, I am respectful and understanding of her decision. I am also exceedingly pleased that Southwest has the demonstrated depth of management talent and leadership capability that will enable our Shareholders, Employees, and Customers to continue to be proud to be a part of the ongoing Southwest Airlines story of success." The leadership changes will be effective Sept. 20, 2012. Wright will remain with the Company through yearend to assist with the transition. As CFO, Romo will retain her leadership over the Financial Planning and Analysis, and Strategic Planning functions from her current role. Go to swamedia.com to access a photo and bio for Romo. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

You know the old saying... a Viddy a day keeps the doctor away?  Okay, so I used my unwarranted creative license there, but it's not entirely false.  For three days in August, we're partnering with our Viddy buddies to give you a chance to get away to one our 76 Southwest cities.     The objectives are the same, but very different.  Of course, you must have the Viddy app installed on your smart phone in order to participate.       Here's a bit of help from our Sundance winner and a couple others we really liked:     OFFICIAL RULES Southwest Airlines - #ViddyADay in August 1. To Enter:  No purchase or obligation necessary. The Contest has three Contest periods. The first Contest period runs August 3, 2012 from 2:00 a.m. CT - August 4, 2012 at 2:00 a.m. CT; the second Contest period is August 15, 2012 from 2:00 a.m. CT - August 16 at 2:00 a.m. CT; and the third Contest period is August 27 from 2:00 a.m. CT - August 28 at 2:00 a.m. CT.  To enter without purchase or obligation, submit an original Viddy (“Video”) to us using the #SouthwestAirlines hashtag during the applicable Contest period. By entering, Entrant grants Sponsor an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, freely transferable license to use the Video for all purposes, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised.  Entries may not violate any third party rights nor use any third-party intellectual property such as logos, trademarks, copyrighted  or background signs.  Entrants acknowledge and agree that their entry does not violate any rights of privacy or publicity and that they have the written permission of those appearing in their video to submit their image.  Entries must not disparage; contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, or vulgar; or promote bigotry, racism, hatred or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation. Entries will not be returned. Entries limited to one (1) per person per Contest period. Any person found using multiple Viddy accounts to enter will be found to be ineligible. Anonymous entries will be considered invalid. You warrant your video will not be sexually explicit, unnecessarily violent or derogatory.  It cannot promote drugs, alcohol, or firearms. 2. Selection of Winner: On or about January August 4, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. CT; On or about August 16, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. CT; On or about August 28, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. CT, members of the Southwest Airlines Emerging Media Team will review all eligible entries received and choose a potential winner for each contest period. The judges will be judging on the following qualities: Creativity and Originality: 20% Entertaining: 25% Southwest Appeal: 35% -  entry should reflect our Culture and Fun-LUVing Attitude. Rules: 20% Read and complied with the official rules. Prizes are guaranteed to be awarded. 3. Prizes: Three (3) Grand Prizes will be awarded – one to each Contest period winner.  The Grand Prize will consist of two (2) roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines (APV for Southwest Airlines tickets is $420). Tickets are subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply; no blackout dates. Airline tickets awarded will be open origination and open destination and will expire one year from date of issue. Expiration dates will not be extended, and tickets will not be refundable or redeemable for cash or credit at any time, nor will tickets be replaced if lost or stolen. Tickets may not be sold to a third party. Tickets are valid on Southwest-operated, published, scheduled service only from the airport nearest the winner's residence served by Southwest Airlines. If the winner does not live in a city served by Southwest Airlines, he/she is responsible for transportation to the nearest airport served by Southwest Airlines. No substitution or transfer of prize will be permitted.  The Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to substitute the prize with another prize of equal or greater value in the event that the aforementioned prize is not available. 4. Eligibility: Contest open to all legal US residents, 21 years and older as of August 3, 2012 and who have downloaded the Viddy App.  Employees of Southwest Airlines Co., AirTran Airways, Inc., Viddy, Inc., and their advertising and promotions agencies, and their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their spouses) and individuals living in the same households of such employees are ineligible. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Contest subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. By participating, entrants agree to these official rules and accept decisions of the Sponsor as final. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. The promotion is offered in the United States only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law. Do not proceed in this site if you are not located in the United States. 5. To Claim Prize: Potential winner only will be notified by Southwest Airlines via e-mail, and potential winner must provide valid address (No P.O. Boxes). Unclaimed or undeliverable prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner. Prizes are guaranteed to be awarded.  Acceptance of prize constitutes permission (except where prohibited) to use winner's name, hometown and likeness for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity in any media without additional compensation. Potential winners must execute and return any required affidavit of eligibility and/or liability/publicity release within one (1) day of notification attempt or prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be chosen. If a potential winner cannot be contacted, fails to sign and return the required affidavit of eligibility and liability/publicity release within the required time period, or if a prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, potential winner forfeits prize. 6. Limitation of Liability: Neither Sponsor, nor their affiliated entities, are responsible for printing or typographical errors in any related materials; stolen, fraudulent, entries or mail; or transactions that are processed or lost due to computer or electronic malfunction.  Winners are solely responsible for payment of all federal, state, and local taxes on prize and for any travel or other expenses not specifically mentioned in prize description.  Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify Contest if fraud or technical failure compromises the integrity of the Contest as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. This Contest offer is being made exclusively by Sponsor. Sponsor is not responsible for technical, hardware, software or telephone failures of any kind, lost or unavailable network connections or fraud, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission whether caused by Sponsor, user, or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the promotion or by any technical or human error which may occur in the process of submissions which may limit a participants ability to participate in this promotion.  By accepting a prize, Winners agree to release the Sponsor from any and all liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind caused by entering the promotion or for damages of any kind caused by or resulting from acceptance, possession, or the use/misuse of prize awarded, 7. Winner's List: To request a Winner's Name List, send a self addressed stamped return envelope, after August 29, 2012, to Southwest Airlines Emerging Media. All requests must be received by September 30, 2012.  Utah and Washington residents may omit return postage. 8. Sponsor: Southwest Airlines Co., P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX.  75235-1611 ... View more

LUV was in the air again recently, as we had another fine gent "pop the question" inflight. The London games are over, but that doesn't mean we can't gloat about what the Blog Team is good at (sock puppetry and laser cat photography).  The Medical Transportation Grant Program is back, helping those who need to travel to get the care they need.  Ohio got more LUV, as we added Akron-Canton & Dayton to the Southwest system!  Zoey the Wonder Dog claimed top honors this week for her wonder dog antics.  Nice work, pup!    ... View more

All weekend, we're celebrating inaugural Southwest service in Dayton, and Akron-Canton.  This live blog chronicles events from both cities, going beyond the airport to show Customers a little Southwest hospitality, and a whole lotta LUV.  Extra! Extra! Read All About It! Monday, 10:00 a.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) We're making headlines here in Dayton!  If you're unfamiliar with Southwest service, SVP Operations Greg Wells summed it up beautifully!  And our buddy, DAY Director of Aviation Terry Slaybaugh, shared pearls of wisdom with the Dayton Business Journal! CAK Boss Monday, 9:00 a.m. Millie Richter (CAK) Southwest has had some pretty good cakes in its day, but this one takes the CAK (get it?).     This Southwest-themed dessert was put out for passengers to enjoy yesterday (along with a bit of easy listening!).   And We're Off! Monday, 8:00 a.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) Disappearing in a mist thanks to a water cannon salute, Dayton service was christened and is now open for business in Central Ohio.  Check out some great photos from the event over at the Dayton International Airport Facebook Page.  Here's one of 'em:     Putt Putt Champ Sunday, 12:00 p.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) Wow.  We got ourselves a putt putt champ.  As promised, here's the video:       NCR and the Nation's Business  Sunday, 8:00 a.m.  Brian Lusk (DAY)    Up until a few years ago, if you made a purchase at a store, the transaction was rung up on a cash register made by National Cash Register of Dayton.  Over time, the company, which became known as NCR, spread across the world.  In fact, Southwest’s tickets for the first decade or so of our operation were sold from NCR cash registers, or as we called them “Love Ticket Machines.”  NCR expanded into computers, and Southwest’s first reservations computer was the Bunko-Ramo, which used data storage made by NCR.  Today, if you withdraw money or make a deposit to your checking account, chances are the ATM is made by NCR.  An estimated $18 trillion are withdrawn each year using NCR ATM’s.  NCR moved to Duluth, Georgia, in 2009 after 125 years in Dayton. Neon Putt Putt! Saturday, 10:00 p.m. Brooks Thomas (DAY) My senses are completely overwhelmed.  Scene 75 has a pair of black-lit miniature golf courses.  We're goin' in and paying for everyone's mini-golf for an hour.  We also hope to challenge some unsuspecting mini-golfers to a putt-off.  A hole-in-one gets a pretty sweet prize.  Video to follow!   Pie Champ Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Valerie La Grone (CAK) Here's a little snapshot from Valerie La Grone, taken from Akron-Canton's pie-eating contest!  Nice work, champ:   Sharing the Spirit  Saturday, 7:00 p.m.  Brooks Thomas (DAY)  It's been a nice and productive day here in DAY (pun intended, of course).  Shortly after arriving, we got right to work, giving back to the Community in a couple ways.  We split into a two groups; one group went to cook dinner for military families at Fisher House; the other went to Vandalia Parks & Recreation to do some sprucing up and brush clearing.  Here's Demicia from our Culture team, with one of our DAY Employees' wives:     When Southwest comes to town, it's about more than flying planes.  We see where we can invest in the growth of the Community, and use our time off the clock to make a difference.   Vandalia has a bunch of sports fields, and I now believe that you CAN tear the cover off the ball:     Tonight, we're off to Scene 75, for our Community event. It's got Go Karts, laser tag, video games, and our favorite: mini golf.  We're told it's pretty hoppin' over there! Might As Well Jump! Saturday, 4:30 p.m. Chris Mainz (CAK)     Well folks, it's official--Southwest metal is on the ground at Akron-Canton Airport in Northeast Ohio!  We ferried a flight in from Dallas to position the aircraft for the first scheduled flight to Chicago Midway, departing tomorrow morning.  A team of Southwest Employees landed this afternoon, and the aircraft pulled up to a reception party on the tarmac, greeted by more than 100 of CAK's closest friends, local Employees, CAK's Leadership Team, cheerleaders from a local high school, music, food, and no lie, a red carpet!  You can see by the picture that they were literally jumping for joy upon Southwest's arrival, and we are equally excited to begin service to our brand new Southwest city.  AirTran has successfully served CAK for more than 15 years, and Southwest promises to uphold their outstanding level of service for decades to come.  We are feeling the LUV in Akron-Canton! CAK, We Have Landing!  Saturday, 2:15 p.m.  Aaron Hay (CAK)  Southwest has officially arrived in CAK! (shown in above picture).  Birthplace of Aviation Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Brian Lusk (DAY) From an aeronautical viewpoint, it could be argued that Dayton is the most important city in the world.  Orville and Wilbur Wright, two Dayton residents, had more on their mind than bicycles at their Dayton bike shop.  There they gained familiarity with machines, manufacturing, and most importantly balance.  Where others failed, they succeeded by developing a method to control flight.  Working first with gliders built at their shop, they developed a powered version that took to the air in December 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.  Their fourth bicycle shop at 16 South Williams Street in Dayton still stands as a National Historic Landmark. ... View more

To compete on the world stage is an extraordinary feat.  Although every two years, I am shocked and awed by the greatest athletes on Earth, at the end of the two-week affair, I am left empty.    This emptiness is unrelated to having to wait two more years for any semblance of athleticism in my life.  The void stems from the fact athleticism is the only thing so boldly recognized by all nations.  Like an acceptance speech, the old adage goes "I'd like to thank all of the little people," as though the little people are mere stepping stones to success. These trivial acts also deserve to be recognized, and it is my firm belief that a champion must be crowned in all arenas.   So to commemorate the plain, the mundane, and the insane, the Nuts About Southwest Blog Team is pleased to present to you, our adoring audience, with what we would win medals in.   My story begins in December of last year.  Our resident "Green Queen" Marilee McInnis gave everyone in Communications each a recyclable notebook for the Holidays.  I don't have much use for notebooks, since my electronics-loving self takes my notes digitally.   So "The Notebook" sat.  And sat.  And sat.   Months later my boss, Brandy, happened upon the notebook during a visit to my desk.  At that point, I had completely forgotten its origins.  Having no recollection, of course I gave her the notebook.  I immediately moved on.   Days later, I was called to Brandy's office.  She could barely contain herself.  Turns out, she was in a meeting with Marilee, furiously taking notes in her new, environmentally friendly notebook.  Marilee had fondly acknowledged the present, mentioning to Brandy that it was nice to see her using the present Marilee gave her, even after all that time.   The jig was up.   I immediately text messaged Marilee the above picture, apologizing profusely while noting that my act, too, was deserving of recognition.  I had recycled a recyclable notebook.   So what does this all mean?  I am a serial re-gifter, and a champion at the craft.  I haven't always won, however.  Those on the receiving end of my re-gifts can explain.   Sock Puppet Champion by Mallory O'Teter   In this world, there are the greats. The unforgettable. Keri Strug, Michael Johnson, Nancy Kerrigan, Michael Phelps. Lamb Chop. The first time I slipped that tube sock over my bladed handed and folded my fingers down in unison to meet my thumb so as to form the perfect puppet, magic happened. Since infancy (practically) I’ve been honing my skills and consequently having to use arthritis cream since age seven, but that’s all a part of the game (I digress). In sock puppeteering, I find the true talent is the altering of the voice to match each character. Charley Horse and Hush Puppy didn’t sound the same, did they?  The art of finding different voices within you to project through your sock puppets is something to be admired. Obviously.  The only person I wouldn’t want to see in the finals? Mick Foley’s Mr Socko. Google him. Or not. It’s weird. Laser Cats by Christi McNeill For my Sport of choice, I choose cat photography.  Meow not just ANY basic feline photography…I mastered that practice years ago when Jack Bauer came into my life.   Lately I’ve been getting really into Laser Cat Photography, with my favorite iPhone app Cat Paint.  Yes, it’s $.99 in the app store, but well worth your money.  It gives you the ability to send your friends photos such as: Laser Cats trying to steal Rob's salmon Laser Cat helping load bags If Laser Cat photography held competition on the world stage, I think I’d definitely be in the running for the Gold.   True Road Warrior by Capt. Joe Gautille   At this point in my aviation career I think my event would have to be "Road Warrior." Which pilot can be gone the longest and stay in the most hotels during the yearly competition? I have developed the finely-honed skills of staying in hotels all over the Southwest domestic route map, and in a pre-Southwest life, hotels in countries all over the world.     To compete and train as a Road Warrior, you need to stay in hotels hundreds of days per year and belong to multiple hotel chain reward programs to stay in tip top shape. While Southwest Airlines is a healthy and steady workout (our monthly schedule might be between 10-15 nights per month), as a corporate pilot I averaged over 232 days per year on the road and was a competitive tournament-level Road Warrior.   During one stretch of training, we left our base in LAS in the beginning of September and returned in early December. Living in hotels for over 90 consecutive days will build your Road Warrior endurance for the world champion trials. When you begin to know all the hotel employees by name, how many kids they have, the restaurant and room service menus by heart, and have your clothes dry cleaned or use the courtesy hotel laundry, you are building those Road Warrior skills for the big Games. I began to hear the echoes of the Carol King’s lyric in So Far Away, “I sure hope the road don’t come to own me,” but I knew it was too late; I was becoming a consummate Road Warrior.     So now in the latter stages of my aviation/road warrior career, the Southwest three-day trips are a perfect pace to test my endurance and the 4 day trips push me a bit too far, but when you’re a professional hotel guest and Road Warrior it’s what you do.   Sent from... where else? On the road in PVD Useless Information by Krista Crow   There are so many things I am good at; procrastination, sticking my foot in my mouth, embarrassing my children, and the ever popular: reading anything I can get my hands on.   Of course, none of these seems as medal-worthy as my ability to know useless bits of information. I am best at thinking up the most obscure questions and then using Google, Wikipedia, or any other mildly reputable means necessary to find the answer.  Of course, my ability to be able eto ask any question to anyone, at anytime, is not always popular.  For some reason it just doesn't matter; I have to know the answer. This hasn't always worked out well for me.  Like the time I asked a security guard at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. if anyone had ever tried to steal the hope diamond.  With a very stern look, and a gruff voice, he informed me that, "No, no one has ever tried and it would not be advisable for anyone to try." I mean, you see it in movies being stolen, so I just wondered if anyone had ever really tried it?  Watching London '12, I also wondered if, when Queen Elizabeth abdicates the throne, will the National Anthem change to God Save The King?  I asked my husband, who just shook his head and asked, "How do you come up with these questions?"   So I Googled it.  In the spirit of not ruining the results via something akin to tape delay, I'll let you Google the answer yourselves. Changes in Latitudes = Changes in Attitudes by Paul Thompson   Growing up on the Texas Gulf Coast, I was exposed to boats of all types – from bass boats to shrimp trawlers, and sailboats to oil tankers. I’ve always loved being out on the water, whether it be river, lake or ocean. Around age 10, my Dad began taking my brother and me on guided whitewater rafting trips in New Braunfels, Texas. While most people cruise the Guadalupe River in inner tubes, during our first trip, the river was at flood stage, and we had to wear helmets! A couple of years later, he took me rafting on the Rio Grande in the canyons of Big Bend National Park, which gave me my first sense of the true natural beauty that can be found in Texas. Later on in high school, my friend’s parents owned a 30-foot sailboat that we would take out in Galveston Bay frequently. While in college, I taught sailing to elementary and junior high students at a summer camp on Lake Travis near Austin, TX. My all-time favorite sailing experience was a true race! While visiting St Maarten during a Caribbean cruise in 2004, my wife and I got to sail on “Stars & Stripes” – which won the America’s Cup in 1987. We raced against “True North” which is another world-class racing yacht. We participated as crew members and were each given a task during the race. It was quite a workout, grinding winches for an hour – but SO much fun! Apart from flying, I can’t think of anything more liberating than sailing – with the sun, wind, and ocean spray hitting you right in the face! If you’ve never sailed, you must try it if you’re given the chance. Multitasking For The Gold by Ally Harrington   I believe multitasking should be included into the competition. I'm a Customer Service Supervisor in Fort Lauderdale and this is the story of my life.  When the weather moves in, watch out, it's on! We call this "irregular operations."   During summer season, it's pretty common to have a few planes divert due to the weather here in Fort Lauderdale.  It can get a bit crazy, but this is where you'll find your multitasking champs.  As you can imagine, when we experience one of these situations, we might need to re-route our Customers through a different city.  When that happens, we call our awesome Ramp Agents to help us move the bags to the newly assigned flight.  We will call the gate to make sure the Agents are advising each flight that is to depart, so can keep our Customers informed.  We also check in with the ticket counter to make sure they are okay.   In these situations, I feel like I have more than two hands; phone in one hand, talking on the radio in another, trying to write down what the person is on the phone is telling you, while an Agent taps you on the shoulder or whispers more information or requests into your ear.  You glance up for a moment and the Ops Agent is waving you over to their gate... all while you're smiling at the next Customer in line. I believe multitasking should be included into the competition. I'm a Customer Service Supervisor in Fort Lauderdale and this is the story of my life.  When the weather moves in, watch out, it's on! We call this "irregular operations."   During summer season, it's pretty common to have a few planes divert due to the weather here in Fort Lauderdale.  It can get a bit crazy, but this is where you'll find your multitasking champs.  As you can imagine, when we experience one of these situations, we might need to re-route our Customers through a different city.  When that happens, we call our awesome Ramp Agents to help us move the bags to the newly assigned flight.  We will call the gate to make sure the Agents are advising each flight that is to depart, so can keep our Customers informed.  We also check in with the ticket counter to make sure they are okay. In these situations, I feel like I have more than two hands; phone in one hand, talking on the radio in another, trying to write down what the person is on the phone is telling you, while an Agent taps you on the shoulder or whispers more information or requests into your ear.  You glance up for a moment and the Ops Agent is waving you over to their gate... all while you're smiling at the next Customer in line.   GASTRONOMATHON by Bill Owen   Okay—I’m a foodie.  And while I’m a good cook, I’m really known for appreciating good food, expertly knowing where to get it, and then remembering for decades both the dish and restaurant to make recommendations to friends and colleagues.  I’d win my Gold in the “Gastronomic Marathon,” which would be kind of like a manic cross between “The Amazing Race,” “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and “The Best Thing I Ever Ate. ” Gastro-athletes would jet all over the world to destinations of their choosing, finding eateries that excel in specific dishes (whether they’re famous or obscure) and restaurants that are unique, with a gaggle of judges in tow to score the competitor’s gastronomic excellence.   How good am I?  PUH-LEASE.  I can recommend dishes and restaurants I have enjoyed as far back as 1968 (Lobster Thermidor at Johnny Case’s in Longview, Texas—it’s still there!). Seriously, some afternoons I can’t remember where I parked my car, but I can remember what I had for dinner in San Francisco in 1976—and where!  And while competing in the Gastronomathon, I’d be building on 44 years of mental notes of what and where to eat, in cities across the globe.  No wonder my friends and family say I travel “stomach first!”   Now that we have cell phones….I take pictures of my better finds.  Some recent ones:   Cioppino at Soto Mare in San Francisco’s North Beach, which was AMAZING: And Dim Sum at Yank Sing, in San Francisco’s SOMA district: And the motherload…..Southern food at Mary Mac’s in Atlanta’s Buckhead: So absolutely—I’d win.  The judges would LUV me.  Which is good, because our next appearance together would be on “Extreme Makeover:  Weight Loss Edition.”  But that’s a subject for another blog piece.  The World's Best Punner? by Brian Lusk Okay, I know that I could have picked a loftier goal in which to compete for the title of world’s best—or should that be “word’s best?”  However, my brain is wired differently than most people, and I think I have an exceptional skill of crafting punnage—or to my delight and the dismay of those who know me—PUNishment.  Nothing like letting an unexpected pun fly to a chorus of groans. After winning a long series of e-mail pun wars, I know that I could compete against the world’s best punners.  My event would be the Marathon Pun event.  Seeing how long the chain could be without a repeat would be a puno a puno test of mental acumen against the best punners alive.  For example, this test of endurance and mental agility could start with a subject like “tuna,” and I would have a “salad” day, leading to a first-place FINish, without getting sick to the “gills,” but still tipping the “scales” of pun-skill in my favor.  With that kind of ability, I should be able to teach a “school” how to create puns in a SWIMmingly manner.  In my world, if you can’t pun, you are a “fish” out of water.  But if you “can” pun, it’s as tasty as “caviar.” I see it now.  There I am, standing on the medal podium, holding my gold medallion as the “Star Spangled Banner” plays.  It would be the PUNacle of my career.  Maybe I could get my picture on a box of cereal or a thesaurus endorsement.  Hey I can dream, can’t I? ... 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We say goodbye to another batch of great interns in this edition of the Stew.  We're also talking about an airline that's eerily similar to Southwest, Dish Trip: Atlanta, August's Spirit issue, St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute's therapy module, and last week's fare sale issue.     ... View more

CONTACT:  Investor Relations (214) 792-4415             DALLAS, TEXAS – August 7, 2012 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today reported July 2012 consolidated traffic results for Southwest Airlines and AirTran.  AirTran became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. (“the Company”) on May 2, 2011.  For purposes of comparability, year-to-date 2011 traffic results presented in the accompanying table include the combined results of Southwest Airlines and AirTran for periods prior to the acquisition date.             The Company flew 10.0 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in July 2012, which was comparable to the RPMs flown in July 2011.  Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 0.6 percent to 11.9 billion from 11.8 billion ASMs in July 2011.  The July 2012 load factor was 84.6 percent, compared to 85.1 percent in July 2011.  For July 2012, passenger revenue per ASM (PRASM) is estimated to have increased approximately two percent as compared to July 2011. For the first seven months of 2012, the Company flew 60.9 billion RPMs, compared to 61.4 billion combined RPMs flown in the same period in 2011, a decrease of 0.8 percent.  The year-to-date 2012 ASMs were 75.7 billion, which was comparable to the combined ASMs for the same period in 2011.  The year-to-date 2012 load factor was 80.5 percent, compared to the combined load factor of 81.1 percent for the same period in 2011.  This release, as well as past news releases about Southwest Airlines Co., is available online at southwest.com.             ... View more

The overwhelming response from Customers who took advantage of our August 3 limited time offer created website performance issues at various times during the weekend. Our Employees worked tirelessly to resolve the issue and have confirmed that the duplications are no longer occurring. By initiating an "all hands on deck" approach, we have identified all Customers impacted and proactively initiated refunds back to their financial institutions for any erroneous bookings. These refunds are currently being processed, but timing will vary depending on the individual bank. If a refund has not yet posted to your account, we recommend contacting your bank – they will be able to provide the quickest update regarding pending refunds. Here is an overview of our current efforts: All erroneous bookings have been identified and refunds are currently being processed for all Customers impacted with duplicate bookings.  We have heard Customer concerns regarding cancellation of their original reservation and have instructed our Employees to restore the itinerary, honoring the original fare. For those Customers who used debit cards and have received overdraft fees as a result of the additional charges, we will process a reimbursement for all overdraft fees that were caused by duplicate charges from Southwest for a single purchase. If you incurred overdraft fees, please fax documentation of those fees via a letter from your bank or a copy of your account showing the fees to 877-506-0154.  Southwest Airlines is committed to providing Customers with exceptional service both online and onboard. Our goal was to resolve this issue as quickly as possible to minimize any inconvenience to you, our valued Customers. We will continue to work with each of you on any outstanding issues you may be experiencing. Please contact us here. ... View more

The overwhelming response from Customers who took advantage of our August 3 limited time offer launched to celebrate three million Fans on Facebook, created website performance issues at various times during the day. We realize that some Customers were charged more than once for the same reservation and we want to assure you that we have all hands on deck, actively working to process refunds for any duplicate charges incurred. Here is a status of those efforts: First, we want you to know that we are working to identify duplicate bookings and charges and are proactively cancelling those additional reservations, actively processing refunds to the Customer. In order to process the refunds as quickly as possible, we have called in additional staff to support these efforts. For those Customers who used debit cards and have received overdraft fees as a result of the additional charges, we will process a reimbursement for all overdraft fees that were caused by duplicate charges from Southwest for a single purchase. If you incurred overdraft fees, please fax documentation of those fees via a letter from your bank or a copy of your account showing the fees to 877-506-0154.  Southwest Airlines is committed to providing Customers with exceptional service both online and onboard. It is our goal to resolve this issue as quickly as possible and minimize any inconvenience to you, our valued Customers. ... View more

I am not a folder. Can't fold clothes. I very frequently miss the mark on a half or tri-fold; rarely even use folders, and those fold for you.  In each month's Spirit Magazine, there is an origami design.  If you're like me, you scoff at the instructions (which scoff right back, by the way).  The instructions' step-by-step process seems so easy, which makes failure that much harder to stomach.    But sometimes, there's a beacon of hope.  A practitioner of the art who, if nothing else, allows for the rest of us to live vicariously through his/her efforts.    While combing our Corporate channels earlier today, I came across such an individual: Bat origami courtesy of @ southwestair "Spirit" magazine. Nice time killer for the SAT/LUV leg. twitter.com/SAWatcherTX/st… — Michael Nicolaou (@SAWatcherTX) August 2, 2012 What form! What precision! What symmetry! Michael, I noticed you were bashful about our retweet earlier today, but know this... you give all of us incompetent folders a reason to press on.  And for that, Sir, I thank you.   ... View more

What do you do after the ice cream is gone?  Stew about it.  Our friends at Dish Trip bestowed brain freeze upon unsuspecting customers at Glace in Kansas City, providing free ice cream for them.  This patriotic Stew also highlights the Boot Campaign and Honor Flight.  Longhorns fans will dig our latest sponsorship announcement.  Finally, we touched upon a really great effort out of El Paso.    ... View more

DALLAS—July 26, 2012—Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced executive changes at the Company. Teresa Laraba, most recently Southwest’s Senior Vice President of Customer Services, has been named the airline’s Senior Vice President of Customers. In this new role, Laraba will continue to provide senior Leadership for three departments: Customer Support & Services, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, and Customer Services. Laraba also will ensure that the airline's many Customer-focused activities are coordinated and aligned to one vision for how it continues to better meet its Customers’ current and future needs. Laraba began her Southwest career in El Paso in May 1984 and has held numerous positions at the Company, including Director of Field Employment, Senior Director of Ground Operations Training and Airport Solutions, and Vice President Ground Operations. Laraba will continue reporting to Southwest’s Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and AirTran Airways President, Bob Jordan. Jack Smith, most recently Southwest's Vice President of Ground Operations/AirTran, has been named the airline's Vice President of Customer Support & Services. Customer Support & Services, formerly known as Reservations, provides travel information and assistance to Southwest’s Customers and Employees. In his new role, Smith will lead more than 4,000 Customer Support & Services Employees. An industry veteran of more than 30 years, Smith joined AirTran in April 2002 and became a Southwest Employee in March 2012. During his career, Smith has gained experience overseeing various airline functions like Ground Operations, Inflight, Cargo, Reservations, and Customer Relations.  Smith will report to Laraba. Both changes are effective immediately. For photos and bios, visit www.swamedia.com. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. In its 41st year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service.  Along with wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, the Company now serves 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, six near-international countries, and employs more than 46,000 People. Visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™ and see how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen while underscoring a commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines, one of the most honored airlines in the world, is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded.  Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and serves the communities around 74 airports in Southwest’s network of domestic destinations.  To book a flight, visit southwest.com. Media Please Contact:  Public Relations at 214/792-4847 ... View more

Disco balls, scantily clad women; you will find neither of these in the SWA Stewdio 54.  What you will find is: schedule openings, Honor Flights, my Valentine's Date in Chicago, more schedule openings, On The Fly, Mat Kearney, Live at the Vineyard, Dish Trip, and ice cream.  And although she does fine work, Taylor is not my secretary.     ... View more

This week, we're talking about defending the sea in the shape of a shark, Liberty the 21-year-old male bald eagle, our new AUS - DCA service, booking travel through early February only on southwest.com, and a cameo from SeaWorld's Pete & Penny Penguin!   ... View more

I've never seen an American bald eagle in person.  When Southwest was called with the opportunity to carry our national bird from St. Louis to Kansas City's Independence Day celebration, it was almost as if I said 'yes' purely for personal reasons.      The beautiful bird, Liberty, made that voyage last night.  Flying Southwest has its perks, even for animals. Liberty sat in the cabin with the passengers for the first time, instead of underneath the wings in cargo.  A blanket covered the 21-year-old bald eagle's crate, and he was a perfect gentleman the whole flight. Upon arrival in Kansas City, Liberty's handler, Teri Graves, took the bird out to stretch his legs and meet some Passengers.  Dozens gathered to take pictures.  The fanfare was appropriate for such a national symbol.     Things haven't always been easy for Liberty.  Twice, the World Bird Sanctuary has come to his rescue; the second time under more unfortunate circumstances.  Liberty was injured in separate accidents involving cars, and the second time he sustained permanant eye and wing damage.  Liberty is now an education bird, and has toured the country; far further than he ever would've gone on his own.   And last night, we spread our wings to help Liberty soar once again.   (Please enjoy the video shot and beautifully edited by Michael Nutting)   ... View more

I know how your morning went down.  Your synchronized yawn-and-stretch routine happened as it always does.  You almost tripped on a Tonka truck on your way to the bathroom.  You groggily stumbled down the stairs to prepare for your weekly battle with Monday.  Your morning cup finished brewing, you settled in, and you checked to see what was new on Nuts About Southwest.   You spit out your coffee.  What is THIS?! Yep, the blog elves (my affectionate descriptor for our awesome friends at RD2) worked diligently through the night to deliver to you our next refresh to Nuts About Southwest.  I now get to reap all the benefits, and also tell you what's what with the new changes.   LUV Mail:   Looking to submit LUV Mail?  Use our Southwest Airlines Feedback Form!   LUV Mail will be displayed on the main page, and on the LUV Mail tab.  A LUV Mail entry looks like this:   As you can see, you can now share posts with your Google+ network, if you have an account on that platform.  The last significant piece of LUV Mail features the SWA Star of the Month:   Melissa is tops, and she'll be featured through the month of July.   The rest of the blog's changes are mostly cosmetic.  You avid Nuts fans will notice you can now simply scroll down and auto-populate new content and comments, instead of having to click to new pages.   Featured Comments:   It is now possible to "LUV" a comment.  With enough "LUV Its," a comment will be displayed as a "Featured Comment":     More Ways to Go Nuts:   We're always looking for FUN new ways to connect with our great Customers, and we've added a few places for you to interact with us.  Pinterest, Foodspotting, and Instagram are the new additions.   Facebook Connect: We recommend connecting your profile with Facebook, in order to more seamlessly enter contests, and earn awesome badges based on how you're interacting with Nuts About Southwest.   Again, these improvements couldn't have happened without our good buddies at RD2.  If you're confused about any of these changes, or think something isn't working how it's supposed to, please let us know in the comments!   Blog on!   ... View more

One year of SWA Stews.  Can you believe it?  Neither can I.  This week, we're talkin' about Olympians, the Baker family's twin miracle, On The Fly, Julia Jones (the Culinary Queen of Pinterest) and our #BakedWithLUV contest, #PAWSUP, and last but not least, lending our voice to #StopBullying.     ... View more

Southwest Airlines in El Paso is like a five-star bed and breakfast you stumble upon during a daunting road trip.  It's welcoming from the outside, but you don't fully realize its hospitality until you're fullly immersed, and properly settled in.  El Paso was the first city I ever visited as a Southwest Employee.  I don't know who made the call for my first dose of Southwest Culture to be introduced to Bob Jacquemotte and his Team; perhaps it was happenstance.    Whatever the reason; whoever its executor; it was the right call.  El Paso is a force, and it's guys like Bob who make it so.  Bob has a wealth of knowledge, and I quickly became rich myself, after asking him a little about the Station's history.  El Paso is heralded as Southwest's "Original Gateway to the West Coast," having been one of the first cities to break the intrastate stigma.   There's a camaraderie in El Paso that embodies the Warrior Spirit, Servant's Heart, and Fun-LUVing attitude.  Even as I type this post, while the celebration is still going strong, I have caught several conversations between Coworkers, Customers, and guests.  An Ops Agent asking a Ramp Agent if they have enough water below-wing; People taking care of one another. Speaking of the celebration, the City of El Paso was out in full force to support Southwest on this historic day.  Former Head of the Transportation Committee for the El Paso Chamber of Commerce, Tom Diamond, was presented with a model aircraft for his role in bringing Southwest to El Paso.  He emphatically described today's honor as a "crowning achievement" in his life. Employees here are proud of El Paso, and it's clear to me their generosity knows no bounds. It's their Community, after all.  Station Administrator Sally Ortega was recognized with a Congressional Recognition for donating two tickets to a family in need due to a medical emergency.  Sally won those two tickets at a holiday party. Southwest Employee Colleen Dean was also surprised by SVP Customer Service Teresa Laraba, with a $2,500 prize, as part of our Kick Tail Program.  When I told Teresa who had won, just before the announcement, her eyes lit up. SVP Customer Services Teresa Laraba (left), ELP Ops Agent Colleen Deane, and VP Marketing, Distribution, and Sales Kevin Krone Bob and his Team personify what it is to Live the Southwest Way.  Thanks, El Paso, for letting me hitch up to your 35th Anniversary bandwagon.  You really made my day. Here are more pictures from today's event: Amigo Man helps present the 35th Anniversary Cake with Culture Ambassadors Demicia Braden & Davern Sandoval Culture Committee Members help Customers laminate bag tags A vintage look at El Paso's former Provisioning Building (the site of the Employee celebration) ... View more

The aircraft door very rarely reopens. I’ve had it happen both in my favor and to my detriment.   As for the latter, I can recall flying through security with worry written on my face, and nary a care for the baggage in tow.  I was greeted by a sealed door; I knew my fate, too, had been sealed.  Not happening.  Not this time. I was more fortunate on the other occasion.  I raced onto the plane in the nick of time, the door chasing my heels.  The entire plane applauded the fact that I’d made my connection, enabled by a pretty hysterical Flight Crew. During tonight’s new episode of On the Fly, a few different Passengers are faced with the same scenario: getting to the gate too late.  It’s a really unfortunate situation, and I don’t think there’s a single Employee who wants to tell a Passenger that the door’s not going to open back up.   It rarely does.  …until the next plane makes its way into the gate.   There’s almost always a next plane.   (And there's always trivia!  Find this week's below). ... View more

So we love to joke around on the Stew.  We make fun of each other WITH each other. Not at each other.  Bullying sucks.  It's not cool, and it can happen to anyone.  Even though it shouldn't.  Ever.  You may have heard of Karen Klein, whose bullying story has swept the nation.  We're not replaying the video associated with her story.  Enough people have seen it already.  I'm so proud of everyone who has rallied to give Karen a nice, long vacation.  We pitched in because it was the right thing to do. I'll skip the details.  Google them if you want.  We were happy to help. We're not happy it happened.  If you're being bullied, don't be afraid to speak up.  If Karen's situation is any indication, there's an army of people ready to help you, and sometimes all it takes is a hashtag. So #StopBullying. Let's all strive to make life a little easier for each other, huh?    ... View more

I never knew hair could gain celebrity status, but even half-way through Season One of On The Fly, I still see tweets about Ingrid's 'do. You know you work for a quality Company when somebody's hair becomes the focal point of conversation, week after week. Ingrid's Coworkers are also keeping tabs on her constantly-changing hair.  In this picture are her many hairstyles, as documented by one Employee.  My favorite is on the bottom right (I mean, really?).    In tonight's episode of On The Fly, we return to Ft. Lauderdale.  Shout out to Nuts About Southwest Blog Team Member Ally Harrington, who deftly navigates one tough Customer. And of course, Tennina proves again why I think the world of her.    But the capstone of this episode might be a giant stuffed animal. What's the craziest item you've ever checked?  Let us know, in the comments section.    Enjoy tonight's episodes, and here's your weekly trivia:     ... View more

In this milestone 50th SWA Stew, we discuss Southwest's birthday, Rufus Wainwright and Live From the Artists Den, Joey the Two-Legged Chihuahua, the ATX Television Festival Party Plane, the Tuskegee Airmen, Pinterest, and my awesome wardrobe: business on the top, party on the bottom.    ... View more

One of tonight's episodes of TLC's On The Fly tells a really heartwrenching story.  If you've seen the previews, you see a man collapse, captured on surveillance video.  One of our Employees then leaps into action to do what he can to save the man's life.    It's not the first time a Southwest Employee has had to put his/her training to the test, due to unforeseen circumstances.  In San Francisco, one Employee saved another's life, when Ramp Agent Douglas Wong collapsed while loading bags.  It's a story we've told in this space, but it's worth sharing again, in light of tonight's episode.  And it's one of many stories of heroism at Southwest, and one of the many reasons I have so much pride for this Company.    If you haven't seen this video, enjoy one really amazing story, put together by Stephen M. Keller.  This week's trivia is located directly below the video!   ... View more