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Operational Update: Winter Storm Stella

LindaRutherford
Employee
Employee

Are you flying in or out of one of our airports affected by Winter Storm Stella? You can check the latest Travel Advisory by clicking here.

 

Update at 2:45 p.m. CDT on March 14, 2017

 

As day two of Winter Storm Stella unfolds, many of our New England destinations are receiving anywhere from three to 18 inches of snow accumulation. While the impact of a winter storm can appear to slow the activity at an airport, the Warrior Spirit of Southwest Airlines Employees remains hard at work behind the scenes.

 

Beyond the work being done by our Network Operations Control Teams, highlighted in yesterday’s updates, our Employees at the Stations stay busy during a weather event maintaining the ramps and Aircraft so they’ll be ready to go when conditions start improving. Here are a few photos from our folks in the field.

 

Chicago (MDW), IL

Photo Credit: Crissy AcostaPhoto Credit: Crissy Acosta

 

 Chicago (MDW), IL

Photo Credit: Carlos BecPhoto Credit: Carlos Bec

 

Providence (PVD), RI

Photo Credit: Dawn ColePhoto Credit: Dawn Cole

 

 

Update at 6:10 p.m. CDT on March 13, 2017

Our Network Operations Control Teams already work very hard, but during severe weather events they are especially given an opportunity to showcase expertise. A member of our Social Business Team, Derek Hubbard, sat down with Meteorologist Becky Miller to examine Winter Storm Stella and Southwest's methodology when preparing for such a storm. You'll hear a lot of noise in the background; that's because this was (and will continue to be) a very active area over the next couple of days.

 

 

Update at 4:00 p.m. CDT on March 13, 2017

Every few years Mother Nature keeps us on our toes with a late-season winter storm. Southwest Airlines Operational Planners are carefully tracking the movement of Winter Storm Stella as it makes its way across much of the Midwest and New England this week. Based on forecasted weather conditions, our scheduled service to/from cities in the storm’s path may be disrupted Monday, March 13 through Wednesday, March 15. Winter weather in large parts of the system can sometimes impact non-wintry cities because of flight routes, Crews, and aircraft availability.

 

Customers holding a reservation for travel during this time can make adjustments to their travel plans without paying any additional charge. That means no change fees, which you already enjoy on Southwest Airlines, in addition to not having to pay a difference in fare. Tickets must be rebooked in the original class of service within 14 days of the original date of travel, and travel must be between the original city-pairs in accordance with our accommodation procedures).

 

  • Customers who purchased their itinerary via Southwest.com or our mobile app are eligible to reschedule their travel plans online or from their mobile device.
  • Customers who did not purchase a ticket via Southwest.com can call 1-800-435-9792 to speak with a Customer Representative.
  • Customers in the U.S. scheduled to travel internationally must call 1-800-435-9792 to speak with a Customer Representative for assistance with rebooking.
  • Customers can speak with a Customer Representative on Twitter using the handle @Southwestair, or by sending us a message on the Southwest Airlines Facebook page.

As of Monday afternoon, March 13, more than 300 flights have been canceled across 25 Southwest destinations. Additional schedule adjustments are expected as snow and sleet begin to accumulate through Tuesday morning.

 

To learn more about how Southwest Airlines is proactively tracking Winter Storm Stella and making strategic adjustments to ensure the Safety of our Employees and Customers, please view our Facebook Livestream from our Network Operations Control Room today, Monday, March 13.

 

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