Southwest Airlines Community

The winners of the 2009 OAG Airline Industry Awards were recently announced, and Southwest Airlines was named Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline.  Other finalists for the Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline included easyJet, jetBlue, Virgin America, and Virgin Blue.  In addition to being named Best Low Cost/No Frills Airline, Southwest was a finalist for Best Airline based in North America, a category that Continental won. Singapore Airlines was named Airline of the Year.   This year marks the 27th anniversary of the awards, which are significant and valued in the airline industry because they are voted on by frequent flyers from around the globe.  Votes for the award categories are polled from a worldwide customer base of business travelers, and their votes are based on their personal experiences over the previous 12 months.   For 2009, the winners were announced online rather than at an awards ceremony.  Due to the current challenging economic times, the OAG Awards staff felt it would be inappropriate to hold a lavish awards evening when budgets are so tightly stretched.   For a full list of all winners, please visit http://www.oagairlineawards.com/Winners. ... View more

by Katie Hammel Here are two more things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving - Southwest Airlines and Virgin America. Both carriers have announced Thanksgiving sales to celebrate the holiday. to read more, visit: http://www.gadling.com/2009/11/27/southwest-celebrates-thanksgiving-with-a-sale/ ... View more

from The Cranky Flier by CF It’s certainly a coincidence that the winner of the signed Southwest timetable is none other than Robert Stack, the author of the True Meaning of Thanksgiving. Robert by far had the most comprehensive entry, and in fact took many photos of timetables, airplanes, and a little alcohol. I think this is probably my favorite: to read more, visit: http://crankyflier.com/2009/11/25/the-southwest-timetable-winner-on-the-true-meaning-of-thanksgiving/ ... View more

November 29, 2009 at 9:00 pm by:  Dan Oswald A colleague recently passed along a column written by Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, which first appeared in the airline’s “Spirit Magazine.” The title of the piece was “Culture Done Differently.” In it, Mr. Kelly explains that at Southwest they try to keep their culture “supportive, active and fun.” If you’ve ever flown on Southwest, you’ll know that not only do they talk the talk, but they walk the walk. Southwest’s company culture is not only reflected in its policies, but it oozes out from every employee. to read more, visit: http://employmentlawpost.com/oswaldletters/2009/11/29/corporate-culture-done-right-southwest-airlines/ ... View more

By ERIC TORBENSON / The Dallas Morning News etorbenson@dallasnews.com Dallas Love Field's big face-lift may be slightly behind schedule in some areas, but both the city and Southwest Airlines Co. expect an on-time finish for the $519 million project. to read more, visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-lovefield_30bus.ART0.State.Edition1.3d4d1cb.html ... View more

To go along with the airport ratings, we've got Zagat's survey results for airlines. Southwest Airlines finished at the top in four categories, and Virgin America was top-rated in three. to read more, visit: http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/11/southwest-airlines-singapore-v.html ... View more

I write on this, the busiest travel day of the year when it comes to commercial flying. If there's anything that will help get you through the airport and flying on this Wednesday before Thanksgiving, it's a sense of humor.  And maybe you'll be lucky enough to be on a Southwest flight with David Holmes, a flight attendant who sometimes delivers the obligatory, you've-heard-it-a-hundred-times, pre-flight safety announcement as a short rap song. to read more, visit: http://www.maxablog.com/2009/11/southwest-flight-attendant-as-rapper-delivers-standard-safety-announcement.html ... View more

Be thankful there is no shortage of cheap airfares this week. Southwest announced a 7-day Thanksgiving sale today with the snarky promo “Only turkeys charge for bags.” Fares out of Burbank (BUR) and Los Angeles (LAX) start at $59 each way. But wait, that’s not the only low-cost carrier offering a travel deal. JetBlue has a sale because “there aren’t enough ways to say thank you” this Thanksgiving with seats starting at $29 each way. And of course you don’t want to miss Virgin America’s “Keep Your Wallet Stuffed” sale with fares starting as low as $39 each way. I tested the deals and here’s what I found:   to read more, visit: http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/fare-war-southwest-j-5889/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DailyDealsLosAngelesTimesTravel+%28Daily+Travel+%26+Deal+Blog%29 ... View more

This Thursday, November 26th, is Thanksgiving. You probably already know that, but here at Southwest Airlines, we'd also like to point out that it's "Bags Fly Free Day." Just kidding, that's every day! If you happen to be flying Southwest during the busiest travel days of the year, keep a look-out for our smiling Employees and their bright orange buttons proudly proclaiming: Only Turkeys Charge for Bags. Well, we're not turkeys (thank goodness), and we're certainly not going to charge you for your first two checked bags. It's just another way we can thank our Customers for continuing to fly us, and we hope you'll extend that "thank you" to any of our Employees you might see working during the holiday season. Happy Thanksgiving, y'all. ... View more

It's become a tradition for the various departments within Southwest Airlines' Headquarters in Dallas to host a Thanksgiving Feast the week before the actual Thanksgiving.  Why? Well, we all love food, and we love being able to spend time with our coworkers (who are really our second family). Our Marketing Department was kind enough to share some pictures (and secret recipes!) below. If you do happen to use one of these special recipes this Thursday, just remember to give credit where credit is due...the peeps at Southwest Airlines.  Mema’s Fruit Salad from Erin Terry in Online Marketing 1 can chunky mixed fruit 1 small can pineapple chunks 1 small can mandarin oranges 1 jar maraschino cherries 1-2 tsp. sugar ½ tsp. vanilla Whipped Cream Put all fruit in a colander and set in refrigerator for a few hours. Beat whipped cream in a large bowl until stiff – if you use whipping cream (recommended). You may also use cool whip. Add 1-2 tsp. sugar, ½ tsp. vanilla; combine with whipped cream and fruit. Add cherries on top (drain on a paper towel first). Thanksgiving Breakfast Quiche Recipe from Athena Halton in Online Marketing 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg 4 large eggs 9 in extra deep pie shell 1 1/2  cups of grated swiss cheese Sprinkle of salt and pepper Optional:  Ham, or Turkey, Cooked and Crumbled Bacon, or Fresh Vegetables Set oven at 350 degrees and put frozen pie shell in the oven for about 5-10 minutes, until the shell is slightly defrosted/toasted and then remove from oven and turn oven up to 425 degrees.  Combine heavy whipping cream, nutmeg, salt/pepper, and eggs together and mix until they are well mixed.  Put grated swiss cheese into pie shell and add other meats and vegetables as desired.  Then pour mixture into pie shell over the other ingredients.  Put quiche into the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then turn oven down to 350 degrees and let cook for another 30-40 minutes until crust is brown.  Remove from oven and let cool.  ENJOY! Spinach Madeline from Kelly Shoenfelt in Online Marketing 2 pkg. frozen spinach 4 tbsp. butter 2 tbsp. flour 2 tbsp. chopped onion 1/2 c. milk 1/2 c. vegetable liquid (reserved after boiling spinach) 1/2 tsp. pepper 3/4 tsp. celery salt 3/4 tsp. garlic salt 6 oz. jalapeno cheese, cut in pieces 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce Bread crumbs for topping Cook spinach according to package directions. Reserve liquid needed. Melt butter; add flour; stir until smooth, brown, add liquid. Stir until cooked; add seasoning, cheese, and onions. Stir until smooth and melted. Combine with spinach; pour into casserole and top with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 degrees until brown. Happy Thanksgiving! to watch a delectable video of our feast, check out: http://blogsouthwest.com/video/southwest-airlines-thanksgiving-2009 ... View more

In the last 14 days, I have traveled through 4 states covering 4 airports, 2 airlines, and 3 different hotels. Over the course of these trips, I have noticed that how an organization treats its customers has even more impact than I thought. Let’s start with the airlines. Most of the travel was on Southwest Air. to read more, visit: http://vitaminch.com/blogs/2009/11/23/14-days/ ... View more

In its November 2009 issue, Treasury and Risk magazine recognizes our CFO and Senior VP Finance Laura Wright as one of the top 25 Women Finance Leaders.  Her Leadership has helped navigate Southwest Airlines through some turbulent times—including the current economic crisis.  Laura is the only woman CFO in the domestic airline industry.     Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Laura!  Thanks for all you do for Southwest Airlines!   For more information and to see the complete list of those recognized, visit: http://www.treasuryandrisk.com/Issues/2009/November-2009/Pages/High-Hopes-amid-the-Crisis.aspx.   ... View more

Will Ferniany is using what he calls the “Southwest Airlines strategy” to bolster the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s national image. to read more, visit: http://sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/othercities/birmingham/stories/2009/11/23/story4.html?b=1258952400^2472611&i=education&s=industry ... View more

If it ever was a question, 2009 put an end to any doubts about the resiliency of IT. Navigating severe budget cuts, unanticipated reorganizations, and quickly evaporating revenue opportunities across most markets in the wake of financial turmoil, IT retrenched, pushed ahead, and launched new endeavors to advance company prospects despite the near historic odds stacked against it. And it is in this spirit that we at InfoWorld salute those who continue to drive IT forward. to read more, visit: http://www.infoworld.com/t/it-management/top-100-it-projects-2009-860 ... View more

By Rachel Emma Silverman Like many other Americans, we’re flying out to the East Coast to my mom’s house for Thanksgiving. While I am really looking forward to spending time with family and friends, I am decidedly not looking forward to the journey there and back with an almost-two-year-old during a peak travel period. to read more, visit: http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/11/20/over-the-river-and-through-the-woods-to-holiday-travel-we-go/ ... View more

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling this winter season, you might find yourself bogged down with some heavy baggage: skis, boots, and poles, perhaps?  Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed other airlines charging an arm and a leg for you to fly with your bags—let alone your sports equipment. I don’t want to brag (who am I kidding, of course I do!) but Southwest Airlines lets skis fly free, along with a whole lot of other sports equipment.  Of course, all that “size and weight” stuff does apply, so be sure to read the fine print. To get the word out about our “skis fly free” policy, we’re asking YOU to tell us a reason why “You’d Rather Be Skiing than Working.” Submit your entry to @SouthwestAir via Twitter using the #Skiswa hash tag or here in the comments section of this blog.   If your reason is funny enough to be selected the winner, you will receive two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines and an ’09 – ’10 EPIC Season Pass from Vail Resorts, which gives you a full season of phenomenal skiing at six of the finest mountains on the planet: Vail, Beaver Creek, Heavenly, Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin--with no restrictions and no black-out dates. Go to epicpass.com to learn more or follow @Snowdotcom on Twitter.  Southwest Airlines will have a panel of highly-qualified comedians and ski bums select the winner. You know you’d rather be skiing than sitting at your desk, so let us know why now!  Contest ends Sunday, November 22, at 12:00 noon CST.   CONTEST RULES “I’d Rather Be Skiing” NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING.  VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. 1.   How to Enter the Contest a.    Southwest Airlines “I’d Rather Be Skiing” (“Contest”) will begin on or around 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 and will end on or around 12 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2009.  b.    Southwest Airlines is not responsible for lost, stolen, mangled, mis-delivered, postage due, illegible, incomplete or late entries, telephone service outages, delays, busy signals, equipment malfunctions and any other technological difficulties that may prevent an individual from completing his/her telephone call.] c.    To participate in the Contest, you may enter via the following method: Sumbit a reason why you’d rather be skiing than working via Southwest Airlines Twitter account @SouthwestAir using the hashtag “#skiswa”  or in the comments section of Nuts About Southwest blog post on the subject.  All entries submitted become the sole property of Southwest Airlines and will not be acknowledged or returned.  Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the contest.  Southwest is not responsible for entries not received due to difficulty accessing the internet, service outage or delays, computer difficulties or other technological glitches.  d.    One internet entry per person and one internet entry per email address is permitted. 2.   Eligibility Restrictions a.    The contest is open to all persons who are 21 years of age or older. Employees of Southwest Airlines and the members of their immediate families and or households are ineligible to participate or win.   b.    Only one winner per household is permitted in any Contest administered by Southwest. c.    Entrants are required to provide truthful information and Southwest will reject and delete any entry that it discovers to be false or fraudulent.  Southwest Airlines will disqualify any entry from individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirements, and Southwest Airlines will also delete any entry received from persons under the age of 13 in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act.] 3.   Prizes: a.   One (1) First Prize: The winner will receive one Epic Ski Pass and two roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines.  (Approximate Retail Value ("ARV"): $1,300) but will vary depending on travel origination and fares in effect at the time of departure.  Certain travel restrictions may apply.  Travel arrangements must be made through Administrator’s agent on a carrier of Administrator’s choice.  No prize substitutions, cash equivalent, or transfer of prizes permitted except at the sole discretion of the Contest Entities. Prize subject to availability and the Contest Entities reserve the right, at their sole discretion, to award a prize of greater or equal value if the advertised prize is unavailable.  If winner cannot travel on dates specified by Contest Entities, winner may be disqualified and an alternate winner selected.  All other costs not specifically stated herein, including, but not limited to, taxes, meals, tips and ground transportation, are the responsibility of the winner.  Taxes are solely the responsibility of the winner.  Winner and travel companion must travel on the same itinerary and are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents.  In addition, travel companion of Winner must be 21 years of age or older.  Winner may be required to present a valid credit card upon hotel check in to cover any incidental expenses incurred during their stay.  Winner and travel companion are responsible for obtaining travel insurance (and all other forms of insurance) where applicable, at their option, and hereby acknowledge that the Contest Entities have not and will not obtain or provide travel insurance or any other form of insurance.  Winner and travel companion must sign a Publicity, Liability Waiver and Travel Release form prior to traveling. If a selected event is unable to take place as scheduled, for reasons such as cancellation, preemption, postponement or unavailability, or for any reason beyond the control of the Contest Entities, the Contest Entities’ sole responsibility to a Winner will be to award the remaining available portion of the prize and no substitution will be provided for unawarded portion of prize. Tickets are subject to terms and conditions as specified by issuer.  Seat locations to be determined by Contest Entities.  Contest Entities reserve the right to remove or to deny entry to winner and/or guest if he/she engages in a disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person at the reception. b.    In the event that a prize or prize certificate is mailed to the winner, it will be with the prior written consent of the winner and therefore, winner assumes the risk of its loss.  Southwest Airlines is not responsible for the safe arrival of a prize or prize certificate. 4.   Selection of Winners Decisions of Contest Entities management with respect to the Contest are final. a.    The top reason why you’d rather be skiing than working. Southwest Airlines panel of judges from the Communications department will select the winning reason. b.    The odds of winning are dependant on the total number of entries received.  c.    Winner need not listen or be present to win. d.    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 at random. 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. 5.   Conditions a.    Payments of all federal, state and local taxes are solely the responsibility of the winners.  Winners may be required to sign an IRS Form W-9 or the equivalent. b.    By participating in the contest, the winner or winners agree to have their name, voice, or likeness used in any advertising or broadcasting material relating to this contest without additional financial or other compensation, and, where legal, to sign a publicity release confirming such consent prior to acceptance of the prize. c.    Prior to awarding any prize or prize certificate, Southwest Airlines in its sole discretion may require contest winners (and their travel companions, if any) to sign a liability release, agreeing to hold Southwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, its corporate licensee, and each of their parent, subsidiary and affiliated corporations, and the officers, shareholders, directors, employees, agents and representatives of each of them harmless against any and all claims or liability arising directly or indirectly from the prize or participation in the Contest. d.    Southwest Airlines, in is sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of Southwest Airlines website or is otherwise in violation of the rules.  It further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the contest if it is not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention or technical failures of any sort. e.    The Contest Entities reserve the right to make changes in the rules of the Contest, including the substitution of a prize or equivalent value, which will become effective upon announcement.  If due to circumstances beyond the control of Southwest Airlines, any competition or prize-related event is delayed, rescheduled, postponed or canceled, Southwest Airlines reserves the right, but not the obligation, to cancel or modify the contest and shall not be required to award a substitute prize. f.     Failure to comply with the Contest rules may result in a contestant’s disqualification solely at the discretion of the Contest Entities. g.    The Contest Entities are not responsible for typographical or other errors in the printing, the offering or the administration of the Contest, or in the announcement of a prize. h.    Copies of the written Contest rules and a list of winners (when complete) are available during regular business hours at Southwest Airlines Emerging Media 2502 Love Field Dr. Dallas, TX 75235 ... 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The Dallas Business Journal recognized our own Vice President General Counsel Madeleine Johnson at its “Best Corporate Counsel Awards 2009” event held last Thursday evening.  She received the award that honors a General Counsel who has been in office less than two years—but has had an immediate and effective impact on the company.  Congratulations to Madeleine!   ... View more

The reappearance of gourds, paper snowflakes, runny noses, and Christmas lights are a sure sign that the holiday season has rolled around once again. to read more, visit: http://media.www.smudailycampus.com/media/storage/paper949/news/2009/11/17/Opinion/Tips-For.Holiday.Traveling-3833982.shtml ... View more

So cute, we just had to share! Check out some retro Southwest Airlines (and others) uniforms: http://my-retrospace.blogspot.com/2009/11/mini-skirt-monday-27-time-before.html ... View more

By Laura Bly, USA TODAY Though still the exception, more travelers are finding that social media outlets can be effective ways to get companies' attention — and responses. to read more, visit: http://www.usatoday.com/travel/news/2009-11-12-social-media-help_N.htm ... View more

All this week, Denver International Airport (DEN) is rewarding passengers who get “caught” recycling with gift certificates for airport shops and restaurants. The promotion is in honor of America Recycle Days, which officially took place on Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009. The promotion runs from today (Mon. 11/16/09) through Friday (11/20/09) and the way to win is to get caught in the act of recycling something by one of the airport’s Environmental Services team members who will be combing the main Jeppesen Terminal and the three concourses looking for passengers who are recycling. to read more, visit: http://stuckattheairport.com/2009/11/16/win-prizes-for-getting-caught-recycling-at-denver-intl-airport/ ... View more

By BETH LAMONTAGNE HALL            MANCHESTER – Saying goodbye to a son or daughter deploying overseas can be one of life's most difficult moments, but Richard Jones of Amherst says the staff at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport recently made that moment a little easier for his family. Jones and his wife, Beth, went to the airport about 5 a.m. Wednesday to see off their son, Dustin, who is on his way to Afghanistan. A sniper with the Marine Corps, Dustin Jones was heading back to his base in Hawaii and is slated to officially deploy this weekend. Jones said it was an emotional farewell, something the staff at the airport must have noticed. After he and his wife watched their son walk through security, they were approached by a Transportation Security Administration officer who asked whether their son was deploying. to read more, visit:  http://unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Airport+staff+open+door%2c+hearts+for+goodbye&articleId=3ce9db05-ddff-46d4-a363-c612619aed5a ... View more

Southwest Airlines confirms that passengers are NOT avoiding travel today, Friday the 13th.  Traditional superstitions are cast aside by many travelers looking for a low fare and great Customer Service. Initial reports indicate that Customers are not avoiding row 13 on The Southwest Airlines fleet today, nor has the date prevented flying altogether.  In fact, the bag fees charged by other airlines are proving to be much scarier than Customers’ superstitions, driving travelers to find good luck on Southwest Airlines.     In addition to Southwest Airlines’ Bags Fly Free policy, the carrier also announced that it will not charge a fee for throwing salt over one’s shoulder and will even allow black cats to travel onboard with its new pet fare, as long as they are carried in an appropriate carrier.  The airline is recommending that Customers carefully wrap mirrors in bubble wrap to avoid breakage and seven years of bad luck. Customers feeling particularly lucky today are headed to popular casino destinations.  Some report being bold enough to bet on number 13 at the Roulette table.     About Southwest Airlines 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.  At Southwest Airlines, bags fly free. Customers can check their first two bags at no extra charge (size and weight limits apply). Southwest 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 Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 68 cities in 35 states.  Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com Media Please Contact:   Public Relations at 214-792-4847 ... View more

It was only a matter of time before the faux fro-yo craze that is Pinkberry would hit the airports and we were oh so privileged to see it in action last night at LAX's Terminal 1, known to locals as The Southwest Terminal. to read more, visit: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/11/6/2596/58053/travel/Load+Up+on+Pinkberry+Before+Your+Southwest+Flight ... View more

Last month, Southwest announced its intent to serve Northwest Florida’s new international airport near Panama City, Florida.  The airport is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in May 2010, which is also when we plan to begin service.  Airport planners have been debating what to name the new airport, and have made a decision.  The name of the new airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.  The new name emphasizes the Panhandle’s sandy allure for tourists. Southwest is not yet releasing specific service details, but plan to operate at least two daily nonstop flights each from the airport to four destinations across our 68-airport network for a total of eight daily nonstop flights when we begin.  Specific details on our fares and schedules will be available in December 2009. For more information on the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast, please visit www.thebeachfla.com. ... View more