Turning 40 the Southwest Way

[millie-richter-]

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 40^th anniversary—but why contain the festivities to just one day?  We started celebrating our 40^th 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.

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!

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.

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!

[michael_scherle]

I haven't flown Southwest in years! The last flight I had was so amazingly miserable that I haven't wanted to give them another try... from three delays in LA to three hour delays in Vegas to arriving at my San Antonio destination at 3 am to find my belongings strewn all over baggage claim after being pillaged by Southwest employees to having a staff member telling me that I would have to come back in the morning to file a claim. It is a shame really, I used to really fly alot before Southwest sucked.

[Ba]

I have been flying Southwest for as long as I can remember,it has always been a pleasure. I am thankful for an airline who really puts their clients first. I congratulate all who serve everyday to make it fun and safe fo everyone. Thanks Southwest.

[Donna_Penman]

Love to fly Southwest, it is my preferred airline. Why, the STAFF, they are the best, friendly, helpful and smiling. I have confidence in Southwest to get me where I need to be and to be treated with respect and again that smile.

[Anonymous1806]

My 76th birthday is in July and I am planning to visit my daughter in Dallas after that. I am not sure of the date. I cannot afford this trip unless I get a great deal as I also need a companion to accompany me. Hope for the best. Thank you.

[kathleen_hartme]

Thanks Southwest..you got me to my grandson's high school graduation party on the 18th!! ( Lake Elmo [ St. Paul ] ) Minnesota !!!

[Jeff_Pries]

Just tried to make a reservation to fly before November 9. While discussing dates and flights with my wife, the rates doubled. Obviously you set a quota and even though the prices reflected a maximum of $120 one way, you decided not to stand behind the quoted rates. When I tried to call, the message informed me that due to volume, you were not accepting calls and to call back later. Not surprising that you were getting a lot of calls. Ethics and the willingness to stand behind your pricing are obviously not part of the Southwest Airlines way of doing business.

[Marcella_Logue]

I tried to book your "special" $40/$80/$120 fares -- i tried over 12 different dates in october -- on-line showed $120 web fare! -- when i when to book the fare was raised to $268 one-way per person -- so instead of paying approximately $520 for two fares -- i was "quoted" $1,168 for two fares -- meanwhile the web fares continued to be shown! when i tried to call SW -- i could not get through!

[Rochelle_Cartme]

I was celebrating my 22 birthday the day you were 'born'! Since that time I've flown SW many times to many places. Happy 40th!

[Robert_Hughes]

Unfortunately I am employed by another airline , however I have been flying Southwest for the last 5 years . Most of the time it was space avaiable through our station agrements . Flying space avaiable from another airline places one at the bottom of the bottom of a list.Southwest employes are THE GREATEST PROFESSIONALS I have ever ran into . There watch word is SERVICE to the public like I have rarely experience .When I don't get a seat due to my flight status there customar service will give me a direction , when I do get a seat the flight crew give me the royal treatment which I have never experience with the airline that I have worked for (over 20 years) . I was so impressed with this airline that two years ago I got there RAPID REWARDS card and become a member . There are times when airline employese will have to do this . Its been a long time that I have flown the airline that I work fore .I am not even sure of there procedure for flying non rev , but I do Southwest ,& if I have to buy a ticket it will be Southwest . GREAT JOB & VERY WELL DONE TO ALL SOUTHWEST EMPLOYES .From a unfortunate who works fore one of your competitors

[jane_rash]

The best airline, no extra charges and fees to make changes and take luggage! Great spirtit and employees!

[Rahni_Joiner]

Love, love, love me some Southwest Airlines. Absolutely cannot beat the upbeat spirit and the great attitudes when flying on these planes. Wish you went everywhere there is to fly because no one can hold a candle to this airline.

[BarbStew]

I graduated college 40 years ago; Southwest and I "started out" in the world together!! Now we fly SWA whenever and however we can, but look forward to future connections in Montana and Idaho (besides Boise) ... regrettably, our grown kids moved to two places where Southwest is NOT a familiar name...yet! Thanks for making our flying such a WONDERFUL experience!

[Allene_Torgesen]

Love the flight attendants on SWA, They make the trip so enjoyable and are generally very friendly!!! I appreciate their kindness and fun enthusiasm.

[Mary_P]

Love SW. I always remember your anniversary because it's also ours! Love you free baggage.

[Irene_Lawrence]

Now that you have combined with Air Tran, any chance that you will fly out of Pensacola, FL? Please say YES.

[Frances_C__Adam]

Twenty weeks a year I fly The years just keep rushing by I now have it down to a science when flying I refuse to take a chance No Delta with bumps and delays No US Air with all their crazy ways I know I deserve the best That's why I fly Southwest! Give me the rates and the fun and the ease Take me away from the seats that just squeeze Show me the Flight Attendant with a smile Give me the Captain whose humor is wild Since I refuse to dress like a hag Thanks for the luxury of a no fee bag I could go on and you know the rest ... The best, the best, the best is Southwest!

[Kim_Dooley]

Happy Birthday my fellow gemini, I turned 54 or as my sister states 53&1, lol Thank you for being my air service of choice, the price is always good and the service could not be any better. The first time I ever flew was Southwest and I was so scared about flying and everyone on the plane made me feel so comfortable. Thank you, and again Happy Birthday

[Jo_Hall]

You're the best but if you get more expensive, I'm afraid some of your competition will show better loads. I would hate for that to happen! Keep it cheap and simple and we'll love you forever! Your old pal, Jo

[Janet_Davinroy]

Happy Birthday to a "fun-loving" crew! Seems I am a regular on the St. Louis/Orlando circuit and enjoy the friendly and humorous crew on each and every flight! Keep up the fantastic work! Looking forward to another "40" years of flying with you!

[Kathy_Moore]

I flew on June 19th not realizing what all the signs were about. But, I really wanted to ask for some signs and balloons as I was traveling to see my daughter. She was born on June 18, 1971 and I missed celebrating her big day by one. Congratutlations to both SWA and my first born, Jen Kiggans.

[Sandy_Janak]

We just celebrated 40 years of a wonderful marriage. To celebrate this happy occasion we are planning a trip to Disney with the family. Southwest has been an airline of choice for many of our trips. Happy 40th SW!

[Mari_Fernandez]

Happy birthday to our favorite airlines! We call it the "Grami-express" ! Southwest , you are the best, easy to deal with, wonderful people who serve the public with respect and grace! We hope you will be bless with many, many more birthdays! BRAVO!