All my life, I’ve flown AirTran Airways to visit my 90-year-old mother in Mount Vernon, Missouri. Every three months, I fly from Chicago to Branson to visit Mother and tell her stories about how the family is doing. It has never been easy to travel to southwest Missouri from my hometown of Holland, Michigan. Now, I have the unique experience of flying on both the last AirTran flight from Chicago Midway and the first Southwest flight to Branson. I am thrilled that Southwest’s new service will connect me directly to my family!
As soon as we arrived in Branson on Saturday, March 9, we were immediately welcomed by Missouri Congressman Billy Long, Southwest Station Director Rick Pelc, the Branson Community, and a flurry of live entertainment on the ramp. The people of Branson could barely contain their excitement about the arrival of Southwest Airlines! After years of driving from Holland, Michigan to the nearest airport that could connect me to my children, grandchildren, and Mother who lived across the United States, I never had the freedom to fly directly into Branson. What a city! I can’t wait to explore Branson’s beautiful Ozarks, enjoy the array of live entertainment shows, visit the Silver Dollar City, and try the BBQ at Famous Dave’s.
During the Branson celebration, Rick Pelc commented on how an “important part of Southwest’s business is bringing people together for the moments that matter most in their lives.” Rick soon welcomed Kyah and her parents, a Missouri Make-A-Wish family, on-stage to announce that Kyah’s wish to go on an animal adventure would be granted! Kyah and her parents received roundtrip tickets to fly to San Diego where they will visit the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego!
As a frequent flyer with Southwest, I understand that the chance to travel with and see my family is a blessing. Southwest has allowed me to connect with my grandchildren in San Diego, several times. For awhile, when my grandchildren would see an airplane in the sky, they would point and shout “That’s Nana’s house!” So why do I LUV Southwest? Not only has Southwest united me and my family with new service, but they also provide travel assistance to make a positive difference for Make-A-Wish families. Southwest truly cares about their Customers unlike any other airline.
It was an honor to be on Southwest’s first flight to Branson. Keep up the good work, Southwest! We hope you keep expanding your heart to many more destinations!