Southwest Airlines Community

By MICHELLE HIGGINS If you’re not protesting an election or promoting a product, Twitter, the microblogging site that has been getting so much attention these days, can be easy to dismiss. It’s been described as an ego-stroker for those who want to broadcast the minutiae of their lives in 140 characters or less. It’s a virtual popularity contest to see who can rack up the most followers. And it’s yet another way to procrastinate on the Web. But after signing up for my own Twitter account earlier this year (www.twitter.com/michellehiggins) — and being guilty of all of the above — I can now attest to at least one practical use for travelers: complaining. As hotels, airlines and other travel companies line up on Twitter to promote their brands, customers who voice their grievances in the form of tweets are getting surprisingly fast responses for everything from bad airplane seats to poor room service. to read more, visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/travel/05prac.html?hpw ... View more

by Ann Keeton, Dow Jones CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) said Wednesday that it is still committed to code-sharing with Mexico's Volaris in the second half of next year, marking its first step toward offering international destinations. The timetable for the pact with Volaris has moved back from the early 2010 schedule originally envisioned, after Southwest had indicated earlier this year that plans to code-share with Canada's WestJet were on hold, citing unspecified priorities. Volaris started daily flights from its hub outside Mexico City to Los Angeles last week - its first U.S. flight - and plans to add services to Oakland, Calif., at a later date. Southwest announced plans last year to coordinate with both carriers after upgrading its computer systems, part of a much-anticipated expansion from its domestic base, where it carries more passengers than any other U.S. carrier. to read more, visit: http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/djf500/200907011802DOWJONESDJONLINE000745_FORTUNE5.htm ... View more

Following JetBlue in the segment rankings are Southwest Airlines and WestJet, in a tie. Southwest Airlines performs particularly well in the cost and fees and reservation measures. In addition, Southwest Airlines is the only airline in the 2009 study to demonstrate overall improvement from 2008, with the most notable increases occurring in the reservations, check-in and boarding/deplaning/baggage measures. to read more, visit: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/JD-Power-and-Associates-prnews-760019305.html?x=0&.v=1 ... View more

Monday night guests gathered in Bryant Park to celebrate the opening of Southwest Airlines‘ Porch, as the company routes its first flights through LaGuardia Airport, this summer. The party, hosted by the Zagat Survey, ‘Wichcraft, and the Bryant Park Corporation, toasted the opening of the porch, which provides park visitors a place to to stop, sit, and enjoy a break with summer cocktails and destination city-themed sandwiches (the chicken parm proudly represents New York) while trying to brave the summer heat. to see the photos (including one of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York) click here: http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-events/bryant-park-heats-up-for-southwest-airlines-southwestern-porch-event/ ... View more

Planning a trip to New York and looking at flight options? Be sure to consider Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com), which inaugurated new service on Sunday from Chicagos Midway Airport. The new service offers five daily non-stops to close-in La Guardia Airport, and four of those flights offer easy connections for passengers originating in Minneapolis/St. Paul.   to read more, visit: http://www.examiner.com/x-12585-Minneapolis-AirlinesAirport-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Southwests-new-service-to-La-Guardia-offers-a-great-new-option-from-the-Twin-Cities ... View more

Flight Wisdom's blog shares their LGA Southwest experience: Flight #614 was scheduled to depart New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Chicago-Midway Airport at 8:45AM with an arrival time of 10:40AM. Customers lined up in typical Southwest fashion, by boarding letter and number in front of spaced steel columns. The first passenger, holding Boarding Group A, Position 01, was Darrell Johnson, who had purchased a Business Select seat and was connecting in Chicago to Sacramento. to read more, visit: http://blog.flightwisdom.com/2009/06/30/boarding-the-inaugural-southwest-flight/ ... View more

Please commence with your offerings to the LCC gods as finally, finally Southwest Airlines has claimed a stake in the crowded New York City airspace. Both arriving and leaving New York-LaGuardia for the first time this last Sunday, SWA made a literal splash as the airport's firetrucks welcomed the inaugural flight with traditional arcs of water. to read more, visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/29/15333/6777/travel/The+Hawk+Has+Landed%3A+Southwest+Claims+Its+LaGuardia+Gate ... View more

By TERRY MAXON tmaxon@dallasnews.com Yes, that was Southwest Airlines Co. chairman and chief executive Gary Kelly outside the New York Stock Exchange early on the morning of June 18, handing out muffins and coffee. That was before he went inside to ring the opening bell on the 38th anniversary of the Dallas-based airline's first flight. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-swside_28bus.ART.State.Edition1.3cfb133.html ... View more

By Matt Molnar Southwest put on quite a show this weekend to mark their momentous entry into the New York City market. Not only were their new New York staff pretty psyched about the new service, the folks in Baltimore and Chicago were pretty excited, too. Here are some of the best shots of the first arrivals and the action in the terminals. to see the photos, click here: http://nycaviation.com/2009/06/28/photo-roundup-southwest-arrives-at-laguardia/ ... View more

“New York, New York: a city so wonderful, you have to say it twice” said Bill DeCota, the Director of Aviation for the Port of New York/New Jersey at the press conference on Sunday morning, June 28th at the brand-spanking new Southwest Airlines Ticket Counter at LaGuardia (LGA) . The long-awaited arrival of the low-cost, lotsa LUV airline into the Big Apple was here at last—and with much ado. Festivities had been going on prior to opening day for weeks in the city: NYC street teams handing out Southwest nuts, our CEO Gary Kelly ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a Southwest Social for our Twitter followers and Facebook friends—not to mention the already raved-about Southwest Porch in Bryant Park. You could say Southwest was ready for New York, but was New York ready for Southwest? The answer was a resounding YES! The ferry flight from Dallas kicked off with a champagne toast from Southwest’s VP of Communication & Strategic Outreach, Linda Rutherford: “Here’s to the LUV finally landing in the LGA!” The view from the plane coming in for landing at LaGuardia might have been the most exciting part all weekend. It’s the perfect shot of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and that quintessential New York skyline that conjures up so many classic cinematic moments.     A swarm of yellow-shirted volunteers (reading “New York’s New Luv”) ran off the plane upon arrival, probably leading many New Yorkers wondering just what these crazy Texans were up to. And like the title of this post says, Southwest may have just one gate for now, but we’re not afraid to use it. With daily nonstops to Baltimore and Chicago, plus connecting service to more than 45 other cities, New Yorkers are now free to move about the country. And what’s a Southwest event without an appearance by one of our many multi-talented Flight Attendants: Mr. David Holmes himself. You might have heard of him—hint: he raps. A lot. And this was no different. David closed the Sunday opening event with a NY-themed rap he’d written just for the occasion. Of course, a little audience participation (a stomp and a clap) plus some Spirit, Jr.’s dancing behind him didn’t hurt either. Several lucky winners from Chicago and Baltimore were treated to a ferry flight into New York from BWI, plus a stay at the Marriott Marquis right on Times Square. A reception was hosted for them on Saturday night, and I overhead one couple proudly proclaiming themselves “Southwest snobs!” So with school out and summer vacation on everyone’s mind, there couldn’t be a better time to catch a Southwest flight to NYC—say, this weekend? And when you’re there, be sure to stop by the Southwest Porch in the southwest corner (of course) of Bryant Park. There you’ll find some tasty SW city-themed sandwiches, courtesy of Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft, not to mention a summer ale—brewed especially for Southwest. But please, save me a pint. I hope to be back in a New York minute. To see photos of SWA in LGA, check out our flickr page! ... View more

You can butter them up with special events or even free beer, but the real way into the heart of New Yorkers is to do something for the city itself, to give people a new space to explore within this trampled metropolis. Thus, Southwest Airlines' new "Southwest Porch" at Bryant Park has taken off with immediate popularity and there's no doubt it will continue to be a crowd pleaser all summer. We stopped by yesterday during Southwest's social media party—where they wanted to meet their NYC followers on Twitter and Facebook fans—and we have to be truthful here: the Porch freaking rocks. It just does. How to explain?  to read more, visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/25/23280/0536/travel/Sipping+Summer+Ale+On+NYC%27s+New+Southwest+Porch+at+Bryant+Park ... View more

By Dan Reed, USA TODAY June 26, 2009 Discount king Southwest Airlines (LUV) on Sunday will land in New York, the USA's largest air market — 38 years after it began flying solely within Texas charging fares as low as $9. to read more, visit: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-06-25-new-york-southwest_N.htm ... View more

The University of Texas Flying Club recently visited our Headquarters campus here in Dallas:    Dear Southwest, Words can't describe how grateful we are for the experience of touring the Southwest Airlines facilities in Dallas, TX.  We never thought we'd be able to see as much as we did, but everyone was so welcoming and gave us free rein to ask questions, take pictures, and have a look at all the behind-the-scenes action that takes place at Love Field.  Lara, the Employee Communications Coordinator, and Katie Caldwell did an awesome job of making sure we really had a good time. After landing our planes on runway 13L, taxiing across the field to Southwest's maintenance hangars, and parking next to the planewash (a Cessna 172 looks tiny next to a 737!), we started off by having lunch and taking a look at the infamous deck before exploring the rest of the facilities.  We were really surprised at how much memorabilia was on the walls, and how people-centered the company really was.   We even got to see some of the old pilot and flight attendant outfits, and, we have to be honest, there were some outfits we're glad Southwest decided to retire. The maintenance facilities were really cool to see, and the maintenance folks were ready and willing to answer all the questions we could come up with.  We got to see the engines and different aircraft parts that were being worked on for various reasons, and the airplanes that were in for maintenance--some of it as simple as a standard check-up, and some planes completely gutted and being worked on the bottom up.  We never realized how large those engines really were until we saw them up close! After walking all around maintenance and checking out the hangars, we moved on to flight operations and learned just how much work goes into being a pilot and staying safe and proficient.  Ken Moriarty talked to us about the types of classes Southwest offers to their Pilots and we got to see where they do most of their training.  Then we moved on to what was probably our favorite part of the tour, the flight simulators. Once you were in the cockpit in one of those things, you could hardly tell there wasn't a full 737 behind you. Not only did we learn a lot and see some interesting things, but the people were cool, the food was great, and we even got to take home some of those little peanut bags we all love so much, not to mention individual copies of Herb Kelleher's magnum opus, "Nuts!" Thanks so much, Southwest!  And we all agree, after seeing what a great company you are, partying with Herb is definitely on our to-do list. With love, The University of Texas Flying Club ... View more

By Richard N. Velotta Southwest Airlines, which has never been shy about tying a landmark event to a promotion, will offer $35 flights on nonstop trips from Las Vegas to Milwaukee commemorating the initiation of service to its 35th U.S. state. The airline today announced its Milwaukee schedule, which includes two nonstop round trips between McCarran International Airport and Milwaukee’s Mitchell International. Service begins Nov. 1. to read more, visit: http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/jun/23/southwest-offers-deal-debuting-milwaukee-flights/ ... View more

Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that its Customer Support and Services and airport Customer Service Employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers District 142, voted to ratify the tentative, four-year contract both parties reached last month. The new contract is active through October 31, 2012. “Customer Service is in our DNA,” said Mike Van de Ven, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Southwest Airlines. “Our hard working Customer Support and Services Representatives in the call centers and our airport Customer Service Agents provide outstanding service each day. I’m also proud of the Negotiating Teams for their nine months of effort and for delivering this contract during challenging economic times.” IAM represents more than 5,300 Southwest Airlines Employees. ... View more

Even though Santa’s still on summer break, it’s time to start thinking about holiday travel plans! Southwest Airlines is bringing Customers Christmas in June, as the carrier announced today that its flight schedule is now open for sale through Jan. 8, 2010.  To book travel, visit: www.southwest.com.   For more information on the schedule opening, visit: blogsouthwest.com to view a blog post from Lead Planner in Network Schedules, Bill Owen. “By opening up our holiday schedule in June, we are allowing our Customers the chance to make their plans early for the always busy holiday travel season,” said Pete McGlade, Southwest’s Vice President of Schedule Planning.  “We’ve optimized our schedule to add flights on the busiest travel days of the year, as well as increased service in select markets.” ... View more

We’re going to do it our way—the Southwest Way!  Beginning November 1, 2009, Southwest Airlines will connect Milwaukee to the nation’s largest airline network bringing legendary Customer Service and Low-Fare Value to fee-weary and under-served travelers across Southeast Wisconsin. The airline will begin service with a dozen daily nonstop flights to six destinations:  3 to Baltimore/Washington, 3 to Kansas City, 2 to Las Vegas, 2 to Orlando, 1 to Phoenix, and 1 to Tampa Bay.  Southwest is offering all of these new flights with fares as low as $35 one-way (when purchased by June 26th), recognizing Wisconsin's place as the 35th state to join the Southwest network.  After the 26th, enjoy Southwest's low introductory fares from $49 to $99 to all nonstop destinations (see all fare rules below). The fares and schedule are available for purchase today on www.southwest.com "That’s $35 to get from Milwaukee to all six of these cities -- It’s On!” said Teresa Laraba, Southwest’s Vice President of Ground Operations, this morning at a news conference outside the Milwaukee Art Museum.   “While other airlines have taken away options and added fees, our new Milwaukee service will stand apart in many ways.  Milwaukeeans should know that we’re here to serve and we’re here to stay!  We can't wait to introduce our legendary Customer Service, as well as our low fares and on time flights to new Customers across Wisconsin and Northern Illinois who’ve been asking for Southwest service for many years.” In addition to the 12 daily nonstop flights, Southwest Airlines’ new service out of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport will offer direct (same plane) or connecting service to 49 other destinations throughout the Southwest Network.  Southwest Airlines will operate from two gates in Terminal D at Mitchell, and will have about 40 fulltime Employees. “Southwest has a loyal following and many cities covet attracting their service,” said Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker.  “We can’t be more pleased they chose Milwaukee.” Milwaukee County Supervisors Lee Holloway and Michael Mayo, Sr., said, “This added service will build off Mitchell Airport’s reputation as one of the most effective and efficient airports in the United States.” When shopping for Southwest online, it’s important to know that Southwest Airlines’ low fares are available only at www.southwest.com. Not only will Customers find Southwest’s great online rates, but the site also hosts Southwest’s Travel Guide where Customers can check out travel tips posted by those who frequent Southeastern Wisconsin. For an insider’s look into the new Milwaukee Service, a long-time Southwest Employee and native Wisconsinite writes about growing up in Southwest’s newest state on Southwest’s blog—Nuts About Southwest.  To view her post, visit:  http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/our-southwest-family-may-already-be-part-yours.   After 38 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 and the Nation’s largest airline network exclusively utilizing Boeing 737 aircraft. 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 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. ... View more

It's Southwest Airlines' birthday, but YOU get the gift! In celebration of the airline's 38th birthday, Southwest announced today special DING! fares as low as $38 one-way in select markets.These fares are customized for DING! subscribers and will only beavailable from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm CDT on June 18, 2009. In order to have your cake and eat it too, download DING! here. DING! is Southwest Airlines' downloadable desktop application that delivers discounted fares to a variety of Southwest Airlines destinations. The following are examples of city pairs included in this special $38 one-way fare offer (see Fare Rules below): --  Between New York LaGuardia and Baltimore/Washington for travel July 7 through August 31, 2009 --  Between Los Angeles and the Bay Area (San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose) for travel July 7 through August 31, 2009 --  Between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh for travel July 7 through August 31, 2009 After 38 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 all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom with a young all-Boeing 737 fleet. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) currently serves 65 cities in 33 states. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. FARE RULES The fares are available for purchase through the DING! application only. Travel dates for DING! fares other than those listed above will vary and are included in the specific DING! offers. Fares are available one-way. Seats are limited. Fares do not include a federal segment tax of $3.60 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 Fee of up to $5.00 one-way. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Tickets are nonrefundable but 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. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. ... View more

Rob Mark of www.jetwhine.com was just named the 2009 Aerospace Journalist of the Year in the business aviation category, for an article called "Defending Your Business Jet," in Business Jet Traveler magazine. Congratulations, Rob! to read the article, please visit: http://www.bjtonline.com/special-reports/s/article/defending-your-business-jet-1980.html ... View more

Paula Berg, Manager of Emerging Media at Southwest Airlines, joins Max and Dan for a discussion of how Southwest communicates with its customers through participation in new media. to listen, visit: http://ia301538.us.archive.org/0/items/AirplaneGeeksPodcast-Episode52-SouthwestAndEmergingMedia/AirplaneGeeks-Episode52-Southw.mp3 Follow the Airplane Geeks on Twitter at @AirplaneGeeks ... View more

Hey, are you ready to the feel the Southwest Airlines love? With the low-cost airline flying into LaGuardia for the first time on June 28, they're looking to cuddle up to the notoriously stingy city. And what better way than by feeding New Yorkers some of the celeb chef Tom Colicchio's 'Wichcraft food with a pop-up kiosk in Bryant Park, opening this Friday. At 175 seats, the "Southwest Porch" will have plenty of room for people to nibble on cheese plates and sandwiches with city themes while pondering their next flight to Chicago-Midway or BWI. The porch will even have rocking chairs and porch swings to imbue the park with a laid-back Southwest vibe. To read/drool more, visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/16/114525/106/travel/Southwest+Airlines+Stakes+A+Foodie+Claim+In+NYC%27s+Bryant+Park ... View more

A couple of local nods to the Bull City from travel writers -- one of which has drawn enormous attention in recent days -- have done a nice job highlighting how Durham destinations stand out even in the larger Triangle. Another nice travel feature came in a publication that arguably gets even more readership than the Times -- Southwest Airlines' Spirit in-flight magazine, which for the whole month of May provided bored flyers (or those who misjudged the texture of an air sickness bag) an interesting look at travelling to Raleigh and Durham. to read more, visit: http://www.bullcityrising.com/2009/06/ny-times-southwest-air-feature-durham-triangle-in-travel-profiles.html ... View more

Whether your plans call for a big-time business trip, a much-needed vacation, or a last-minute getaway to visit family and friends, Southwest Airlines has your needs in mind. Let Adam the A-Lister, Blair the Anytime Guy, and Christi the Wanna Get Away-er show you just how they travel. ... View more

By Florence Fabricant Tom Colicchio’s ‘wichcraft, will be extending its reach in Bryant Park by creating the menu for a new pop-up restaurant, The Southwest Porch, that will open there on June 19. The cafe, at the southwest corner of the park, will serve sandwiches and small plates of cheeses and charcuterie, and drinks. Hungry yet? To learn more, visit: http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/15/dining-on-the-porch-in-bryant-park/#more-3321 ... View more

What’s better than earning a free ticket through Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards? Earning 12 free Rapid Rewards Award tickets for you and a friend! The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program is holding “Partnerpalooza” June 15 through September 15, 2009. Rapid Rewards Members who make a purchase with any Rapid Rewards Preferred Partners will have the chance to win prizes including free travel and Companion Pass for one year as well as A-List status for one year! Rapid Rewards Members will also have the chance to play an Instant-Win game daily to win prizes from some Rapid Rewards Preferred Partners. For a complete list of special Partnerpalooza offers, visit: www.southwest.com/partnerpalooza.  To view a blog post on Partnerpalooza, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-airlines-partnerpalooza.    “We’re kicking off Partnerpalooza because we wanted to show our valued Customers how grateful we are for their business,” said Ryan Green, Southwest’s Director of Customer Loyalty. “We’re giving away free airline tickets through our sweepstakes, and our Preferred Partners are sponsoring great deals, making it easier and more affordable for our Customers to travel this summer.” Earning entries into the Partnerpalooza sweepstakes is easy. Current Rapid Rewards Members who register for the promotion, then make a purchase with any Rapid Rewards Preferred Partner using their Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase during the promotional period will earn two entries into the sweepstakes. Don’t have a Rapid Rewards Credit Card yet?  Don’t worry—simply register for the promotion, then apply and get approved for the Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase during the promotional period and receive four sweepstakes entries! Rapid Rewards Members who make a purchase from any of our Rapid Rewards Preferred Partners using any other form of payment other than the Rapid Rewards card by Chase earn one sweepstakes entry. Rapid Rewards Dining Program Members also earn one entry into the sweepstakes. By signing up for the Rapid Rewards Dining Program during the promotional period, Members also can earn one entry into the sweepstakes. Not only can Rapid Rewards Members earn prizes during Partnerpalooza, they also can get great deals with many of Southwest’s Preferred Partners. For example, Rapid Rewards Members receive six times the Rapid Rewards credits at six Hyatt brands worldwide with a minimum two-night stay (offer expires Aug. 31, 2009). Members can also save up to 40 percent, plus earn Double Rapid Rewards credit, on rentals of three or more days at Avis Rent A Car. In addition to the 42 instant win prizes and the sweepstakes grand prize of 12 Rapid Rewards Award Tickets and a Rapid Rewards Companion Pass for one year, sweepstakes entrants are also eligible to win the first prize of six Rapid Rewards Award Tickets and a Rapid Rewards Companion Pass for one year, or the second prize of two Rapid Rewards Award Tickets and Rapid Rewards A-List status for one year. About Rapid Rewards Rapid Rewards Members earn credits by flying or using the frequent flyer program’s Preferred Partners.  It takes just eight roundtrips to qualify for an Award, but Members can accelerate their earnings by using the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card, doing business with any of the airline’s other Preferred Partners, or by purchasing Southwest’s Business Select fares when flying.  Plus, once it’s earned, the Southwest Airlines Award may be transferred by the Member to anyone he/she chooses.  The Award is free but subject to the U.S. government September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 roundtrip.            ... View more

With the travel season gearing up, travel agents and travel service providers like airlines and hotels are getting ready to welcome guests. Before you step on that airplane or walk through the door of that hotel, you may want to see how they rank. Glassdoor.com recently published their rankings of airlines and hotels based on reviews submitted on their site by employees of the airlines or hotels. This site is designed to give an inside look at companies as a place to work. Their rankings tend to predict customer service as well, since a company and CEO that takes care of their employees also tend to take care of their customers. to read more, visit: http://www.tripso.com/today/southwest-and-marriott-may-be-best-bets-for-travel/ ... View more

by Lisa Haneberg Interesting and "real" chat about the importance and impact of putting employees first. to watch the video, please visit: http://managementcentral.ning.com/video/from-legal-secretary-to ... View more

by Tom Johansmeyer on Jun 10th 2009 at 2:00PM Airlines in the United States posted an improved on-time performance rate in April relative to the same month the year prior – stretching their streak to three. The 19 largest airlines were on time 79.1 percent of the time in April 2009, compared to 77.7 percent in April 2008. to read more, visit: http://www.gadling.com/2009/06/10/on-time-airline-improvements-continue-third-month-in-a-row/ ... View more

Who is Sr. Destino?  Sr. Destino is Southwest Airlines, the ultimate travel companion who will not let you miss the great things in life, like the important business deal or your family vacation.  Of course, Southwest provides dependable and affordable, worry-free travel to give everyone the freedom to go where they want to go, even in challenging times.  This is the concept behind Sr. Destino, the new Spanish summer ad campaign running on Univision, Telemundo, Azteca, Galavision, CNN Español, ESPN Sports, national Hispanic radio stations, and internet portals like Univision.com. The concept and ad production was created by Dieste, the Dallas-based Hispanic ad agency.  Dieste, named best multicultural agency by AdAge, has been Southwest’s Hispanic agency for more than ten years. ... View more

Everyone knows the phrase "when pigs fly," but how about killer whales? Southwest Airlines recently celebrated the opening of the new Manta Ride at SeaWorld, and as the official airline of the aquatic amusement park, they flew in with "Shamu One," one of their 737s painted up with the whale livery. to read more, and to see some penguins, click here: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/6/10/20579/2638/travel/Eep!+Southwest+Has+Penguins+On+A+Plane! ... View more