Southwest Airlines Community

 The following was written by Jennifer Getsch, Chief Missions Officer at Make-A-Wish® Colorado   In January 2024, wish kid Jackie flew from San Antonio to Colorado to meet her favorite hockey team, the Colorado Avalanche!     Jackie's wish began at San Antonio International Airport, where she was greeted with open arms by Southwest Airlines’ San Antonio Employees. The Team sent Jackie and her family off in style with Southwest swag, which was only the start of a SWA-tastic trip! Her next stop—Denver International Airport.     When Jackie’s flight landed in Denver, she was welcomed by an entourage of people waiting to greet her, including Make-A-Wish Colorado staff and volunteers, Southwest Airlines Employees, Colorado Avalanche Mascot, Bernie, and members of the Ice Patrol. Bernie escorted her through the terminal and posed for pictures with her as the Southwest Team made sure she felt incredibly special the entire time. It was an airport greeting she will never forget!     Then, Jackie went on a behind-the-scenes tour of Ball Arena and sat on the players’ bench to watch the pre-game skate. She grinned the entire time as she watched her favorite athletes fly around the ice. Players skated up to fist-bump her and say hello and one even gave her an officially licensed hockey puck to take home as a souvenir! After practice, Jackie met the players one-by-one and asked them questions about everything from their hockey careers to what kinds of dogs they had. She loved getting to know the team but was most excited when superstar Nathan MacKinnon stepped out of the locker room to say hi to her! "Can I give you one of my sticks?" he asked her, and Jackie's eyes widened as she nodded in disbelief, telling her mom "This is the best day ever!"   The best day ever just kept getting better! Jackie was given her own seat in the Avs locker room, right next to MacKinnon’s! She grinned as she put on her new jersey, signed by the entire team, and posed for pictures with her family. Her mom quietly teared up, explaining how impactful it was to see all these top-caliber athletes take time out of their day to make her daughter feel special. " It's indescribable. I wish it would never end,” she said. "I know this is going to stick with Jackie for a very long time." Jackie's wish was made even more special by cheering the Avs to a victory at their game later that night!      “Today means I got through cancer. I survived. I got my wish,” Jackie said. “It was the most amazing day of my life.”   Thank you so much Southwest Airlines for helping make Jackie's wish come true. Southwest is an incredible partner of Make-A-Wish Colorado and we are grateful for their support of our mission!       ... View more

It was a sunny day in November. The festivities kicked off at LAX, where Ewan and his family arrived in a limo and received a red-carpet welcome from Southwest Employees. He and his brother were given their specialty Pilots uniforms for the day.     They were brought down to the ramp for a big surprise waiting for Ewan, the California One specialty plane! Chief Pilot Mike Marmon and Assistant Manager of the Command Center John Bogle showed Ewan and his family the outside of the 737-800. They then took the whole family onboard the aircraft, where Ewan sat in and learned all about the flight deck.     The plane taxied around the LAX airport. Once at a remote area, the door opened, and the Fire Chief of Los Angeles Airport Fire Department greeted Ewan and his family. The fire department then gave Ewan a ride along in the fire engines. Once the tour was over and the plane taxied back to the airport, Ewan and his family walked into the gate area, greeted by hundreds of Southwest Employees and Customers cheering and clapping for Ewan! Later that day, Ewan got to tour the air traffic control tower at LAX and see the engines of aircraft at the maintenance area.     It was an unforgettable visit for Ewan, his family, and all Southwest Employees who granted Ewan’s wish. Southwest Airlines is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish America to give more than $1 million worth of travel annually to make wishes come true. It was our honor to help Ewan’s wish come to life.     From December 1-14, Southwest is offering ten Rapid Reward Bonus Points to individuals that donate $25 or more to nonprofit organizations, including Make-A-Wish America! The best part is, your donation goes even further as they’ll also match the number of points earned in the nonprofit’s account, making it possible for Make-A-Wish to fulfill more wishes like Ewan’s. Please visit, Southwest.com/points-for-purpose, to find ways to give back even more this holiday season.   *Rapid Rewards account information required. Points will be reflected in your Rapid Rewards account within 45 days after a donation has been made. Maximum earn limit of 10,000 points. Rapid Rewards bonus points do not count toward A-List, A-List Preferred, or Companion Pass qualification. Valid 12/1 – 12/14/2023. All Rapid Rewards rules/regulations apply and can be found at Southwest.com/rrterms.   ... View more

      World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed annually on July 30 to raise awareness about the crime of Human Trafficking, victims and survivors, and their rights. Southwest Airlines understands that is important we do our part to understand the issue of Human Trafficking, be able to identify indicators of Human Trafficking instances, and advocate for those who may be in a difficult situation.   To that end, we proudly support many organizations across the country whose efforts help with the rescue, recovery, and restoration of Human Trafficking survivors—including Colorado-based partner Rescue America. Rescue America is a national nonprofit whose work supports the rescuing, reviving, and empowering of the sexually exploited nationwide through a 24/7 Rescue hotline and emergency response.   Started in 2014, Rescue America helps fill a major gap in the anti-trafficking landscape—getting survivors out of their abusive situations and placing them in safe homes where they can heal mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Through the 24/7 Rescue hotline, Rescue America facilitates safe exits for survivors who are ready to leave their current situation.   As survivors are rescued and placed in homes across the country, there is a demand for safe, cross-country transportation. And this is where Southwest comes in! Through our partnership, Southwest donates travel, helping survivors relocate hundreds of miles away from their traffickers.   And of course, Southwest Employees always go above and beyond for those Customers traveling with us during these special circumstances. Our Employees show intentional care and kindness helping survivors navigate the normal stresses of traveling as well as additional hurdles while leaving their traffickers and situation. We know our partners at Rescue America are grateful for the amazing Customer Service and Servant’s Heart extended during these times!     ... View more

When Nate, an aviation-loving Make-A-Wish kid, told us his wish was to experience Southwest Airlines, we couldn’t wait to bring him to headquarters and share our Heart with him!     The festivities kicked off at his home airport in Nashville, where our Employees set up a PlayStation for him and his brother before takeoff. Nate made announcements from the PA and played trivia with the passengers in the gate area. All the passengers cheered when Nate made the announcement that the local Chick-Fil-A donated a boxed meal to everyone onboard his flight to Dallas! When Nate landed at DAL, he and his family were greeted on the red carpet with cheers from our Employees.    Nate’s Southwest experience started in our WINGS facility, where he was fitted for his very own Captain’s uniform before he spent a couple of hours in a flight simulator with a Southwest Airlines Captain. He was treated to a VIP tour of almost every inch of our operation, including our Network Operations Control Center and a visit at our Tech Ops hangar where our Aircraft Maintenance Technicians showed Nate the inner workings of a Boeing 737 and gifted him with a keepsake made from a retired Southwest aircraft window. Nate even got to meet Bob Jordan, who gave him his very own model of Tennessee One!   The next day, Nate and his family received more VIP treatment from the City of Dallas Police Department. Nate’s family was escorted by 56 police officers from his hotel to Dallas Love Field before he spent time with our Employees at DAL. Nate was treated to a front row seat to all things Ground Operations: greeting planes from the command center, loading bags, marshalling planes in, and towing planes out from the gate. He also met Dallas-based Pilots and Flight Attendants, received a Southwest vest with handwritten notes and well-wishes from our Employees, and visited with members of the City of Dallas bomb department and K-9 unit!   It was an unforgettable visit for Nate, his family, and all Southwest Employees involved in granting Nate’s wish. Southwest is proud to partner with Make-A-Wish America and donates over $1 million worth of travel every year to make wishes come true. It was our honor to help Nate’s wish come to life and thank you to all the Southwest Employees who helped make this experience SO special! ... View more

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time when advocates, organizations, and individuals around the globe raise awareness about this important issue. About 25 million people worldwide are estimated to be victims of Human Trafficking—a trade worth $150 billion a year (according to the U.N. International Labour Organization).   Southwest Airlines proudly supports many organizations across the country whose efforts help with the rescue, recovery, and restoration of Human Trafficking and sex trafficking survivors. One of our newer partners is Rescue America.   Rescue America is a national nonprofit, headquartered in Colorado whose work supports rescuing, reviving, and empowering the sexually exploited nationwide through a 24/7 Rescue hotline and emergency response. The following was guest co-authored by Allison Meier Madrigal, Founder and President of Rescue America   Sex trafficking is one of the top three criminal industries in the world. It is a complex problem that is horrifically impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals right here in America.   Rescue America was started in 2014 to fill a major gap in the anti-trafficking landscape, which was getting survivors out of their abusive situations and placing them in safe homes where they can heal mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Through our 24/7 Rescue hotline, we facilitate safe exits for survivors who are ready to leave their current situation. As survivors are rescued and placed in homes across the country this demands the need for safe, cross-country transportation.   Prior to our partnership with Southwest Airlines, this often included long car and bus rides to get survivors away from their traffickers and to a nearby city or safe home. However, Southwest has changed the game! Thanks to our partnership with Southwest and the travel they have generously donated to Rescue America, we are now able to fly survivors hundreds of miles away from their traffickers, which creates an optimal opportunity for them to truly escape their exploitative situations and heal.   Beyond the gift of practical and safe transportation, Southwest Employees have committed to intentional care as survivors navigate the normal stresses of traveling as well as additional hurdles while fleeing their traffickers. When possible, Employees often walk survivors to their gates, sit with them while they await boarding, and check on them throughout their flights. This level of care makes a lasting impact on survivors and expresses a foundational truth: they matter.   One survivor we served experienced just this when she traveled with Southwest Airlines. She had never flown before, and she expressed that she was nervous but excited. At the airport, our team was able to hear over the phone how well the Southwest team treated her, even walking her all the way through security before she flew to freedom. She arrived safely at our partner safe home, where she is now free from exploitation and can pursue a new life!   We are incredibly grateful for Southwest Airlines and their Employees who have revolutionized transportation for survivors of sex trafficking! Just like a Southwest Employee can directly impact a survivor, so can you through one of our volunteer positions. Visit rescueamerica.ngo/get-involved to learn more!     ... View more

While our Southwest Airlines colors may be red, yellow, and blue, our Hearts beat for the red, white, and blue—we’re honored to support the brave men and women who serve our country and fight for our freedom.   One of the many ways we support our military is through our community outreach efforts with local community partners. We are dedicated to making the connections that empower communities to thrive, like Challenge Aspen’s Military Opportunities (CAMO) program. Challenge Aspen creates life-changing opportunities by encouraging participation in activities designed to redefine limits, recognize abilities, and transfer newfound courage to everyday life. Challenge Aspen is dedicated to impacting lives through year-round adaptive experiences for individuals faced with cognitive and/or physical disabilities.   CAMO gives veterans and active-duty military with a service-connected disability the chance to climb out of their comfort zones, and return home with new skills and a fresh, positive outlook on life. Last spring, Southwest had the opportunity to fly 14 veterans, including Army Command Sgt. Major Gretchen, to Denver to participate in a CAMO retreat in Snowmass, Colorado. As Getchen shared, this trip is a healing experience for many veterans and provides them the opportunity to re-engage and renew their camaraderie! It was an exciting week full of friendship, skiing, and of course, celebrating our veterans!         Happy Veterans Day to all of our Employees, Customers, and Southwest Family members who have served, or are currently serving. We salute you!   ... View more

      At Southwest, we love sharing our Mile High Heart with the Denver community! We value connecting with local partners as we believe that we are all stronger when we come together. Recently, Southwest Airlines, the Colorado Rockies, and Children’s Hospital of Colorado teamed up to bring a once-in-a-lifetime experience to 30 patients of Children’s Hospital. This VIP group flew from Denver to Phoenix to see the Rockies play in Arizona during their last road-game series.   Southwest is proud to be the Official Airline of the Colorado Rockies and has partnered with Children’s Hospital of Colorado for over a decade. Children’s Hospital Colorado is a recipient in our Southwest Airlines Medical Grant Transportation Program. As a recipient, the hospital has received over 1,400 complimentary roundtrip tickets to help support patients and family members traveling for critical or specialized care.     For this special trip to Phoenix, Southwest provided complimentary air travel for all of the patients and staff from Children’s Hospital–and of course, we delivered our legendary Hospitality throughout their travel journey! Some of these kids, ages 8-19, have never flown before! Our Phoenix Employees threw a special surprise welcome for the group when they arrived in the gate area. The group stayed in Phoenix where they spent time at their hotel golfing, playing ping–pong, and cruising the lazy river.   On Sunday, the kids arrived at the ballpark in Phoenix and had the chance to spend time on the field, where they met the entire Rockies roster! Rockies Player Conor Joe, a cancer survivor himself, spent time getting to know the kids and honoring them for their courage and bravery. After that, the kids enjoyed watching the game from the suite. The Heart of Southwest is connecting People to what’s important in their lives and we were honored to play a role bringing joy to these survivors through this unique experience.     ... View more

Colorado Gives Day was celebrated all across the state on Tuesday, Dec. 7—and especially in the Heart of Downtown Denver! In recognition of the state’s largest day of giving, Southwest Airlines showed ice skaters our famous Hospitality by surprising everyone with free skate rentals all day and special giveaways like bonus Rapid Rewards® points and $25 Colorado Gives Day gift cards.      We also celebrated the mission and vision with our community partners, Amp the Cause, Latin American Education Foundation, SistahBiz, and Minds Matter Colorado. In the spirit of the giving season, Southwest donated more than $250,000 collectively in tickets and monetary support to four organizations focused on improving the lives of Coloradoans: Amp the Cause, Latin American Education Foundation, SistahBiz, and Minds Matter Colorado. Each organization received $65,000 each in domestic roundtrip air travel and cash donations to continue its mission-driven work that creates meaningful change across the Denver region.   “By bringing the community together to share in the joy of the holiday season, meet non-profit organizations that are doing great work in the community, and sharing a few laughs around an ice rink, Southwest represented everything that’s great about Colorado Gives Day,” said Hans Cooper, Chief Operations Officer of Sistahbiz®. “I can’t wait to do it again next year!”   Throughout our 15 years of service to Denver, Southwest has invested nearly $8 million through travel and cash contributions to nearly 2,500 organizations in Colorado. Our Employees have volunteered more than 62,000 hours for 1,600 organizations throughout the Denver area since 2006.     At Southwest, we love continuing to put our Mile High Heart into action to give back to communities across the state of Colorado and it was an honor to celebrate the 2021 Colorado Gives Day with all!     ... View more

Join us Tuesday, December 7 as we celebrate Colorado’s Largest Single Day of Giving! At Southwest Airlines, our Heart is to take care of people because we are more than an airline; we are your neighbor. In the spirit of the giving season and to celebrate Colorado Gives Day, Southwest is giving free skate rentals to all who join us at the Downtown Denver Rink on Tuesday, December 7. That’s not all—Southwest will be at the rink from 3:00 pm–5:00 pm MT with four of our community partners: Amp the Cause, Latin American Education Foundation, SistahBiz, and Minds Matter Colorado. We will be celebrating the mission and visions of these organizations! We invite you to come out to the Rink for free skate rentals, fun, and some surprises!     We love putting our Mile High Heart into action to serve our community and to make Colorado a better place for all. That’s why so much of our work centers on supporting our Employees, Customers, and community partners. We believe collaboration can advance our impact, so we partner with like-minded people and organizations to promote resilience and civility in our communities. We are proud to support the mission of these Denver-based organizations:   Amp the Cause Amp the Cause is a nonprofit organization that raises funds, awareness, and provides volunteerism for over 55 beneficiary organizations primarily focused on serving children and their families in Colorado. Amp the Cause does so through annual events and community service projects, amplifying organizations so they can focus on critical needs such as staffing and programming. Amp the Cause relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, volunteers, and partnerships, like with Southwest Airlines, to continue to propel the nearly $10.5 million give back it's had since 2004 within the community it serves.   The Latin American Educational Foundation The Latin American Educational Foundation provides services and programs to help Colorado’s Hispanic and Latino students successfully navigate the college-going process. Each year LAEF provides direct scholarships to Colorado’s most talented Hispanic and Latino students, helping them pursue their dreams of a college education. LAEF’s long-term goals are to improve the educational, economic, and leadership status of all Hispanics and Latinos in Colorado.   Minds Matter Colorado Minds Matter Colorado connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Through three years of people (mentors), preparation (after-school programming), and possibilities (summer college experiences), 100% of their graduates get into college with scholarships. Since 2004, they’ve helped hundreds of students get into college, supported thousands of volunteers in making a difference, and avoided millions of dollars in loans for their graduates.   SistahBiz® SistahBiz® provides Black women business owners with free and low-cost coaching, training, technical assistance, capital, and a sistahood to ensure their growth beyond solopreneurship, and close racial equity gaps in entrepreneurship. They envision a thriving, vibrant community of Black women business leaders who create unprecedented generational wealth through entrepreneurship.   Throughout our 15 years of service to Denver, Southwest has invested nearly $8 million through travel and cash contributions to nearly 2,500 organizations in Colorado. Our Employees have volunteered more than 62,000 hours for 1,600 organizations throughout the Denver area since 2006.     Come join us in some Heart-filled fun on Tuesday. We hope to see you there!   The Rink is located in the Heart of Downtown Denver at Skyline Park and is open daily between Nov. 24, 2021, and Feb. 20, 2022. Visit DowntownDenver.com to learn more.     ... View more

Our Hearts are beating with pride today, as Mayor Michael B. Hancock declared Nov. 5, 2021, “Southwest Airlines Day” in Denver! It is an honor to celebrate this day with our Customers, Employees, and community partners. At Southwest, we strive to make a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve because we believe community is more than a place, it’s at the Heart of what brings us together.   Southwest Lands in Colorado Throughout our 15 years of serving our Denver Customers, Southwest’s roots have grown to support the communities throughout the Denver Metro Region and across the state. Since landing at Denver International Airport in January 2006, we’ve grown from our initial service of 13 daily flights to three cities to now offering more than 240 nonstop flights a day to nearly 90 destinations during peak travel periods. During the decade and a half of serving the Metro Denver Region, we’ve also grown to become one of the largest employers in Denver with more than 4,400 Employees focused on delivering Southwest’s famous Hospitality on a daily basis.   Our success in Denver has allowed us to grow throughout the Centennial State. In March 2021, we commenced service in Colorado Springs with 13 daily flights to five destinations, making Southwest the city’s largest airline. We’ve also expanded seasonal service to year-round for Steamboat Springs (Hayden) and Montrose (Telluride/Crested Butte), giving residents of those communities more access to Southwest’s network and opening their communities up to travelers from across the country and beyond.   Economic Impact To celebrate our 15 th anniversary in Denver, we partnered with Denver International Airport (DEN) to support an economic impact study to better understand Southwest’s impact within the State of Colorado. What we found was our impact reaches well beyond the runways and into the communities throughout the state. The economic impact study found in 2019, Southwest’s Denver operation supported:   More than 77,000 jobs throughout Colorado Nearly $4 billion in wages for Coloradans $7.1 billion contribution to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) $12.3 billion in total economic output throughout Colorado   Source: InterVISTAS Consulting Inc., Economic Impact of Southwest Airlines at Denver International Airport in 2019.      The impact doesn’t stop there – our Employees consistently show their Heart by giving back to the community, making the Denver region a better place for all. Specific to the report’s findings, Southwest contributed nearly $1.1 million in donations and investments to 260 organizations in 2019. Close to 500 Employees volunteered over 15,300 hours to support 190 organizations. Over our 15 years of service, Southwest has invested more than $7.5 million through travel and cash contributions to nearly 2,500 organizations. Our Employees have volunteered more than 62,000 hours for 1,600 organizations throughout the Denver area. We are proud to support the mission of Denver based organizations including Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Denver Metro Chamber, Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards, Amp the Cause, B:Civic, Denver Start Up Week, Make-A-Wish  Colorado, UC Health, Craig Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Minds Matter Colorado.   Our Southwest future in Denver and all of Colorado is bright! In a few months, we’ll open our new 130,000 square foot maintenance hangar facility for our Technical Operations Team, and we’re working closely with DEN on our 16-gate expansion, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Once completed, this will allow Southwest to operate out of 40 gates at DEN – the highest number of Southwest gates at any of our airports!   You can read the full report on the Southwest Airlines Newsroom.   Special Gift to Our Customers In celebration of Southwest Airlines Day, we are thanking our Denver Customers with a special gift. Starting today through Nov. 8, 2021, Customers can book travel using promotion code HEART4DEN for 30% off flights from/to Denver for travel between Jan. 5, 2022, through March 2, 2022. And for some added fun, our Colorado Springs Customers can join the celebration as well using the promotion code WANNAGOCOS. See complete terms and conditions below and at Southwest.com/HEART4DEN.   Southwest Celebrates “Southwest Airlines Day” with Denver fare savor.   Southwest Celebrates “Southwest Airlines Day” with Colorado Springs fare savor. Downtown Rink Last but not least – Southwest is bringing more Mile High Heart to the Heart of downtown Denver by teaming up with the Downtown Denver Partnership to be the official sponsor of the Downtown Rink! We know this is a beloved tradition for many of our Employees, Customers, and all Coloradans during the winter season. We hope to see you there!   The Rink is located in the Heart of Downtown Denver at Skyline Park and is open daily between Nov. 24, 2021, and Feb. 20, 2022. Visit DowntownDenver.com to learn more.   It’s an honor to serve Denver. Our commitment to this community remains the same as it did when we first started service in 2006. It is one of the fastest-growing markets in our Company’s history. To all Employees, Customers, and community partners who have supported our service and operation here in Denver, we thank you from the bottom of our Hearts. We applaud you for your steadfast commitment to Denver, allowing us to grow our presence in Denver, and expand across Colorado.        Terms and Conditions *The 30% promotion code savings is valid for one-way or round trip Wanna Get Away ® , Anytime, and Business Select ® fares booked on Southwest.com ®  or swabiz.com from Nov. 5, 2021, through Nov. 8, 2021 (“Booking Period”) for flights originating or terminating in Denver (DEN) or Colorado Springs (COS) and flown between Jan. 5, 2022, through March 2, 2022 (“Travel Period”). The promotion code savings is applied before government taxes and fees. Enter the promotion code HEART4DEN or WANNAGOCOS in the Promo Code box when booking. The offer is valid only for reservations originating or terminating in Denver or Colorado Springs. While selecting your flights, the discount will be visible as a strike-through of the original fare. After selecting your flights, savings are reflected in the base fare when entering the multiuse promotion code HEART4DEN or WANNAGOCOS in the Promo Code box on Southwest.com and swabiz.com when booking during the Booking Period. Please note that the DOT requires advertised fares to include all government taxes and fees; however, this promotion code savings applies to the base fare only.     The discount is valid on new reservations only. The discount will apply only for flights booked within the Travel Period. If one direction of the trip is outside the Travel Period and one is within the Travel Period, only the portion of travel falling within the Travel Period will be discounted. Changes made to the itinerary after purchase will eliminate qualifications for this promotion and will result in forfeiture of the promotion code savings. The discount is only valid with the provided promotion code and is not combinable with other promotion codes or fares. All reward travel is subject to taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges of at least $5.60 per one-way trip. Applicable taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges can vary significantly based on your arrival and departure destination. The payment of any taxes, fees, and other government or airport-imposed charges is the responsibility of the Passenger and must be paid at the time reward travel is booked with a credit card, travel fund, or Southwest gift card.    The offer is not redeemable for cash, and may not be used in conjunction with other special offers, or toward the purchase of a gift card or previously-booked flight, or change to a previously-booked flight. The discount is only valid on Southwest.com and swabiz.com and is not valid on Group Travel or Southwest Vacations ® , fares booked via our Southwest Partner Services API or through Global Distribution Systems, or special fares, such as military and government fares.  ... View more

As the country embraces a New Year and turns the page to write a new chapter of world history, Southwest Airlines also is preparing to celebrate a service milestone: fifteen years of serving Denver International Airport (DEN)!     Our Purpose is to connect People to what's important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. We’re proud to offer the Denver community nonstop ways to more than 70 destinations across 36 U.S. states and Mexico. The region, known for its 300 days of sunshine a year and view of 140 miles of western-facing mountains, saw our inaugural service on Jan. 3, 2006, with 13 daily departures to three destinations—Chicago-Midway (MDW), Las Vegas (LAS), and Phoenix (PHX). Today, Denver has grown to the largest operation in the entire Southwest network, averaging 174 departures a day in 2020.   Through these years we have shared our love for Denver through airport investments, marketing campaigns, and serving the community through partnerships and Employee volunteerism initiatives. In every community we serve, we believe community is more than a place—it’s at the Heart of what brings us together and our Heart has taken significant action throughout the Mile High City and even across Colorado.   Here’s a look into 15 milestones during our 15 years of Denver service: Oct. 20, 2005: Southwest announces a return to Denver Jan. 3, 2006: Southwest begins Denver service Dec. 31, 2006: Southwest locally employs 711 Employees May 2011: Southwest acquires AirTran Airways 2011: Southwest becomes the largest domestic carrier in Denver August 22, 2012: Colorado One is unveiled Oct. 1, 2012: Southwest opens Crew bases for Pilots and Flight Attendants at Denver Nov. 2014: Denver Concourse C expansion gives Southwest five new gates March 11, 2017: Southwest becomes the first carrier to serve Belize (BZE) from Denver May 2019: Southwest announces the construction of a 130,000-square-foot hangar in Denver Feb. 2020: Southwest signs a lease for 16 additional gates in Denver May 2020: Denver becomes Southwest’s largest Station May, June, and July 2020: Southwest is Denver’s largest carrier by total passengers Dec. 31, 2020: Southwest employs more than 4,000 Employees at the Denver Station Jan. 3, 2021: Southwest celebrates 15 years of service at Denver *Southwest served Stapleton International Airport from May 1983 through Sept. 1986.   The lease we signed in February 2020 for 16 additional gates (to be completed in 2022) will provide us the usage of 40 gates total at Denver through 2035. We are delighted to offer more destinations across the state including Montrose (Telluride), Steamboat Springs (Hayden), and Colorado Springs.   Since 2006 locally based Southwest Employees have logged more than 46,000 volunteer hours, supporting the Denver metro area. In 2019 alone, our Denver-based Employees volunteered close to 10,000 hours, which positively impacted more than 170 local Denver community organizations. Southwest has also supported nearly 600 Denver area organizations with more than $3.2 million in total giving since 2006. We are proud to support the mission of Denver based organizations including Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Denver Metro Chamber, Latin American Education Foundation, Martin Luther King Jr. Business Awards, Amp the Cause, B:Civic, Denver Start Up Week, Mexican Cultural Center, and Minds Matter.   It’s an honor to serve Denver. Our commitment to this community remains the same as it did when we first started service in 2006. It is one of the fastest-growing markets in our Company’s history and as we prepare for the future, we look forward to expanding our presence at Denver International Airport. To all Employees, Customers, and community partners who have supported our service and operation here in Denver, we thank you from the bottom of our Hearts. We applaud you for your steadfast commitment to Denver, allowing us to grow our presence in Denver, and expand across Colorado.    ... View more

Today is Opening Day, marking the official start of baseball season. This national celebration comes with smells of tailgating, concessions, and freshly groomed diamonds. Many cleats will step up to the plate with hopes to make the big plays and to live out bold moments. It brings willful expectations of big hearted fans, who wonder if their team has what it takes to make this year a championship season. Today brings in an air of excitement to fans and athletes in ballparks all across the country. In celebration, Southwest is excited to announce a new partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers. As the official airline of the Dodgers, we’re proud to partner with this timeless franchise, rich with history like our Company’s. With the major league service we offer from Burbank, Ontario, LAX, and Orange County, we’ll connect fans from around the country to be closer to the game they love. Starting today, fans will see a newly added bold blue Southwest sign in the outfield of Dodger Stadium and more once the season kicks off. With this partnership, we’re thrilled to bring exciting opportunities to Dodger fans, the L.A. community, and beyond. Whether it’s in the air or on the ground, we carry a passion that is contagious, giving everybody the freedom to fly so they can do what they love the most. At Southwest, we’re all about Heart. And our heart says “Play Ball”. Happy Opening Day and Go Dodgers!   ... View more

Southwest Airlines and Nintendo are partnering to bring Friends, Family, and Fun together for the holidays.  That’s right!  With a little help from a Nintendo spokesman with a big mustache, Southwest and Nintendo kicked off this new partnership by surprising a full flight, giving every single Customer on board a free Wii U console! More than 100 passengers on flight 1883 from New Orleans to Dallas Love Field received Nintendo’s HD video game system after they were greeted upon arrival by Mario himself.  Mario surprised the Customers with a special announcement during the flight, and Nintendo and Southwest Airlines representatives were on board to share in the fun. As the Official Video Game Partner of Southwest Airlines, Nintendo is bringing the fun and interactive entertainment of its video game systems and games to Southwest Customers this busy holiday season.  If your travels are taking you through any of the following Southwest Airlines airports—Dallas Love Field, Atlanta, Chicago (Midway), Denver, St. Louis, or Tampa—you’ll have the opportunity to experience Nintendo’s Wii U Gaming Lounges.  Between now and December 22, Passengers can pass the time before boarding their flight by playing Super Mario 3D World and other newly released games on Wii U. Not traveling through one of the designated airports?  No worries!  You have a chance to win a Wii U gaming system of your very own!  By entering the Southwest Airlines and Nintendo 30 Days of Holiday Giveaways sweepstakes, you have the chance to win one of 30 prize packages which include a pair of Southwest Airlines roundtrip tickets and a Wii U gaming system from Nintendo.  Enter by visiting www.southwest.com/Nintendo. With the help from our Friends at Nintendo, we certainly hope we have the opportunity to make your travel experience extra FUN this holiday season! As Super Mario would say, Woo-hoo! ... View more

As the Official Airline of the Milwaukee Brewers, we are proud to show our LUV and support for not just the players, but the entire organization; especially the mascots! Bernie, the beloved mascot of the Brewers, exchanged his parka and snow boots for his baseball cap and flip flops this past weekend. Every year, the Brewers players and coaches travel down to Phoenix, Arizona to prepare for the season while Bernie mans the fort--Miller Park stadium, up in Milwaukee. This year, Southwest Airlines flew Bernie down to Spring Training to kick off the Brewers’ first preseason game on Saturday, Feb. 23rd! So how does a mascot of a Major League Baseball Team fly? Take a look at the video below to see his FUN journey on Southwest.    ... View more

It’s Game Day in Texas and we’re ready to ice down the coolers, start the grills, and put our Horns UP! As the proud Official Airline Sponsor of Texas Athletics, we’re showing our LUV for the Longhorns and giving you the chance to tweet your way to 2 round trip tickets from Southwest Airlines. On Saturday, September 1 st, look out for a tweet from @SouthwestAir Twitter account. Respond to @SouthwestAir using your answer and the hash tag #LonghornLUV to be entered! Ready for it?       We say #TEXAS. You say #_________ Hint: This game day chant can be heard throughout Austin before the Texas Longhorns kickoff against the Wyoming Cowboys at 7PM CST. Again, submit your answer to @SouthwestAir Twitter account using the #LonghornLUV hash tag. Hook ‘EM! OFFICIAL RULES Southwest Airlines and University of Texas “#LonghornLUV” Twitter Sweepstakes 1. To Enter: No purchase or obligation necessary.  Sweepstakes runs September 1, 2012 from 8:00 a.m. CST – September 1, 2012 at 8:00 p.m CST. To enter without purchase or obligation, you must respond to the question posted by Southwest Airlines and tweet your response to @SouthwestAir on Twitter during the promotion timeframe, using the #LonghornLUV hashtag. All entries submitted will not be acknowledged or returned. By entering, entrant grants Sponsor an irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, freely transferable license to use their comment for all purposes, in any and all media, whether now known or hereafter devised. Entries may not violate any third party rights nor use any third-party intellectual property.  Entrants acknowledge and agree that their entry does not violate any rights of privacy or publicity and that any necessary written permissions of those referenced or appearing in their post.  Entries must not disparage; contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, or vulgar; or promote bigotry, violence, racism, hatred or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and/or sexual orientation.  Use of any device to automate entry is prohibited.  Proof of submission of an entry shall not be deemed proof of receipt by Southwest.  Southwest Airlines computer is the official time keeping device for the Sweepstakes.  Sponsor is under no obligation to post any entry.  By submitting your response, you are agreeing that you have read and agree to the Official Rules. Comment Entry: Participants may enter by submitting a response to the proposed question prompted by Southwest Airlines. Responses must be tweeted to the Southwest Airlines twitter account (@SouthwestAir) and must include the hashtag #LonghornLUV. Noncompliance with any entry procedure will result in disqualification. Sponsor is not responsible for any computer, online, telephone, or technical malfunctions or delays that may occur, or for telecommunications, network, electronic, technical, or computer failures of any kind, including any damage to a user's computer equipment, or for the incorrect or inaccurate capture of any entry information, or for failure of any e-mail or entry to be received by Sponsor for any reason. Incomplete, garbled, or unintelligible entries will be disqualified. 2. Drawing: On or about September 2, 2012 after the close of the entry period, a random drawing from all eligible entries received will be conducted; decisions are final on matters relating to this sweepstakes. Prizes are guaranteed to be awarded. Odds of winning will depend on the total number of eligible entries received. Potential Winners will be notified via phone and/or e-mail address. Entrants need not be present to win.  All prizes are guaranteed to be awarded. 3. Prizes: One (1) Grand Prizes to consist of:   Two (2) round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines The winning comment may be featured on the Southwest Airlines Facebook Fan page and the Nuts About Southwest blog. Approximate total prize value of $800.  Tickets are subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply. No blackout dates. Airline tickets awarded will be open origination and open destination and will expire one year from date of issue. Expiration dates will not be extended, and tickets will not be refundable or redeemable for cash or credit at any time, nor will tickets be replaced if lost or stolen. Tickets may not be sold to a third party. Tickets valid on Southwest-operated, published, scheduled service only from the airport nearest the winner's residence served by Southwest Airlines. If the winner does not live in a city served by Southwest Airlines, he/she is responsible for transportation to the nearest airport served by Southwest Airlines. Seats on any desired flight are not guaranteed. Government issued ID required to travel. All other expenses, not specifically mentioned herein are the sole responsibility of the winners. No Substitutions, cash equivalents, or transfers of prize permitted.  4. Eligibility:  Contest open to all legal US residents of the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, excluding Rhode Island, 21 years and older as of September 1, 2012.  Employees of Southwest Airlines, AirTran Airways, their advertising and promotions agencies, and their immediate families (spouse and parents, children and siblings and their spouses), and individuals living in the same households of such employees are ineligible.  Void where prohibited or restricted by law.  Sweepstakes subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.   Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. The promotion is offered in the United States only and shall only be construed and evaluated according to United States law.  Do not proceed in this site if you are not located in the United States. By participating, you agree that the Sponsor, its parent, subsidiaries, and affiliates, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents, will have no liability whatsoever for any liability resulting from any injury, loss, or damages of any kind to persons, including death, and property, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, from the acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of a prize or participation in this Sweepstakes. By entering, you agree that Sponsor, and those acting under its authority, may use your name, hometown, likeness and/or voice, and the comment (s) you submitted as an entry for advertising and promotional purposes in any media without limitation and without further consideration, unless prohibited by law. 5.  To Claim Prize: Potential winners only will be notified by Southwest Airlines, and will be required to complete and sign an Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability Release and, where legal, a Publicity Release, which must be returned within three (3) days after prize notification or prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner.  If prize notification letter is returned undeliverable, the prize will be awarded to an alternate winner. Unclaimed or undeliverable prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner.   6.  Limitation of Liability: Neither Sponsor, nor their affiliated entities, are responsible for printing or typographical errors in any related materials; stolen, fraudulent, entries or mail; or transactions that are processed or lost due to computer or electronic malfunction.  Winner is solely responsible for payment of all federal, state, and local taxes on prize and for any travel or other expenses not specifically mentioned in prize description.  Sponsor reserves the right to cancel or modify Sweepstakes if fraud or technical failure compromises the integrity of the Sweepstakes as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion.  This Sweepstakes offer is being made exclusively by Sponsor. 7. Sponsor: Southwest Airlines Co., P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX.  75235-1611 ... View more