Southwest Airlines Community

The following blog post is by Southwest Sr. Business Consultant Jeff Sigmon   August 2016 saw Southwest celebrate the opening of our newest international gateway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with daily flights to Nassau, Bahamas. In the time since, we also celebrated the expansion of service to Varadero, Havana, and Santa Clara, Cuba; followed by the announcement of nonstop service to Belize City; Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Grand Cayman—all beginning on June 4 when a new facility comes on-line at FLL. The facility will bring additional gates and U.S. Customs & Border Protection services to our Terminal 1.   We’re keeping the momentum going and continuing our growth for FLL by having filed application this week with the U.S. Department of Transportation to serve Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (PLS) via nonstop service from FLL.  The service would begin Nov. 5, 2017, subject to governmental approvals.     The Turks & Caicos Islands encompass a large international market popular with both local Floridians and our Customers. The short, 1 hr., 45 min. flight (580 miles) comes with a relatively low aircraft investment to one of the world’s greatest beach destinations, home to Grace Bay Beach, which consistently appears among TripAdvisor’s Top World Beaches.   Fans of marine activities will find world-class snorkeling and scuba diving along 70 miles of barrier reefs, paddle boarding, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Chalk Sound, an area encompassing hundreds of rocky islands surrounded by serene lagoons, complement the amazing beaches of Turks & Caicos.   Hats off to the entire cross-functional Team that assessed and is now readying for PLS and future international service! ... View more

The following post is by Southwest's Sr. Director Federal Affairs David Richardson   On December 16, I was proud to join about 750 members of the Washington, DC aviation community – including FAA Administrator Michael Huerta, TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger, and several former DOT Secretaries and FAA Administrators – to honor and celebrate the unique and impactful career of Colleen C. Barrett – Southwest’s President Emeritus.   As you probably know by now, Colleen is the 2016 recipient of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy, which is arguably the most prestigious aviation award in the nation, if not the world. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) selected Colleen for this special honor, and the Aero Club of Washington hosts an annual black tie gala that generally coincides with the anniversary of the first successful powered flight by Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903.   Herb Kelleher celebrates Colleen Barrett As a regular attendee of these Wright Brothers dinners – aka, the “Aviation Prom” – this one was truly special and extremely “Southwesty.” The program included a uniquely “Herb-esque” tribute speech by our Founder and Chairman Emeritus, first-class musical entertainment by our very own Why? Nots, and a touching tribute video. The Why? Nots even performed a special song for Colleen, using (naturally) the melody of Willie Nelson’s "Always on My Mind."    Not surprisingly, I’ve never seen so much laughter or tears at one of these dinners before. Colleen and SWA kicked DC butt – just sayin’.   I’m also very pleased that Colleen’s extended family, including her son, Patrick; grandson, Evan; and brother and sister-in-law, Pat and Heidi Crotty; could be with her during this wonderful night. Also in attendance were numerous members of Colleen’s Southwest Family, including many retirees who worked closely with Colleen, four of our Board Members, Gary Kelly, as well as many of our current Leaders.   Toward the end of the dinner, Jim Albaugh, Chairman of the NAA and retired CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, formally presented the 2016 Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy to Colleen. The trophy citation reads: "For dedicating nearly 50 years to aviation, including serving as President of Southwest Airlines, where she devoted herself to creating a unique, service-oriented corporate culture which made her one of the most successful leaders in U.S. airline history." Please join me again in congratulating Colleen on this well-deserved honor!   Colleen with Jim Albaugh (NAA Chair) and Greg Principato (NAA President)     ... View more

Thanks to our more than 53,000 Employees, Southwest is one of Fortune Magazine’s World’s Most Admired Companies for the 23rd consecutive year—the only commercial airline in the Top 10. Southwest ranked #8, an honor made possible through the passion of our dedicated Employees. The Top 50 Most Admired Companies, what FORTUNE calls the “All-Stars,” is selected by a group of 3,800 executives, directors, and security analysts who picked the 10 companies they admired most. They are able to vote for any company in any industry that ranked in the top 25 percent in last year’s survey, along with those that finished in the top 20 percent in their industry.   ... View more

“At Southwest, we support each other and always find a reason to laugh.” —Jan Fleiner, Inflight Coordinator   When she’s not enjoying the Colorado outdoors with her husband and two daughters, Denver-based Jan Fleiner spends her time serving others. As an Inflight Coordinator, she has formed a deep connection with her Flight Attendants, who brighten her day with their passion for helping Customers. Jan stays active by raising animals, gardening, repurposing almost everything, and volunteering in her community. Her hobbies keep her busy, but right now she’s most excited about becoming a certified horticultural therapist. Southwest Airlines is proud to honor Jan for sharing her Servant’s Heart with her Coworkers and community.    Giving Back “I especially enjoy guiding young people as a 4-H leader and volunteering my time at my local food bank.”   Rocky Roads “With famous parks and friendly people, Colorado is worth exploring. Even my drive to work has mountain views.”   Lessons Learned “It’s important to show an appreciation for others and have fun at work. That’s what drew me to Southwest, and it’s what keeps me here.”   Snow Going “Last year, an epic snowstorm hit Denver. Everyone worked through the challenges as a Team, and I was impressed with the grace our People displayed in a stressful situation.”    Photo by Daniel Bedell ... View more

Happy Groundhog Day! Perhaps you’ve heard of Punxsutawney Phil. But have you heard of Houston Hobby Phil? Looks like he just predicted six more weeks of winter.   Thanks to HOU Employees Phillip Ford, Pablo Barrera, Richard Mondelli, Woody Stuckey, Fabian Cordova, Kenneth Dean, and Derrick Bishop for getting in on the fun! ... View more

The following post is by Laurie Barnett, Managing Director, Communication & Outreach   Southwest Airlines has always stood for People.  In four decades of taking Customers from one destination to the next, we’ve discovered our Purpose: to connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.  By serving Customers and fostering those connections, we’ve seen the communities we serve flourish.  It has become apparent that, in the air and on the ground, community is more than a place—it’s the heart of what brings us together. At Southwest, we’re known for our Heart, and our Heart has many facets.   LOVING PEOPLE Our Heart is to take care of People because we’re more than an airline—we’re your neighbor. By creating resources like our Medical Transportation Grant Program, we’re able to provide love and comfort to families facing difficult challenges.   BUILDING RESILIENCE Our Heart is to make connections that empower communities to thrive by investing in civic and local relationships. Our Southwest Airlines Heart of the Community Program builds connections that bring people together and strengthen communities for a more resilient future.   LIVING RESPONSIBLY Our Heart is to do what’s right by championing communities and respecting our resources through environmental initiatives.   By Living and Working the Southwest Way, we connect People and communities in a way that’s as uniquely us as the color of our planes.  As humanitarian Jean Vanier said, “One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals.”   With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for the importance of our People and the communities we serve, as well as our commitment to efficiency and the planet.  The 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com     ... View more

The following blog post is by Southwest Customer Support & Services Scheduling Specialist Kelsey Richerson   Last fall, about 40 Southwest Employees and family members met in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Most were Flight Attendants, many were strangers, but everyone united with a common goal: volunteering at Elephant Nature Park. The trip was organized by Airline Vigilantes which is a volunteer organization founded by a Southwest Flight Attendant, whose members are airline employees, their friends and families, using thier airlines flight privileges for a great cause.   Elephants are often subjected to horrifying conditions. There is even a term for the process in Thailand, called the “phajaan,” or “Breaking the Spirit.” Young elephants are taken from their mothers and tied into a crate, beaten and starved for a week until they are obedient and sentient. When they are injured or sick, they are forced to keep working because they are only seen as income. In Thailand, elephants are classified as livestock, so the laws for their wellbeing are few and rarely enforced. Luckily, there are sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park that help. There are more than 70 elephants that call this park home, from recently born babies to elderly elephants. Herds have formed within the rescues to help raise the younger elephants, creating new families to replace the ones lost. Walking the grounds of Elephant Nature Park is both heartbreaking and enlightening. There are scars, disfigurements, and blindness, but these elephants are slowly starting to trust humans again. We learned their stories and personalities while helping to prep their food, clean the park, and talk to the staff and founder. It was hard work on hot days, but of course Southwest Airlines Employees don’t mind getting a little dirty! Most people just don’t know the backstory to “perfect photo” elephant rides. Education is one of the best ways to try to end these practices, but we also have the opportunity to help. Our flight privileges allow us to have the world at our door step, so we can be the voice for those that cannot speak.   ... View more

The following post is by Network Planning Senior Analyst Jon Selig.     Beach in Rum Point on Grand Cayman island It’s interesting how when we think about the future, we often connect it with the past. Recently, my children and I were talking about going to the beach soon. Being a part of Southwest Airlines means that going to “the beach” is not just a drive to whatever is nearby. It means being able to travel to the bright sunshine of so many Florida destinations, particularly the dramatic sunsets of Tampa and white sands of Pensacola, or to see the mesmerizing sunsets of California and the Pacific. I told my children about the time their great-grandmother took me to the Cayman Islands. The trip to this special place with its enchanting beaches, an exciting boat excursion to the famous Stingray City, and an invigorating walk through the botanical gardens holds memories that I still treasure today.   Today, we’ll pick up that conversation as I get to tell my children about Southwest’s new flights. We’ll all be able to make our own memories as we launch new daily service to Grand Cayman from Fort Lauderdale, starting June 4th. We are also excited for yesterday’s announcement regarding new service between San Diego and Cabo San Lucas starting April 25th, making SAN our 15th international gateway. In addition, there is more service from Austin this summer, including Saturday service to Pensacola.    It’s going to be an exciting time to travel to the beach this summer with our loved ones. We can all look forward to such wonderful opportunities to make new memories with our friends and families, bridging the experiences of our past with the hopeful eyes of the future. Thanks for all of your support and for all that you do. Have a great day, everyone!   photo by:  Copyright: mikolaj64 / 123RF Stock Photo ... View more

The following post is from Southwest Flight Attendant Sandy Wittl.   I am a Phoenix-based Flight Attendant and my daughter, Jenna, is based in Denver. We had been trying to fly our first trip together for over a year. We finally made it happen and Jenna's good friend Katherine also joined us. What a crew!    When we arrived on December 9 to check-in at the gate, we were told that our flight from Denver (DEN) to Sacramento (SMF) was hosting a Live at 35 concert with Andy Grammer. We were so surprised and excited to have this opportunity on one of our flights, but especially for a Live at 35 to happen on our first flight together! What an experience! The atmosphere and energy on board was amazing, and our Customers were so excited—not to mention the Crew, too!        Shortly after our inflight service Andy Grammer performed two hits, “Fresh Eyes” and “Honey I'm Good.” The plane went nuts! Andy is such a great performer, so personable, and willing to pose for pictures and sign autographs for everyone onboard. Each Customer on the flight also received 20,000 Rapid Reward points to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Chase Visa Rapid Rewards credit card. It was really awesome to see our Customers’ reaction and to be part of such a great event. I LUV that at Southwest Airlines, we do things that are totally different, fun, and stand out from the rest. I believe our Customers love that, too!  Thank you Southwest for a day that my daughter and I will never forget!   ... View more

“My job is a new challenge every day, and I look forward to that.” —Jessica LaCoursiere, Customer Service Spervisor   Compassion and Hospitality are at the heart of everything at Southwest, and Phoenix-based Jessica LaCoursiere consistently demonstrates these values as a Customer Service Supervisor. Each day, Jessica owns the behind-the-scenes challenge of directing different departments to work together cohesively. Jessica finds energy in showing Hospitality to Customers and Employees as she makes a constant effort to connect our Customers to what’s important in their lives. We are grateful to have Jessica, who is encouraged by change and transition, in our Family. —Alison Dee, Communication & Outreach   Lend an Ear “People need someone to listen to them, and they don’t always need your advice. Listen first, and if you’re asked for advice, then give it.”   Good Genes “My father retired from Southwest after almost 30 years as a Ramp Supervisor. It’s been in my blood for a long time.”   Petal Power “I’m always doing a floral arrangement or wreath arrangement—it relaxes me.”   Take Charge “As a supervisor, there’s a lot on your plate. Bridging the gap between departments can be a hard thing to do.”   Photo by Brandon Sullivan ... View more

The following post is by Diane Quest, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Points of Light   “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   On Jan. 16, millions of volunteers will come together for Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, to honor the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to the service of others.   As we kick off 2017, MLK Day is an important opportunity for Americans to unite through service. Points of Light–the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service–calls together its community of changemakers to reflect on gains won during the Civil Rights Movement and to address contemporary issues facing our nation.   Southwest Airlines, as part of its commitment to building connections among people and communities both in the air and on the ground, joins Points of Light in partnership of America’s Sunday Suppers, a meaningful way you can make a difference and connect with others on MLK Day.   Host a Sunday Supper by bringing your friends and neighbors together to share a meal and conversation about the issues facing your community and generate ideas on how together, you can collectively take action through service.   A great way to jump-start the conversation is by asking questions, like:   How can we use our full range of assets and civic power (influence, time, advocacy and skills) to more fully participate in community and civic life?   What is one thing you would like to change in your community? What are tangible steps you could take to make that change happen?   Points of Light also offers a conversation guide to help get you started with tips for having a good discussion, additional conversation starters and tools for the whole family.   Learn more at www.pointsoflight.org/mlkday. ... View more

One of my favorite things about working at Southwest is the many fun stories shared when you tell people you work for Southwest. Isn’t it just the best?! It always makes me proud to hear how our Company makes such a positive impact on people by connecting them to what’s important in their lives!  This is one such story. As we are enjoying our own traditions this holiday season, check out how this “A-List Tradition” by guest blogger and Southwest Airlines Companion Gretchen Sakkinenhas created lasting holiday memories. --Ana Schwager, Southwest Airlines Community Affairs & Grassroots Regional Leader   Getting Kenny Chesney’s latest single to #1 on the charts?  Of course that’s something to celebrate.  But achieving Southwest Airlines’ A-List Preferred status and earning a Companion Pass for your spouse?  That glory is hard to beat.   One of my dearest friends, Stephanie, and I are both married to “promo guys.”  Our husbands, Chuck and Shane, both work in the country music industry, and their bottomline job is to get their artists’ songs played on the radio.  They share a few common traits with other record reps:   They love music. They have a competitive nature. They travel.  A lot. Our guys spend a great deal of time criss-crossing the country, attending concerts and building relationships with radio programmers and DJs.  As frequent fliers, they have travel down to a science.  They know how early to get to the airport, which security line moves the fastest, and which restaurant has the best breakfast burrito. Given the choice to any destination, they always fly Southwest Airlines.   Around the beginning of November each year, Shane and Chuck start assessing their status to make sure they’re on target to earn A-List Preferred and Companion Passes.  In case there is any question about crossing those two finish lines, the four of us start planning one last trip of the year — but this one is for fun, not business.   Our travel tradition started a few years ago.  In December 2014, we hit Chicago.  We drank wine at a rooftop bar, devoured steaks at Chicago Cut, and browsed shops along the Magnificent Mile.  In December 2015, Charleston was our destination, where we dined at Fig, shopped up and down King Street, and took in history on a downtown walking tour.   This year, in December 2016, we’ll be exploring Savannah.  We’ll fly into Charleston again, then drive a couple of hours southwest.  Get it?  Southwest!  Our plans include fine dining at Elizabeth on 37th, a stroll through Forsyth Park, and a ghost tour via hearse.  Whatever it takes to earn those Southwest Rapid Rewards!     As for our December 2017 destination … who can say?  Any suggestions?  All we know is we’re looking forward to the trip and we’ll be flying Southwest to get us there! ... View more

The following post was submitted by Dhilan's mom, Sheila.   My son, Dhilan, loves airplanes and Southwest Airlines is, by far, his favorite. Although he cannot identify all airlines by their logos or colors, he can easily recognize Southwest Airlines. His teachers are so impressed with how, upon seeing a Southwest jet flying overhead, he will suddenly stop playing on the playground, point to the sky and scream to anyone that will listen, and even those that do not, “It’s Southwest Airlines!” That’s why it came as no surprise that Dhilan wanted a Southwest Airlines themed birthday party. My son is fanatical about airplanes. More specifically, he is fanatical about Southwest Airlines airplanes. We have been flying as a family since Dhilan was a baby. The night before a flight, he can hardly sleep because he is so excited. In the morning, he will jump out of bed and yell for everyone to hurry up so we can make our Southwest Airlines flight. We never have to think about packing entertainment for him. If he starts to get bored, we simply open the window and he will spend the next several hours mesmerized by looking out the window. Taxiing, taking off, landing, and even cruising at 35,000 all fill his eyes with wondrous amazement. We shouldn’t be surprised by Dhilan’s innate fascination with airplanes. My husband is a former F-15 fighter pilot, having served in the U.S. Air Force for over ten years. Some of his good friends are now pilots at Southwest Airlines.   Dad and baby Dhilan (Halloween)Dhilan is one of the sweetest boys you will ever meet. He listens to his parents, he says “please” and “thank you,” he takes care of his baby sister, and he has a heart of gold. We wanted to make Dhilan’s fourth birthday party really special. While all his friends were celebrating with Mickey Mouse or Star Wars parties, Dhilan specifically asked us if we could throw him a Southwest Airlines party. We simply couldn’t say no.   We contacted Southwest Airlines a couple of months before the party and told them about Dhilan’s love of planes and Southwest Airlines. Not only did they immediately offer to help, Southwest was overwhelmingly generous with their support. They sent Dhilan all sorts of goodies for him and his friends to help his birthday come to life, including Southwest Airlines cups, napkins, pretzels, bag tags, Pilot wings, and more. On top of that, they also sent some presents specifically for Dhilan to fuel his love of Southwest Airlines.   The driveway was converted into a runway.The birthday party was a huge hit! We started with the driveway, recreating a special airplane runway and then transformed our backyard into a “Southwest Airlines” experience. The tables had hot air balloon centerpieces with Southwest’s logo, and we had pictures of Southwest airplanes everywhere. The kids enjoyed a bouncy castle (in blue, red, and yellow of course) and a cake topped with a Southwest plane and bus.      The Monday after the party, Dhilan’s teacher told me that she had heard about every detail of the party. I asked if one of the parents said something, but she said she heard it from the kids. The kids couldn’t stop talking about it!   Southwest Airlines, you truly made Dhilan’s birthday one he will never forget. From all of us—including your #1 four-year-old fan—thank you!   Bouncy castle in Southwest colors  "Baggage Claim" goody bag station  Dhilan and his friends ... View more

Southwest is known for the exceptional ability to hire the best of the best Pilots, but we also have the best instructors. Pilots undergo an immense amount of training from a distinguished group of Instructors. Three of our Instructors, Captain Dale Lenhart, Jim Evans, and Clarence Corbin were recently awarded the FAA’s most prestigious award—The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. The award recognizes outstanding Pilots who have flown for at least 50 continuous years without incident. Less than 4,000 Pilots have received the award nationwide.  Dale, Jim, and Clarence have more than 56,000 flight hours combined with more than 159 years of flying under their belts. Jim started his career with Southwest in 1991, and his favorite part of working for Southwest is the People. Clarence retired in October of 1998. He said, “My wife let me retire for two years, but she said she had twice the husband and half the pay, so I started with Southwest in 2000.” Dale has been a Flight Instructor at Southwest since 2002. He said, “We have an amazing group of Instructors and Pilots; it seems like the Company has the uncanny ability of hiring quality People.” Together, Dale, Jim, and Clarence have trained about 19,800 Pilots.  All three instructors knew they wanted to fly from early on in life.  “When I was about five years old, I lived on a farm in Kansas and a little airplane landed in a wheat field next to the farm. My daddy took me over with my sister and asked the Pilot who flew the plane if he’d take us for a ride,” says Dale. “I was just so enthralled by it—I never forgot it.” Clarence grew up around aviation; he used to ride his bicycle to Love Field to watch the airplanes in the ‘40s.   Clarence Corbin “When I was a young kid during the Second World War, I knew I wanted to fly then,” said Jim. Jim’s father worked for American Airlines in the '40s, so he had firsthand knowledge of the airline industry early on in life. “I was flying as a pass rider Passenger when I was six, and I really learned to love flying at the time, so it’s something I always wanted to do. Even though Dale’s mother was against him learning how to fly because “these airplanes fall out of the sky” she eventually came to terms with his passion. Dale started his flight lessons in 1957, and still continues to fly his Cessna 172, 59 years later.  Jim started his flight training as a high school senior in 1963, and received his license in 1964. He flew for Eastern Airlines in 1966 until 1989. “I will keep flying until I physically can’t fly anymore. I fly every six to eight weeks.”    Jim Evans Clarence started working for Braniff in 1958, where he drew landing approaches while saving enough money to learn how to fly. One thing led to another, and Clarence landed his dream job as a Pilot.  “Flying safely for 50 years is about luck, training, and taking the job seriously. Sometimes I cut up, but when I am flying, it’s all business. I try to pass that to my students,” said Clarence.  For Jim, flying without incident for 50 years is a mix of skill and caution. “It’s a little bit of being a chicken, and not putting myself in a position where I could expose myself to undue danger. Knowing your limitations as a Pilot and knowing your aircrafts limitations and staying within those limitations help reduce risk.”  “I’ve been so fortunate to be able to do almost my whole life what I enjoy doing. If you enjoy your work, you never work a day in your life,” said Dale. “You don’t fly that many years without something scary happen, I feel very fortunate. I try to be careful.”    Dale Lenhart Dale, Clarence, and Jim all believe there are bold Pilots and old Pilots, but not old bold Pilots. ... View more

“I see my role as the conductor of a symphony. It’s my job to make sure everything comes together.” —Mike Henkelman, Captain   Delivering outstanding Hospitality runs in Captain Mike Henkelman’s family. His father was a Pilot for Southwest for 23 years, and Mike always wanted to follow in his footsteps. After flying in the U.S. Air Force for 10 years, Mike joined Southwest in 2004 and continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve for an­other 10 years. Mike’s dad was able to fly on his first Southwest flight, and Mike was able to fly on his dad’s last flight. When Mike isn’t flying planes, you’ll catch him carrying Customers’ bags and helping them feel at home. Off the clock, Mike enjoys cycling, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with his wife and three kids. —Steph Logue, Communication & Outreach   Family Lessons “My dad worked hard to help build this Company. He taught me if you take care of the Em­ployees, they’ll take care of the Customers. I do my best to take care of both.”   Valley Virtues “Phoenix has incredible weather year-round for golf and outdoor activities. My favorite thing is spring training in March.”   Job Perks “I try to make a difference in everyone’s Southwest experience, but the Customers end up mak­ing a difference in my life.” Photo by Todd SpothPhoto by Todd Spoth ... View more

The following post is written by frequent Southwest traveler and VIP (Very Important Pup), Manny the Frenchie. He recently attended Live In The Vineyard and wanted to share a few tips from his trip.   What can't I say about my trip to Napa and Live In The Vineyard, it was a dog's dream! After a relaxing Southwest flight with my humans, we arrived in Oakland and took the most scenic drive to Napa Valley. I love to stick my head out of the car window and the fall colors I saw were amazing!   After a dog nap and some treats, it was off to a paw-some kick off party for Live In The Vineyard. It always so cool when I get to attend parties, I'm usually the only dog and I get lots of belly rubs! I met The Bumbys and Gill made a fair and honest appraisal of my appearance. I believe I was their first dog client! That was really unique and he had great things to say about me, yay! There was a big airstream parked at the event and I just had to check it out. They were taking photos in there, so Mommy and I had our photo taken! I also got to see some live art and a live band, what a night!   The next day was the best day! I got to tour four vineyards with my humans and meet some winery dogs! First stop was MadoroM Vineyards. Yellow Labs, Max and Cabela are only one and two years old and love to have the run of the vineyard, stealing bones and protecting the chickens! They definitely wore me out showing me around the vineyard! MadoroM is only open for private events on their beautiful property, so be sure to call ahead. Max and Cabela would be sure to welcome you upon arrival.   Next up was Whetstone Wine Cellars. After a quick drive we arrived at Whetstone and I was greeted by another yellow lab, Ace the three-year-old who definitely runs the show! Visitors are known to stop by for the wonderful wine and a warm greeting by Ace. He said to be sure to try the 2014 Viognier—it’s the best!  Living with a nine-year-old, three teenagers, and two parents, Ace is used to a big family and loves visitors to come by the cellars where the hospitality is top notch!   I took some cool photos with Ace and then it was off to Liana Estates. Liana Estates is brand new and I got a first look at the great tasting room, and even had a sniff of Liana's favorite, Bubbles Club Rose', it tickled my nose! Casees, a great Newfoundland, runs the show here, sharing his time between Liana and Peju. I didn't get to meet him this time, but hopefully he's around the next time I'm in Napa! Liana is all about getting away from the hustle and crowds and to experience a different tasting, so be sure to stop by when you need some peace and quiet.   My last stop was Trinchero, where I met some fellow flat-faced friends, the family's two playful French Bulldogs, Coco and Chata! Out here, they say Cabernet is King ... I'm not really sure what that means, but it sounds nice! My visit to the Trinchero Family Estates was so relaxing, looking out over the vineyard.  Coco even taught me a thing or two about how to play Bocce Ball, which is definitely a popular pastime out in Napa. And the best part was Coco and Chata showing us around the Trinchero Family's wine cave, a CAVE! We learned so much about the history of the Trinchero Family.  Be sure to stop by, they just opened a new tasting room. I'm sure you'll be greeted by Coco and Chata upon arrival!   I had the best time in Napa with my friends from Southwest and I hope we get to go back soon. ... View more

Written by Make A Wish Volunteer, Hugo Hernandez   A day reserved for family traditions would not be complete without America’s favorite tradition: the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Each year, millions of viewers focus their attention to watch Snoopy, Felix the Cat, and Charlie Brown—but this year, eight lucky families were invited by our friends at Southwest Airlines to have complete VIP access during a once-in-a-lifetime experience: up close and personal at the 90 th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.   Treated to a hearty breakfast before the parade, Make-A-Wish families gathered at Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan to watch the famed parade with a prime view. As the children led their families to Sixth Avenue, parents struggled to keep up with their very excited little ones. The children’s faces gleamed with joy as they witnessed their favorite cartoon characters pass by in a grandiose form. Up until this point, many of the children only saw their favorite cartoon characters on TV.   All of the Wish children who were treated to the VIP viewing of the parade were granted their one true wish; but today, the benevolence of Southwest Airlines reinforced the meaning of Thanksgiving. Southwest showed their thanks to fallen officers, firefighters, soldiers and the strength of the very special children from Make-A-Wish. For them, the chance to be a part of something so special was reminiscent of their one true wish.   Forever grateful for the unique opportunities provided by the generosity of Southwest Airlines, families went home with memories they will share forever—a Thanksgiving Day of a lifetime.     ... View more

This blog post is by Chicago-based Flight Attendant Karen Jaburek   Passengers sign note cards thanking service men and women. One of my favorite things about Southwest is their support for our military, past and present. As a Flight Attendant, I had the opportunity to participate in this year’s Military Appreciation Card Campaign that ran from November 10-12, in conjunction with Veterans Day. We were able to pick up packets of Southwest designed “We Love Our Troops” notecards and invite our Passengers to write out messages of gratitude and well wishes.  Through Southwest’s partnership with a fantastic organization, A Million Thanks, these cards will end up in the hands of deployed service members around the world.   The support from our Passengers onboard was overwhelming.  Many asked for multiple cards. Passengers thanked us over and over again for giving them the opportunity to participate in this campaign.  I know that these simple messages will touch the servicemen and woman they reach. A few moments of time spent distributing and collecting these cards onboard our aircraft will have a huge impact on our troops.  I have a sneaking suspicion it had a pretty big impact on our Customers too!   I look forward to this promotion every year.  It’s one small thing I can do to express gratitude for the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to serve.  I can’t wait until the 2017 card campaign!   A Million Thanks collects messages of gratitude year-round. If you want to learn more about what they do and how to participate, you can visit their website at www.amillionthanks.org. ... View more

We’re excited to announce another new nonstop route connecting two longtime and important communities in the Southwest® network. Starting March 13, 2017, you’ll be able to travel nonstop between Austin and Kansas City! Introductory fares begin as low as $89 one-way and can be booked right now at Southwest.com.     (Purchase from Nov. 10-22, 2016, 11:59 p.m. in the respective time zone of the originating city. Austin-- Kansas City service valid March 13 through May 8, 2017. Full terms and conditions are below.)   The new route will complement additional service between Kansas City and San Antonio which began this past Sunday. Austin will be Kansas City’s 30 th nonstop destination.   TERMS AND CONDITIONS Purchase from Nov. 10--22, 2016, 11:59 p.m. in the respective time zone of the originating city. Austin--Kansas City service valid daily March 13 through May 8, 2017.  Fares are valid only on domestic, nonstop service. Displayed prices include all U.S. and international government taxes and fees. Points bookings do not include taxes, fees, and other government/airport charges of at least $5.60 per one-way flight. Fares are not available to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Seats and days are limited. Fares may vary by destination, flight, and day of week and won't be available on some flights that operate during very busy travel times and holiday periods. Travel is available for one-way Wanna Get Away® fares. Fares may be combined with other Southwest Airlines® combinable fares. If combining with other fares, the most restrictive fare's rules apply. Sale fares may be available on other days of week, but that's not guaranteed. Fares are nonrefundable but may be applied toward future travel on Southwest Airlines, as long as reservations are canceled at least ten minutes prior to the scheduled departure. Failure to cancel prior to departure will result in forfeiture of remaining funds on the reservation. Any change in itinerary may result in an increase in fare. Standby travel may require an upgrade to the Anytime fare depending on Tier status. Fares are subject to change until ticketed. Offer applies only to published, scheduled service. ... View more

Hello, Havana! With our 100th city, we can connect Customers like Patrick Manteiga with their Cuban roots.    Video by: Patric Alva   ... View more

The following blog is from Southwest's Columbus Customer Service Supervisor Chris Alioto   John Glenn Columbus International Airport had the incredible opportunity to honor a relatively under-recognized group of Veterans who have made unimaginable sacrifices in the service of our great nation—women.   Since 2008, Southwest has maintained a very special relationship with Honor Flight, a national non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring U.S. Veterans. As the official commercial carrier of the Honor Flight Network, Southwest has donated thousands of tickets to the cause, helping to transport Veterans to see the nation’s memorials each year. This year, Southwest continues to help Honor Flight achieve their goals, including making this unique trip a reality.   On September 10, the 77 th Honor Flight took off from Columbus. However, this Honor Flight was unique, as it marked the first all-female Honor Flight to depart from Columbus. We all felt a deep sense of responsibility to make sure that this momentous occasion was special for every Veteran that was in our care.   The first all-female Honor F light from Columbus transported 81 women, including Veterans of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, as well as their caretakers. I think I can speak for all of my fellow Teammates on that day, when I say that we felt privileged to play a role in honoring these brave women.   A large crowd was on-hand at the airport lobby to honor the Veterans. As they made their way through the airport to their gate, they received a hero’s send-off. There was a flurry of emotions as Veteran’s swapped stories and memories, took pictures, and chatted with Southwest Customer Service Agents, the Flight Crew, and other Customers who were in the gate area.   One special woman, Margaret Switzer, stole the Hearts of her fellow Veterans and my Fellow Employees alike. Switzer, who is nearing her 100 th birthday, was the oldest Veteran on the flight and served as a secretary during World War II. She arrived in the lobby, proudly wearing her Army cap like the badge of honor that it truly is. Other Veterans in attendance spoke of her as one-of-many trailblazers who made the opportunities for women in the military what they are today.               While boarding, we presented each Veteran with a special pink rose and as they taxied to the runway, they were met with a ceremonial water arch.             The flight departed Columbus, making a stop at Arlington to visit the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Upon their arrival, the group was greeted by retired Air Force Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, one of the most decorated women in U.S. military history. They were also treated to a special program and lunch. The group then flew on to the nation’s capital to visit various memorials including the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, where four of the Veterans who worked as nurses during the Vietnam War, were honored during a special flag presentation.             From pre-departure check-in, to wheels down upon their return to Columbus, the 81 women on Southwest Flight #8248 completed a roughly 17-hour trip. When they exited the plane, they were met by the cheers from a crowd of more than 800 people from the local community.             We want to say thank you to Honor Flight, to our Fellow Employees, and to the Columbus Community and volunteers for helping to make such a wonderful day celebrating the service of these brave women and of female Veterans everywhere possible. More importantly, to the Veterans of the first all-female Columbus Honor Flight, thank you for your service and for allowing the Southwest Family to be a part of your incredible story. ... View more

The following post is from Southwest Sr. Environmental Specialist Jesse Nikkel.     Southwest Warriors from across the system are working hard to reduce our energy consumption, energy costs, and environmental footprint.  Here are a few more examples of how we are working to reduce our impact on the environment. When our newest building on our corporate campus in Dallas, TOPS, was opened in 2014, it was awarded LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification.  To be LEED certified, a building must not only be more energy efficient than standard building codes require, it must utilize environmentally friendly practices during the construction phase as well.  Our Facilities Team went above and beyond to meet these requirements!  TOPS uses 13.9 percent less energy than buildings built to standard codes, and during the construction phase, we sourced 39 percent of the materials used in the building from manufacturers within 500 miles of Dallas.  It takes a lot of energy to transport goods, so this really made an impact!  Our Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Team has been working diligently to replace diesel and gasoline powered equipment with electric powered equipment where feasible.  At the end of 2015, almost 20 percent of our powered GSE fleet was fueled by electricity, saving us an estimated 930,000 gallons of fuel last year.  Read the 2015 One Report story about Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to learn more about how we partner with Airports to offset the cost of transitioning to electric GSE.   Plant Maintenance, the Technical Operations Department that keeps our hangar facilities in top shape, has rolled out LED lighting in several locations.  LED’s not only consume less electricity than standard bulbs, but they also require less upkeep which is another benefit to our bottom line.  One of the upcoming LED lighting projects they are exploring is estimated to save Southwest almost 1,000,000 kWh of electricity per year.  That’s enough electricity saved to power nearly 100 homes for the entire year.   Speaking of electricity, did you know that we purchase enough renewable energy to cover 40 percent of our Dallas and Houston electricity usage annually?     ... View more

The following story is by Christopher Gresens   The story of how I became an Employee with one the greatest companies in the United States is an exciting one that began at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Actually, you could say my entire journey began with my decision to join the military.   I felt the call to serve my country in high school, so it was no surprise to most when I was standing in a Military Entrance Processing Station raising my right hand and swearing to defend the constitution and this great country against all enemies foreign and domestic. I joined the United States Air Force when I was eighteen, and I entered training to become an aircraft mechanic. I specialized in ejection seat maintenance.   I met some of the greatest leaders who took it upon themselves to mentor and train me.  The most impactful leader I met in my military career was my direct supervisor at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea—Matthew Sansositi. Matt taught me to always lead from the front. He taught me that it is the leader’s job to be an advocate for their people, and putting your team first is a critical component. Leadership isn’t about receiving accolades or personal glory. Leadership is about those you lead and how you prepare them to succeed. Through Matt’s efforts, as well as my other Leaders in the Air Force, a strong sense of integrity, commitment to excellence, and service before self was deeply engrained in my character. These core values have been a guiding compass in my life.    After completing my enlistment, I decided to leave the military and enroll in college to pursue a degree. In the summer of 2015, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. While at TCU, I further honed my leadership skills through the Criminal Justice Honor Society, where I organized and lead fundraisers and volunteer events. Additionally, I embraced the school spirit and completely bought into the "Horned Frog" way of life. I loved the passion of the Horned Frog family, and eagerly joined the Alumnus Corp.   I was so deeply impacted by my time spent at TCU and the people I met that a hole was left in my life after graduating. Little did I know the hole would be filled by the amazing Company Culture at Southwest Airlines, and the incredible Cohearts I work with every day. MI applied for Southwest’s Emerging Leader Development Program, was accepted, and am working at Denver International Airport. My time at TCU ultimately set me up to understand the concept of joining the Southwest Family and adhering to the Southwest way of life—what we call Living and Working the Southwest Way.   Looking back on my late teens and early twenties, I see a clearly orchestrated path that put me at the doorstep of Southwest’s Emerging Leader Development Program. I am thankful every day that I was welcomed into a Company that is more than a job or even a career—I was welcomed into a Family.  After working for Southwest for six months, two notions come to mind:   I could not imagine working for any other Company, and I have another thirty-nine and half years to enjoy until I retire!   Southwest’s Emerging Leader Development Program has been recognized for outstanding achievements in leadership development and programs in HR.com’s 2016 Leadership Excellence Awards: #3 in the Best First Time Manager Program category. #5 for Innovation in Deployment of Leadership Programs. Dawn Siemiet, Leadership Development Program Leader, was named #1 in the Top Future Leader Award – 35 and Under category. Julie Weber, VP People, was among the top 10 Top Corporate Leaders Over 35. In addition, Southwest is one of Chief Executive Magazine’s 2016 Best Companies for Leaders. The program also took top honors at the Association for Talent Development’s Dallas AXIS Awards, earning Best in Show, as well as first place in the Leadership Development, Succession Planning, and Talent Mobility categories.   ... View more

The following story is by Customer Tracy Stayton   As most of you know, I have quite a bit of airline experience having circumvented the globe last year during 34tunate (www.34tunate.com) and yet I have not encountered better, more friendly and personal service than with Southwest!    Last night my mom and I happened to each be passing through the Denver airport around the same time. She was connecting from Milwaukee to Portland and I was going from Denver to Orange County.    We didn't realize this was the case until just before she left Milwaukee when she sent an, "I love you" text!  I knew the timing would be tight with our flight times, but was excited to see our departure gates were close to one another: Hers was C44 and mine was C48.  However, as my flight began to board, she texted she was not even off her plane yet, and her flight had arrived at gate C24! Minutes continued to pass, and my heart sank as the last passenger at my gate gave her ticket to the Gate Agent.   As I looked down the corridor, I could now see my mom in the distance hustling her 62-year-old self in my direction. Panicked,  and not wanting to leave my gate, I called out, "Put some pep in that step!"   I am sure I was quite a sight yelling and waving my arms at her!  I looked at the Gate Agent and then back down the corridor, back, forth, back, forth.   The Gate Agent asked if I was Tracy (yes!) and if that was Evelyn (nope!). Looking at me quizzically, I explained to him the woman down the way was my mom who lives across the country from me, but who happened to be connecting here in Denver at the same time!   Although no one else was left to board and he could have shut the boarding door, he instead told me, with a smile, "Go! Run and give your Mom a hug! Some of us don't have Moms here to hug anymore!"   I dropped my stuff and sprinted to her dragging her toward the gate while still in an embrace, both of is tearing up. I kissed her on the temple and let go, not wanting to hold up the plane. The Gate Agent smiled and said, "Go on, give her another one!" Of course I did and then immediately took this selfie!        On behalf of all mothers and daughters, thank you Southwest for your service and for your amazing Employees, like Jim, who understand the value of taking a moment for priceless embraces!    Now, go on, give your Mom a hug, or book a flight to do it! I know I will be and that Southwest will be my first choice!    ... View more

 If you’re looking to get away for a few days or even a week, there are always places to go and experiences to be had—especially when you get to visit one Southwest’s 99 cities across the United States and 10 additional countries! Nobody knows a city and its hidden gems better than the Employees who live and work there. Check out a few of our Employees' favorite places in the Fort Lauderdale area and share your hidden gems in our comment section below!   A Fan Boat Prepares to take Visitors on a Tour of the Florida Everglades           Interested in sharing your travel inspiration? Leave a comment below or visit our Travel Inspiration Discussion Forum to share your knowledge with Southwest Customers.    Glide Across the Water While I’m a beach girl, we had some friends come visit Florida for the first time, and I wanted them to really experience the state. We took them on an airboat ride through the Everglades with Everglades Holiday Park located on Griffin Road—it’s amazing! Riding on the airboat, you are low on the water and pretty much one with nature, including alligators and all the various swamp critters. Really cool!   -Customer Service Supervisor Ally Harrington   Boardwalkin’ One of my favorite spots in Fort Lauderdale is the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk where you can walk, bike, run, or roller-blade. It runs right along the ocean and there are more than 50 restaurants and 30-plus boutiques and shops. There are also three oceanfront resorts and 30 superior small lodging options right on the beach. Free live music can be enjoyed on most weekends. It’s one of the best places to just relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean. The sunsets are incredible too!   –Customer Service Agent Donna Carey   Long stretch of Ft Lauderdale Beach in Florida with sandy beaches and numerous hotels and resorts Just Relax  I've been living in this city for more than 32 years and there are so many places that I could recommend, but I know a resort that is the best. It's called the Beachside Village Resort in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea (a small town with a lot to do). The location is perfect, the staff is genuine, and the hotel rooms are quaint and comfortable. It's newly renovated and the prices are very reasonable. No need for a car, as you have the beach, water activities, shopping, eating establishments, and music within walking distance. Check it out and you will be amazed at how relaxed you can be.   –Cargo Agent Pamela Esposito   Bet On It Every now and then, I enjoy spending time at the casino. Seminole Paradise, located on Seminole Way, is somewhere I would definitely recommend. It’s a great location for fun, shopping, dining, and night life. The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is connected to the outdoor mall area.   –Station Administrator Susanne Apel   Shop ‘Til You Drop I love shopping, and we are privileged enough to have Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet and value retailer in the country. This outlet is huge! You definitely need the entire day to get through it all, but don’t worry! They have a Starbucks so you can get that caffeine kick early on, and don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. It’s truly an amazing place, and the best part is the great prices. This outlet is located only 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Check it out!   -Ramp Agent Supervisor Karen Davila   Outdoor cafe at Fort Lauderdale in Florida on a sunny summer dayGet Some Grub Fort Lauderdale has many things to do, ranging from a quiet day at the beach to great night life.  At night, downtown Hollywood becomes alive with a diverse crowd among the restaurants and bars. I highly recommend Buleria, a small Spanish restaurant. This is a great spot for tapas and some wine, and after 8 p.m. on weekends there is live flamenco music with Spanish dancers.    –Technical Operations Julian Bernardi     Copyright: kirkikis / 123RF Stock Photo Copyright: tallyclick / 123RF Stock Photo Copyright: kmiragaya / 123RF Stock Photo ... View more

The following story is by Derek Ridings, a member of Southwest's Emerging Leader Developlment program.     Did you see Southwest Airlines was recently named among U.S. Veterans Magazine’s 2016 Best of the Best Top Veteran-Friendly Companies? We have nearly 7,000 Southwest Employees who are veterans, and I’m proud to be one of them.   I’m in Southwest’s Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP) in Nashville. ELDP is an 18-month job rotational program consisting of on-the-job training, with an emphasis in Leadership Development.  During the course of the program, we work as Supervisors in their host locations in three of the following areas: Customer Service, Operations, Ramp, Provisioning, and Customer Support & Services. In a fast-paced environment that’s always evolving, ELDP graduates have the advantage of Leadership experience in most, or all, areas of Southwest Operations.    My Army experience is something I pull from as I work as a Supervisor “Above the Wing” and on the Ramp at Nashville International Airport. My favorite part of my job is getting to be involved in all aspects of Southwest’s operation every day. I encounter new challenges that I may not always have a ready-made solution for, but I am able to be a creative problem-solver and rely on other Supervisors—some with 20 more years of experience than me! It’s great being a part of a larger Team.   To hear more about Derek’s experience in ELDP, see this spotlight on G.I. Jobs.com. Join our Leadership Team by applying for ELDP now through Friday, Sept. 7 at Southwest.com/careers.   Southwest’s Emerging Leader Development Program has been recognized for outstanding achievements in leadership development and programs in HR.com’s 2016 Leadership Excellence Awards: #3 in the Best First Time Manager Program category. #5 for Innovation in Deployment of Leadership Programs. Dawn Siemiet, Leadership Development Program Leader, was named #1 in the Top Future Leader Award – 35 and Under category. Julie Weber, VP People, was among the top 10 Top Corporate Leaders Over 35. In addition, Southwest is one of Chief Executive Magazine’s 2016 Best Companies for Leaders. The program also took top honors at the Association for Talent Development’s Dallas AXIS Awards, earning Best in Show, as well as first place in the Leadership Development, Succession Planning, and Talent Mobility categories.   Southwest Airlines is proud to be: one of G.I. Jobs’ Top 100 Military Friendly Employers, a Most Valuable Employer for Military by CivilianJobs.com, and one of U.S. Veterans Magazine’s Best of the Best Military-Friendly Companies. ... View more