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Coordinates: 32°50′48″N 96°51′40″W / 32.846666666667°N 96.861°W
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), is an American-based, low-cost airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The airline was established in 1967[2] adopting its current name in 1971,[3] and as of June 5, 2011[update] is the largest airline in the United States based upon domestic passengers carried.[4]
Although it operated Boeing 727 aircraft for a short time during the 1970s and 1980s, between that time and 2012 the airline operated only Boeing 737 aircraft, and as of September 30, 2011[update] was the largest operator of the 737 worldwide with over 550 of these aircraft in service, each operating an average of six flights per day.[5]
In May 2011 the airline acquired Orlando-based AirTran Airways, with full integration of the carriers taking place over several years,[6] and on March 1, 2012, the company was issued a single operating certificate meaning that from a technical standpoint, Southwest and AirTran became one airline.[7] As a result, following the merger, Southwest also began operating the Boeing 717.
Southwest has 37,000 employees as of December 2011[update] and operates more than 3,300 flights a day.[5] As of January 2012, Southwest Airlines operates scheduled service to 97 destinations in 42 states.
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Southwest Airlines traces its roots to the March 16, 1967 incorporation of Air Southwest Co. by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher to provide service within the state of Texas.[2][3]
Kelleher believed that by providing intrastate service within Texas, the airline could avoid federal regulation.[8] Three incumbent airlines, Braniff, Trans-Texas, and Continental Airlines, initiated legal action which was not resolved for three years. Air Southwest prevailed in 1970 when the Texas Supreme Court upheld Air Southwest’s right to fly within Texas.[9] The Texas Supreme Court's decision became final on December 7, 1970, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case without comment.[10]
The story of Southwest’s legal fight was turned into a children’s book, Gumwrappers and Goggles by Winifred Barnum in 1983. In the story, TJ Love, a small jet, is taken to court by two larger jets to keep him from their hangar and to stop him from flying. In court, TJ Love’s right to fly is upheld after an impassioned plea from a character referred to as "The Lawyer". While no company names are mentioned in the book, TJ Love’s colors were those of Southwest Airlines, and the two other jets are colored in Braniff and Continental’s colors. The Lawyer is designed to resemble Herb Kelleher. The book was adapted into a stage musical, Show Your Spirit, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, and played only in city towns serviced by the airline.[11]
On March 29, 1971, Air Southwest Co. changed its name to Southwest Airlines Co.[3] Operating from its Dallas, Texas, headquarters, Southwest Airlines began customer service on June 18, 1971, offering service to the Texas cities of Houston, Dallas and San Antonio using three Boeing 737 aircraft.[5]
Southwest Airlines founder Herb Kelleher studied California-based Pacific Southwest Airlines extensively, and used many of the airline’s ideas to form the corporate culture at Southwest. Early flights used the same "Long Legs And Short Nights" theme for stewardesses on board typical Southwest Airlines flights. A committee of individuals, including the same person who had selected hostesses for Hugh Hefner's Playboy jet, selected the original flight attendants for Southwest Airlines. The selection resulted in a group of female flight attendants who were described as long-legged dancers, majorettes, and cheerleaders with "unique personalities". Southwest Airlines and Herb Kelleher proceeded to dress these individuals in hot pants and go-go boots.[12]
The rest of 1971 and 1972 saw operating losses. One of the four aircraft was sold to Frontier Airlines and the proceeds used to make payroll and cover other expenses. Southwest continued to operate a schedule predicated on four aircraft but using only three, and in so doing the "ten minute turn" was born, and was the standard ground time for many years.[13][14]
The Wright Amendment of 1979 is a federal law governing traffic at Dallas Love Field, an airport in Dallas, Texas. It originally limited most nonstop flights to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. The limits began phasing out in 1997 and 2005. In 2006, the amendment was repealed leaving some restrictions intact until 2014 but with an added restriction on the number of gates allowed.[15]
When airline deregulation came in 1978, Southwest began planning to offer interstate service from Love Field. This caused a number of interest groups affiliated with Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport, including the city of Fort Worth, to push the Wright Amendment through Congress to restrict such flights.[16] Under the restrictions of the amendment, Southwest, and all other airlines, were barred from operating, or even ticketing passengers on flights from Love Field to destinations beyond the states immediately surrounding Texas. The Wright Amendment’s restrictions did not apply to aircraft configured with 56 or fewer seats. Southwest did not use the 56 seat loophole.[17]
In 1990 the airline registered its aircraft in Houston so it could pay aircraft taxes in Houston, even though the actual corporate headquarters were in Dallas. Southwest was not physically relocating any assets, but Texas state law allowed the airline to choose either Dallas or Houston as the city of registry of its aircraft.[18]
In 1997, Southwest’s efforts began to pay off with the Shelby Amendment, which added the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Kansas to the list of permissible destination states. Southwest began offering non-stop service between Dallas Love Field and Birmingham, Alabama, which it could not do prior to the enactment of the Shelby Amendment.[19]
Southwest hired its first black pilot, Louis Freeman, in 1980. In 1992, he was named the first black chief pilot of any major U.S. airline.[20]
Southwest's Houston Pilot Base opened on June 1, 1984. Houston was their first crew base outside of Dallas.
On November 30, 1984, Southwest took delivery of its first Boeing 737-300. It was the launch customer and as of May 2012 is the largest operator of the aircraft type. The first 737-300 was dubbed "Kitty Hawk."
Southwest paid US$60.5 million in stock and cash for Muse Air when Muse was on the verge of collapse in 1985. After completing the acquisition, Southwest renamed MuseAir, TranStar Airlines. TranStar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest and operated as an independent airline. Unwilling to compete in a fare war against Frank Lorenzo's Texas Air, Southwest eventually sold TransStar's assets to Lorenzo in August 1987.[21][22]
Southwest moved into its current headquarters in 1990. Previously the airline was headquartered in the 1820 Regal Row building in Dallas, by Love Field.[23] At that time the headquarters had 256,000 square feet (23,800 m2) of space and approximately 650 employees.[24] The current headquarters facility was built at a cost of $15 million in 1990 dollars.[25] In early 1995 the building received an additional 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) of space. As of 2006[update] about 1,400 employees worked in the three story building.[24]
Southwest acquired Morris Air, a competing airline based in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1992, paying US$134 million in stock.[26] After completing the purchase, Southwest absorbed the capital and routes of Morris Air into Southwest's inventory and service, including Morris' Pacific Northwest destinations not previously served by Southwest.[27] One founder of Morris Air, David Neeleman, worked with Southwest for a short period before leaving to found JetBlue Airways, a competing airline.[28]
On March 16, 1995, Southwest became one of the first airlines to have a website. Originally called the "Southwest Airlines Home Gate", passengers could view schedules, a route map, and company information at Iflyswa.com.[29] Southwest.com is the number one airline website for online revenue, according to PhoCusWright. Nielsen/Netratings also reports that Southwest.com is the largest airline site in terms of unique visitors.[5] In 2006, 70 percent of flight bookings and 73 percent of revenue was generated from bookings on southwest.com. As of June 2007[update], 69 percent of Southwest passengers checked in for their flights online or at a kiosk.[5]
Southwest Airlines gained a reputation for "outside the box thinking" and proactive risk management, including the use of fuel hedging to insulate against fuel price fluctuation. Some analysts have argued against the style of profit-motivated energy trading Southwest did between 1999 and the early 2000s. They suggested that rather than hedging business risk (such as a hedge on weather to a farmer), Southwest was simply speculating on energy prices, without a formal rationale for doing so.[30]
At present, Southwest has enjoyed much positive press (and a strong financial boost) from its energy trading skills.[31][32][33] However, while most analysts agree that volatility hedges can be beneficial,[34] speculative hedges are not widely supported as a continuing strategy for profits.[35]
In March 1996,[36] the airline announced that it would begin to build a 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) addition to the existing corporate headquarters at a cost of $30 million in 1996 dollars.[37] This occurred after, on Wednesday March 13, 1996, the Dallas City Council unanimously voted to allow for the construction.[38] The airline leased two additional tracts of land, a total of 10 acres (4.0 ha) of space, from the City of Dallas to build a new pilot training facility, a headquarters expansion, and additional parking spaces. A $9.8 million new pilot training facility was built on a 5 acres (2.0 ha) plot of land owned by the city of Dallas; it was scheduled to be completed Spring 1997. With the new pilot training facility built, the old one would be removed and the company would expand its headquarters building to the north. 120,000 square feet (11,000 m2) of building space, which had a price of $16 million including fixtures, was built, making the headquarters have a total of 436,000 square feet (40,500 m2). The airline also leased 4.8 acres (1.9 ha) from the city of Dallas to build additional parking; 700 spaces were added to the existing 1,200. After the facilities announced in 1996 were added, Southwest had a total leasehold of about 24 acres (9.7 ha) of land, including its headquarters, training facilities, and parking. By the end of 1997 the expansion of the facilities at Love Field and several terminal improvements were expected to cost Southwest $47 million.[24]
In late 2004, Southwest began actively seeking the full repeal of the Wright Amendment restrictions. In late 2005, Missouri was added to the list of permissible destination states via a transportation appropriations bill. New service from Love Field to St. Louis and Kansas City quickly started in December 2005.[39]
At a June 15, 2006 joint press conference held by the city of Dallas, the city of Ft. Worth, Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the said parties announced a tentative agreement on how the Wright Amendment was to be phased out. Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed Wright-related legislation on September 29, 2006, and it was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 13, 2006. The new law became effective on October 16, 2006, when the FAA Administrator notified Congress that any new aviation operations occurring as a result of the new law could be accommodated without adverse effect to the airspace.[40]
Southwest started selling tickets under the new law on October 19, 2006. Highlights of the agreement are the immediate elimination of through-ticketing prohibitions, and unrestricted flights to domestic destinations eight years after the legislation takes effect. Because of the agreement, nationwide service became possible for Southwest; the law also defined the maximum number of gates at Love Field. Southwest controls all of the Love Field gates except for four gates controlled by Delta Air Lines and United.
Southwest remains the dominant passenger airline at Love Field, maintains its headquarters, hangars, training centers, and flight simulators adjacent thereto, and reflects its ties to Love Field in its ticker symbol (LUV).
In 2008, Southwest contracted with Pratt and Whitney to supply the proprietary Ecopower water pressure-washing system, which allows Southwest to clean grime and contaminants off engine turbine blades while the aircraft is parked at the gate. Frequent use of the Ecopower system is estimated to improve fuel efficiency by about 1.9%.[41][42]
On March 6, 2008, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors submitted documents to the United States Congress, alleging that Southwest allowed 117 of its aircraft to fly carrying passengers despite the fact that the planes were "not airworthy" according to air safety investigators.[43] In some cases the planes were allowed to fly for up to 30 months after the inspection deadlines had passed, rendering them unfit to fly. Records indicate that thousands of passengers were flown on aircraft deemed unsafe by federal standards. Southwest declined comment at the time, and US Representative James Oberstar advised a hearing would be held.[43][44]
Southwest paid US$7.5 million to acquire certain assets from bankrupt ATA Airlines in 2008. Southwest's primary reason for making the purchase was to acquire the operating certificate and New York LaGuardia Airport landing slots formerly controlled by ATA. While some preferential hiring was indicated at the time of the purchase, the transaction ultimately did not include the purchase of any aircraft, facilities or transfers of employees directly from ATA.[45]
On March 12, 2008, Southwest Airlines voluntarily grounded 44 planes to check if they needed further inspection. The FAA claimed that Southwest Airlines flew almost 60,000 flights without fuselage inspection. Southwest Airlines faced a $10.2 million fine if they violated FAA regulations. There have also been rumors that the FAA knew about Southwest Airlines violations but decided not to fine the airline because it would disrupt the service of Southwest.[46]
On March 2, 2009, Southwest settled these claims, agreeing to pay the FAA fines of $7.5 million for these safety and maintenance issues. The original fine of $10.2 million – a sum which would have been the largest fine in the agency’s history – was lowered after a year of negotiations. The FAA gave Southwest two years in which to pay the fine.[47]
On July 30, 2009, Southwest Airlines announced a $113.6 million bid for bankrupt Frontier Airlines Holdings, the parent company of Frontier Airlines. Southwest planned to initially operate Frontier as a stand-alone carrier, eventually absorbing the airline and replacing Frontier's aircraft with Boeing 737s.[48] Less than one month after submitting its bid, Southwest learned on August 14 that it had lost the initial bidding to Republic Airways Holdings, and elected not to counter or pursue the deal further. Industry experts had expected Southwest to win the initial round of bidding, allowing Southwest to grow its presence in Denver and serve international destinations. Southwest stated that its requirement for pilots' unions at both companies to reach a negotiated (not arbitrated) agreement as a condition of acquisition was a key factor in its abandonment of its bid. Frontiers Airlines quickly recovered from its recent bankruptcy.[49]
On August 26, 2009 the FAA investigated Southwest for installing improper parts on about 10% of its jets. The work was performed by an outside maintenance company. The FAA stated that the parts do not present a safety danger, but the airline was given until December 24, 2009 to replace the parts with those approved by the FAA.[50] The FAA is still determining whether it will fine Southwest or its vendor.[51]
Southwest Airlines first announced the acquisition on September 27, 2010 and received final approval from the United States Department of Justice on April 27, 2011. On May 2, 2011 Southwest Airlines completed the acquisition of AirTran Airways by purchasing all of the outstanding common stock, corporate identity and operating assets of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (former stock ticker NYSE:AAI), the former parent company of AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines estimates the transaction's value at $3.2 billion and expects one time costs to integrate the two airlines of $500 million, with cost synergies of approximately $400 million annually. The greatest impact on Southwest will likely be the elimination of a direct low-cost competitor, access to Atlanta, and the addition of landing slots in the New York and Washington DC areas. Southwest obtained a single operating certificate (SOC) from the United States Federal Aviation Administration on March 1, 2012, but expects that full integration of AirTran into Southwest's operations to continue until 2014.
An entity called Guadeloupe Holdings was formed by Southwest and currently acts as a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines and holding company for AirTran's current operations and assets. Southwest's organized labor groups have ceded contractual "scope" provisions pending acceptable negotiated seniority integration agreements. Operations of the two airlines will remain isolated until terms of this integration are fully negotiated (or arbitrated). Bound by federal law, such as McCaskill-Bond legislation, as well as a four-party process agreement, Southwest has confirmed that it will integrate all of the pilots in a fair and equitable manner.[6]
The purchase potentially expands Southwest's service to 15 additional destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Atlanta, an AirTran hub and the largest U.S. city not served by Southwest. On October 10, 2011, USA Today reported that Southwest will work to no longer bank flights in Atlanta as AirTran did. AirTran's Boeing 737 orders and options will remain in place and those deliveries to the Southwest operation will occur over the coming years.[6] Former AirTran aircraft are in the process of being conveyed to Southwest's new evolve interior and canyon blue livery, this process is expected to be completed sometime in 2014.
On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type. First delivery is expected in 2017.[52]
On April 11, 2012 Southwest introduced the 737-800 to the fleet. The first 737-800 was called "Warrior One." [53]
The Southwest Airlines headquarters are located on the grounds of Dallas Love Field in the Love Field neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.[5][54]
As of December 2011, Southwest has 37,000 employees[55]
The President and CEO of Southwest is Gary C. Kelly. Kelly replaced former CEO Jim Parker on July 15, 2004 and assumed the title of "President" on July 15, 2008, replacing former President Colleen Barrett.
Southwest's CFO is Laura Wright. In July 2007, Herb Kelleher resigned his position as Chairman. Colleen Barrett left her post on the Board of Directors and Corporate Secretary in May 2008 and President in July 2008. Both are still active employees of Southwest Airlines.
In contrast to non-union competitor JetBlue Airways, Southwest maintains its profitability and low-fare, low-cost business model while being heavily unionized. The Southwest Airline Pilots' Association, a union not affiliated with the Air Line Pilots Association, represents the airline's pilots.[56] The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians' are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).[57] Customer Service Agents and Reservation Agents are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM). Flight Dispatchers, Flight Attendants, Ramp agents and Operations agents are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The company has employed humor in its advertising. Slogans include "Just Plane Smart", "The Somebody Else Up There Who Loves You" and "THE Low Fare Airline". The airline's current slogan is "Grab your bag, It's On!".
In March 1992, shortly after Southwest started using the "Just Plane Smart" motto, Stevens Aviation, who had been using "Plane Smart" for their motto, threatened a trademark lawsuit.[58][59]
Instead of a lawsuit, the CEOs for both companies staged an arm wrestling match. Held at the now demolished Dallas Sportatorium (the famed wrestling facility) and set for two out of three rounds, the loser of each round was to pay $5,000 to the charity of their choice, with the winner gaining the use of the trademarked phrase. A promotional video was created showing the CEOs "training" for the bout (with CEO Herb Kelleher being helped up during a sit up where a cigarette and glass of whiskey (Wild Turkey 101) was waiting) and distributed among the employees and as a video press release along with the video of the match itself. Herb Kelleher lost the match for Southwest, with Stevens Aviation winning the rights to the phrase. Kurt Herwald, CEO of Stevens Aviation, immediately granted the use of "Just Plane Smart" to Southwest Airlines. The net result was both companies having use of the trademark, $15,000 going to charity and good publicity for both companies.[60]
Southwest has been a major inspiration to other low-cost carriers, and its business model has been repeated many times around the world. The competitive strategy combines high level of employee and aircraft productivity with low unit costs by reducing aircraft turn around time particularly at the gate.[61] Europe's EasyJet and Ryanair are two of the best known airlines to follow Southwest's business strategy in that continent. Other airlines with a business model based on Southwest's system include Canada's WestJet, Malaysia's AirAsia (the first and biggest LCC in Asia), Qantas's Jetstar (although Jetstar now operates two aircraft types), Philippines's Cebu Pacific, Thailand's Nok Air, Mexico's Volaris and Turkey's Pegasus Airlines. Although Southwest has been a major inspiration to many other airlines, including Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar, the management strategies, for example, of Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar differ significantly from those of Southwest.[61] All these different management strategies can be seen as means of differentiation from other competitors in order to gain competitive advantages.[62]
Southwest has fought against the development of a high-speed rail system in Texas. Southwest Airlines also tried advertising for non-stop services within Texas for $18 each way, but it was not approved by any of the United States Amendments.[63][64]
Some awards Southwest has been honored with include:[65]
As of May 2012[update], Southwest Airlines operates scheduled service to 97 destinations in 42 states, the newest being Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on February 12, 2012.
Southwest does not use the more traditional "hub and spoke" flight routing system of most other major airlines, preferring instead the "Point to Point" system. Currently, Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states, with more than 3,300 flights a day. It has notably large operations in certain airports. An average of 80 percent of Southwest passengers are local passengers, meaning only 20 percent of all passengers are connecting passengers. This is significantly higher than most airlines, where passengers often connect in hub cities.[71]
As part of its effort to control costs, Southwest sometimes uses secondary airports in cities which generally have high costs. Secondary airports generally have lower costs and may be more convenient to travelers than major airports to the same destinations. For example, Southwest flies to Chicago-Midway in Chicago instead of Chicago-O'Hare.
As of July 18, 2011[update][72]
| City | Daily departures | Number of gates | Cities served nonstop | Service began |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Washington | 252 | 26 | 55 | 1993 |
| Chicago-Midway | 243 | 35 | 61 | 1985 |
| Las Vegas | 229 | 19 | 55 | 1982 |
| Atlanta | 196 | 31 | 59 | 2012 |
| Phoenix | 183 | 24 | 49 | 1982 |
| Denver | 163 | 19 | 54 | 2006 |
| Orlando | 163 | 12 | 33 | 1996 |
| Houston-Hobby | 143 | 17 | 33 | 1971 |
| Dallas-Love | 127 | 15 | 15 | 1971 |
| Los Angeles | 113 | 11 | 21 | 1982 |
| Oakland | 108 | 13 | 19 | 1989 |
Southwest will initiate service from Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 10, 2012.[73]
On January 22, 2012, Southwest announced expansion at New York-LaGuardia with new service to Denver, St. Louis and Milwaukee beginning August 12, 2012. With their current service (8 daily departures) and new service (6 daily departures) they will serve a total of 14 daily departures from La Guardia. The slots are coming from AirTran Airways which Southwest owns. AirTran will still operate 13 daily departures which will eventually convert to Southwest as well.[74]
On August 12, 2012 Southwest will add service from Atlanta to Louisville, Norfolk and Seattle/Tacoma.[75]
On April 2, 2012, Southwest announced that it would begin service at Dayton and Akron-Canton on August 12, 2012 under the Southwest brand. In addition, Southwest service will commence at Des Moines on September 30, 2012.
Southwest will add service from Atlanta to Orlando and San Francisco on September 30, 2012.[76]
On April 19, 2012, southwest Airlines, whose reservations system doesn't have the capability of handling international reservations, announced it has signed a contract with Amadeus IT Group to help it begin international service in 2014. The contract also provides the option for Southwest to convert its domestic business to Amadeus in the future.[77]
Southwest Airlines confirmed on January 20, 2012 the intent to convert AirTran Airways operations at 22 domestic and international airports to Southwest operations over time, while discontinuing flights to a total of 15 cities, as the two airlines combine.[78]
AirTran service and employees at airports where service will continue are planned to convert to Southwest gradually over the course of the merger. The airlines earlier announced that AirTran will begin serving Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) on May 24, 2012, and San Jose Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on June 3, 2012. Those destinations also will convert to Southwest over time. Of the 69 cities AirTran served when Southwest acquired it on May 2, 2011, 53 cities are planned to convert to full Southwest Airlines service.[79]
Southwest announced its second international codeshare agreement on November 10, 2008, with Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris. The agreement allows Southwest to sell tickets on Volaris flights.[80] Volaris serves Chicago Midway (MDW), Oakland (OAK), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN), San José (SJC) with service to multiple Mexican cities.[81]
In 1997, Southwest and Icelandair entered into interline and marketing agreements allowing for joint fares, coordinated schedules, and transfer of passenger luggage between the two airlines in Baltimore. Icelandair operated flights between Baltimore and Keflavik Airport in Iceland. Connecting service between several U.S. cities and several European cities appeared in the Southwest timetable.[82] The frequent flyer programs were not included in the agreement. This arrangement lasted for several years but ended when Icelandair's service to BWI ended in January 2007.[83]
ATA Airlines, one of Southwest Airlines' main competitors in the Chicago market, historically operated out of Midway Airport alongside Southwest.
In a departure from its traditional "go it alone" strategy, Southwest entered into its first domestic codesharing arrangement with ATA, which enabled Southwest Airlines to serve ATA markets in Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
The codeshare arrangement expanded to include all of ATA's 17 destinations and all of Southwest's 63 destinations. In 2006, Southwest's pilot union approved a codeshare sideletter to their contract with limitations on the growth of this and other codeshare agreements. While these restrictions today are minor, outsourcing remains a growing concern in the union's current contract negotiations.
During 2006, Southwest Airlines began marketing ATA only flights. ATA's dependence on the Southwest network continued to grow in 2006, and at the time of ATA's demise in April 2008, the airline offered over 70 flights a week to Hawaii from Southwest's focus cities in PHX, LAS, LAX, and OAK with connections available to many other cities across the United States.
The ATA/Southwest codeshare was terminated when ATA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 3, 2008.[84] Towards the end of November 2008, Southwest announced it was buying the operating certificate and the remaining assets of ATA Airlines thus enabling Southwest Airlines access to New York LaGuardia slots formerly controlled by ATA. The purchase doesn't include any aircraft, facilities or employees of ATA.[85]
On July 8, 2008, Southwest Airlines officially announced the intent to begin a codeshare agreement with WestJet of Canada, giving the two airlines the ability to sell seats on each other's flights.[86] Originally, the partnership was to be finalized by late 2009, but has been postponed due to economic conditions.[87]
On April 16, 2010, Southwest and WestJet airlines amicably agreed to terminate the implementation of a codeshare agreement between the two airlines.
As of April 11, 2012, the Southwest Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft.[88][89]
| Aircraft | In Service | Orders | Options | Passengers (Business/Economy) |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 717-200 | 88 | 0 | 0 | 117 (12/105) | Originally from AirTran, to be converted to Southwest Evolve interior Fleet includes first & last Boeing 717 ever built |
| Boeing 737–300 | 163 | 0 | 0 | 137 | Launch customer and largest operator of this variant Newer aircraft being retrofitted with electronic flight decks |
| Boeing 737–500 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 122 | Launch customer |
| Boeing 737–700 | 424 | 189 | 92 | 137 137 (12/125) 143 |
Launch customer and largest operator of the variant Seat count being increased to 143; to be completed in 2013[90] Aircraft in 12/125 configuration from AirTran; transition to Southwest evolve interior in progress |
| Boeing 737–800 | 7 | 66 | 0 | 175 | Configured for ETOPS[91] |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | 0 | 150 | 150 | TBA | Launch customer Orders interchangeable with 737 MAX 7[52] Scheduled to enter service in 2017[92] |
| Total | 708 | 405 | 242 |
Southwest is the largest operator in the world of the Boeing 737.[93] Also, Southwest operates more 717 aircraft than any other airline.
After completing the purchase of AirTran Airways, Southwest added AirTran's existing fleet of both 737–700 and smaller Boeing 717–200 aircraft to the Southwest fleet, giving Southwest a fleet based on two different families of airliners.
Newer Boeing 737–300 variants are being upgraded with retrofitted electronic flight decks and blended winglets to reduce operational costs. The retrofits will make the 737-300s operationally compatible with the 737–700 and support the airline's move to embrace the Global Positioning System enabled Required Navigation Performance system.[94][95]
On December 15, 2010, Southwest announced a plan to add the 737–800 to the Southwest fleet. The 737–800 entered operations at Southwest on April 11, 2012 and has 175 seats, 38 more than the former largest plane in Southwest's fleet.[96]
On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type. First delivery is expected in 2017.[52]
All 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft include the Boeing Sky Interior, with the 737-800 also having ETOPS capability.[52][97]
| Aircraft | Introduced | Retired | Replacement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737–200 | 1971 | 2005 | Boeing 737–700 | Southwest's first aircraft type |
| Boeing 727–200 | 1987 | Boeing 737–200 | Leased from Braniff International and People Express Airlines | |
| Boeing 737-300 | 1984 | In Service | — | Launch customer (along with USAir) |
| Boeing 737-500 | 1990 | In Service | — | Launch customer |
| Boeing 737-700 | 1997 | In Service | — | Launch customer |
| Boeing 717-200 | 2012 | In Service | — | Acquired in merger with AirTran Airways |
| Boeing 737-800 | 2012 | In Service | — |
Southwest's original primary livery was Desert Gold, red and orange, with pinstripes of white separating each section of color. The word Southwest appeared in white on the desert gold portion of the tail. On the original three 737-200s, from June 1971, on the left side of the plane, the word Southwest was placed along the upper rear portion of the fuselage, with the word Airlines painted on the tail where Southwest is today N21SW. On the right side, the word Southwest was in the same place as today, but also had the word Airlines painted on the upper rear portion of the fuselage.N20SW.
Southwest introduced the current Canyon Blue livery on January 16, 2001, the first primary livery change in Southwest's [then] 30-year history. Spirit One was the first plane painted in the Canyon Blue fleet color scheme. The new livery replaces the former primary color, Desert Gold, with Canyon Blue and changes the Southwest text and pinstripes to gold. The orange and red stripes continue to be used. The pinstripe along the plane is drawn in a more curved pattern instead of the straight horizontal line separating the colors in the original. For aircraft equipped with blended winglets, the blended winglets are painted to include the text SOUTHWEST.COM. Southwest completed repainting its entire fleet with the new Canyon Blue livery in early 2010.
Some Southwest aircraft feature special liveries. Southwest gives these aircraft special names, usually ending in "One". All special liveries prior to Spirit One wore the standard Desert Gold, red and orange colors on the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Subsequent special liveries including Maryland One, Slam Dunk One and others feature tails with the Canyon Blue livery. All earlier specials, with the exception of Triple Crown One, have been repainted to match. Aircraft painted in special liveries, such as Shamu, have plain white painted blended winglets.[5]
Some of the well-known examples of special liveries include:[98]
Southwest offers free in-flight non-alcoholic beverages with alcoholic beverages available as well for a small price. Southwest has complimentary peanuts or pretzels on all flights, and most flights have free Nabisco snacks. Southwest is known for colorful boarding announcements and crews that burst out in song. The singing is quite popular among passengers.[102]
Southwest maintains excellent customer satisfaction ratings; for many years, according to the Department of Transportation Southwest ranked number one (lowest number of complaints) of all U.S. airlines for customer complaints. Southwest Airlines has consistently received the fewest ratio of complaints per passengers boarded of all major U.S. carriers that have been reporting statistics to the Department of Transportation (DOT) since September 1987, which is when the DOT began tracking Customer Satisfaction statistics and publishing its Air Travel Consumer Report.
Southwest is also one of the few airlines to offer Dr. Pepper as a beverage option.[103]
After completing a testing phase that began in February 2009, Southwest announced on August 21, 2009 that it will begin rolling out in-flight wi-fi Internet connectivity via Row 44's satellite-broadband based product. Southwest began adding Wi-Fi to its aircraft in the first quarter of 2010, they hope to have all airplanes equipped sometime in 2012.[104]
On January 17, 2012 Southwest introduced a plan to retrofit its fleet with a new interior. Improvements include a modern cabin design, lighter and more comfortable seats made of eco-friendly products, increased under-seat space, new netted seatback pockets to provide more knee room, a new fixed-wing headrest and improved economics. The carrier has begun the retrofits and expects to finish outfitting the fleet by the end of 2013.[105]
Southwest first began to offer a frequent-flyer program on June 20, 1987, calling it The Company Club. Unlike competitor's programs which were based on miles flown, The Company Club credited for trips flown regardless of distance.[106] Southwest Airlines renamed its frequent flyer program Rapid Rewards on April 25, 1996.[107]
The original Rapid Rewards program offered one credit per one-way flight from an origin to a destination including any stops or connections on Southwest Airlines. When 16 credits were accumulated in a 24 month period, Southwest awarded one free round-trip ticket that was valid for 12 months.[108] Beginning March 1, 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost.[109] Members earn and redeem points based on a three-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket.[110]
Customers were able to earn one-half credit by using a Southwest partner to book any car rental or hotel stay, regardless of whether a Southwest flight is involved. Rapid Reward members can also earn one credit for every US$1,200 charged to a Rapid Rewards branded Visa credit card, with charges from Southwest or its partners counting double by dollars spent. Members could register their credit card with Rapid Rewards Dining to receive 0.25 credits for every US$100 spent at restaurant partners. In early 2009, Southwest announced their first retail partner, TeleFlora Flower Club, from which members can earn 0.5 or 1 credit with each flower order, depending on the total cost of the order.[111]
On January 6, 2011, Southwest introduced an updated version of Rapid Rewards. Changes include no blackout dates, seat restrictions or expiring credits. It also adds more options to use points. The new program uses points instead of credits, points are determined by the fare.[112]
Southwest Airlines has not been responsible for any passenger deaths on any of its planes in its history, but has had eight incidents/accidents with one hull-loss and one death on the ground.
| Flight | Date | Aircraft | Location | Description | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1455 | March 5, 2000 | Boeing 737-300 | Burbank, CA | Overran the runway upon landing at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, now called Bob Hope Airport, Burbank, California, injuring 43.[113] The incident resulted in the dismissal of the pilots. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. This incident is the only hull-loss accident in the 40+ year history of the airline. | 43 injuries |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1763 | August 11, 2000 | N/A | In flight | A passenger Jonathan Burton broke through the cockpit door aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1763 while en route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. In their own defense, the other passengers restrained Burton, who later died of the resulting injuries.[114] A CSI episode, "Unfriendly Skies", using similar incident elements in its plot, aired on December 8, 2000. | 1 death |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 411 | August 19, 2004 | N/A | Los Angeles, CA | The flight taking off from Los Angeles International Airport bound for Albuquerque, New Mexico, was on the same runway that Asiana Airlines Flight 204, a Boeing 747, was using for landing due to an air traffic control error. The Asiana pilot aborted the landing, saving both planes.[115] | None |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 | December 8, 2005 | Boeing 737-700 | Chicago, IL | The flight skidded off a runway upon landing at Chicago Midway International Airport in heavy snow conditions. A six-year-old boy died in a car struck by the plane after it skidded into a street. Passengers on board the aircraft and on the ground reported several minor injuries. The aircraft involved, N471WN, became N286WN after repairs. | 1 death (on ground); Several injuries |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 2294 | July 13, 2009 | Boeing 737-300 | Charleston, WV | The flight from Nashville International Airport to Baltimore-Washington International Airport was forced to divert to Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, after a hole formed on the top of the plane's fuselage near the tail, resulting in depressurization of the cabin and deployment of the oxygen masks. The aircraft landed safely.[116] | None |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 812 | April 1, 2011 | Boeing 737–300 | Yuma, AZ | The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Sacramento International Airport operated with a Boeing 737–300 aircraft registered N632SW, was forced to declare an emergency and divert to Yuma International Airport after a hole appeared in the top of the aircraft fuselage. The aircraft landed approximately 40 minutes after takeoff from Phoenix.[117] | None |
On June 22, 2011, a March 25 recording of an in-flight transmission of Southwest pilot Captain James Taylor apparently unintentionally broadcasting a conversation with his co-pilot was released to the press. The conversation was peppered with foul language directed at gay, overweight and older flight attendants. According to Southwest, the pilot was reprimanded, temporarily suspended without pay and received diversity education before being reinstated. Captain Taylor also sent an e-mail apology to all of Southwest's employees, especially the crew bases they criticized.[118][119][120]
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This video shows you what life is like working on the ramp at Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines Nuts Albuquerque
a tribute to the greatest airline out there!
Southwest Flight 812 drops from 36000ft to 10700ft in 4 minutes....... This is my story of Southwest Airlines flight 812 that landed in Yuma AZ after a hole blew open at 36000ft. There were 118 passengers and 5 crew members on board. On April 1, 2011 the plane left Phoenix AZ in route to Sacramento CA at approximately 3:35 PM and landed in Yuma at 4:07 PM This is Strictly a reenactment of the events of that day. Thankfully there was only 1 minor injury to a crew member on the rapid decent. I give credit to the great pilots of Southwest Airlines and there piloting skills. Great job bringing everyone down safe.. Thanks for watching..
Flight emergency X-Plane Southwest Airlines Flight 812
Go inside Boeing as the newest Specialty Plane is unveiled!
Southwest Airlines Florida One Boeing 737
Southwest Airline Boeing 737-500 flying from Chicago Midway to Orlando!
Southwest airlines 737 landing
Southwest Airlines Employee Renee Allen gives the Passengers a country hit to take with them.
Southwest Airlines Renee Allen No Fees Country
i was a PASSENGER on this flight from LAX to Chicago MDW. it was quite entertaining and had people laughing. i couldnt record the flight attendant b/c he was not visible to me, so i just recorded the sunny southern california weather. enjoy. just a few comments on this video: 1. it is a real recording, there are some people on youtube who have had this guy. 2. it is southwest airlines, so the demos are not like other airlines. 3. once again, i was just a PASSENGER 4. THIS IS THE ORIGINAL VIDEO!!!! dont think i dont see peoples stealing my video. (thanks to the 2 videos though for the reference)
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Flying Columnist Dick Karl takes a look at SWA's new 737. For more on Dick's look at Southwest, check out www.flyingmag.com
Oshkosh 2010 EAA airventure Airshow Airliner
A rapping flight attendant has become a Youtube sensation. He's turning the usual dry annoucements into the highligjht of the trip. Jocelyn Pierce caught up with him at LAX.
rapping flight attendant jocelyn
takeoff from Bradley/Hartford airport
Southwest Airlines Co. has signed a multiyear agreement to use an environmentally friendly engine-washing system in an effort to save on fuel and cut carbon emissions. The Dallas-based carrier is using the EcoPower system offered by East Hartford, Conn.-based flight technology firm Pratt & Whitney Global Service Partners. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, but Pratt & Whitney said Southwest's annual fuel-cost savings could exceed $20 million. The airline also stands to cut 135 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions annually as a result. The arrangement with Pratt & Whitney comes as Southwest, along with the rest of the airline industry, faces record-high fuel prices that have led many to trim capacity and levy fees on travelers. Southwest in the first quarter reported a 63 percent drop in profit to $34 million, partially driven by a 34 percent hike in fuel and oil costs compared with the same period of 2007. Southwest said it is performing regular washes at airports in Orlando, Fla., and Oakland, Calif., where Pratt & Whitney has established new service centers. The EcoPower equipment uses a closed-loop system with atomized water to wash aircraft engines, avoiding contaminant runoff, Pratt & Whitney said. The patented system is considered more effective and faster than traditional engine-washing processes. Pratt & Whitney parent United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) employs more than 225000 worldwide and in 2007 recorded $4.22 billion in profit on $54.8 billion in ...
Southwest Airlines Engine Wash
Ahhhh, nostalgia. They don't make them like this anymore - commercials or "flight attendants". One has to wonder how many takes they had to do until they got the timing right - this was, of course, before CGI ruined everything.
Southwest Airlines commercial airliners
Pilot's offensive rant from inside cockpit unknowingly broadcast. For more, click here: abcn.ws
southwest airlines south continental la red
Outtakes and bloopers can be viewed here: www.youtube.com
DMRbiz: Southwest Airlines already having impact, D.M. airport director says http://t.co/wXxOlrwe
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Kasper_FTC: First time flying Southwest Airlines. That don't even give you assign seats. I managed to get a window seat though.
AviationMedia: @SouthwestAir #Airlines already having impact, DM #airport director says - @DMRegister (blog) : http://t.co/jXIG0okP
TxLibertyCaucus: RT @j3669: Hello #Houston! What do you think? Should Southwest Airlines fly out of Hobby to Latin America and the Carribbean? http://t.co/I8v5cb3i
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question10: Enter 4 a chance to win a 4-day dream vacation, courtesy of Foundation Financial Group and Southwest Airlines Vacation. http://t.co/L1i1jWrF
NewsSWA: @SouthwestAir #Airlines already having impact, DM #airport director says - @DMRegister (blog) : http://t.co/ircDpsrR
AviationMedia: @SouthwestAir #Airlines best for frequent fliers; United among most improved - Denver Business Journal : http://t.co/kZjf9HLP
j3669: Hello #Houston! What do you think? Should Southwest Airlines fly out of Hobby to Latin America and the Carribbean? http://t.co/I8v5cb3i
NewsSWA: @SouthwestAir #Airlines best for frequent fliers; United among most improved - Denver Business Journal : http://t.co/UWMIDDdL
AutismAspergerT: Southwest Airlines doubles buyback and dividend - http://t.co/9oXg4iHN
Yaabro_MC: Southwest airlines mercy @Mr_D_Bentley
Katie 'Ising' DuBose: This is AWESOME!!!! Enter to win!!!! And then take me with you :) Louisiana Seafood Fans! Register at http://on.fb.me/HNrzDB for a chance to be our early bird prize winner... Two FREE Southwest Airlines tickets to be given away this Friday! You'll also be registered to win our Grand Prize - 10 lbs of Louisiana Shrimp on June 3rd.
Darion Pittman: Thursday catch me flying over your head. Stepped my game up SouthWest to American Airlines.
Timothy Perry: Fuck southwest airlines!
Annie Oakley: for those of us looking for a few perks when we get to be hmmmmm seniors This list may not only be useful for you, your friends and family. Dunkin Donuts gives free coffee to people over 55 . If you're paying for a cup every day, you might want to start getting it for free. Restaurants Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+) Arby’s: 10% off (55+) Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+) Bennigan’s: discount varies by location Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+) Boston Market: 10% off (65+) Burger King: 10% off (60+) Captain D’s Seafood: discount varies on location (62+) Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+) Chili’s: 10% off (55+) CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) Culver’s: 10% off (60+) Denny’s: 10% off, 20% off for AARP members (55+) Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or free coffee (55+) Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+) Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+) Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+) Golden Corral: 10% off (60+) Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+) IHOP: 10% off (55+) Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+) KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+) Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+) Long John Silver’s: various discounts at participating locations (55+) McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+) Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+) Shoney’s: 10% off Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+) Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+) Subway: 10% off (60+) Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+) Taco Bell: 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+) TCBY: 10% off (55+) Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+) Village Inn: 10% off (60+) Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+) Wendy’s: 10% off (55+) White Castle: 10% off (62+) Retail And Apparel Banana Republic: 10% off (50+) Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50+) Belk’s: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55+) Big Lots: 10% off Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55+) C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) Clarks: 10% off (62+) Dress Barn: 10% off (55+) Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location) Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location) Kmart: 20% off (50+) Kohl’s: 15% off (60+) Modell’s Sporting Goods: 10% off Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+) The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+) Stein Mart: 20% off red dot/clearance items first Monday of every month (55+) Grocery Albertson’s: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55+) American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50+) Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+) DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (60+) Food Lion: 6% off every Monday (60+) Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday (55+) Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+) Harris Teeter: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location) Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location) Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+) The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday (50+) Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (55+) Rogers Marketplace: 5% off every Thursday (60+) Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 5% off (62+) Travel Alaska Airlines: 10% off (65+) Alamo: up to 25% off for AARP members American Airlines: various discounts for 65 and up (call before booking for discount) Amtrak: 15% off (62+) Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members Best Western: 10% off (55+) Budget Rental Cars: 10% off; up to 20% off for AARP members (50+) Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) Clarion: 20%-30% off (60+) Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+) Continental Airlines: no initiation fee for Continental Presidents Club & special fares for select destinations Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off (50+) Econo Lodge: 20%-30% off (60+) Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members Greyhound: 5% off (62+) Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off when booked 72 hours in advance Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members Holiday Inn: 10%-30% off depending on location (62+) Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+) InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+) Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+) Marriott Hotels: 15% off (62+) Motel 6: 10% off (60+) Myrtle Beach Resort: 10% off (55+) National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members Quality Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) Sleep Inn: 20%-30% off (60+) Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) Trailways Transportation System: various discounts for ages 50 and up United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) U.S. Airways: various discounts for ages 65 and up (call before booking for discount) Activities And Entertainment AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+) Bally Total Fitness: up to $100 off memberships (62+) Busch Gardens Tampa: $3 off one-day tickets (50+) Carmike Cinemas: 35% off (65+) Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+) Regal Cinemas: 30% off Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket (55+) SeaWorld Orlando: $3 off one-day tickets (50+) Cell Phone Discounts AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $29.99/month (65+) Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50+) Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+). Miscellaneous Great Clips: $3 off hair cuts (60+) Super Cuts: $2 off haircuts (60+)
Rodney G Ramos: O'Hare and U.S. Airways. Another reason to love Midway and Southwest Airlines.
Carol Jan Dirr: A mother and her son were flying Southwest Airlines from Oakland to Kansas City. The son, who had been looking out the window, turned to his mother and said: “If big dogs have baby dogs and big cats have baby cats, why don’t big planes have baby planes? The mother, who couldn’t think of an answer, told her son to ask the flight attendant. So, the little boy asked the flight attendant: “If big dogs have baby dogs and big cats have baby cats, why don’t big planes have baby planes?” The flight attendant asked: “Did your mother tell you to ask me that?” He said that she had. With a clever grin, she said: “Tell your mother it’s because Southwest Airlines always pulls out on time.
Chakrapani Siddlaghatta Mohanrao: INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT AIRLINES, AIRPORTS AND AIR TRAVELING • All International Airline Pilots speaks English. • Flights longer than 8 hours require 3 pilots (1 captain and 2 first officers) to rotate flying duties. Flights longer than 12 hours require 4 pilots (1 captain and 3 first officers). They usually fly 3-4 hour shifts. (There are different norms of Indian companies Pilots) •Each airline pilot flying the aircraft, eats a different meal to minimize the risk of all pilots on board being ill. •On average, pilots fly between 9 and 14 days a month (Indian companies pilot fly 24 to 26 days) •All airlines have an agreement to let each others' travelling pilots occupy empty seats. If no seats are available, the travelling pilot can also occupy an extra seat in the cockpit that is usually empty. •The main function of flight attendants are for the safety and security of their passengers, and passenger comfort is only secondary. •The first female flight attendants in 1930 were required to weigh less than 115 pounds. In addition, they had to be nurses and unmarried. •Flight attendants must not have any tattoos visible when a uniform is worn. These requirements are designed to give the airlines a positive representation. •The normal ratio of Flight Attendants to passenger seats is one Flight Attendant for every 50 passenger seats. •The height requirement for Flight Attendant is for safety reasons, making sure that all flight attendants can reach overhead safety equipment. •The normal ratio of Lavatories to passengers is approximately one lavatory for every 50 passengers. •An air traveler can lose approximately 1.5 liters of water in the body during a three-hour flight. •The reason why the lights are turned out during takeoff and landing – Is for your eyes to adjust to lower levels of light. If there's an accident and they have to activate the emergency slides, studies have shown that you will be able to see better and therefore be able to evacuate more quickly and safely. •The World’s largest Airline in terms of Fleet Size is Delta Airlines (United States) with 744 aircraft and 121 aircraft on order as of March 2011. •The largest passenger plane is the Airbus 380 - nearly 240 feet long, almost 80 feet high, and has a wingspan of more than 260 feet. The double-decker plane has a standard seating capacity of 555 passengers. •The world’s busiest airport in terms of passenger volume or the number of takeoffs and landings, is Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia, United States – with more than 88 million passengers shuffled through the Atlanta airport in 2009, with another 20 million in the first three months of 2010, and with aircraft take-off and landings approximately every 37 seconds. •The Internet/On-Line check-in was first used by Alaskan Airlines in 1999. •The world’s Largest Airport is Kansai International Airport, Osaka, Japan (as of 2011). By 2013 Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates is planned to be the largest airport in the world. •The airport with the longest runway in the world is Qamdo Bangda Airport in the Peoples Republic of China with 5.50 kilometers in length (as of 2011). •American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by removing 1 olive from each salad served in first class. •In 2009, Southwest served 63.2 million cans of soda, juices, and water; 14.3 million alcoholic beverages; 14 million bags of pretzels; 90 million bags of peanuts; 17.7 million Select-A-Snacks; and 33.5 million other snacks. •Singapore Airlines spends about $700 million on food every year and $16 million on wine alone. First class passengers consume 20,000 bottles of alcohol every month and Singapore Airlines is the second largest buyer of Dom Perignon champagne in the world. •Cathay Pacific carries rice cookers, toasters, cappuccino makers and skillets on board their airplanes. •KLM of Netherlands stands for Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij (meaning Royal Dutch Airlines). •KLM is the worlds' oldest airline established in 1919. •QUANTAS - Australia’s national airline, originally stood for Queensland And Northern Territories Air Service. •QUANTAS is the second world’s oldest airline established in 1920. •QUANTAS still has the world's best safety record with no crashes as of 2011. •Virgin Atlantic lists catering as their third biggest expense, after fuel and maintenance. •American Airlines spent about $425 million on food for domestic passengers in 2001. •In one year, British Airways passengers consume: * 40.5 tons of chicken * 6 tons of caviar * 22 tons of smoked salmon * 557,507 boxes of chocolate * 90 thousand cases (9 liter cases) of sparkling wine. •Abu Dhabi Airport Services once did a complete turn-around for a Boeing 777 in under 40 minutes, as opposed to a normal minimum of one hour. They unloaded passengers, cargo, mail, cleaned the aircraft, and loaded outbound passengers, cargo and mail in that short time. •In 2001, Dubai Duty Free sold 1,570,214 cartons of cigarettes, 2,003,151 bottles of liquor, 2,909 kilograms of gold, 101,824 watches, 690,502 bottles of perfume, 52,119 mobile phones. •In-flight catering is an $18 billion worldwide industry employing up to 200,000 people.
Sissy Nobby: I do.apologize to.the promoters for not able to.make it to the San antiono,TX show. Southwest airlines over book too many people for 1 flight. And I.miss out. I'm so sorry
Johnny Villarreal: How Awesome , We Live in a City where are Basketball Team is the Envy of the NBA, Class Act! A Great Young Mayor whose Vision is Top Notch and has Us Progressing in all Areas! and Home to Southwest Airlines Reservation Center and Yes UTSA! It is All Good In The Neighborhood!.
Dan Dixon: Flying sucks slightly less on Southwest Airlines!
Tyler Black: $400 for 5 days in California flight and hotel included..hmm oh Southwest Airlines how u tempt me lol
Benita Ruppel: southwest airlines credit card no annual fee
Beatrice Turman: I just spoke to my pride and joy,Missy Kristie K.That girl is my rock that GOD gave me to get thru the good and the bad.And she does just that by the Grace of GOD.I'm perfect in her eyes no matter what,And I Thank GOD for her each and every day.So she prospers for all the good she do for others,and I do as well by the Goodiness, and Graciousness,of his Holy ONE JESUS CHRIST.She is now with Southwest Airlines,moving on up,Thank You Jesus and protect my baby.Keep her up when she's supposed to be up and down when tthose tires are supposed to be down
Michael Blackstone: This is what I want American to be like! Who wouldn't want to work at a company like this?
Brian Simmons: Southwest Airlines sucks! Fly to Las Vegas on a plane with mechanical problems. Hang out for four hours to get into Austin at 2:00 AM, no way to get rental car after midnight. Southwest doesn't care!
Jason Pliska: Thank you Southwest Airlines... Volunteer your seat, give up your drink coupon to armed military, and they give you a free travel voucher for $348 and a new drink coupon.. And seating on a flight just 1.5 hours later. Let's do this again soon :)
H. Marlene Stratton: TEXAS Have you ever looked at a map of the world? Look at Texas with me just for a second. That picture, with the Panhandle and the Gulf Coast , and the Red River and the Rio Grande is as much a part of you as anything ever will be. As soon as anyone anywhere in the world looks at it, they know what it is. It's Texas . Pick any kid off the street in Japan and draw him a picture of Texas in the dirt, and he'll know what it is. What happens if I show you a picture of any other state? You might get it maybe after a second or two, but who else would? And even if you do, does it ever stir any feelings in you? In every man, woman and child on this planet, there is a person who wishes just once he could be a real live Texan and get up on a horse or ride off in a pickup. There is a little bit of Texas in everyone. Texas is the Alamo . Texas is 183 men standing in a church, facing thousands of Mexican nationals, fighting for freedom, who had the chance to walk out and save themselves, but stayed instead to fight and die for the cause of freedom. We send our kids to schools named William B. Travis and James Bowie and Davy Crockett, and do you know why? Because those men saw a line in the sand and they decided to cross it and be heroes. John Wayne paid to do the movie The Alamo himself. That is the Spirit of Texas . Texas is Sam Houston capturing Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana at San Jacinto. Texas has huge forests of Piney Woods like the Davy Crockett and Sam Houston National Forests. Texas is breathtaking mountains in the Big Bend . Texas is the unparalleled beauty of bluebonnet fields in the Texas Hill Country. Texas is floating the rivers of the Hill Country on a hot summer day. Texas is the beautiful, warm beaches of the Gulf Coast of South Texas . Texas is beaches you can drive on and have many memorable bonfires with close friends. Texas is that warm feeling you get when someone asks where you're from. Texas is the shiny skyscrapers in Houston and Dallas. Texas is world record bass from places like Lake Fork . Texas is Mexican foods like nowhere else, not even Mexico . Texas is chicken fried steak and world famous Bar-B-Q. Texas is the Fort Worth Stockyards, Bass Hall, the Mort Myerson in Dallas, The Ballpark in Arlington, the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, the American Airlines Center in Dallas, and the Astrodome (the Reliant Stadium now) in Houston. Texas is larger-than-life legends like Michael DeBakey, Ann Richards, Denton Cooley, Willie Nelson, Buddy Holly, Gene Autry, Audie Murphy, Tommy Lee Jones, Waylon Jennings, Farrah Fawcett, Janis Joplin, Sandra Bullock, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Landry, Eva Longoria Parker, Darrell Royal, ZZ Top, Roger Staubach, Eric Dickerson, Earl Campbell, Nolan Ryan, Sam Rayburn, Howard Hughes, George H. W. Bush, Lyndon B.Johnson, George W . Bush, and let's not forget GEORGE STRAIT, the Big Bopper, Tex Ritter, George Jones, Clay Walker, Mark Chestnut, and Tracy Byrd to name only a few. Texas has great companies like Dell Computer, Texas Instruments, EDS and Compaq, Whataburger, Southwest Airlines, Bell Helicopter, and LOCKHEED MARTIN AEROSPACE, Home of the F-16 Jet Fighter and the JSF Fighter,Valero. Texas is NASA. Texas is huge herds of cattle, beautiful horses and miles of crops. Texas is home to the world famous King Ranch. Texas is home to the most amazing sunsets of gold over an empty field. Texas is skies blackened with doves and fields full of deer. Texas is a place where towns and cities shut down to watch the local high school football game on Friday nights and for the Cowboys on Monday Night Football at the new Cowboy Stadium, and for the Night In Old San Antonio River Parade in San Antonio . To drive across Texas is to drive 1/3 the way across the United States . Texas has ocean beaches, deserts, lakes and rivers, mountains and prairies, and modern cities. If it isn't already in Texas, we probably don't need it. No one does anything bigger or better than it's done in Texas. By federal law, Texas is the only state in the U.S. That can fly its flag at the same height as the U.S. Flag. Think about that for a second. You fly the Stars and Stripes at 20 feet in Maryland, California, or Maine, and your state flag, whatever it is, goes at 17 feet. You fly the Stars and Stripes in front of Klein Oak High or anyplace else at 20 feet, the Lone Star flies at the same height - 20 feet. You know why? Because its the only state that was a Republic before it became a state. Also, being a Texan is as high as being an American down here. Our capitol is the only one in the country that is taller than the capitol building in Washington , DC . And we can divide our state into five states at any time if we wanted to! We can become a republic again at any time the voters of Texas choose, and we included these things as part of the deal when we came on. That's the best part, right there. Texas even has its own power grid! And don't even lie to yourself. Did I mention the LIVE music capitol of the world? GOD BLESS TEXAS
Jody Atwood: I love southwest airlines
elephantjournal.com: I love to travel, but hate that so much of it leaves a big carbon footprint. 10 ways to make your adventure more eco-friendly: ~ Elephant Green Elephant Adventure Traveling Frequent Flyer Southwest Airlines Jet Blue Travelling Vacation Home Rentals Green Travel ~ Via EcoSalon; shared by Kate.
Craig Trevor Weichmann: American Airlines... Wow you really did some new tricks tonight... Delta, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, Inc. were all able to fly out of BNA to the chicago area... but "weather" prevented you from flying? wow. is all I can say. I do not understand how you can continue to run your business with these practices. Thank you Delta for taking care of getting me home.
Lisa Egerton Parkinson: God I just love Southwest Airlines !!!!!
Rodney RamosProductions: If you get a chance help Southwest Airlines by signing their on-line petition.
Tonya Hill: I LOVE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES. THANK YOU
Kelly J. Kelly: Catching the smile of PSA ~ Pacific Southwest Airlines now flyin' out of the worldwide gallery. <3
Southwest has the best deals on flights, hotels and car rentals.
Southwest has the best deals on flights, hotels and car rentals.
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), is an American-based, low-cost airline headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The airline was established in 1967 adopting its current ...
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Purchase by May 14 for travel through November 2, 2012. 14-day advance purchase required. Travel valid only on Tuesdays & Wednesdays.
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"Our people are our single greatest strength and most enduring longterm competitive advantage." Gary Kelly, CEO Southwest Airlines
DALLAS - Southwest Airlines Co. this summer will offer nonstop daily service between Boston and Nashville, Tenn. Dallas-based Southwest says the nonstop flights begin ...
Then comes the uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach—it’s lost. At Southwest Airlines, we’re dedicated to providing our Customers with the highest quality of ...
Learn more about Corporate Travel. Get a better seat on the plane with EarlyBird Check-in! Enroll in the AirTran Airways A2B Corporate Program. Take advantage of our ...
Welcome to the Official Southwest Page! We will not address specific Customer Service issues here. Have a question/immediate concern? Write: Southwest Airlines P.O ...
'Too Fat To Fly' Passenger Sues Southwest Airlines For 'Discriminatory Actions'
Save big on complete vacation packages to Las Vegas, Disney Parks, Florida, California and other top US destinations with Southwest Airlines Vacations.
US$ 15.7 billion (2011)
US$ 693 million (2011)
