Southwest Airlines Community

Bush to Open More Air Space for Holiday Flights Yesterday, President Bush said his administration is taking steps to prevent significant flight delays and reduce air traffic congestion during the busy holiday season.  The plan includes temporarily opening up for commercial airliners the airspace typically dedicated to the military.  In addition to the two Eastern corridors opened during Thanksgiving last year, extra flight lanes will be added in the Midwest, Southwest, and West this year. The military uses the space for exercises, but often makes some available to commercial planes on an ad hoc basis. This move would allow airlines to count on the extra room in the skies, particularly helpful if bad weather materializes. ... View more

Southwest Airlines Announces New Dining Program for Rapid Rewards Members   Rapid Rewards Members will receive extra credit in their Rapid Rewards account while enjoying dinner in a network of more than 9,000 restaurants in the United States and Canada. Southwest Airlines Customers now have even more reasons to eat out. The airline announced today Rapid Rewards Dining(TM) -- a new dining program for their Rapid Rewards Members that allows them the ability to earn Rapid Rewards credits when dining at more than 9,000 restaurants, bars, and clubs across the United States and Canada. Registering to become a Rapid Rewards Dining Member is easy. Just visit http:/ /www.rapidrewardsdining.com or call 1-800-771-7579, 9 am to 10 pm ET, Monday - Friday. With this free program, Dining members can register up to five (5) major credit and/or debit cards to track all their purchases. Dining Members will receive a quarter credit (0.25) after the first $25 spent as an enrollment bonus, and then a quarter credit (0.25) for every $100 spent at participating merchants thereafter. "We are extremely pleased to bring this service to all of our Rapid Rewards Members," said Ryan Green, Southwest Airlines Director of Customer Loyalty. " With this program, our Members can accumulate Rapid Rewards credits as they go about their daily lives. They just have to register their regular credit/debit card -- and of course, there are no fees to join!" This program was made possible thanks to an alliance with Rewards Network, a leader in frequent dining programs in North America. "Rewards Network is excited to be a Preferred Partner of Southwest Airlines and to participate in the Rapid Rewards program by offering Rapid Rewards Dining," said Ron Blake, Rewards Network President and CEO. "Members love the opportunity to earn travel awards when dining at any of thousands of fast casual, family friendly, business, and fine dining restaurants. And our merchants are excited about the opportunity to reach Southwest Airlines' Customers through our participation in Rapid Rewards Dining." After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers -- offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com About Rewards Network Rewards Network (Nasdaq: DINE), headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, operates the leading frequent dining programs in North America. Thousands of participating restaurants and other merchants benefit from the Company's extensive email, internet and print marketing efforts; member ratings, feedback and reporting; and access to capital. In conjunction with leading airline frequent flyer programs and other affinity organizations, Rewards Network provides millions of members with incentives to dine at participating restaurants, including airline miles and credits, college savings rewards, reward program points, and Cashback Rewards(SM) savings. Additional details about Rewards Network can be found at http://www.rewardsnetwork.com or by calling 1-877-491-3463. http://www.southwest.com ... View more

Super Low Fares Available for Short Time! 'Tis the season for low fares at Southwest Airlines! Southwest Airlines is once again offering Customers fares as low as $49 one-way for travel this holiday season. "We hope these low fares enable folks to be able to travel to see friends or family this holiday season and have money in their pockets once they arrive," said Dave Ridley, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Marketing and Revenue Management. "But act fast -- they won't be around for long!" Southwest's super low fares are available for purchase through Nov. 20, 2008, only. Visit http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNGENR000000080808 to book these winter fares. Examples of the fares are listed below: --  $49 one-way between Phoenix and San Diego.    --  $69 one-way between Las Vegas and Oakland.    --  $79 one-way between Oklahoma City and St. Louis.    --  $89 one-way between Detroit and Orlando. FARE RULES Southwest Airlines sale fares are available today through Nov. 20, 2008, and travel must take place between Dec. 9, 2008, and Feb. 28, 2009. Fares are only available on http://www.southwest.com. Lowest fares are available Mondays through Thursdays, and Saturdays with higher sale fares available on Fridays and Sundays. Fares are available one-way. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Any change in the itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.50 per takeoff and landing. Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges ( PFC) of up to $9.00 and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $5.00. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but (except for tickets purchased through our Group Tickets program), if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines. Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only. Travel to/from New Orleans, Orange County, Salt Lake City, or Washington, D.C. (Dulles) , not included in this sale. Southwest is the only U.S. airline to remain consistently profitable this decade, and enjoys an unprecedented string of 35 consecutive years of profitability. Southwest has among the lowest cost structure, a strong balance sheet, and the most productive Employees of any major U.S. airline. At Southwest Airlines, fees don't fly with us. You can check your first two bags for free ( size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees, no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary! After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines -- offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience. Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) , the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide. http://www.southwest.com   ... View more

ATA Expects Full Planes Over Thanksgiving Holiday The Air Transport Association of America (ATA), the industry trade association for the leading U.S. airlines, expects full planes during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday season. The three busiest travel days surrounding Thanksgiving Day are expected to be Sunday, Nov. 30, Monday, Dec. 1, and Wednesday, Nov. 26, respectively. On these days, ATA projects that planes will be close to 90 percent full. “Despite the expected (ten percent) decline in passengers this Thanksgiving holiday travel season—the first such decline in seven years—Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel time of the year for airlines,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “And make no mistake—the airports will be busy and many flights will be 100 percent full.” ATA is hoping that the government will once again open up military airspace to help further ease congestion. ATA encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with the latest TSA 3-1-1 security program rules at www.tsa.gov. ... View more

Southwest Helps Kidd’s Kids As the official airline of Kidd’s Kids charity, Southwest partners with nationally syndicated radio station KHKS 106.1 and host Kidd Kraddick to send more than 40 families with terminally and chronically ill children to Walt Disney World every year. The trip allows these very deserving children to get away from their daily stresses and enjoy a fun family vacation. This year’s trip took off from Love Field last week, and the families flew to Orlando in style aboard one of our LUV jets donning a special Kidd’s Kids logo. Before taking off, Southwest hosted a send off party for everyone going on the trip.  A few weeks ago, Southwest Employees assisted the charity by manning a telethon for donations. To learn more or make an online donation, visit http://kiddskids.com/get-involved.html. What a perfect partnership for the airline with a heart! ... View more

Southwest Airlines offers Thanksgiving fares for a short time Book by November 29 for travel November 22, 2008 - December 2, 2008. Only 3-day advance purchase! Additional taxes, fees, and exclusions apply. See complete details at: http://www.southwest.com/hotfares/hotfares_air.html?src=e111608 ... View more

Southwest Announces Partnership with Center for Citizen Leadership At the St. Louis Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Southwest announced our partnership with the Center for Citizen Leadership. Southwest is endowing Fellowships in honor of two Southwest Employees who gave their lives in the current war—Finance Employee and Sergeant Charles B. Kitowski III, U.S. Army, and MCI Provisioning Agent and Sergeant First Class Michael T. Fuga, Army National Guard.  The Mission Continues Fellowship program encourages Veterans to carry on their mission of service as they return to their communities by spending time at a service organization in a capacity that matches their skill set.     ... View more

  SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TO OFFER MEXICO SERVICE VIA AGREEMENT WITH MEXICAN CARRIER VOLARIS; SERVICE SCHEDULED FOR 2010   Southwest Airlines and Volaris Take First Step Toward Codeshare Partnership, Opening New Gateways Between the United States and Mexico   Southwest Airlines today announced its intention to build a codeshare partnership with Mexican carrier Volaris. The two airlines have completed the first step in creating a relationship that will eventually allow the carriers to offer Customers a seamless travel experience to a wide array of destinations. This initial agreement puts the two airlines on a path toward bringing more low fares and a better Customer experience across the U.S./Mexican border. The airlines plan to announce codeshare flight schedules and additional features regarding the partnership by early 2010. Certain details of the codeshare and elements of the partnership are subject to approvals by both the U.S. and Mexican governments.  To view a blog post on the announcement, visit: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/viva-mexico.  “We are continuing to look for ways to expand our network through international codeshare partnerships, and we are excited to team up with Volaris to offer our Customers access to attractive Mexican destinations,” said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning Bob Jordan. “Volaris has a stellar reputation for being a highly efficient airline with a dedication to Customer Service, which makes it a natural fit for Southwest Airlines.”    Volaris was founded in 2006 and currently serves 39 routes in 23 cities throughout Mexico. Volaris is known for competitive pricing and an end-to-end operations model that has earned the airline the reputation for being Mexico’s most ontime carrier. Volaris operates a modern fleet of 18 Airbus A319 and an A320 aircraft with an average age of 2.17 years. “Our international expansion will happen with the best possible partner for a carrier of our characteristics - that is Southwest Airlines. We are certain that the codeshare will allow business, leisure, and visiting friends and family traffic to increase on both sides of the border,” said Volaris Chief Executive Officer Enrique Beltranena. The airlines are not ready to announce routes, schedules, or fares at this point, but the agreement will eventually allow each carrier to check both Customers and baggage to a passenger’s final destination. The codeshare partnership is intended to provide convenient, viable connecting schedules. In addition, southwest.com will become a distribution channel for Volaris’ existing Mexican and future transborder flights in the Spring of 2009, providing Customers the opportunity to purchase flights on Volaris’ existing flights via southwest.com (this option will be available for existing Volaris flights before actual connecting codeshare flights are available for purchase). Other areas of possible cooperation include frequent flier options, ground handling, and cargo.  “We recently announced our decision to enter the international market with Canadian carrier WestJet, and we will continue to work diligently to broaden our international codeshare service even further,” Jordan said.    About Southwest Airlines After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide.   About Volaris Volaris is a Mexican high-efficiency airline aimed at offering customers a unique travel experience – starting with the easy ticket purchasing process right through the onboard entertainment services. With an A320 and 18 A319 aircrafts, Volaris has the youngest and most modern fleet in Mexico reaching 23 different destinations across the country. Volaris started operations March 2006 guaranteeing travelers comfort, reliability, and on-time performance. More than 1,500 employees make up the Volaris family and bring to life the airline’s commitment to good service and single-class treatment: the Human Class. Additionally, Volaris has earned exceptionally high marks for Customer Service and punctuality through a commonly used Net Promoter Score.    This news release contains forward-looking statements related to Southwest’s intention to offer international service through an alliance with Volaris. Specific statements relate to the anticipated impact of such alliance on Southwest’s routes, fares, and Customer experience. These forward-looking statements are based on Southwest’s current intent, beliefs, and expectations and are not guarantees of future results. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the companies’ ability to negotiate mutually agreeable codeshare terms and their receipt of necessary governmental approvals, (ii) consumer interest in, and demand for, the combined offering; (iii) the impact of competitive offerings; and (iv) economic and related uncertainties that could impact the ability of the two companies to fully implement all of the initiatives currently contemplated by their alliance.   Southwest Airlines Media Contact: 214/792-4847             Volaris Media Contact:   relaciones.publicas@volaris.com.mx     www.southwest.com   ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ADDS NEW FLIGHTS AND PUTS DENVER FARES ON SALE! Carrier Opens New Spring Schedule and Offers Denver Fall Fare Sale DALLAS – Nov. 6, 2008 –Southwest Airlines is offering Customers a reason to kick spring planning into high gear!  The airline opened its spring flight schedule which includes new flights. By paring 39 existing roundtrip flights from its current flight schedule, Southwest is able to add 70 new roundtrip flights in cities such as Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago Midway, and Baltimore/Washington.  Southwest’s schedule is now available for purchase through May 8, 2009. • To view a complete chart of the schedule changes in each city, click here: http://southwest.com/swamedia/Flight_Changes_Chart_081106.pdf • For the inside scoop on the airline’s schedule changes, click: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/ding-march-and-minneapolisst-paul-now-sale to view a blog post from Southwest Airlines Lead Planner Bill Owen. “We are constantly looking at our schedule to see where we can cut unproductive flights in order to add new flights in markets with high Customer demand,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution.  “Southwest is the only airline out there not surprising Customers with hidden fees. As a result, travelers are filling up our planes giving us the chance to offer more flights.”    Several markets will be gaining nonstop service, including: BEGINNING MARCH 8, 2009: • Eight new daily nonstop roundtrips between Chicago Midway and Minneapolis-St Paul.  • One new daily nonstop roundtrip between Birmingham and Phoenix.  • One additional daily nonstop roundtrip between Las Vegas and Orlando (for a total of two). • One additional daily nonstop roundtrip between Baltimore/Washington and Denver (for a total of four daily nonstops). • One additional daily nonstop roundtrip between Baltimore/Washington and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood (for a total of five daily nonstops). • One additional daily nonstop roundtrip between Chicago Midway and Omaha (for a total of six daily nonstops). • One additional daily nonstop roundtrip between Chicago Midway and Pittsburgh (for a total of six daily nonstops). To celebrate Southwest’s entry into the Minneapolis-St. Paul market, the airline is offering a $69 one-way advance purchase fare between Chicago Midway and Minneapolis-St. Paul. These 21-day advance purchase fares are available for purchase today at http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNGENR000000080808 for travel beginning on March 8, 2009, through the end of the current schedule.  Additionally, Southwest launched a Denver fare sale today with low fares to key cities such as Phoenix and Los Angeles.  Other great deals include: • $49 one-way between Denver and Albuquerque, Omaha, and Amarillo. • $69 one-way between Denver and Las Vegas. • $79 one-way between Denver and Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Oakland. Visit http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNGENR000000080808 for a fare sale details. FARE RULES The $69 fare between Chicago Midway and Minneapolis-St. Paul is available for purchase today for travel beginning March 8, 2009 through the end of the schedule, currently May 8, 2009.  Fares are one-way and do not require an overnight stay. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of up to $3.60 per takeoff and landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $4.50 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 one-way.  Fares are subject to change until ticketed.  Tickets are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk.   Southwest Airlines Denver sale fares must be purchased by Nov. 27, 2008, and travel must take place between Nov. 27, 2008, and March 6, 2009. Fares are valid only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday.  These fares have the following black out dates:  Nov. 25, 2008 through Dec. 2, 2008 and Dec. 18, 2008 through Jan. 4, 2009. These one-way sale fares do not require an overnight stay. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.50 per takeoff and landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of $4.50 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 one-way.  Fares are subject to change until ticketed.  Tickets are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk.   Southwest is the only U.S. airline to remain consistently profitable this decade, and enjoys an unprecedented string of 35 consecutive years of profitability.  Southwest has among the lowest cost structure, a strong balance sheet, and the most productive Employees of any major U.S. airline.  At Southwest Airlines, fees don’t fly with us.  You can check your first two bags for free (size and weight limits apply), there are no change fees, no fees for a window or aisle seat, and, as always, snacks, sodas, and smiles are all complimentary! After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to differentiate itself from other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.  Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide. Southwest Airlines Media Contact: 214/792-4847 www.southwest.com ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ANNOUNCES FARES AND FLIGHTS TO/FROM MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL Carrier Will Operate Eight Daily Nonstop Flights to Chicago Midway beginning in March 2009 DALLAS—Nov. 6, 2008—Southwest Airlines today announced the carrier’s low fares and flight schedule from Minneapolis-St. Paul beginning on March 8, 2009.  During a media conference at the landmark Mall of America, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President of Corporate Services Ron Ricks announced that the airline will begin service with eight daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway with 21-day advanced purchase fares as low as $69 one-way.  To view a complete list of Southwest’s flights from MSP, visit: http://www.southwest.com/?src=PRPRPRNGENR000000080808 "Southwest Airlines is famous for increasing traffic and decreasing fares when we enter a market, and it already appears that ‘the Southwest Effect’ is alive and well in Minneapolis-St. Paul,” Ricks said.  “The people of Minnesota have been asking for Southwest Airlines service for many years, and we can’t wait to introduce them to our legendary Customer Service, as well as our low fares, ontime flights, and no hidden fees.”  In addition to the eight daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway, Southwest Airlines will offer direct or connecting service to more than 30 destinations, including: Las Vegas, Denver, Los Angeles, Houston, and Baltimore/Washington, just to name a few.  Southwest Airlines will operate from Gate 7 in the Humphrey Terminal and will have about 35 full-time Employees.    "For over a decade we've worked diligently to attract Southwest Airlines to the Minneapolis - St. Paul Airport," said Metropolitan Airport Commission Chairman Jack Lanners. "Southwest's new service beginning March, 2009 will provide Minnesotan's a low-cost alternative accessing the Southwest Airlines route system.  For many years there has been a strong interest in having Southwest Airlines serve our community.  Our airport's low-cost operating structure is one factor that helped make it possible for Southwest to enter the Minnesota market.  We look forward to a successful partnership with Southwest Airlines providing new low-cost air service meeting our travel needs." To view a blog post on this news, visit:  http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-is-coming-town and http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/ding-march-and-minneapolisst-paul-now-sale After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation’s leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service with no hidden fees.  Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient.  Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states.  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide. Fare Rules The $69 fare between Chicago Midway and Minneapolis-St. Paul is available for purchase today through the end of the schedule, currently May 8, 2009.  Fares are one-way and do not require an overnight stay. All tickets must be purchased 21-days in advance. When combining fares, all ticketing restrictions apply. Seats are limited. Fares may vary by day of travel and will not be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of up to $3.60 per takeoff and landing.  Fares do not include airport-assessed passenger facility charges (PFC) of up to $4.50 one-way and U.S. government-imposed September 11th Security Fees of $2.50 one-way.  Fares are subject to change until ticketed.  Tickets are nonrefundable but, if unused, may be applied toward the purchase of future travel on Southwest Airlines.  Fares are valid on Southwest-operated published, scheduled service only and are not available through the Group Desk.   Southwest Airlines Media Contact: 214/792-4847 www.southwest.com ... View more

[asset|aid=286|format=post_large_image|formatter=imagecache|title=Judges_9633.jpg|align=none|height=100|width=100] Big thanks to Brett Snyder aka “the Cranky Flier” of CrankyFlier.com , Holly Hegeman of PlaneBuzz.com and PlaneBusiness.com ,  Grant Martin of Gadling.com , and Ellen Wernecke of Jaunted.com , for spending Halloween with us here at our Dallas Headquarters and serving as our Celebrity Halloween Judges.  It was a long day - as Holly noted in her weekly newsletter, we walked a total of 4.3 miles (information provided by SWA Communicator, Millie Richter, who tracked our moves with her pedometer) from department to department judging performances, haunted houses, and walkthroughs. Nevertheless, I think everyone had a good time and was blown away by our devotion to the celebration.  You can read their thoughts by visiting the links below: Three Things I Learned at Southwest’s Halloween Contest http://crankyflier.com/2008/10/31/three-things-i-learned-at-southwests-halloween-contest/ Southwest celebrates Halloween with a bang http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/03/southwest-celebrates-halloween-with-a-bang/ Halloween at Southwest:  So Much Fun It's Scary http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/11/3/11433/1033/travel/So+Much+Fun+It%27s+Scary Judging Southwest’s Halloween http://crankyflier.com/2008/11/03/judging-southwests-halloween/ Gary Kelly Plays "Sharp Dressed Man” http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/11/2/235844/931/travel/Gary+Kelly+Plays+%22Sharp+Dressed+Man%22 Where the Hell I’ve Been http://www.planebuzz.com/2008/11/where_the_hell_ive_been.html The airlines celebrate Halloween http://www.gadling.com/2008/11/02/the-airlines-celebrate-halloween/ A Close Reading Of Gary Kelly’s Costume Pick http://www.jaunted.com/story/2008/10/31/9447/7525/travel/A+Close+Reading+Of+Gary+Kelly%27s+Costume+Pick Gadling Infiltrates Southwest Airlines http://www.gadling.com/2008/10/31/gadling-infiltrates-southwest/ Cranky’s Halloween Photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/crankyflier/sets/72157608607295609/  ... View more

  We are currently accepting air reservations through March 6, 2009. On November 6, we plan to open the schedule for purchase through May 8, 2009. (This date is subject to change.) For great deals, visit: http://www.southwest.com/hotfares/hotfares2.html?src=e110408.   ... View more

Southwest Airlines Reports October Traffic   DALLAS, Nov. 4 -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.2 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in October 2008, compared to 6.0 billion RPMs flown in October 2007. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 2.9 percent to 8.8 billion from the October 2007 level of 8.6 billion. The load factor for the month was 70.4 percent, compared to 70.5 percent for October 2007. For the ten months ended October 31, 2008, Southwest flew 62.4 billion RPMs, compared to 60.8 billion RPMs for the same period in 2007. Available seat miles increased 4.4 percent to 86.6 billion from the 2007 level of 82.9 billion. The year-to-date load factor was 72.1 percent, compared to 73.4 percent for the same period last year. This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at http://www.southwest.com/?src=INVRINVOCTR000000081104.                               SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.                   PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE TRAFFIC STATISTICS                                                        OCTOBER                                             2008         2007          CHANGE     Revenue passengers carried           7,485,486     7,458,021         0.4%     Enplaned passengers                  8,562,483     8,524,011         0.5%     Revenue passenger miles (000)        6,207,500     6,034,221         2.9%     Available seat miles (000)           8,812,152     8,565,012         2.9%     Load factor                              70.4%         70.5%   (0.1) pts.     Average length of haul                     829           809         2.5%     Trips flown                            101,224        99,781         1.4%                                                        YEAR-TO-DATE                                            2008          2007           CHANGE     Revenue passengers carried          75,226,662    74,414,339         1.1%     Enplaned passengers                 86,508,236    85,559,121         1.1%     Revenue passenger miles (000)       62,434,010    60,847,751         2.6%     Available seat miles (000)          86,627,709    82,942,020         4.4%     Load factor                              72.1%         73.4%   (1.3) pts.     Average length of haul                     830           818         1.5%     Trips flown                            999,983       965,110         3.6% SOURCE  Southwest Airlines Co.     ... View more

TICKETS TO SOLD OUT  DE LA HOYA FIGHT AVAILABLE TO SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CUSTOMERS Southwest Airlines offers special travel package and tickets to the De la Hoya fight for a limited time Dallas – Oct. 29, 2008 – For a limited time only, Southwest Airlines’ Customers can purchase tickets to the sold out “Dream Match” fight of Oscar de la Hoya v Manny Pacquiao, when buying a special vacation travel package to Las Vegas.  “Southwest Airlines is proud to be a sponsor of this great event, where two of the best contenders come together for an exciting night of boxing,” said Laura Lopez, assistant manager of segment marketing for Southwest Airlines. “This is another example of first class service to our Customers. No other airline can provide such an exclusive offer and the best seats in the house to see the Golden Boy in this sold out fight.” When Southwest Airlines’ Customers buy a Las Vegas vacation package on www.southwestvacations.com/specials/detail.asp?xmlfile=FS0337 they can book flights and hotel accommodations for two or more nights, and have the option to buy these limited access tickets with the special promotions code OSCAR500 or OSCAR750.   This knockout offer is not available forever and seating is limited, so Customers must reserve their travel packages by November 15, 2008 and travel by December 6, 2008.  Five-day advance purchase is required. Seats are limited. Other restrictions apply. Southwest Airlines believes that a great vacation is just a click away.  With our exclusive no hidden fees policy, our Customers will not turn to their wallets to pay for the first and second registered bag.  No fees for changes in traveling or snacks.  With this offer, you can get great seats on the plane and at the fight!! After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience.  Southwest offers a very comfortable ride with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all Boeing 737 fleet.  Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide.   www.southwest.com ... View more

To say Halloween is a pretty big deal here at Southwest Airlines doesn’t really paint an accurate picture.  It goes way beyond mere costumes and decorations.  For one day out of the year, our headquarters essentially becomes an amusement park, filled with haunted houses, rides, and Broadway-style shows. Departments plan for months and compete for the honors of best skit, scariest walk-through, and best family friendly attraction.   Two years ago, our Finance Department turned the second floor of our building into the Pirates of Caribbean ride, complete with rolling canoes, fog, and singing pirates – I swear, it was just like being at Disneyland. And, legend has it that a department even covered their entire floor with real grass one year.  Of course, our Employees eagerly await the reveal of our CEO Gary Kelly’s costume, who has dazzled in the past with his shockingly realistic renditions of Kiss’s Gene Simmons and Hairspray’s Edna Turnblad. The whole spectacle is one of those things that you would have to see to believe, so each year we invite a few guests to peek behind the curtain and serve as our “Celebrity Judges.” While Actor Luke Wilson is always a popular candidate for the job, this year, we’ve gone with a blog theme, and invited some of our favorite aviation bloggers to do the honors.  Joining us this year will be: • Brett Snyder aka “the Cranky Flier” of CrankyFlier.com • Holly Hegeman of PlaneBuzz.com and PlaneBusiness.com • Grant Martin of Gadling.com • Ellen Wernecke of Jaunted.com Visit the site tomorrow morning to be among the first to see our CEO’s costume this year.  And, if you live in Dallas, join me, the Cranky Flier, and some of my Southwest family tonight at Club Schmitz near Love Field.  We’ll be there at 5:30p, for burgers, beer, and blog talk.  Apparently, Cranky will be the one wearing the white Alitalia t-shirt! ... View more

Travelers Talk Back - SmarterTravel Reveals Results of Readers' Choice Awards From Southwest to US Airways, Travelers' Favorites - and Least Favorites -Revealed BOSTON, Oct. 27 -- After soliciting feedback from almost 10,000 travelers, SmarterTravel today announced the results of its Readers' Choice Awards. The awards honor the top American and international airlines for their commitment to providing travelers with quality service, on-time departures and ease of travel. Categories include: Best Overall Value, Best Airfare Prices, Best In-Seat Comfort, Most Reliable On-Time Service, Best Rates & Availability and Best Frequent Flyer Program. The Readers' Choice Awards also recognize the airlines that leave much to be desired in air travel, awarding the Least Favorite Airline and Dirtiest Airline Cabin, as well as the Least Favorite Airport. "Air travel has gotten a lot more difficult and expensive in the past year. Our awards aim to give credit to the airlines that really do put the consumer first," said Anne Banas, executive editor, SmarterTravel. "We hope that our awards will set a benchmark for how travelers truly feel about the airline industry, and that this will help to return air travel to the fun and comfortable experience it has been in the past."     Select 2008 winners:       Best Overall Value     -- Southwest Airlines       Best Customer Service     -- Southwest Airlines       Dirtiest Airline Cabin     -- US Airways       Best In-Seat Comfort     -- Jetblue Airways       Least Favorite Airline     -- US Airways   In addition to rating the airlines, SmarterTravel readers were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on their recent air travel experiences and share thoughts on their favorites. Other airlines were also mentioned as a favorite, but many travelers noted that no single airline truly stood out, highlighting the issues within the air industry. A few other noteworthy responses: Traditional airlines led the pack for the Least Favorite category, although many write-in responses noted all airlines were the least favorite. Southwest's frequent flyer program received top marks, but many readers noted they do not use the programs anymore, as airlines make it more difficult for travelers to redeem miles for tickets. In regards to airlines being on time, one respondent summed it up simply with, "You're kidding, right?" For the complete list of winners and categories in the 2008 Readers' Choice Awards, visit http://www.smartertravel.com/special-reports/ReadersChoice/. About SmarterTravel SmarterTravel provides independent advice and analysis that helps travelers find the best deals and get the most value from their trips. SmarterTravel has an unbiased team of travel experts who analyze travel trends and offer money-saving strategies and travel tips. For more information and travel advice, visit http://www.smartertravel.com. SmarterTravel is a division of Smarter Travel Media LLC. Smarter Travel Media operates AirfareWatchdog.com(TM), BookingBuddy (R), FrequentFlier.com and SmarterTravel, including sites in the U.K. and India. Airfarewatchdog, BookingBuddy and SmarterTravel are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Smarter Travel Media LLC in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners. SOURCE  SmarterTravel     -0-                             10/27/2008     /CONTACT:  Mel Bolton of Dotted Line Communications for SmarterTravel, +1-510-704-0870, mel@dottedlinecomm.com/     /Web site:  http://www.smartertravel.com                 http://www.smartertravel.com/special-reports/ReadersChoice /   CO:  SmarterTravel ST:  Massachusetts IN:  MLM AIR PUB TRA CPR SU:  SVY AWD   RB-AM -- NEM073 -- 6127 10/27/2008 10:26 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com   ... View more

Earlier this fall, specially trained Customer Care Representatives from our Reservations Department began offering 24-hour baggage information services through a special toll-free number, (888) 202-1024.  In the initial rollout, these representatives also began supporting our largest stations by proactively contacting Customers with updates regarding the status of their delayed baggage.  The program has been so successful, that by mid-November, the Customer Care Representatives will extend their services to all Southwest cities in an effort to provide our Customers with even better service. ... View more

Great Nightline spot on the emergence of fees in the airline industry.  To view, visit:  http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6093116 While the days of free peanuts and checked bags may be over at other airlines, you can still count on Southwest Airlines for great fares, great service, and no hidden fees.          ... View more

Prime Numbers: Change Is in the Air  Foreign Policy Magazing   By William Swelbar   More airlines around the world have gone belly up this year than in the aftermath of September 11. Airlines have simply met their match in the high price of oil. Nothing short of a complete overhaul of the industry—fewer carriers, fewer flights, and far higher prices—will keep the world flying.   To read more, visit: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4529 ... View more

Brand Champion of the Year Finalists You may recall back in June of this year, Rex Whisman of Brand Champions Blog named Southwest Airlines Brand Champion of the Day.  Today, Rex announced that our airline is now a finalists for the honor of Brand Champion of the Year!  Thanks so much, Rex! To read more and tell Rex why Southwest Airlines should win the coveted honor, visit:  http://www.brandchampionsblog.com/my_weblog/2008/10/brand-champion-of-the-year-finalists--red-bull-and-southwest-airlines.html         http://www.brandchampionsblog.com/my_weblog/2008/10/brand-champion-of-the-year-finalists--red-bull-and-southwest-airlines.html ... View more

  Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer and Laura Wright, Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer will discuss our third quarter 2008 results on a conference call with media and financial analysts at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time today (Thursday). While only approved media and finalcial analysts are able to participate in the call, if you would like to listen in, a live broadcast will be available at http://www.southwest.com/?src=INVRINV3Q08000000081016.   ... View more