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LUV at 30,000 Feet

wbartels
Adventurer C


For six years, Paul Lovine and his girlfriend, Kat, have been flying between Burbank and Oakland to see each other as much as possible despite the distance. In the process, the couple has accumulated literally thousands of miles traveling the popular route, proving their loyalty to Southwest, and their love for one another. So, when Paul, who prefers to go by his middle name, was searching for the perfect way to ask his girlfriend of six years to be his wife, he knew Southwest would have to play a part in the big plan.

As Lovine puts it, “We’ve been doing this crazy commute for so long, I knew it would be appropriate to ‘end’ it where it meant the most for us--on the long-awaited weekend flight to see each other.” 

So begins the story of Lovine’s elaborate plan to propose to Kat at 30,000 feet in the air, onboard Flight #2363 from Oakland to Burbank.  Kat was traveling the ever-familiar route to see her boyfriend for the weekend. But what she didn’t know was that Lovine was already onboard the flight, waiting to surprise her with the big question.  To Lovine, the plan to propose onboard a Southwest plane was the perfect end to the long-distance relationship, and the beginning of a lifetime. 

Proposal

 “Southwest has been instrumental in sustaining our relationship,” said Lovine. “In the years we've been together, we've amassed thousands of miles, traveling between Oakland and Burbank. And when they started to allow pets onboard a few years ago, it enabled the three of us (Kat, Lovine, and their dog, Nickel) to safely and conveniently explore the northern and southern golden coasts.”

But, Lovine’s plan would never have worked without the LUV and understanding of Southwest Burbank Employees- and the Phoenix Inflight Crew (our special thanks to J.D., Lisaana, Gloria, Luisa, Valeria, and Steve).  Busy preparing for the big question, Lovine missed his originally scheduled flight to Oakland, and the rest of the flights to Oakland were overbooked for the day. Luckily, the Southwest Team stepped in to intervene and help the day run smoothly. Lovine was able to secure a seat on a flight to Oakland, landing in the gate adjacent to where Kat was waiting to board her flight to Burbank. With the help of Southwest Burbank Employees, Lovine stealthily boarded the plane before general boarding, and hid in the back row, out of Kat’s view.  

View from Back

“There were several hoops and hurdles that the Southwest Team helped me cross, as soon as I got into the airport for the greatest ‘gig’ of my life,” Lovine explained. “Apart from helping us be together on weekends, the Southwest Family pulled me through this important day, and I am forever grateful for all the help everyone gave me that day.” 

Once the flight reached cruising altitude, Lovine emerged from the back of the aircraft, guitar in play, and coaxed Kat awake. After serenading her with the lyrics to a favorite Beatles song, “Real Love,” Lovine got down on one knee, right in the middle of the aisle next to row five. In perfect timing, Nickel popped up with Kat’s ring resting in a custom-made Southwest pillbox stewardess hat. And after six wonderful years of long distance, Lovine and Kat became engaged at 30,000 feet.

The Proposal

As Lovine put it, “I really do think [Southwest] is the greatest team on the planet, and that’s also part of the reason why I wanted to share this beautiful story. Kat and I fell in love, and you guys are part of it.”

They don’t call us the LUV airline for nothing, and we’re pleased to have played such an integral role in the LUV story of two of our most loyal Customers (and their dog!).

Best wishes for the future, Lovine and Kat, and we hope to welcome both of you and Nickel onboard for many years to come! 

Proposal with Captain

 Click here to see more pictures from the proposal.

20 Comments
gbriones
Explorer B
What a great story, thanks so much for sharing 🙂
Don_Burck
Explorer C
Luv it!!
Teresa11
Explorer C
Just another reason why I LUV Southwest!
Kelly_Gomez
Explorer C
What a truly amazing love story!!! I wish you all the best!! Southwest is the best airline company and this is another great example of why my family and I LUV Southwest!! 🙂
Caroline__Malla
Explorer C
SWA is all about LUV. SWA LUV's their customers and LUV"S doing good things for everyone. They give LUV and get LUV in return. I LUV SWA.
hughes_speer
Explorer C
I'm currently in the same situation they are. I have to fly from Nashville to Baltimore every month and they have been our life line. They are the best people to fly with and I have yet to ever have a problem out of them.
Rick_J__Gustafs
Explorer C
I have flown Southwest,bowled on a S.W. league and camped out with SW employee's. Some of the finest people you will ever meet. Those of you that know me know i am talking about you and then some. I miss ya all,wish I wish I lived closer to ya,Love Rick.
JillChristin
Explorer C
Southwest is the only airline that has helped my boyfriend and I see each other over the last 5 years. I am in Columbus, OH and he is in Jacksonville, FL. We LUV Southwest!! Congratulations to the happy couple!
Sandra_Dunn
Explorer C
My son also proposed to his wife on Southwest Airlines. He is now a pilot for them.
x_
Explorer C
LOL. That was awesome and adorable.
sylvia_segner
Explorer C
Really LUV, this airline....that's a great awe story...you're an awesome team Southwest Airlines.... 🙂
Gracie1
Explorer C
Wow, this is the best proposal ever! Southwest, you guys are awesome!
Brooks
Retired Community Manager
Thanks for all the awesome words, everyone. This story wouldn't be possible without having such great Customers. The fact Southwest has had an impact on Lovine (and Kat) so great that he included us in such a big moment in the couple's life is really breathtaking. And what are the odds of having a photographer sitting across from him in the back?!
sbickle
Explorer B
adorbs
Brett4
Explorer C
Wow, that's awesome! Congratulations to you both (or I guess all three of you). 😉
Shirley_Rice
Explorer C
Yes, they are a great airline!! Thanksgiving weekend of 1994, I met my husband-to-be in a Southwest gate in Amarillo, TX. In our conversation, we found that we had a lot in common -- we were both pilots and both sang barbershop! We carried on our romance between San Antonio and Dallas for several months, and then he asked Southwest for permission to propose to me in the seats where we met. They decorated the seats and the window with red crepe paper, placed "Reserved" signs in the backs of the seats, and had champagne and two glasses on the seats for us. After I said yes, the Amarillo Sweet Adelines chorus serenaded us, singing "I Don't Know Why I Love You Like I Do." It was a memorable experience! We were married July 1 of that year. Oh -- and he was 64 and I was 57 when we met! We have had 16 wonderful years together.
Monica_Dove
Explorer C
That is such a wonderful story. Much love and happiness to them. I too "luv" Southwest Airlines and use them whenever I get the chance. Boarding, flights, the people; all are awesome. I think other airlines can learn a lot from SWA.
RobH
Adventurer C
So cool! I love the dog too!! Great job telling this awesome story Whitney!!
Steen
Explorer C
What a great story and a cute writer as well! 🙂
Brenda_Tellone
Explorer C
Awesome! I LUV Southwest! You are the best!!!