Southwest Airlines Community

As Southwest Airlines continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month we're sharing a story from our very own Patric Alva. In the video, Patric delves into his passion for storytelling and the impact his background and family have had on his life and career.   Although we're proud to celebrate cultural, heritage, and pride months throughout the year at Southwest, we encourage you to take a moment to get to know each other each and every day. Everyone has a unique story and it’s up to us to take a moment to learn, appreciate, and embrace one another. Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!       ... View more

Have you ever wondered what happens to your bag once it enters the cargo bin? In this article that originally ran in Southwest’s Employee magazine, LUVLines, Michael Harris, a Ramp Supervisor in Atlanta, explains how he perfected the art of “bag stacking” when he was a Ramp Agent.     Our Customers receive first-class treatment on Southwest, and it should come as no surprise that their bags do too. As a former Ramp Agent, and current Ramp Supervisor at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, I see, grab, and stack a lot of luggage!   In order to build anything, a strong foundation is essential. Before I step foot on the ramp or climb in the cargo bin, I remind myself—it’s all about attitude. On the Ramp, we are dealing with weather, and operational challenges, while trying to turn our planes safely and on time. Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial.   Like any role, communication is key. When I start my shift, I take a look at the schedule and touch base with the Team I’m working with. I let them know how I like bags placed on the conveyer belt—turned to the side. I was lucky when I first joined Southwest that I had a great mentor who shared her tricks: from laying, to positioning, to crafting the best finished product.   Once I’m in the cargo bin, it’s go-time: grab it, stack it, repeat. Stacking is a real-life game of Tetris; you’re working against the clock to fit different size and shaped suitcases, assistive devices, and equipment into neat rows. I always put transfer bags in the back, local ones in the front (all tags facing out) and short stack with 20 bags in a row whenever possible.   Although our Customers may never see the inside of the cargo bin while traveling, presentation and taking pride in your work is everything. No Customer wants to arrive at their destination and find their luggage damaged. Regardless of whose bag I’m handling, I always treat it like it is my family’s belongings.   My grandmother always told me, “Whatever you do in life, work hard at it and be the best you can be.” I’ve taken her advice to heart since working at Southwest. No matter the position I’m currently working in, I want to be the best at it. As an airline, we’re playing the ultimate team sport and no matter our role, we need the will to win it!   ... View more

This article was written by Southwest Station Admin Cheryl Wolf and originally ran in the fourth quarter 2019 issue of LUVLines, Southwest's Employee magazine.    As one runway closed, another one opened at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). However, this one was designed for fashion models with disabilities, not airplanes.   Model Shanae O'Reilly 27, & Fayola Delica, Ms FL Plus America 2018Model Shanae O'Reilly 27, & Fayola Delica, Ms FL Plus America 2018Team, value, and respect: These three pillars are the foundation of our inclusive environment at Southwest, and all three were on full display during FLL’s Runway in the Sky Talent and Fashion Show. This dazzling celebration of diversity featured an elevated catwalk straddling the walkway between Southwest’s international ticket counter and baggage carousels in Terminal One.   “I saw it in a dream,” said FLL Customer Service Agent Tia Frosland. Tia, a parent with a passion for showcasing the abilities of youth with disabilities, worked with her Station Leader Tennina McAnany, as well as the county’s aviation department to make this dream a reality.   On June 2, 2019, special guests, airport staff, and arriving passengers were treated to an impressive showcase of vibrant fashion, spoken word poetry, music, and charismatic speakers, all laser-focused on raising awareness for the disabled community. Empowerment was the order of the night and its stars were 16 courageous youth and young adult models with a diverse mix of ages, sizes, and disabilities. Each took turns showing off their best Model Stephen Morgan, 27Model Stephen Morgan, 27catwalk strut in outfits personally chosen to reflect their individuality. “It was a pure delight seeing their excitement, confidence, and sheer joy,” said Tennina. “It was an honor to be connected to this rewarding event.”   Proceeds benefited the No Limits Foundation, Inc.—a non-profit organization that Tia founded to embrace our community by creating activities and events that involve inclusion with diversity, creativity, and positivity in a world that needs to know everyone has purpose.   Tia's son John Frosland, 19Tia's son John Frosland, 19The No Limits Foundation was inspired by Tia’s son, John, 19, who was diagnosed with autism at age three. “John didn’t speak until he was seven,” she said. “He learned sign language and used PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) until he found his voice.” When Tia competed in the 2011 Ms. Florida Plus America pageant she chose autism as her platform. “My son inspired my choice,” she said, “because of his tenacity to overcome.”   After winning the pageant, Tia set her sights on taking her platform to a higher level but was initially unsure where to start. “I won this title and didn’t know what to do with it,” she admits. But after extensive research, she zeroed-in on a niche. “There was nothing out there for youth and young adults with disabilities who want to be trained in the fashion industry,” she said. In 2012, she partnered with a disability center and the No Limits Foundation, Inc. was born. As the name suggests, the foundation is not limited to individuals with autism; it’s open to anyone with a disability.   Tia’s ultimate goal is to help individuals with autism and other disabilities find employment i Model Christine Maciak, 29Model Christine Maciak, 29n the fashion industry, not only as models, but also photographers, videographers, designers, and behind the scenes. Exposure from her fashion shows has already opened doors and created opportunities for several models, including John—who at 10-years-old expressed an interest in modeling after watching his older sister practice for pageant competitions.    Tia's proudest moment came the first time she saw the same boy who once struggled to express himself verbally build up enough confidence to walk on stage by himself. “His fight was much harder than anything I’ve ever fought for,” she said. “His challenges superseded mine.” Her message to other parents whose children have a disability is one of positivity. “Believe in your children,” she said, “Focus on what they can do, not what they can’t.”   No Limits Foundation’s tagline, Everyone has Purpose, is a simple and straightforward affirmation that’s been at the heart of its mission since its inception. “Once you find their purpose,” Tia said, “they will amaze you.”   ... View more

“Listen. That’s the best advice I have received, and I work on getting better at it every day.” —John Scarborough, President, Deep Eddy Vodka   For Deep Eddy Vodka president John Scarborough, the best part of his job is the pride he feels watching people enjoy the company’s spirits, whether that’s in a bar, a restaurant, or even on a Southwest® flight. After all, he knows the hard work and care that goes into crafting the Austin, Texas-based vodka. Deep Eddy emphasizes authenticity, both in its all-natural flavor and the brand experience itself. To John, that starts with building a bond with the people who create the Deep Eddy experience, and he relies on Southwest’s convenient flights to connect him to the team around the country. Thanks, John, for being a loyal Customer—and for helping us all enjoy a delicious drink 35,000 feet in the air. —Delaney Sanders, Communications & Outreach    Open Invitation “We just finished an expansion of our Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas. Say hello the next time you’re in Austin.”   Mood Booster “I can’t tell you how many times Southwest has put a smile on my face when I was tired during an early flight or after a long day of travel.”   Cheers! “My go-to beverage on Southwest has to be Minute Maid Cranberry Apple Cocktail and Deep Eddy Ruby Red. A flight attendant recommended it to me, and it’s so delicious.”   ... View more

“Love what you do, and love who you do it with.”  —Walter Isenberg, CEO, Sage Hospitality   Walter Isenberg knows a thing or two about hospitality. The co-founder, president, and CEO of Denver-based Sage Hospitality, he got into the business washing dishes at a country club at 14. His love for the industry led him to start his own company 35 years ago, and today, Sage Hospitality manages 55 hotels and 14 restaurants in 20 states. As the firm has grown, its mission to enrich people’s lives one experience at a time hasn’t changed. But Walter’s passion for serving others doesn’t end there: He also co-created the nonprofit initiatives Dollars for Dreams, Sage’s hotel giving program, and Amp the Cause, which gives to local organizations that support children and families. It’s no surprise he loves to fly Southwest®, a Company dedicated to delivering outstanding Hospitality. Thanks, Walter, for being a kindred spirit.                      —Allison Boyce, Communications & Outreach   LUV Story “I was transferred to Houston shortly after I started dating Christie, my wife. I saw an ad in the paper for $19 nonstop Southwest flights from Houston to New Orleans, and I’ve been in LUV ever since—with both Southwest and Christie.”   Career Counsel “An early mentor of mine told me to always take the time to get to know your people.”   Model Behavior “I’ve always been amazed that the growth of Southwest® has been explosive and yet the Culture and focus on People has been unchanged. It’s a great case study for all businesses to learn from.” ... View more

“Do what you love, and your work will be part of who you are—not just a job.”   —Celeste Blackman, Co-founder, The Green Zone Culture Group   As the co-founder of an international consulting firm, Celeste Blackman helps businesses cultivate positive workplace environments. Her busy schedule means her plans are constantly changing, which is why she appreciates our no change fees. Although Celeste is a fan of our flexible policies, her love for Southwest® really stems from her work with our Repurpose with Purpose (RWP) program. RWP turns discarded items into useful products through partner organizations like Rethreaded, a nonprofit that sells handcrafted accessories made from upcycled Southwest aircraft seat leather. She supports Rethreaded by volunteering at the organization’s store and by offering her consulting services in exchange for a donation to Rethreaded. Celeste, we love your commitment to RWP! —Lauren Losack, Communications & Outreach   Why Southwest “Travel is hard enough, and the friendly faces at Southwest ensure that I’ll land at my destination in good spirits.”   Nice Gesture “Once, after a delayed flight, I received an apology note and a $100 travel voucher. This was a pleasant surprise that really touched me.”   Shared Purpose “After volunteering at Rethreaded, I now see the leather seats on Southwest planes as a reminder that my carrier shares my values.”   Fashion Forward Celeste dons the Grace Scarf, which is available at rethreaded.com. ... View more

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Usher’s New Look (UNL), an organization Southwest Airlines has proudly partnered with for more than a decade. UNL is a nonprofit organization that aims to transform the lives of the under-resourced youth through comprehensive programming, which develops passion-driven, global leaders from middle school through college. Through this partnership, Southwest looks to build its talent pipeline by empowering the lives of the next generation through workforce development.   In honor of the 20th Anniversary, UNL kicked off this summer with its second annual Disruptivator Summit, geared at helping connect youth from across the country to speakers, networks, and career development opportunities. As part of the Summit, students and partners participated in different activities including a fireside chat with founder Usher Raymond, company career days, and hear uplifting keynotes from motivational speakers. All of these activities opened students’ lives to the endless possibilities life has to offer.    Shanice’s Journey to Summit Shanice Andall, a junior at Morgan State University and seven-year UNL veteran, was excited to participate in this year’s Summit. “This organization and the people involved are very important to me, as I consider them all to be my family,” said Shanice. “We are a group of people filled with talent and ideas. We all have one common goal and that is to find our spark and how it relates to the real world.”   Shanice Andall with a Southwest Flight Crew. Shanice’s first flight with UNL was with Southwest and is something she looks forward to with every trip she takes with this program. The Southwest Crew always does a great job of making sure everyone is comfortable and happy from wheels up to wheels down.   “On my flight to the Summit, there was a child crying. The Flight Attendant went out of her way to make flower napkins to entertain the child and put a smile on their face,” said Shanice. “I love the dedication that Southwest has for its Customers.”      A Homecoming to Remember Once students arrived at the Summit, they attended a “homecoming ceremony” filled with fun performances from fellow UNL members. The excitement continued with the anniversary reception held at The Gathering Spot, which serves as a hub of diversity and cultural epicenter for one-of-a-kind experiences, impactful gatherings, collaborative learning, and transformative relationships. The reception gave students an opportunity to meet UNL Alumni and network with fellow UNL supporters to show how this organization has directly impacted their lives.    “I love all the opportunities UNL provides for me and my peers,” said Shanice. “It is an honor to be surrounded by successful people and to share our individual brands with them. I plan on traveling and teaching English in different countries when I graduate college, and I know that UNL will continue to support me moving forward.”   The reception continued by honoring former UNL Alumni and special sponsors, including Southwest. Through the years, Southwest has provided travel accommodations to UNL to transport students to the various summits and career development workshops throughout the country. The reception ended with a fireside chat with Usher as he shared his thoughts about the organization and the longevity of it.       Career Day at Southwest Airlines The Summit continued the following day with Career Day. Students were divided into groups based on their career interests and were taken to different companies around Atlanta.   “I had the opportunity to visit Southwest’s Customer Support & Service Contact Center in Atlanta as well as the Atlanta Station at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” said Shanice. “We were taught about different jobs that go into making Southwest a successful business.”   Shanice Andall with Southwest Atlanta Customer Service Agent Mark King, and Flight Attendant Supervisors Tamira Jones and Jabari Smith. Students attending Career Day were given a behind the scenes look where Southwest Customers can call to make travel reservations, recruiting and training for Frontline Employees is conducted, as well as all the operational portions at the airport such as the ticket counters and gates.        Southwest is honored to partner with UNL to change the lives of many students, including Shanice, through career development opportunities and the annual Summit. We look forward to seeing where the journeys of these students take them next! ... View more

At Southwest, we celebrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that make our Employees unique! Here’s a sampling of Employees that have made the leap from one career to another, and some of the valuable gems they’ve learned along the way.     Julio Salazar Flight Attendant   Before Southwest, I … was a Navy Chief While in the military for 24 years, I worked on various communications projects ranging from telecommunication to media production. I joined the Navy because it promised me an opportunity to not only see the world, but to excel beyond my rough beginnings through the values of pride, tradition, and excellence. I am thankful to have been placed in a foster family who taught me that with hard work and dedication, I could go far in life.   What drew me to Southwest was … that the Company shared my same values of integrity and hard work. Like the Navy, I knew that I could achieve any goal I set for myself at Southwest by doing my best and that the Company would reward my work ethic. I fell in love with the Company Culture, especially the way that veterans are embraced and supported. Both on a Companywide and local level, Southwest helps veterans bridge the gap between military and civilian life.   What skills from your former life do you use in your current position? Being a Navy Chief brings you into contact with different situations and types of people—all of whom you need to be able to communicate with clearly and openly. The same communication skills I used with my military brothers and sisters, I apply to not only my interactions with Coworkers but also with our Customers every day. And as of February 4, I am taking these skills with me as I move into a new role as a Flight Attendant. I’m excited to be on the frontlines and welcome the opportunity to changes lives every day. The Navy afforded me the opportunity to see the world, and now Southwest is giving me the chance to see the nation I defended.                 Interested in becoming a Southwest Employee? Visit our Southwest Careers Discussion Forum to learn more about joining our Team.      Amy Williams Chicago (Midway) Captain   Before Southwest, I … was a veterinarian. What drew me to Southwest was the fact that all my favorite pilots wanted to work here! The People getting hired with the Company were the most fun people to work with. I just wanted to keep hanging out with the cool kids!   What skills from your former life do you use in your current position? Veterinary Medicine is first and foremost a customer service business. Never once has an animal picked up the phone to schedule an appointment. Plus, owners love their pets like family.   I’ve found that the skills I developed interacting with humans as a veterinarian have really translated well to being a Pilot. Both careers are also applied science fields. We provide a valuable service to the public using a unique set of skills and knowledge acquired after years of study and practice.      Paul Cockerill LAX Customer Service Supervisor Before Southwest, I … was a TV Producer/Director I worked 35 years in Hollywood as a TV Producer and Director for the likes of Arsenio Hall, Jimmy Kimmel, and the legendary Dick Clark. I was also there for the early days of “I Want My MTV” and Pauly Shore, and even worked the live red carpets for the Oscars, Emmys, and Golden Globe Awards.   What drew me to Southwest was … I grew up in Seattle and I was an A-List Preferred Customer before joining Southwest as a Customer Service Agent in 2016. My late father would have thought I made it to the airport 40 years too late for what has become my second career.   What skills from your former life do you use in your current position? While Hollywood is all about who you know and using those connections to make deals, I actually found out years later through my time at Southwest that my Heart is actually in Customer Service! As I often say, today I might be a Supervisor, having flown where many of our Customers fly today, but who knows where I’ll be in 2019 when I go Inflight and flex my stand-up comedy muscles in the sky? ... View more

Today, we remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001.    Photo by Jason Hamm ... View more

Customers and Employees of Southwest Airlines rallied to donate a collective 148 million Rapid Rewards points to aid in Harvey disaster relief. Our Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly had a heartfelt message for them, and an update on Southwest Operations related to Harvey.   ... View more

The following blog is by Flight Operations and Aircrat Performance Intern Kola Ogunsina.   My name is Kola Ogunsina, I am a four-time Intern here at Southwest Airlines. I am also a first-year doctorate student in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University. My past Southwest internships include two semesters with Flight Operations and Aircraft Performance Engineering (Fall 2012 and Summer 2013) and one semester in Power Plant Engineering (Summer 2016).  I am back this summer, interning in Flight Operations and Aircraft Performance Engineering (FLOE) – recently renamed to Network Operations Control (NOC) Engineering.   How I landed my role: I had just completed my midterm internship review at Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation when my phone rang. The caller asked if I was available to chat for 20 minutes the next day, so I said yes. I spent the rest of the day researching Southwest Airlines and found I was more fascinated with the Company than I originally anticipated.  A few weeks and a phone interview later, I arrived at Southwest Airlines Headquarters for an in-person interview. I entered the building with growing nerves, wondering what to expect. However, the moment I stepped into the interview room I felt my anxiety disappear. The smiling Southwest faces that greeted me scared it away! I interviewed with a Campus Reach recruiter as well as an Employee from my future team. It felt more like a discussion than an assessment. I was having so much fun that I lost track of time. Everything after that is history.    Take a look at what’s currently in my cubicle!  I hope it gives you a little insight into my day-to-day life as a Southwest Airlines Campus Reach Intern.     This is a copy of the Boeing Aircraft Flight Manual. The FLOE Team references this document when incorporating any technical changes or updates to the Onboard Performance System.     This is a program from the recent American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aviation Conference. I had the privilege and honor of presenting my third publication at the conference, earlier this summer.     This is a stack of Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP) for all airports in Mexico. The AIP documents are revised periodically and shipped to airlines that operate in Mexico. One of my job responsibilities is to review changes that affect aircraft performance at these airports.     This figure contains the list of all special livery aircraft in the Southwest fleet. The planes are sorted by name, aircraft type, seat capacity, and whether or not the aircraft is WIFI capable.     This is a picture of an Onboard Performance Computer (OPC). The OPC runs the Onboard Performance System (OPS), which is the FLOE department’s most important tool. This system was developed by the FLOE Team many years ago. It represents the coalescence of all technical and regulatory aircraft performance rules and policies applicable to the Southwest fleet. There is an OPC (Fujitsu tablet or Microsoft Surface Pro) in the cockpit of every single aircraft in our fleet. Southwest Pilots and dispatchers use them to obtain vital information that is necessary for safe and compliant flight operations. My current tasks involve auditing and maintaining the OPS to support our current operations, while verifying, validating, and integrating the new system.     These table tennis (aka pingpong) paddles are my favorite items in my cubicle! There is a big table tennis craze at Southwest, especially in my work area.  Almost everyone is a pingpong pro, including our President, Tom Nealon. A few weeks ago, Mr. Nealon and a friend of mine faced-off in an intense set of games.  Mr. Nealon proved to be a worthy opponent and ultimately won the tied match.   Many people, including my research advisor at Purdue University, ask me why I keep coming back to Intern at Southwest Airlines. I always reply with the same answer – the People! I came to the U.S. from Nigeria, alone, in 2010 to attend a university. I have not had the luxury of returning to visit my family since then. Although we are not related, the People at Southwest have been my Family away from home. Everyone I’ve met while working here has played a vital role in my personal and career growth. I am thankful for my Cohearts and the immeasurable love, guidance, and support they provide. They are the best surrogate Family an international student could have!                       ... View more

Today, Southwest Airlines is making history across North America. Not only did we begin service to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, but Southwest also launched new service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to four international destinations.   Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) Earlier this morning, Southwest cut a ceremonial ribbon with our first flight to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). Complete with the fanfare you come to expect from Southwest, Company Leaders and its Cincinnati-based Employees, along with local stakeholders joined our Customers to celebrate our launch at our brand new CVG gates.     Southwest CFO Tammy Romo celebrates the launch of Southwest's CVG service with local Employees.Southwest EVP & Chief Financial Officer Tammy Romo helped usher in a new era for our travelers by opening the airline's newest city. During a news conference, Tammy introduced our new Team in-place to open CVG. She continued by saying that “today is an important day in Southwest’s history. It’s the first time that low fares, no bag fees*, and no change fees** has ever landed at CVG!”   Our CVG service starts today with eight departures a day: five trips between CVG and Chicago Midway, and three between CVG and Baltimore/Washington.   Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to four international destinations   Meanwhile in South Florida, on the heels of last week's community and media preview of a new international concourse that offical opens later this month, Southwest launched new service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to four international destinations:  Belize City; Cancun; Montego Bay; and, bringing our tenth country served, Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. This November, we’ll add San Jose, Costa Rica; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Turks and Caicos to the list of international destinations served from FLL. The Turks & Caicos daily roundtrip beginning Sunday, November 5, just became available so make sure to grab a seat for those flights!   *First two pieces of checked luggage, size and weight limits apply. ** Fare difference might apply. ... View more

This Mother's Day, we're honoring the moms who inspire us. For Alexander, Elaina and Jacquelyn, their inspiration also happens to be their Coworker.   ... View more