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Turning 40 the Southwest Way

millie-richter-
Frequent Flyer C

I’ve been working for this airline for nearly 13 years and one thing still amazes me—that fact that nobody can celebrate quite like Southwest!  

Saturday, June 18, marks Southwest Airline’s 40th anniversary—but why contain the festivities to just one day?  We started celebrating our 40th year back in February with Gary’s Messages to Field.  These “state of the Company” addresses took place in cities across the country, and the events' “Get Amped” rock theme—complete with an Employee Battle of Bands contest—set the stage for the celebrations to come.

MTTF 2011

On June 14, "Herb Kelleher Way," the honorary name of Cedar Springs Drive as it leads into Dallas Love Field, was officially dedicated at a ceremony attended by Dallas dignitaries, Southwest Leaders and Employees, and, of course, Colleen, Herb, and his family.  As a Southwest Employee, I couldn't be more proud!

Herb Way

During 2011 Southwest is throwing not one, not two, but three anniversary parties for Employees.  Why three?  Well, that would be one for each of our original cities—San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.  The San Antonio party was held on May 12 at SeaWorld San Antonio and more than 1,000 Southwest Employees and AirTran Crew Members joined in the fun.

SAT Party

The Houston party is scheduled for September 28, and the Dallas Party is tonight, June 17, and about to get started at anytime.  With the opening up of a 20-year-old time capsule and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals playing, it’s bound to be a rockin’ evening and celebration for Employees.  As will tomorrow night’s Annual Awards Banquet.  I can’t wait .. and I can’t wait to share all the details with you.  Stay tuned!

422 Comments
Grace_Fox
Explorer C
I love flying with Southwest! Customer service is amazing from Check in to destination! Congratulations !See you in Dallas on July 13 ,2011 for our family vacation!
wendy_strumwass
Explorer C
this special day is mine as well....happy birthday to both of us
Bud_Gardner
Explorer C
Wish you flyed to Tampa out of Newark. Congrats
Julie_Steffeny
Explorer C
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Looking forward to 40 more years with you!
Dodgerfan
Explorer C
Looks like a fun company to work for! Now celebrate with $25 fares again like last year
jainendra_shah
Explorer C
Our heartiest congratulations on the birthday. You may live thousands of years and every year have 50,000 days. You have been a great part of our lives and we are proud of. Shah family
Patricia_Simon
Explorer C
You couldn't have picked a better day to Celebrate 40 years of the best airline. My oldest son Brian shares the same day with you as he is 42 today. Love, love, love Southwest and my son too.
catherine_fiore
Explorer C
luv southwest, expecially with the a-b-c check-in now. staff is great and funny, and i have oly once experienced a delay. happy 40th birthday!!!!! also love your no fee exchange on-line and also the credit when a fare is lowered. the best!!
nelda_stevens
Explorer C
HAPPY BIRRRRTHDAY SOUTHWEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MC_Harley
Explorer C
Hey Southwest! Congratulations on 40 years of being the best airline in the skies! My husband and I celebrate our fortieth anniversary this year too...hoping to fly somewhere special on Southwest to celebrate!
Martha_H__Zimme
Explorer C
Congratulations!!!!! I am, hopefully, one of your favorite passengers. I have flown Southwest for years. I always use Southywest to Fly to the San Francisco area to visit my sister and her family at Thanksgiving. Your employees are the nicest and friendliest of any air line I have flown. This is why, when I can go Souhwest I fly Southwest. Again congratulations and keep up in doing what you have been doing for 40 more years to come. Sincerely, Martha H. Zimmerman
Bob_Dietz
Explorer C
I remember flying SWA between Houston and Dallas in the early 70's when Braniff and Texas International (TT Tree Top) was doing their best to put you out of business. Thank god they did not. Also good memories of the crews singing, passing out Luv Potion and peanuts on the 'Love Machine". Still fly you all on occasion. Thanks for the memories. Bob
Pamela_BeBout
Explorer C
I always fly your airline....lol and thanks so much...HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY...HAVE A GREAT DAY AND FUTURE in the airline service...
Camille_L__W_ol
Explorer C
Happy Birthday Southwest Airlines. You are the best!!!!!! Here's to another 40 years of happy flying.
Andre_Libert
Explorer C
Herb, Colleen and Gary (among countless others), Congratulations on Southwest's 40th Birthday. It is hard to believe that a triangle on a cocktail napkin; years of infighting within TX; followed by decades of scratching your way to the very TOP against an entire industry has to feel very, very good. You good folks and everyone else who have worked at Southwest over the years deserve a huge pat on the back for all you have done and continue to do every day. And I cannot wait to drive down Herb Kelleher Way later this year. Sincerely, Andre Libert Fairfield, CT
Tom38
Explorer C
I have been flying Southwest since it was a triangle on a napkin! Congrats on not only building a great airline, but for keeping it fun to fly! And what I really love is that Southwest takes a little bit of Texas to all these far flung places so that they can see just what they are missing! Awesome job, Southwest.
Robert_Browning
Explorer C
Congratulations to WN on the 40th! Since readind Herbs book "Nuts", I have been a huge fan. Never, anywhere, have I seen such team work demonstated by Southwest employees while having fun serving the customers. A retired person who has worked in Airline Ops since retirement I am always hoping an ops position will open up in PVD and I will be notified through my registered Southwest interest filing. Again, Southwest, congratulations, your'e the best! Robert
shirley_desplai
Explorer C
Congratulations on your 40th. my husband and i are celebrating our 45th today.
eugene_rice
Explorer C
Herb, I have been flying SWA since I went SWA to San Antonia for a swimming pool convention. That was about 1972. The fare was 20 bucks, and the hostesses (flight attendants were SOMETHING in those uniforms! How about a picture of those cuties.
Babs_Labenberg
Explorer C
Congratulations on 40 years! My husband and I are celebrating 40 years also on July 30!
ELIZABETH_WERNE
Explorer C
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WONDERFUL WORK. WE JUST LOVE FLYING ON YOUR AIRLINES. EVERYONE IS SO FANTASTIC!!!!!. SEE YOU SOON
Dlenn_Bridges
Explorer C
Happy 40th!! I'm glad you are here & based in TEXAS. Yo-man!
Ms__Vinnie_Robe
Explorer C
Good luck on your 40th Anniversary. Will you ever have direct non-stop flights from OKC to Islip, NY &also from OKC to TPA? It would really be wonderful if you ever did get these non-stop flights. Thank you
David_lewandows
Explorer C
Why don't you post rates to Atlanta ? Since Airtran ALWAYS flew there and YOU are now ONE as SouthWest, why not post rates? I WOULD NOT EVER fly Airtran again but, I LOVE flying SouthWest! I have relatives in Atlanta and have not been visiting since I had to fly A/T or Frontier. I could not afford them and hated A/T!
Thomas_P__McGra
Explorer C
Doesn't appear as if you are celebrating with any price reductions.
susan_carter
Explorer C
We are part of a humanitarian foundation, Charity Anywhere Foundation, and so travel quite a bit to accomplish our service. We need to have low air fares so that every bit of money from our group goes to help the most needy. We have often used Southwest Airlines to accommodate our groups. We find cheap rates, good selection of cities to fly to and great service. We especially love the No Charge for luggage. We often take medical and dental equipment, medicines,other suppies like vitamins and tools and we could not do that if we had to pay extra for each piece of luggage. We connect with flights going to Mexico, Central and South America. Thank you for your service and Congratulations on your Birthday!
Martha_Fouce
Explorer C
Happy birthday, Southwest. I fly with you at least once a month. Here's hoping for many, many, more years of great service.
Sharon_Hardy
Explorer C
I love Southwest Airlines! They work together like family and we as customers feel like we are part of it. I remember one time when our flight was delayed, and Southwest employees came to our gate to entertain us with music and singing. Frowns were turned into smiles and laughter! Way to go Southwest customer service really makes a difference and makes you stand out in the crowd. Congratulations on 40 years!
Nancy_DeLuca
Explorer C
Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary! Like you we are celebrating our 40th Wedding Anniversary this summer. We will be flying Southwest on July 10th out of Orlando which is actually our Anniversary date. Congratulations!
Ann_Marie_D_Add
Explorer C
Happy Anniversary to the best airline ever!!!
Earlene_McGinni
Explorer C
I love Southwest Airlines! .. Happy "40" years!!!
Amy_Brown
Explorer C
Keep doing what you're doing, Southwest. Longevity is the hallmark of a successful business. Congratulations!
Ann_Berg
Explorer C
Congratulations on your 40th Anniversary. Husband George and I started flying out of San Antonio on Southwest when the airline was born, and Southwest remains our favorite airline. I work as Director of the Trinity University Principals' Center in San Antonio, and Southwest Airlines is the leadership model we study as we work toward developing leadership that promotes the kind of culture that ensures student success. Thanks for your amazing leadership example that creates and maintains positive change and a "can do" culture. WE appreciate YOU! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! Dr. Ann Berg, Director Trinity University Principals' Center Trinity University Education Department One Trinity Way San Antonio, TX 78266 ann.berg@trinity.edu (210) 999-7178 Cell (210) 260-6165
Joyce_Murphy
Explorer C
I really like flying Southwest airlines, was upset the other day when I got gift certificates for travel and they would only let me use three of them, It is considered cash and on a limited budget for travel had to pay a lot out of pocket even though I had gift certificates from my children. I may have to switch airlines if this is a problem. I still have two certicates I could have used which would have helped, Thank you Joyce, I am a senior citizen and it is hard enough to keep on budget.
clyde_swader
Explorer C
Way to go Southwest! I enjoy flying with you and wish you continued success. Don't forget your roots and try to outgrow yourself like Western Pacific did when they left Colorado Springs to fight the big boys in Denver. They didn't last long. One idea they had that i really enjoyed was their Mystery flights. You showed up at the airport and didn't know where you were going until you got to the airport. They just tell you what the weather is where you are going so you know what clothes to pack. They had you a hotel and rental car reserved and all this at one low price. It was great. A great promotional idea. You should try it also. I'll be your first customer. YOU really should bring your flights into Colorado Springs. It is a great city and Western Pacific did rally well here. So could YOU. Again Congrats and keep up the good work.
Mary_Persico
Explorer C
I have purchased many tickets on Southwest Airlines and have told people it is a great airline to fly on. I know all airlines are now additing fees but I just found out this week that not only can I not give my ticket to someone else but if I change the flight I am charged $150 for that change. You are not any better than the other airlines to me anymore. Jet Blue is more fun to fly anyway.
Laura_Rauch
Explorer C
40 years already! This is my favorite airlines if I'm going somewhere and you fly there I am on Southwest! Love the pilots and love the people who make our flights comfortable and enjoyable (never sure what to call them) you have some pretty funny stewards, and that helps to calm me down (better than a drink) Here is to 40 more!
Nancy__Brignolo
Explorer C
Congratulations on your 40 years of flying!! My husband and I are also celebrating our 40th (wedding anniversary)!! We were married on this day (Saturday) in 1971! We fly with you several times a year to see our grown sons across the United States. Your employees are the best!! Keep up the great work !
Anita_Lewis
Explorer C
Congratulations Southwest for 40 years of flying the friendly skies. I have been flying with you for the whole 40 years!
Ted_Robberts
Explorer C
Wahoooooo! Happy birthday. Had amny flights and have NEVER lost my bags. Thanks Southwest.
Edye
Explorer C
I really like Southwest Airlines. My family fly your airline when possible. I hope you expand your destinations to include either Gulfport (my preference) or Mobile. These are cities AirTran flew to. I have a young grandson in the gulf of MS, it would make my son's life easier to fly straight in to pick him up and take him back to Chicago as opposed to getting him in New Orleans which is nearly 100 miles away from his home. I hope you respond to this. It lets me know you value engaging with your customers.
Susan_Turetsky
Explorer C
You’re the best in the sky We know that’s a fact Whenever we fly Your planes are all packed! The passengers are grateful For all that you do No charges for bags And a remarkable crew!!! We wish you a great forty And more miles to go Your our very first choice- No matter the row. Keep up the good work We know you’re the best You score a hundred percent On the 'satisfaction' test
Connie
Explorer C
40 years of excellent service - we LUV your airline! Congratulations!!!
BONNIE_PASBRIG
Explorer C
We've flown Southwest since we received a paddle at the gate with a number on it to board the plane. People laughed at us for flying Southwest, but I stood firm that you were a great airline with the best employees all the way around. I guess he who laughts last, laughs best. Congratulations on 40 years of great service.
R__Erik_Wittman
Explorer C
Happy Birthday Southwest! Glad your in the Pittsburgh market!
Linda_Jo_Enger
Explorer C
Happy Birfday to you...happy birfday SW Air....happy birfday to you AND MANY MORE YEARS OF GREAT SAVINGS...NO LUGGAGE FEE & GREAT EMPLOYEES....LOVE TO FLY WITH YOU....you my favorite...no lie...my favorite...LJ PS...your new point system is a little cornfusing...but I need 5 minutes to read it and figure it out...take me fee me buy me... plus I fly for business sometimes and I still choose you!
Anonymous446
Explorer C
keep up the great work. You are putting the flyers first.... most friendly too. Thanks for all you and the team do..... we support you........
Robert_O__Kimme
Explorer C
Hey you guys, I've been with Rapid Rewards for over 20 years and now, in retirement, I depend on you to keep enabling me to visit 6 (soon to be 😎 grandkids. Keep up the great work and especially the good feelings. You have truly been always ready to help. Bob Kimmel
Arlene_L_Wood
Explorer C
Southwest Happy 40th. We'll be flying your airways soon.
Roberta_Haymore
Explorer C
Thanks Southwest for 40 years of great service and keeping the costs down, for us that travel a lot!