January 09, 2008

Beginning on May 10, Southwest will add 40 nonstop flights to key markets. This is made possible by a reduction of 56 poor performing flights.

January 17, 2008

Along with announcing its 126th consecutive quarterly dividend, Southwest intends to repurchase an additional $500 million of the Company's stock.

January 23, 2008

In financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2007, Southwest posted a profit of $111 million for the quarter and $645 million for the year. Excluding special items, the airline posted a net profit of $87 million for the quarter and the net yearly profit was $499 million. 2007 was the airlines 35th consecutive profitable year.  Southwest also announces that it will be the first U.S. carrier to test satellite-delivered wireless broadband connections on multiple aircraft. The tests, in partnership with Row 44, are set to begin during the summer and will include four aircraft.

February 04, 2008

Nuts About Southwest, the airline's blog runs a photo caption contest to send a lucky couple to LAS on Valentine's Day. Winners will receive air fare, two nights at the Mirage, and tickets to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil.

February 06, 2008

The Dallas-area Salvation Army teams up with Southwest to sell items that have remained in the airline's Lost and Found for extended periods. The donation of the items, which are sold in the Army's thrift stores, allows Southwest to give back to the community and to put the unclaimed items to good use.

February 28, 2008

DING!, the device that delivers Southwest lowest fares to Customers' computers celebrates its third birthday with a contest. Customers submitting the best DING! headline win a cruise on Royal Caribbean.

April 03, 2008

Herb and Gary testify before a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on FAA Safety oversight. They stress Southwest's experience with the 737. ATA eliminates all passenger service, and ends the codeshare with Southwest Airlines.

April 14, 2008

"Illinois One" is unveiled. In a ceremony attended by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, at least 500 Employees, and Community supporters. The airplane features a stunning adaptation of the Illinois state flag.

April 17, 2008

For its 68th straight profitable quarter, Southwest reports first quarter net income of $37 million, and excluding special items net income was $43 million or $.04 per diluted share. The airline also states that it is reconsidering its previous plan to retire all of 22 aircraft in light of "dramatic industry developments."

April 22, 2008

In continuing its rapid growth in Denver, Southwest announces new nonstop service beginning June 4 between the Colorado capital and PDX and IND. The airline also announces an additional nonstop flight between DEN and LAS and DEN and SAT.

April 24, 2008

Southwest's Rapid Rewards win three first-place Freddie awards for its Award Redemption, Best Award, and Best Customer Communication. In addition, the airline also placed in the top five of four more categories. Winners are determined by readers of Inside Flyers magazine.

June 18, 2008

37th Anniversary.

July 08, 2008

LUV will go beyond the country as Southwest announces its first international codeshare agreement. By teaming up with Canada's WestJet, Southwest will be able to offer codeshare flights and to sell WestJet space to Canada.

July 14, 2008

Thrifty Car Rental becomes a Preferred Partner in the Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program

July 15, 2008

On Colleen's last day as Southwest's President, she was honored with a surprise tribute in the lobby of Headquarters. Serenaded by a "customized" Willie Nelson song, she was met by the sound of cowbells, which in her family were rung to celebrate great accomplishments. Gary also dedicated Colleen's special airplane, "Heroine of the Heart" to be a permanent member of Southwest's fleet.

July 24, 2008

In second quarter earnings, Southwest posted a net income of $321 million and excluding special items the net income was $121 million or $.16 per diluted share. Gary stated: "With the weak domestic economy and unprecedented jet fuel prices, we are pleased to report our 69th consecutive quarter of profitability. Although we have prepared ourselves well for today's challenging environment and are proud of our ability to sustain profitability, we cannot stand still. We must continue to make the necessary adjustments to adapt to higher jet fuel prices and restore our profit margins."

July 24, 2008

In partnership with Operation Homefront, Southwest ships over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to the children of soldiers deployed overseas. Hundreds of Employees line the fence of Headquarters to see Herb and Colleen lead the convoy of trucks carrying the backpacks.

July 29, 2008

Southwest begins the first "Green Tuesday" to highlight the airline's commitment to the environment. On Aug. 1, a new comingled recycling program for Headquarters offices begins.

August 04, 2008

DEN Provisioning Station opens and becomes Southwest's 22nd Provisioning location. In 2009, DEN Provisioning will move to a larger permanent location.

August 06, 2008

Kay Weatherford is promoted to Vice President Revenue Management and Pricing.

August 15, 2008

Bob Young joins Southwest Airlines as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

August 25, 2008

Kathleen Wayton is promoted to Vice President Strategy and Change Leadership.

December 04, 2008

Southwest Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announce that the parties have reached a tentative agreement with a four-year term. The Company is pleased with this cost neutral contract which delivers raises in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable on August 16, 2008. The agreement must still be ratified by Union membership.

December 12, 2008

Southwest Airlines celebrates its 30th year of operation in Amarillo with a first-born baby contest. The family of the first baby born in Amarillo on Dec. 12, 2008, in either the North West Texas Health Care System or Baptist—St. Anthony's Health System hospitals will be awarded four roundtrip tickets to any Southwest Airlines scheduled destination.

December 16, 2008

Following up on a previously announced codeshare agreement, Southwest begins offering a link to WestJet's booking portal on southwest.com.

December 17, 2008

Southwest Airlines' Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, is inducted into the Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine in the Wright Brothers National Memorial by the First Flight Society of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. With the unveiling of Kelleher's portrait at the event, the First Flight Society honored the founder of the nation's most successful commercial airline on the original site where the first powered, controllable flight was flown in 1903 by the Wright Brothers. The First Flight Society was formed in 1927 and over the years has celebrated the men and women whose accomplishments have advanced aviation.

December 22, 2008

Southwest Airlines submits an application to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to acquire international route authority to operate flights between the United States and Canada. The application for a certificate to provide foreign air transportation is required by law before Southwest Airlines can fully implement its previously announced codeshare agreement with Canadian carrier WestJet. The certificate, which Southwest hopes to receive in the first quarter of next year, would also allow Southwest Airlines the authority to operate flights to Canada with its own planes, although the airline does not have any plans to do so at this time. Under the planned codeshare, Southwest Airlines and WestJet will offer Customers a seamless travel experience to a wide array of destinations in both the U.S. and Canada. The airlines plan to announce codeshare flight schedules in the second half of 2009.

January 14, 2009

Beginning on May 9, Southwest will begin service between San Francisco International and Orange County's John Wayne Airport with five daily flights.

March 02, 2009

Forbes magazine names Southwest as No. 7 on its list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

March 17, 2009

The Express Delivery and Logistics Association names Southwest Cargo as the "Airline of the Year" for excellence in air cargo. This is the fifth consecutive year that the airline was won this honor.

April 03, 2009

Southwest celebrates 20 years of service to Indianapolis with a 1989-themed party that includes decorations and costumes from 1980s.

April 07, 2009

Details of Southwest's inaugural service to New York's La Guardia are announced, and the service will begin on June 28, 2009 with eight daily nonstop flights. Five flights will operate between La Guardia and Chicago Midway and three beween Baltimore/Washington and La Guardia. In addition to the nonstops, direct or connecting service will be offered in 45 markets.

June 23, 2009

Customer Support and Services and airport Customer Service Employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers District 142 ratify the tentative, four-year contract reached with Southwest Airlines in May. The new contract is active through October 31, 2012.

August 03, 2009

Southwest will continue its growth and commitment to Denver by adding 13 new daily flights and six new nonstop destinations next year from the Mile High City. The new nonstop destinations are Hartford, Boise, Ontario, Detroit, and Washington Dulles, with Saturday-only service to New York LaGuardia.

August 03, 2009

1990 Milestones Net income: $47,083,000 Revenue passengers: 19,830,941 Trips flown: 338,108 Fleet: 106 aircraft Employees at yearend: 8,620 Cities opened: BUR, RNO Specialty Aircraft Lone Star One Nov. 7, 1990 Conde Nast Traveler recognizes Southwest as one of the world's safest airlines. Named a charter member of the International Airlines Passengers Association's Honor Roll of Airlines among the world's safest airlines.

August 26, 2009

Board of Directors declares the Company's 27th consecutive dividend of $.04 per share to be paid on June 27, 1983 to Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 1983.

September 10, 2009

Beginning January 10, 2010, Southwest Airlines will begin new nonstop service between Denver and Boston Logan; Denver and Spokane; and Denver and Reno/Tahoe.

September 17, 2009

Southwest and the Southwest Airlines Pilot's Association (SWAPA) reaches a tentative agreement on a new contract. This new proposal is a five-year agreement through August 31, 2011. The current Southwest Pilot contract became amendable on August 31, 2006. SWAPA and Southwest Airlines began contract negotiations in September 2006.

November 02, 2009

Southwest announces that its Pilots represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), voted to ratify the tentative, five-year contract both parties reached last month. The new contract is active through Aug. 31, 2011. The current Southwest Pilot contract became amendable on Aug. 31, 2006. SWAPA and Southwest Airlines began contract negotiations in September 2006

January 21, 2010 

Southwest Airlines reports a net income of $99 million (including special items) or $.13 per diluted share for the year 2009.  Excluding special items, the year’s net income was $143 million or $.19 per diluted share.  For the fourth quarter of 2009, the airline reported net income of $116 million including special items and a net income of $74 million excluding special items.

January 28, 2010

Doug Brooks, Chairman, President, and CEO of Brinker International is named to Southwest Airline’s Board of Directors, effective February 15.  His term will run through the Annual Stockholders Meeting in May.

January 28, 2010 

Southwest declares the 134th consecutive quarterly dividend. 

January 29, 2010 

29 hospitals around the country will participate in Southwest’s Medical Transportation Grant for the year.  The airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to the hospitals who will provide the tickets to patients and family members in need for transportation to receive medical care.

February 11, 2010 

Southwest Airlines celebrates 35 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley through Valley International Airport in Harlingen.  The highlight of the event is the marriage of Valley natives, Justin Lang and Rhonda Miller, in the airport atrium.  The couple won an essay contest over 300 other entrants.

February 12, 2010 

A revised southwest.com launches with improved navigation, features, and the ability to personalize the home page.

February 16, 2010 

Philadelphia unveils a newly expanded $45 million enlargement to Terminal E, Southwest’s new home in the City of Brotherly Love.  The facility allows Southwest to operate all of its flights out of one concourse. 

March 5, 2010 

Vancouver, Washington fifth grader Tracy Tran submits the winning design for this year’s Adopt-A-Pilot tie.  The 700 Southwest Pilots who participate in the Adopt-A-Pilot program will wear the tie as part of their uniform.

March 10, 2010 

Air Cargo World magazine recognizes Southwest as the top airline with their annual Air Cargo Excellence Survey.  Rated against 84 airlines, Southwest Airlines earned the highest overall airline score, led all airlines in the Performance and Value categories, and received the highest honor, the Diamond Award.

March 15, 2010  

New “Grab Your Bag, It’s On!” television commercials debut with a new set of Employees.  The ads are a continuation of the Southwest commercials that began during football season in 2010.

March 16, 2010 

Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), opens the "Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success," annual education travel award program.  A panel of judges comprised of college professors and education advocates from coast to coast will gather this summer to select students who will receive free travel to their colleges and universities.  The tickets are awarded to undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students with socio-economic needs who journey away from home to pursue higher education.

March 17, 2010 

St. Patrick’s Day marks the 25th Anniversary of Southwest service to both Chicago Midway and St. Louis.  In addition to events at both airports, Southwest Airlines Employees engage in Share the Spirit community events in these two Midwest cities.

March 25, 2010 

Southwest Airlines is named Official Airline of the National Hispanic PR Conference to be held May 10-13 in Dallas. The gathering of more than 400 public relations professionals hopes to foster discussion of new trends and common needs of Hispanic audiences.

March 25, 2010

The Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA) names Southwest Airlines Cargo their Airline of the Year for the sixth straight year.  Southwest Airlines has placed on XLA's Airline of the Year list for nine consecutive years.  In addition, Southwest Airlines Cargo won XLA's award for Excellence in Web Site and Technology.  On top of that, Southwest Airlines Cargo also was named Carrier of the Year by the Airforwarders Association.  AFA members voted on the Airforwarders Association member carrier with the best ontime performance, Customer Service, problem resolution, claims handling, technology support, service options, and overall value.

April 6, 2010 

Southwest Airlines today celebrates 30 years of service in Albuquerque.  To commemorate the anniversary, Southwest will throw a "Red vs. Green"-themed celebration featuring music, decorations, games, and prizes with its Employees and Customers at Albuquerque's International Sunport Airport to celebrate the official New Mexico question s.

April 16, 2010

Southwest Airlines notifies WestJet of its intent to terminate the agreement to offer connecting service between the United States and Canada with WestJet.  The Canadian carrier had requested significant changes to the agreement that the two airlines had in place since 2008.  Southwest cannot agree with the modifications to the confidential agreement.

April 22, 2010

Southwest Airlines first quarter 2010 net income was $11 million, or $.01 per diluted share.  First quarter 2010 results included special items (net of taxes) of $13 million, related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. Excluding special items for both periods, first quarter 2010 net income was $24 million, or $.03 per diluted share.

April 23, 2010

Southwest Airlines Customers will have the ability to book Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) on southwest.com.  Currently, Customers booking UM travel must complete their transaction and fill out the necessary paperwork once they arrive at the airport.

April 23, 2010

Southwest Airlines honors the State of Florida with the unveiling of Florida One, a Boeing 737 emblazoned with an artist's rendering of the state flag.  Southwest Airlines' top Leadership celebrated the high-flying tribute to the State of Florida at an event in a Tampa International Airport hangar with National Wildlife Refuge Association President Evan Hirsche, and Southwest's Florida-based Employees.  More than 200 Southwest Airlines Employees and community leaders celebrated the unveiling at Tampa. Following the unveiling event in Tampa, the aircraft began a tour of the airline's Florida cities. At each stop, the airline hosts a celebratory event in the Southwest gate area to display the aircraft to Employees and Customers.

May 10, 2010

Southwest Airlines adds a new beer offering onboard, Corona Extra with a lime. Corona Extra is the #1 selling imported beer in the U.S.  The additional beverage option is another way Southwest is improving the Customer experience onboard.

May 19, 2010

Over the next six weeks, Southwest will decal more than 50 aircraft with the slogan, "Free Bags Fly Here" and an arrow pointing to its Cargo bin. The airline will also tag approximately 1,000 luggage carts across the system with banners that say "I Carry Free Bags."

May 20, 2010

Southwest Airlines and its 155 Ontario-based Employees celebrate the 25 years of serving Ontario International Airport.  The festivities include gate games, decorations, a DJ, and massages.  Additionally, Ontario Employees Share the Spirit by sending smiles to children at the Pomona Valley Hospital and the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital by making greeting cards.

May 23, 2010

Southwest Airlines begins service at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) at Panama City Beach, Florida.  The next day, a beach-themed celebration includes plenty of beach balls and local music.  Hundreds of Customers and Employees see Southwest Airlines' Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO Gary Kelly join ECP Airport Authority Vice Chairman Bill Cramer and St. Joe CEO Britt Greene in a morning news conference.  Service begins with eight daily flights, two each to Nashville, Houston Hobby, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando.

June 3, 2010

As the Official Airline of the Eighth Annual Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square, June 5 and 6, Southwest Airlines sponsors a two-day festival that transforms four downtown city blocks right before art enthusiasts' eyes, only to be washed away over night.   On June 2, to promote the event, a dozen artists create two beautiful art pieces of chalk art on the ramp next to two Southwest gates at Denver International Airport. 

June 16, 2010

Brian Hirshman joins Southwest as the Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering.  Bringing more than 20 years experience in airline maintenance programs, Hirshman started his career as a frontline mechanic for Northwest Airlines in New York.  He held the positions of Director of Maintenance and Staff Vice President Maintenance at Alaska Airlines until 2004. After that, he has worked in the consulting and investment banking arena providing professional services to airline operators and MRO organizations.

June 18, 2010

Southwest Airlines’ 39th Anniversary

July 3, 2010

Denver’s Mile High Pedicabs teams up with Southwest Airlines to offer free rides during 20 popular, local events around the downtown area.  The partnership, which runs for six months is also in conjunction with Southwest’s sponsorship of a series of movies and concerts in Skyline Park.

July 29, 2010

Southwest Airlines reports second quarter 2010 net income of $112 million, or $.15 per diluted share, including special items related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio.   Excluding special items, second quarter 2010 net income was $216 million.

July 31, 2010

As part of the EAA’s annual Air Venture air show held in Oshkosh, WI from July 26 until August 1, one of the Southwest's Boeing 737-700 aircraft featuring a unique decal is open for tours throughout the day to Air Venture visitors.  The annual air show, which draws more than 550,000 visitors from 75 countries each year, is the world's premier aviation enthusiast event.

August 10, 2010

Southwest Airlines announces it has developed a mobile site for its popular corporate travel tool, www.swabiz.com. At one glance, on-the-go corporate travelers can check air reservations and flight status, check in online, consult flight schedules, view their traveler account, and access the full options available on the main swabiz site; all while allowing their companies to benefit from the reporting features delivered through SWABIZ.com.

August 19, 2010

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. joins Southwest’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, as a new Partner. Rapid Rewards Members now have the option to earn a half (0.5) Rapid Rewards credit for each eligible stay at one of Starwood's global hotel brands including: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points by Sheraton(R), Aloft(R), and Element(SM).

August 27, 2010

Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines confirm that they entered into a lease providing Southwest Airlines access to 36 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) slots which are currently held by Continental.  The lease deal, contingent upon the closing of the Continental and United airlines' merger by Nov. 30, 2010, and certain governmental approvals, will give Southwest Airlines the right to operate up to 18 daily roundtrip flights at Newark, New Jersey, with some flights beginning in March 2011 and a full schedule in place by June 2011. The slots are spread throughout the day and will allow Southwest the ability to integrate Newark service conveniently into its extensive national route network.

September 1, 2010

Southwest Airlines announces plans to increase the number of hospitals and medical transportation organizations that will receive grants in the airline's 2011 Medical Transportation Grant Program.  Southwest has nearly doubled the grant program's 2011 budget with hopes of assisting more than 5,500 patients and family members with their medical related travel needs.

September 16, 2010

The Southwest Porch at Skyline Park opens.  The Porch is a brand new outdoor lounge that provides Denver residents and visitors a fun and relaxing atmosphere in Downtown Denver.  Situated at the base of the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower at the intersection of 16th Street and Arapahoe, The Southwest Porch at Skyline Park offers guests authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas from Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada or drinks served up by Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret.

September 16, 2010

Hispanic Business Magazine selects Southwest Airlines as one of the 2010 Diversity Elite companies in the United States. The list is featured in the September issue of the magazine.  Southwest Airlines exemplified the inclusion of diversity measures in the workplace by meeting more than 32 variables that measure a company's commitment to Hispanic hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy and supplier diversity.

September 21, 2010

In the aftermath of the gulf oil spill, Southwest Airlines and the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) announce the "Help Us Help Them" giving program in which Southwest will donate $1 from every EarlyBird Check-In purchase up to $100,000 through Oct. 4, 2010 to help the NWRA with its gulf wildlife recovery efforts. As the Official Airline of the NWRA, Southwest supports the Association's goal of conserving America's wildlife heritage for future generations.

September 22, 2010

Southwest Airlines is a Diamond sponsor of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's (USHCC) 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Dallas.  "We are very excited that the USHCC selected Dallas--our hometown--to celebrate their annual convention. It is an honor to participate in this annual business event where top Leaders from all over the nation gather together to find new opportunities for Latinos and business owners overall. The US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) will gather more than 4,000 business owners in an important conversation about the economy," said Christine Ortega, Southwest’s Corporate Community Affairs Manager.

September 27, 2010

Southwest Airlines announces today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), for a combination of cash and Southwest Airlines' common stock.  Including the existing AirTran net indebtedness and capitalized aircraft operating leases, the transaction value is approximately $3.4 billion.  The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of each company, and its closing is subject to the approval of AirTran Stockholders, receipt of certain regulatory clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions.  "Today is an exciting day for our Employees, our Customers, the communities we serve, and our Shareholders," said Gary C. Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines. "As we approach our 40th Anniversary of providing exceptional Customer Service at everyday low fares, the acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to grow Southwest Airlines' presence in key markets we don't yet serve and takes a significant step towards positioning us for future growth.”

October 6, 2010

For the 14th year in a row, Logistics Management magazine awarded Southwest Airlines with its Quest for Quality Award.  In addition to the award recognition for top air cargo carriers, Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest scores among all airlines.  Southwest Airlines topped each critical category including: Ontime Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment and Operations.

October 7, 2010

Southwest Airlines celebrates workplace diversity by hosting its first Diversity Summit today themed "Join the Conversation." The Summit gathers executives from North Texas local Fortune 500 companies to talk about diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering new opportunities, and expanding best practices.

October 8, 2010

Southwest Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier's Stock Clerks, announce that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement.  The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013.  The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008.  Earlier in 2010, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act.

October 14, 2010

The decision to bring the Boeing 737-800 into the Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) fleet moves another step closer to reality as the Board of Directors for the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), representing more than 5,800 Pilots, unanimously approves a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement will now be presented to the full SWAPA membership for a ratification vote.  In September, the Executive Board of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing more than 9,700 Southwest Flight Attendants, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company.  That tentative agreement is currently being presented to all members of TWU 556 for a ratification vote.

October 18, 2010

As a result of its "Help Us Help Them" giving program in which Southwest donated $1 for every EarlyBird Check-In(TM) purchased from Sept. 21, 2010 through Oct. 4, 2010, Southwest Airlines announces that the airline reached its goal of donating $100,000 to the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA).  "This generous contribution by Southwest Airlines and its many loyal customers will make a difference for the incredible variety of wildlife that call the Gulf home," said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA.  "Pelicans, sea turtles, manatees and a great many other species impacted by the oil spill stand to benefit from Southwest's commitment."

October 28, 2010

Southwest Airlines launches a new product that allows Customers to book international flights by connecting with Volaris, Mexico's second-largest airline.  Starting Nov. 12, Customers can book service from 20 Southwest cities to five Volaris Mexican destinations (Cancun, Guadalajara, Morelia, Toluca/Mexico City, andZacatecas), for travel starting Dec. 1. The new service will connect through Los Angeles International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport and will create up to 85 additional flight itineraries.

October 28, 2010

At Media Day 2010, Southwest Airlines announces pricing for WiFi HOTSPOT.  Southwest will offer WiFi onboard its fleet at a special introductory flat rate of $5 per flight for any device or flight length. Southwest offers this price point and tailors the Customer Experience with the satellite-based technology provided by Row 44.  Southwest partnered with Row 44 and began testing WiFi on four aircraft in 2009. Today, Southwest has 32 WiFi-enabled planes.

October 28, 2010

Southwest Airlines announces it will serve Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with eight daily nonstops flights, six to Chicago Midway and two to St. Louis beginning Sunday, March 27, 2011. To celebrate its 72nd city, Southwest will offer introductory fares of $72 one-way between Newark and both Chicago and St. Louis.  This announcement is the first wave of the carrier's new schedule at Newark International.  Southwest will announce additional Newark flights to begin in 2011 before the end of the year.  “This is a great day for Southwest and for Customers in the New York-New Jersey area. We know the need for great service, low fares, and ontime flights.  Southwest is proud to expand its wings into a very popular market and to provide low fare competition," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO.  "This proves, once again, the power of our product and the amazing job our Employees have done to position Southwest on the East Coast."

November 5, 2010

To honor its more than 750 Employees who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserves, along with thousands of Customers who served or are serving in the armed forces, Southwest Airlines is calling November its "Military Heroes Month." The airline is working with select nonprofit organizations across the country throughout November to thank and give back to the military service members and their families.

November 9, 2010

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings announce that each received a request yesterday for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Southwest's previously announced proposed acquisition of AirTran.  This action, often referred to as a "second request," is a common part of the regulatory approval process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.  Both parties are in the process of gathering information to respond to the second request and will continue to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the transaction.

November 10, 2010

GI Jobs magazine recognizes Southwest Airlines as one of the top military friendly companies in the nation, with its eighth annual list honoring corporate best practices.  The annual survey conducted by G.I. Jobs magazine is one of the primary tools used to determine the nation's most Military Friendly Employers(R). "This isn't about charity or patriotism. It's about good business. The companies on our list understand that," said Rich McCormack, who heads G.I. Jobs' list.

November 11, 2010

Southwest Airlines, along with the City of San Antonio, opens a special exhibit to honor more than 1,000 soldiers who come through the Airline's gates either on their way to or returning from the battlefield. This unique display was created by Southwest Employee Kevin Kincaide, Ground Operations Supervisor, and it embodies a respectful salute to the military with a wall exhibition of family photos of Employees and/or family members who currently serve, have served or have lost their lives serving in the military.

November 12, 2010

Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that Captain Jeff Martin has been named the carrier's first Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center.  Captain Martin began his career with Southwest Airlines in 1990 as a Southwest Pilot. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Director of Operations.  Captain Martin maintains his status as a Southwest Captain/Check Pilot and civilian flight instructor as he brings a wealth of operational and regulatory expertise to the OCC. Captain Martin was instrumental in leading the Southwest Airlines RNP program and numerous change initiatives within Flight Operations and is currently leading the evaluation efforts as Southwest's Business Delivery Leader for the Boeing - 800 integration project.  He (and the Southwest Team) were also recently named as a recipient of the 2010 Williams Trophy for innovation in aviation award.

November 18, 2010

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2010 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 137th consecutive dividend will be paid on January 6, 2011.

November 18, 2010

The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors appoints Tom Nealon to the Board, effective December 1, 2010. Nealon is Group Executive Vice President of J.C. Penney Company, Inc.

November 18, 2010

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the Company in September to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Flight Attendants' current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable May 31, 2013, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company's financial performance. TWU 556 is made up of more than 9,700 Flight Attendants.

November 23, 2010

Southwest and Microsoft Windows 7 have partnered to make your holiday travel experience jollier with Holiday Photos on the Fly.  Beginning December 2, Southwest Airlines and Windows will offer free holiday photos to Customers at 26 airports nationwide.  Customers can stop by one of Santa's workshops in select Southwest Airlines airports to have their photo taken with Santa or in a holiday-themed backdrop. Once a photo is taken, a Windows 7 Elf will guide Customers through an online experience to edit, share, and store their photos with ease, thanks to Windows Live and Windows 7.  Families will be able to print a copy of their photo at the airport, or visit a special web site to retrieve and share their photos online.

November 24, 2010

John Jamotta is named as the new Vice President of Network Planning.  John has been with Southwest Airlines and Network Planning--formerly known as Schedule Planning--since 1987, serving as Senior Director for the past seven years and leading the integrated planning function within Network Planning.

November 26, 2010

Southwest Airlines announces an innovative way for people on Facebook to give the opportunity of travel to children who need it most.  Through an alliance with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Southwest Airlines will offer the Foundation $1 in travel up to $300,000 each time a Customer uses Facebook Deals to check-in at any of Southwest Airlines' 69 airports.

November 26, 2010

The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park is ready for Denver residents and visitors to grace the ice. This outdoor ice rink located next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower, will be open on weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. after the grand opening.

December 1, 2010

As the first airline to reach one million fans on Facebook, Southwest offers its fans a special Rapid Rewards promotion, available for just one day only.  Facebook Fans earn triple Rapid Rewards credit on all their flights purchased December 1 for travel between December 1 and December 31, 2010.

December 1, 2010

The Southwest Airlines' Pilots' Association (SWAPA), ratifies a tentative agreement reached with the Company in October to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement.  With this positive vote, the Pilots' current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable August, 2012, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company's financial performance. SWAPA is made up of more than 5,600 Southwest Pilots.

December 8, 2010

Southwest Airlines is once again the Official Airline of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival for the second year in a row.  As a pioneer in aviation, Southwest salutes the filmmakers who seek new horizons and embrace possibilities. Southwest Airlines also sees the festival as an opportunity to expand the airline's Branded Entertainment practice--an effort focused on integrating Southwest into television and film productions. The airline showcases its People, Culture, planes, and travel experience through this innovative approach.

December 9, 2010

The Council of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) recognizes Southwest Airlines' in-house Meteorology Team by naming Rick Curtis, Southwest's Chief Meteorologist, the recipient of the 2010 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology.  This award recognizes Southwest Airlines' outstanding contributions in advancing the use of meteorology within the airline industry to further enhance safety and efficiency of operations.

December 10, 2010

Southwest Airlines gives away one $1,000southwestgiftcard(R) each day, beginning December 10, for 12 days in December with the "12 Days of LUV" contest sponsored by Visa(R).  The Southwest Airlines Twitter account (@southwestair) will ask each day for a FUN holiday photo over over a 12 day period. Each day has a theme, which is announced at some point during the day.  The Twitterer with the best photo each day wins a $1,000southwestgiftcard(R)

December 14, 2010

Southwest Airlines Stock Clerks, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division reject the tentative agreement it had with the Company.

December 15, 2010

At the Wings Club in New York City, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO announces the Company will substitute 20 of its 737-700 orders for -800s, with the first delivery scheduled for March 2012.  With both its Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Unions ratifying their contracts to add the -800 to their current collective bargaining agreements, the Company continues to finalize discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the -800s for the -700 positions, and configuration and equipage options.

December 16, 2010

Southwest Airlines Flight Simulator Technicians, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, ratify an extension to their current agreement.  The agreement is for a two-year contract extension through October 2013. The current contract would have become amendable on November 1, 2011.

December 31, 2010

88,191,322 Passengers carried, 1,114,451 trips flown, 34,901 Employees at year’s end, 548 aircraft, 69 cities served, Panama City Beach opened on May 23.  New specialty airplane:  Florida One.

January 5, 2011

Southwest Airlines unveils the details of the All-New Rapid Rewards program, the carrier's frequent flyer program, which will officially launch on March 1, 2011. In the enhanced program, Members can redeem their points for every seat, every day, on every flight with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points won't expire with any earning activity in a 24-month time period. Members will earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights. The amount of points earned is based on the fare and fare product purchased, and the same is true for redeeming points.

January 11, 2011

Required Navigation Performance (RNP) efficient flight procedures begin for Southwest Airlines' Pilots at 11 airports nationwide. This major milestone to reduce environmental impact with a more efficient operation and to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on NextGen initiatives is the culmination of a four-year project with partners Boeing, GE, and Honeywell. RNP is satellite-based navigation that brings together the accuracy of GPS (Global Positioning System), the capabilities of advanced aircraft avionics, and new flight procedures.

January 20, 2011

For the full year 2010, Southwest Airlines net income was $459 million, or $.61 per diluted share, compared to $99 million, or $.13 per diluted share, for full year 2009. In addition to full year 2010 results including charges related to the proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc.*, and both years' results including special items primarily related to fuel hedging, full year 2009 results included a $35 million charge (net of ProfitSharing and taxes) relating to the Company's 2009 voluntary early-out program. Excluding these special items for both years, full year 2010 net income was $550 million, or $.74 per diluted share, compared to $143 million, or $.19 per diluted share, for full year 2009.

January 25, 2011

Southwest Airlines significantly upgrades its award-winning corporate blog, Nuts About Southwest, which began in April 2006 as one of the world's first Company blogs. It was originally launched as a means of giving our Customers a look inside Southwest's Culture and operations by allowing users to interact and build personal relationships with our Employees. The enhancements build on that ideology by feeding all of the airlines' multimedia tools into one space to enhance online conversations with Customers.

February 4, 2011

More than 60 nonprofit hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in Southwest Airlines' Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest has nearly doubled the grant program's 2011 budget with hopes of assisting more than 5,500 patients and family members with their medical-related travel needs. Through the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program, the airline provides complimentary, roundtrip tickets to hospitals and medical transportation nonprofit organizations.

February 14, 2011

Southwest Airlines once again is the title sponsor of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in the Year of the Hare. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Southwest is staging one of its most lavish Parade floats, featuring Lunar New Year including dozens of intricately carved New Year figurines, countless popping firecrackers, pinwheels, fans, a myriad of lucky symbols and blossoms, lions, and dragons.

February 15, 2011

Stock Clerks represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, reach a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act.

February 24, 2011

Southwest Airlines reaches an agreement with its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), on an initial Transition Agreement that establishes a procedural framework for eventually integrating the Pilots of AirTran Airways into Southwest. The integration addressed by the agreement would follow the official legal closing of Southwest's acquisition of AirTran's parent company, AirTran Holdings, Inc.

February 24, 2011

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepts Southwest Airlines' transition plan to combine the operations of Southwest and AirTran Airways, following the financial close of its transaction to acquire AirTran.

March 13, 2011

Southwest Airlines begins service to South Carolina through Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charleston (CHS). At the official ceremonies the next day, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joins Greenville-Spartanburg Executive Airport Director David N. Edwards, Jr. and Airport Chairwoman Minor Shaw in the morning at the airport's airside garden to officially launch the airline's new service to Greenville-Spartanburg. Later in the afternoon, Kelly joins Charleston Aviation Authority Chairman Chip Limehouse, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Chairman Robert Pierce, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Sean Bennett, and Charleston Convention and Visitor's Bureau Chairman Roger Warren in the airport's atrium to officially launch the airline's new service to Charleston.

March 17, 2011

Southwest Airlines seeks assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act with contract negotiations with its Dispatchers, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550.

March 22, 2011

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing Southwest Airlines Material Specialists (formerly known as Stock Clerks), ratify a mutually beneficial tentative agreement with the airline. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through Aug. 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on Aug. 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees.

March 23, 2011

Southwest Airlines confirms that shareholders of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), have overwhelmingly approved the proposed acquisition of AirTran by Southwest Airlines. More than 98.6 percent of votes cast and 77.5 percent of shares outstanding were voted in favor of the acquisition.
The transaction remains under review by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and is subject to certain other regulatory clearances. Southwest and AirTran continue to operate as two independent companies pending those clearances.

March 25, 2011

Southwest Airlines celebrates 25 years of service at Nashville International Airport with an anniversary party. National radio and television personality, Storme Warren, emcees the event at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza.

March 25, 2011

Matt Buckley is promoted to Vice President Cargo & Charters for Southwest Airlines. He began his 29-year career with Southwest in 1982 as a Ramp Agent in Midland, Texas.

March 27, 2011

Southwest Airlines begins service into the New Jersey/New York area via Newark Liberty International Airport. This new service provides six daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway and two daily nonstop flights to St. Louis. On March 28, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joined Chris Bollwage, Mayor of the City of Elizabeth, and Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, hold a news conference at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center.

April 1, 2011

Southwest Airlines Flight 812, the scheduled 3:25 pm departure from Phoenix to Sacramento, diverts to Yuma, Arizona due to loss of pressurization in the cabin. Upon safely landing in Yuma, the flight crew discovered a hole in the top of the aircraft. There are no reported Customer injuries. One of the Flight Attendants, however, received a minor injury upon descent. A Southwest aircraft with Maintenance, Ramp, and Customer Service agents onboard flies from Phoenix to Yuma to assess the damaged aircraft and support the 118 Customers onboard. They will arrive in Sacramento later in the evening.

April 2, 2011

Southwest Airlines works with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause of a depressurization event during a Phoenix- Sacramento flight on Friday that diverted to Yuma, Ariz. Overnight, the airline worked with engineers from the Boeing Company to further assess the damage to the aircraft and develop an inspection regimen to look more closely at 79 (not 81 as was previously reported) of its Boeing 737 aircraft which are covered by a set of Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directives aimed at inspections for aircraft skin fatigue. Those aircraft will be inspected over the course of the next several days at five locations. Southwest cancels approximately 300 flights on April 2 to accommodate the inspections. Customers may experience sporadic delays of up to two hours on some flights.

April 5, 2011

As of 9:00 a.m. Central Time Southwest Airlines has completed inspections on all aircraft required before the aircraft can resume scheduled operations. Minor subsurface cracking was found in five aircraft that will remain out of service until Boeing recommends appropriate repairs and those repairs have been completed. Two aircraft are awaiting inspection, which will be completed within the next 24 hours, but Southwest is able to operate regularly scheduled service at this time.

April 7, 2011

Southwest Airlines has completed all aircraft inspections in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD) that was released on Tuesday, April 5. The airline began operating a normal schedule that morning and does not anticipate the directive impacting the schedule moving forward.

April 14, 2011

Southwest Airlines Cargo is recognized for excellence in Air Cargo World's annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey as the winner of the "up to 199,999 tonnes" category. In addition, Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest overall rating across all weight divisions and was the highest rated carrier in three of the four performance categories: Customer Service, Performance, and Value.

April 14, 2011

The respective Unions representing Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and AirTran Airways Pilots, as well as both Companies sign a Four-Party Process Agreement that provides for the two pilot groups to begin their seniority integration discussions prior to legal closing of the AirTran acquisition. It also outlines provisions of an implementation schedule in the event an agreement is reached on an integrated seniority list (ISL).

April 18, 2011

The American Red Cross recognizes Southwest Airlines for its support of Red Cross disaster response work through the Annual Disaster Giving Program.

April 21, 2011

Southwest Airlines reports first quarter 2011 net income of $5 million, or $.01 per diluted share, including special items related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. In addition, first quarter 2011 results included approximately $9 million in charges (net of ProfitSharing and taxes) primarily related to consulting fees in association with the Company's proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. Excluding special items in both periods, first quarter 2011 net income was $20 million, or $.03 per diluted share.

April 21, 2011

Southwest Airlines announces that it intends to close on its transaction to acquire AirTran Holdings, Inc. on May 2, 2011. Upon close, Southwest also said it anticipates that Bob Jordan, Southwest's Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning, will be appointed as President of AirTran Airways to help guide AirTran through its integration with Southwest.

April 23, 2011

Southwest Airlines temporarily suspends operations at St. Louis (STL) due to damage sustained during severe weather. The airline resumes its scheduled service on Sunday, April 24. There are no reports of injuries among Southwest Customers or Employees after a reported tornado hits the airport. Southwest operates from Concourse E at Lambert-St. Louis in the East Terminal which has no major damage as a result of the severe weather.

April 26, 2011

Southwest Airlines' Flight 1919 exits the runway at Chicago's Midway Airport while landing at approximately 1:33 p.m. CT. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, arrived from Denver International Airport, where it had departed at 9:56 a.m. MT. No one was injured. The passengers were safely deplaned from the aircraft using air stairs and bused to the terminal.

April 26, 2011

Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), announce that they have been notified by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) of the termination of its Hart-Scott-Rodino Act review and the closing of its investigation of the airlines' pending merger.

May 2, 2011

Southwest Airlines closes its purchase of all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the former parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran). "The successful closing of this transaction is a significant accomplishment and marks a great day in the history of Southwest Airlines. I want to thank the People from both Southwest and AirTran who helped us achieve this important milestone," said Gary Kelly, CEO, Chairman, and President of Southwest Airlines. "Our first order of business is to welcome our new friends from AirTran to the family in a truly Southwest Airlines way."

May 5, 2011

Southwest Airlines doubles the number of Southwest markets able to connect to Mexico, through both Chicago Midway and Las Vegas. 26 Southwest cities, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, now connect to Volaris flights between Chicago Midway and Guadalajara, Mexico. These new markets include New York LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Detroit Metro, Newark Liberty International, Baltimore/Washington International, Philadelphia International, Pittsburg International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Nashville International, Indianapolis International, Lambert-St. Louis International, and Louisville International, among others.

May 5, 2011

Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, assumes the title of President of AirTran Airways, and continues to report to Gary Kelly, as he maintains his current responsibilities for Southwest's Technology, Finance, Internal Audit, and Corporate Planning Departments, while leading AirTran through the integration period. Bob Fornaro, who has served as Chairman, President, and CEO at AirTran, is in a key new role as a full-time consultant for the integration of the two airlines, working closely with Kelly and Jordan to ensure a smooth transition.

Brian Hirshman, Southwest's current Vice President Maintenance & Engineering is becomes Senior Vice President Technical Operations effective June 1. Hirshman will join the Company's Executive Planning Committee and will continue reporting to Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven. Vice President Maintenance Operations Jim Sokol will continue to report to Hirshman.

Additionally, Kirk Thornburg who has served as AirTran Vice President Maintenance and Engineering will move to report to Hirshman and will serve in a new role as Southwest Airlines Vice President Technical Services.

Also effective June 1, Teresa Laraba assumes the title of Senior Vice President Customer Services and Training, as she adds overall senior oversight to the operational training functions. Laraba's existing role in Customer Services remains unchanged as she continues to have overall responsibility for the Customer Service areas within Customer Support & Services, Customer Relations, and Ground Operations.

May 12, 2011

Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld team to offer Customers great savings on family vacations and the chance to win a trip to visit SeaWorld! I n celebration of Southwest Airlines' 40th Anniversary and SeaWorld's new Shamu show, "One Ocean," the companies partner to give away 40 trips in 40 days! Each prize will include the following for a family of four: tickets to the winner's SeaWorld of choice, hotel accommodations in that city, and roundtrip tickets on Southwest.

May 12, 2011

Southwest Airlines will partner with EAA's AirVenture 2011 in Oshkosh the last week of July for the second year in a row and will be a sponsor of the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" to honor 40 Years of Southwest history. Southwest's participation will include a recognition and honor of military veterans, educational opportunities for young aviators, a chance to view a Southwest aircraft as few have seen one, and will build to a "Super Saturday" presented by Southwest Airlines, featuring a nighttime air show, fireworks, and concert.

May 13, 2011

The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents Southwest Airlines' approximately 260 Appearance Techs, announces a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract that becomes amendable February 2015. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable in February 2009.

May 18, 2011

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declares a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2011 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 139th consecutive dividend will be paid on June 22, 2011.

June 17, 2011

In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines teams up with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the Conservation In Action Tour: 40 Projects for 40 Years. Students from the SCA will travel from coast to coast in a custom-designed Southwest Airlines biodiesel RV. During the summer-long tour, the RV will stop in 25 cities across the country, where the students will join Southwest Employees and community members in conservation projects.

June 18, 2011

Southwest Airlines celebrates its 40th Anniversary.

June 21, 2011

In honor of the Southwest Airlines' 40th Anniversary, Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $40, $80, or $120 to select destinations, based on length of travel. For travel up to 450 miles, fares are $40 one-way. For travel between 451 and 1,250 miles, fares are $80 one-way. For travel more than 1,251 miles, fares are $120 one-way. These fares are available for purchase through 11:59 p.m. PDT June 23, 2011, for travel beginning Aug. 23, 2011, through Nov. 16, 2011.

July 12, 2011

As part of its 40th Anniversary celebration, Southwest Airlines is giving 40 deserving nonprofit organizations across its system the chance to win 40 roundtrip tickets each. Nonprofit organizations focused on community initiatives that concentrate on education, diversity, military, environment, or families facing serious illness will share their stories and explain how they will use the 40 tickets to achieve their missions in the community.

July 16, 2011

An agreement in principle is reached between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This agreement in principle, subject to the respective unions' board approval and membership ratification, would integrate the two groups' seniority lists.

July 25, 2011

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways each release flight schedules for January 8, 2012, through March 9, 2012, that reflect the first effort by the two airlines to coordinate published schedules. While the airlines' networks are not connected at this point, both airlines are working together to publish the best flight schedules to the places Customers want to go.

July 27, 2011

Southwest Airlines Appearance Techs, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), reject the tentative agreement it had with the Company. Earlier this year, Southwest and AMFA reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract that would have become amendable February 2015. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable in February 2009.

July 28, 2011

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declare a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on August 25, 2011 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 140th consecutive dividend will be paid on September 15, 2011.

August 17, 2011

The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors appoint J. Veronica Biggins to the Board. Biggins was a member of the Board of Directors for AirTran Holdings, Inc., parent company of AirTran Airways, which was acquired by Southwest Airlines in a deal that was completed in May 2011.

August 22, 2011

Southwest Airlines launches new service to Atlanta (ATL) on February 12, 2012, bringing greatly reduced fares and new flexibility for both business and leisure Customers. With initial fares for nonstop travel as low as $79 one-way, the first Southwest flights to and from Georgia will also mark a significant milestone in the carrier's acquisition of AirTran Airways. From Atlanta, Southwest initially will offer 15 nonstop departures each day to five destinations: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Denver (DEN), Houston Hobby (HOU), and Austin, Texas (AUS)--a route not previously served by AirTran Airways.

September 21, 2011

Dress for Success Worldwide, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women announces that Southwest Airlines has been named the Official Airline of the organization.

September 22, 2011

Bob Jordan, Southwest's current Executive Vice President Strategy & Planning, is promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role as President of AirTran Airways. In his new role, Jordan will oversee several senior leaders and areas including Marketing, Revenue Management, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, Customer Support & Services, the Customer Experience, and Network and Corporate Planning.
Jeff Lamb, Southwest's current Senior Vice President Administration & Chief People Officer, is been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief People & Administrative Officer. In his new role, Lamb is responsible for People & Leadership Development, Technology, Diversity & Inclusion, Purchasing, Fuel Management, Facilities, and Corporate Security.
Ellen Torbert, Southwest's current Vice President of Customer Support & Services, is promoted to Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. In this newly created Leadership role, Ellen will provide Leadership, vision, and advocacy as Southwest continues its work to foster an inclusive work environment.

September 22, 2011

A tentative agreement is reached between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement, allowing the membership of each Pilot's Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote.

September 30, 2011

Southwest Airlines hosts its second annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit themed "Join the Conversation about Civility." Diversity and Inclusion Leaders from many North Texas Fortune 500 companies will participate in the dialogue about diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering civility in the workplace, and sharing best practices.

October 18, 2011

For 72-hours only, Southwest Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $35, $65, $95 or $125 to select destinations, based on length of travel. For travel 451 to 1,000 miles, fares are $65 one-way. For travel 1,001 to 1,500 miles, fares are $95 one-way. For travel 1,501 or more miles, fares are $125 one-way. These fares are available for purchase through October 20, 2011, for travel beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 14, 2011 and Jan. 4 through Feb. 15, 2012.

October 20, 2011

Southwest Airlines reports a third quarter 2011 net loss of $140 million, or $.18 per share, which included $262 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, third quarter 2011 net income was $122 million, or $.15 per diluted share.

November 7, 2011

A seniority integration agreement is ratified between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This agreement integrates the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement in September, allowing the membership of each Pilot's Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately ratify.

November 8, 2011

Southwest Airlines celebrates "Military Heroes Month" to show support for veterans and service members across the nation. Working with multiple nonprofit organizations throughout November, the airline is saying thank you by giving back and helping to raise money to support military service members and their families.

November 15, 2011

Southwest Airlines is designated a 2012 Top Military Friendly Employer® by G.I. Jobs. This marks the third consecutive year the Company has been included in the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers® list, which was drawn from a sample of 5,000 companies whose annual revenues exceeded $500 million. Criteria included the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies toward National Guard and Reserve service.

November 17, 2011

Production begins on a new series giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at modern air travel, sharing the large-scale operations and personal Customer and Employee stories at Southwest Airlines. The series will air on TLC, and the network has ordered 13 half-hour episodes, which are being produced by ITV Studios America. A title and premiere date have not yet been set.

November 17, 2011

Southwest Airlines' Flight Crew Training Instructors, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, ratify an extension to their current agreement. The agreement is for a three-year contract extension through December 2015. The current contract would have become amendable on December 31, 2012.

December 5, 2011

Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways receive route authority approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for AirTran to operate international flights to new destinations in Mexico beginning as early as May 24, 2012. AirTran's new international flights will include one daily roundtrip between Orange County, Calif., and Cabo San Lucas/San Jose del Cabo and one daily roundtrip between Orange County and Mexico City. AirTran also will initiate four weekly roundtrip flights between San Antonio and Cancun as well as one daily roundtrip flight between San Antonio and Mexico City.

December 13, 2011

Southwest Airlines will team with longtime partner Boeing to become the launch Customer of Boeing's new 737 MAX aircraft. Southwest is the first Customer to place firm orders for the new, more fuel-efficient 737 MAX, and the Company also will become the first airline to accept delivery of the new aircraft in 2017. As the launch Customer of the 737 MAX, Southwest extends its legacy with Boeing as the 737 launch Customer for the -300, -500, and -700. The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

December 14, 2011

Glassdoor, a jobs and career community where people share workplace insights, announces its fourth annual Employees' Choice Awards, revealing this year's top 50 "Best Places to Work" based on surveys collected from U.S.-based employees in 2011. Southwest Airlines has been recognized as one of the top 50 Best Places to Work, a significant achievement, as nearly 150,000 companies are rated by their employees on Glassdoor.

December 16, 2011

Southwest Airlines launches a one-day only, 50 percent off Wanna Get Away fare promotion. These discounts are available for purchase only at southwest.com or swabiz.com through 11:59 p.m. PST Dec. 16, 2011, for travel between select city pairs Jan. 24 through Jan. 25, 2012, and Jan. 31 through Feb. 1, 2012.

December 22, 2011

Both the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing Southwest Airlines aircraft Mechanics, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the union representing the Mechanics of AirTran Airways, vote to send a negotiated Seniority Integration Proposal to their respective memberships for a ratification vote. This proposal would integrate the two groups' seniority lists, and also create a single labor agreement. The Executive Boards of each Union agreed to forward the negotiated proposal to the membership of both AMFA and the Teamsters to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote.

December 23, 2011

A tentative Seniority Integration Agreement is reached between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, the union representing Southwest Airlines Flight Instructors, and the Flight Instructors of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. The TWU 557 Executive Committee and the Employee Committee representing the AirTran Flight Instructors voted to pass this tentative agreement forward to their respective members, which allows each group to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote.

December 26, 2011

A tentative Seniority Integration Agreement is reached between the Company, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, the union representing Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 57, the union representing the Flight Attendants of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. TWU 556's Executive Board and AFA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement, which will allow the membership of each Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote.

December 31, 2011

103,973,759 revenue passengers carried, 1,317,977 trips flown, 45,392 Employees at year's end, 698 aircraft, 72 cities served, Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston opened March 13 and Newark opened March 27. No new specialty airplanes.

January 17, 2012

Southwest Airlines introduces a new sleek cabin experience to enhance Customer comfort, improve fleet efficiency, and give back to the environment. Dubbed Evolve: The New Southwest Interior, the cabin update utilizes durable and environmentally responsible products to reduce waste and create weight savings onboard the aircraft, while enhancing comfort for Customers. The cabin refresh features recyclable carpet, a brighter color-scheme, and a more durable, eco-friendly, and comfortable low-profile seat that weighs less than the current seat. The new interior design also provides the unique opportunity of greater revenue potential by increasing the number of seats onboard from 137 to 143, without sacrificing Customer comfort and personal space but, at the same time, increasing under-seat room for carryon luggage.

January 20, 2012

22 AirTran airports will continue to operate and will eventually join the Southwest route map. The cities include: Flint, Mich. (FNT); Rochester, N.Y. (ROC); Pensacola, Fla. (PNS); Charlotte, N.C. (CLT); Dayton, Ohio (DAY); Richmond, Va. (RIC); Key West, Fla. (EYW); Washington, D.C. (DCA); Memphis, Tenn. (MEM); Akron-Canton, Ohio (CAK); Wichita, Kan. (ICT); Des Moines, Iowa (DSM); Branson, Mo. (BKG); Portland, Maine (PWM); Grand Rapids, Mich. (GRR); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ); Cancun, Mexico (CUN); Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ); Aruba (AUA); San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU); Bermuda (BDA); and Nassau, Bahamas (NAS). AirTran service and Employees at these airports are planned to convert to Southwest gradually over the course of AirTran's integration into Southwest. The airlines earlier announced that AirTran will begin serving Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) on May 24, 2012, and San Jose Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on June 3, 2012. Those destinations also will convert to Southwest over time. Of the 69 cities AirTran served when Southwest acquired it on May 2, 2011, 53 cities are planned to convert to full Southwest Airlines service.

January 25, 2012

Flight Instructors from Southwest, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, and Flight Instructors from AirTran Airways ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement. This tentative agreement, reached late last year, integrates the two groups' seniority lists.

January 26, 2012

The Board of Directors declare a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 2012 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 142nd consecutive dividend will be paid on March 22, 2012.

January 31, 2012

Flight Attendants from Southwest Airlines, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, and AirTran Airways, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 57, ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement. This tentative agreement, reached late last year, integrates the two groups' seniority lists.

February 3, 2012

Southwest and AirTran announce route authority approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for AirTran to operate new international flights between Denver International Airport and Cancun International Airport, and between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Cancun International Airport. Austin is a new market for AirTran, joining Denver and Cancun on AirTran's current route map.

February 7, 2012

Julie Weber becomes the new Vice President of People. In her new position, Weber is responsible for all activities involved in bringing the right People into Southwest Airlines; giving all Employees the opportunity for personal and professional growth; and assuring quality and depth of Leadership throughout the Company. Weber joined the Southwest Family in 2006 as a Director in the People Department, and most recently served as Senior Director of People.

February 12, 2012

Southwest inaugurates service to Atlanta, making it our 73rd city. Today's initial schedule consists of 15 flights to five nonstop destinations, with additional same-plane and connecting service to 48 destinations across the country. Daily nonstop service between Atlanta and Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, and Houston (Hobby), will grow with the addition of nonstop service to and from both Las Vegas and Phoenix starting March 10.

February 21, 2012

Southwest Airlines responds to the "no" vote by the Southwest Airlines Aircraft Mechanics, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 11, on the tentative seniority integration agreement it had with the Company and with Aircraft Mechanics with AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would have integrated the two groups' seniority lists. "With the rejection of the seniority integration proposal, we understand that Employees have different perspectives and opinions on this issue, but our goal continues to be the speedy resolution of seniority integration," said Jim Sokol, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Maintenance Operations. "Our vested interest remains focused on our Employees, and we fully support a proposal that meets their needs without increasing complexity, creating division, or diminishing Southwest's Culture."

February 24, 2012

Southwest will open its newest Pilot Crew base in October 2012 and Flight Attendant Crew base in the fourth quarter at Denver International Airport later this year. The new Crew domicile, which will be the airline's ninth, will be home to at least 250 Pilots and at least 400 Flight Attendants, with potential to grow as needed. The lounges will be located on the third level of concourse C at Denver International Airport (DIA).

March 1, 2012

Southwest and AirTran receive approval by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Single Operating Certificate (SOC), marking a key milestone in the integration of the two airlines. The FAA, Southwest Airlines, and AirTran Airways will address the following regulatory changes today: The Southwest Airlines Air Carrier Operating Certificate will be amended to read "Southwest Airlines Co. and/or AirTran Airways Inc." The two airlines will conduct operations under a single set of FAA Operations Specifications.

March 08, 2012

The San Antonio City Council approves a grant agreement for Southwest Airlines based on 800 jobs that will be retained and created at its new facility. Southwest announced the carrier will relocate its San Antonio Customer Support and Services (CS&S) Call Center to a new location at Interstate Highway 35 and O'Connor Road. Southwest employs approximately 470 full-time positions at its current center near Interstate Highway 10 and Medical Drive. The new center, which is set to open during the second quarter of 2012, will retain 478 employees and add 322 new positions, for a total of 800 full-time positions by the end of 2012.

March 12, 2012

Southwest Airlines files an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slots that would allow Southwest to offer the first-ever nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The application also includes Southwest's proposal to provide one-stop, same-plane service between Washington National and San Diego via Austin. The proposed service is possible due to recent federal legislation that authorized new flights to cities beyond Washington National's traditional 1,250 mile service perimeter.

March 13, 2012

Matt Hafner, Southwest's current Vice President of Integrated Operations, has been named Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center. In this role, Hafner will lead areas including Dispatch, Meteorology, Operations Coordination Center Automation and Support, Air Traffic, Customer Service Coordinators, Flight Following, and the coordination efforts with Maintenance Control. Jack Smith, AirTran Airways' current Senior Vice President of Customer Service, is joining Southwest Airlines as Vice President of Ground Operations/AirTran. In his new role, Smith will oversee all Ground Operations for AirTran Airways. Nan Barry, Southwest's current Senior Director to the Chief Executive Officer, has been promoted to Managing Director of the Executive Office. In her new role, Barry will serve as Chief of Staff to Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer. She also will oversee the administration of Southwest's Board of Directors and the Executive Office as well as management of the Company's Executive Committees. Barry also leads the Internal Customer Care Team and serves on the Board of the Southwest Airlines Catastrophic Assistance Charity. Jim Sturgis has been named Southwest's Managing Director of Quality, Programs, and Maintenance Safety. In this new role, which reports within the Technical Operations Department, Sturgis will provide Leadership for the Quality Assurance, Aircraft Programs, and Maintenance Safety Teams and will be the liaison and point of contact with the FAA concerning all regulatory affairs relative to Southwest Maintenance.

March 15, 2012

Southwest Airlines is recognized at the J.D. Power and Associates Customer Service Roundtable in Orlando, Florida as one of the 2012 Customer Service Champions—one of only 50 companies earn the distinction this year. To qualify for inclusion on this elite list, companies not only must excel within their own industry, but also must stand out among leading brands in 15 major industries evaluated by J.D. Power. Among the five factors measured, including People, Presentation, Process, Product, and Price, Southwest Airlines was noted for standing out in Customer Service among the group of the 50 companies that excelled in the Travel and Leisure category.

March 21, 2012

Employees, media, and invited guests had their first opportunity to see Southwest's new 737-800, as Southwest Executives hosted a walk-through and tour of the airline's newest addition to the fleet and brand new aircraft type. The airline took delivery of the new aircraft on March 8, 2012, and the plane will undergo several regulatory and conformity procedures before it enters into regularly scheduled service on April 11, 2012.

March 21, 2012

Randy Sloan is named Vice President and Chief Information Officer and will oversee all Technology functions at Southwest Airlines. Sloan comes to Southwest from Pepsi Co., where he worked for 25 years in various management roles. Kathleen Wayton, Southwest's current Vice President Change Leadership and Business Performance, becomes Vice President Technology, Commercial Portfolio and will oversee an expanded portfolio that charts the course for future strategic commercial capabilities and provides solutions for southwest.com, Network Planning & Revenue Management, Customer Loyalty Programs (Rapid Rewards), Airport Concourse, Customer Support & Services, and Optimization Solutions. Jeff Buhr, Southwest's current Senior Director Technology, is promoted to Vice President Technology, Aircraft Operations Portfolio and will be responsible for Leading Southwest's Technology solutions for Crew & Operations, Maintenance, Operations Coordination Center (OCC), as well as Airport Operations/Cargo/Ramp. Since joining Southwest Airlines in February 2010, Buhr has served in a Senior Leadership role within the Technology Department.

March 22, 2012

The six recipients of the LUV Grants for Good contest are named at a luncheon and award ceremony held at Zoo Atlanta. The recipients were determined by the public voting online for the favorite videos that the 15 finalists produced on how they would use money to show LUV to the communities they serve. On Feb. 13, to celebrate the start of its service from Atlanta, Southwest announced the launch of LUV Grants for Good, making available $150,000 in grants to six nonprofit organizations from across the State of Georgia. The online essay and video contest was open to 501©(3) nonprofits that met the guidelines and rules of the contest. Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Senior Connections were the large organization winners; medium organization winners were The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper; and the small organization winners were Good Mews and Nuci's Space.

April 02, 2012

Service to Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and Dayton International Airport (DAY) will begin on August 12, 2012. Southwest's schedule in Akron-Canton will offer two daily roundtrip flights to Southwest's sizable operation at Chicago Midway and also Denver, with one daily roundtrip flight. Likewise, the airline will begin service to Dayton with one daily flight to Denver. AirTran's service will continue, and the airlines will jointly determine the best time to convert all AirTran's flying to Southwest. Southwest Airlines also announced AirTran's operation in Des Moines International Airport (DSM) will transition to a Southwest operation with Southwest assuming all flying at the airport, beginning Sept. 30, 2012, with two roundtrip flights between Des Moines and Chicago Midway.

April 03, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces a new national partnership with the most respected editorial voice in golf – The Sports Illustrated Golf Group (SIGG). The relationship will center around creating fun and unique experiences for golf fans tailored to the four largest U.S.-based championships of 2012 (the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup) entitled Sports Illustrated at the Majors.

April 05, 2012

Chase becomes a new Partner of the Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards. Rapid Rewards Members have the option to earn 12,500 points for any Chase mortgage under $250,000; 25,000 points for any Chase mortgage between $250,000 and $500,000; or 50,000 points for any Chase mortgage over $500,000. Points will be deposited into Members' accounts six to eight weeks after the loan has been closed.

April 09, 2012

Visitors to www.freehobbyairport.com can voice their support to Houston's City Council members for Southwest's proposed international service. Earlier this year, Southwest submitted a proposal to the City of Houston asking for approval to construct a new five-gate international facility at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). This proposed expansion—paid for by the users of the facility and guaranteed by Southwest—would open up new low-cost international travel competition to the area, which is currently only available at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

April 11, 2012

Southwest teams up with 11 of Denver's top business, civic, and community leaders, who compete in the Mile High Hot Shots for Charity Challenge. Each participant will compete on behalf of a local nonprofit organization of their choice. The challenge takes place at the Southwest Court at Skyline Park in downtown Denver, where the contestants will get 90 seconds to score as many points as they can. Southwest donates $5,000 to the winner's nonprofit organization of choice.

April 18, 2012

Air Cargo World's eighth annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey names Southwest as the platinum award winner of the "up to 299,999 tonnes" category. Southwest was the highest rated carrier in each of the four performance categories: Customer Service, Performance, Information Technology, and Value. In addition, Southwest is recognized by the Airforwarders Association (AfA) as the "Domestic Carrier of the Year" for the third year in a row. The award was presented based upon Southwest's ontime performance, Customer Service, problem resolution, claims handling, technology support, service options, and overall value.

April 19, 2012

Southwest and Amadeus IT Group announce that they have entered into a joint contract for Amadeus' Altea reservations solution that would support the carrier's international service. Now that the contract is finalized, the two companies will work closely together to implement Amadeus' technology to allow Southwest to operate international flights in 2014. AirTran currently serves international destinations and as the AirTran international flights transition to Southwest, Amadeus will support Southwest's international flying. While the Amadeus IT Group agreement focuses on the international element of Southwest's reservation system, the contract also provides the option for Southwest to convert its domestic business to Amadeus in the future.

May 07, 2012

Mike Delehant becomes Vice President of Strategic Planning and will be responsible for ensuring Southwest's strategies and business plans are always aligned and focused on meeting their objectives. Delehant joined Southwest Airlines in 2002 and spent his first five years as a Leader in the Technology Department. He was promoted to Director of Strategic Planning in 2007 and to Senior Director of Strategic Planning in 2009. Prior to Southwest, Delehant was a principal consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Dallas.

May 08, 2012

CivilianJobs.com recognizes Southwest Airlines as the only airline on its list of 2012 Most Valuable Employers (MVE) for Military. Employers on the list were selected based on the best recruiting, training, and retention plans for military service members and veterans.

May 10, 2012

Air Transport World (ATW) Magazine reveals the winners of its inaugural 2012 Eco-Aviation Awards, naming Southwest Airlines as the Eco-Pioneer of the Year for the airline's focus on efficiency long before environmentally-sound business practices were understood or recognized. Whether it's diverting more than 7,300 tons of material equal to the weight of about 173 Boeing 737-700 aircraft from landfills and into recycling facilities since August 2008 with its co-mingled recycling program, or unveiling Evolve, the carrier's all-new eco-friendly cabin interior that emphasizes comfort and personal space, Southwest continues to operate with a green filter.

May 16, 2012

Southwest Airlines and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing the carrier's more than 180 Dispatchers, announces that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through November 2014, and will be presented to all Southwest Dispatchers pending a final review and approval from the TWU 550 Board of Directors. The current contract became amendable in November 2009.

May 22, 2012

Southwest Airlines confirms that the airline, together with its subsidiary, AirTran Airways, Inc., has reached a tentative agreement with Delta Air Lines, Inc., and Boeing Capital Corp., to sublease all 88 of its Boeing 717 aircraft to Delta. A final agreement is subject to Delta and Southwest reaching certain agreements with all parties related to the aircraft leases. The tentative agreement between Southwest and Delta would transition the 717s over three years starting in the second half of 2013 with completion in 2015.

May 23, 2012

At a news conference, the Honorable Mayor of Houston, Annise Parker announces her support of Southwest Airlines' proposal to construct a new five-gate international facility at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Earlier this year, Southwest asked the City of Houston for permission to look into the construction of a five-gate international facility. The plan is to fly to destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean and cities in Central and South America.

May 24, 2012

Boot Campaign, a military non-profit that donates to soldiers healing from a variety of physical and emotional combat wounds, announces their "Country Throwdown Tour Contest" with Southwest Airlines. Anyone in the United States can nominate an eligible military family to win a pack of four VIP tickets to one of five stops on the Country Throwdown Tour, featuring country artists Gary Allan, Justin Moore, Rodney Atkins, Josh Thompson, Sunny Sweeney, Eric Paslay, Florida Georgia Line, and more. The public can nominate a military family whose family member is active duty military or received an honorable discharge within the last two years, resides in the continental United States, and served or is serving any branch of service, including the Guard and Reserve. The nominations must include a 100-word essay on why the family is deserving. Nominations will be received from May 24 through June 25. Check contest rules for specific entry periods.

May 25, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces that its Appearance Techs, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), voted to ratify its tentative agreement with the Company. The new contract is good through February 2017. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable in February 2009.

May 30, 2012

Highlighting Southwest Airlines' commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet, the 2011 Southwest Airlines One Report is available online in an interactive web portal at www.southwestonereport.com or www.southwest.com/citizenship. The award-winning One Report combines financial, corporate citizenship, and environmental reporting into one comprehensive report, which adheres to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), an internationally recognized standard for sustainability reporting. The 2011 One Report achieved a B+ level under GRI guidelines, which means Southwest answered to more than 20 GRI indicators and had the entire report verified by a third party, thus leading to the "plus" designation.

June 06, 2012

Southwest Airlines recently announced that Chris Monroe has been promoted to Treasurer. In this position, Monroe provides Leadership, direction, and support for the Treasury Department, and has direct responsibilities for corporate finance functions including capital markets, cash management and investing, fuel hedging, interest rate and foreign currency hedging, corporate insurance, stock option administration, fleet contract administration, banking and rating agency relationships, and capital structure. He began working for Southwest in September 1991 and has served in various roles throughout the Company. Some of Monroe's previous positions include: Senior Financial Analyst, Manager Cargo Finance, Purchasing Contract Negotiator, Director Ground Operations Planning, and Financial Planning Controller. In 2007, Monroe moved to the Treasury Department as Director Corporate Finance and was promoted to Assistant Treasurer in 2011. Monroe succeeds former Southwest Airlines Treasurer Scott Topping, who left the Company last year.

June 11, 2012

Southwest Airlines officially opens its new Customer Support and Services (CS&S) Center in the City of San Antonio. The new Center, located at Interstate 35 and O'Connor, replaces the old facility located at Medical Drive, where Southwest Airlines' Employees provided service to Customers for more than 30 years. This new location will provide Southwest's Employees with more than 60,000 square feet of floor space with options to extend over time.

June 11, 2012

Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550, representing Southwest's more than 180 Dispatchers, announces that the Dispatchers overwhelmingly ratified the tentative agreement with the Company. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through November 2014. The previous contract became amendable November 2009.

June 13, 2012

Southwest Airlines' Vice President of Flight Operations Chuck Magill was recently honored at the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation's "100 Years of Marine Corps Aviation" ceremony in San Diego as the Desert Storm hero-representative for being a Marine/Air Force F-15 exchange Mission Commander during the war. One of the missions ended in Chuck shooting down an MiG-29 (the most advanced Soviet-made fighter at that time) while leading the Air Force's First Daylight Mission of the War. Chuck Magill joined Southwest in 1993 as a Pilot.

June 14, 2012

Southwest Airlines names Trevor Stedke Vice President of Technical Services. In this position, Stedke will provide Leadership for Engineering Services and Standards, Quality, Maintenance Safety, Powerplant, and Aircraft Programs.

June 21, 2012

Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT) from Southwest Airlines, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), and AirTran Airways, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 528, vote to ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement. This agreement integrates the two groups' seniority lists.

June 28, 2012

Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with Row 44, is taking the next step in wireless inflight entertainment with a preview of live TV on five of the carrier's aircraft, with plans to expand to 20 aircraft by mid-July. Customers on these select planes will now have the option to purchase live TV consisting of seven sports and news channels, and view on their personal devices.

July 03, 2012

Southwest Airlines choses TBWA\Chiat\Day to join its roster of outside creative agencies that work on the national airline brand. Los Angeles-based TBWA\Chiat\Day will begin work immediately. TBWA\Chiat\Day joins Southwest's other creative/advertising partners GSD&M, VML, Dieste, and Wunderman.

July 08, 2012

Southwest begins its first service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with flights to Austin. The airport, located just across the Potomac River from the nation's capital becomes Southwest's 74th airport.

July 09, 2012

Southwest, together with its subsidiary, AirTran Airways, Inc., reaches an agreement with Delta Air Lines, Inc., and Boeing Capital Corp., to lease or sublease all 88 of AirTran's Boeing 717 aircraft to Delta. The Company will transition approximately three 717 aircraft per month beginning August 2013.

July 17, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces that it will provide travel to help make the dreams of more than 3,000 of America's Veterans come true. As the official commercial airline of the Honor Flight Network since 2009, Southwest has renewed its commitment and will provide $1.2 million in free travel through 2015 to help Veterans visit the memorials dedicated to their brave service to our country.

July 19, 2012

Southwest Airlines Co. reports its second quarter 2012 results. Second quarter 2012 net income was $228 million, or $.30 per diluted share, which included $45 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, second quarter 2012 net income was a record $273 million, or $.36 per diluted share, compared to $121 million, or $.15 per diluted share, in second quarter 2011.

July 26, 2012

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declares a quarterly dividend of $.01 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on August 16, 2012 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 144th consecutive dividend will be paid on September 6, 2012.

July 26, 2012

Teresa Laraba is named Southwest's Senior Vice President of Customers. In this new role, Laraba will continue to provide senior Leadership for three departments: Customer Support & Services, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, and Customer Services. Jack Smith is named the airline's Vice President of Customer Support & Services.

August 03, 2012

To celebrate Southwest's Three Million Fan milestone on Facebook, the airline offers special discount offer and a signature "concept" plane dedicated to our fans! Southwest Airlines was the first airline to reach a million Facebook Fans back in 2010, and it is the first airline worldwide to amass three million Facebook Fans!

August 09, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces a call for applications from hospitals and medical transportation charities across the nation to participate in the carrier's 2013 Medical Transportation Grant Program. To lessen the burden of travel expenses for families facing serious illness, Southwest will donate roundtrip airline tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations. The Medical Transportation Grant Program gives these organizations the freedom to distribute the tickets to patients who must travel for treatment based on their unique circumstances.

August 12, 2012

Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and Dayton International Airport (DAY) become Southwest's 75th and 76th newest destination respectively. In Akron-Canton, Southwest offers two daily roundtrip flights to Southwest's sizable operation at Chicago Midway, as well as one daily roundtrip flight to Denver. Likewise, the airline begins service to Dayton with one daily flight to Denver. Southwest's service in both markets will complement AirTran's existing service in these cities. AirTran's service will continue until time to convert all AirTran's flying to Southwest.

August 20, 2012

Southwest Airlines Cargo receives the 2012 Quest for Quality Award, awarded by Logistics Management Magazine. The Quest for Quality Award is the most extensive year-to-year market research study conducted in the logistics industry, which evaluates and measures transportation service providers based on five critical categories: Ontime Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment and Operations. Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest overall score among all air cargo carriers and received the highest score in the Performance and Customer Service categories.

August 22, 2012

Colorado One, a Boeing 737-700 emblazoned with an artist's rendition of the Colorado state flag is at a ceremony at Denver International Airport (DIA) with more than 500 local Employees and community leaders, along with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock, and Manager of Aviation for Denver International Airport, Kim Day. The ceremony includes attendees waiving Colorado flags, enjoying locally-made granola snacks, and cheering as Kelly, Governor Hickenlooper, Mayor Hancock, and Day closed the event by christening the aircraft amid fan-fare.

August 23, 2012

National Car Rental becomes a new Partner of the Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards. Members of Rapid Rewards will receive 600 points per qualifying rental from National.

August 27, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces it will add a 79th destination to its route map with service to Branson, Missouri, beginning in March 2013. Southwest starts service in Branson on March 9, 2013, with daily flights offering nonstop service to Dallas, Houston Hobby, and Chicago Midway, and with Saturday-only service to Orlando. Southwest will assume all flying from AirTran Airways, its wholly owned subsidiary, with AirTran's operations at Branson fully converting to Southwest Airlines.

August 30, 2012

Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Laura Wright, advises the Company of her decision to retire. Tammy Romo is named to succeed Wright as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Romo has been serving Southwest as Senior Vice President of Planning.

August 31, 2012

Southwest Airlines celebrates its continued partnership as the Official Airline Sponsor of "Live In The Vineyard" by reintroducing the official "Live In The Vineyard"-decaled Boeing 737 airplane to its fleet and kicking off the national Getaway Sweepstakes for the fall event in Napa. Entering its second year of sponsoring "Live In The Vineyard," Southwest has used the partnership to revolutionize the concept of in-air entertainment. The decaled jet is used as an in-air concert venue to host live performances at 35,000 feet. With nearly ten surprise inflight concerts performed in the air to-date, the fall season welcomes new opportunities. Among the past Live@35 performers are artists SafetySuit, Green River Ordinance, Mat Kearney, and American Idol winner Kris Allen, to name a few. The Live@35 series of inflight concerts will 'pop up' throughout the next two months leading up to the event in Napa.

September 13, 2012

Southwest Airlines is named one of the Best Companies for Diversity in 2012 by Hispanic Business Magazine, an annual list determined by more than 32 variables that measure the Company's commitment to Hispanic hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy, and supplier diversity. This is the fifth year Southwest has been included in the list. Top companies on this year's list went well beyond workforce diversity initiatives and implemented strategies to reach more Hispanic consumers and increase their procurements with minority- and Hispanic-owned suppliers.

September 14, 2012

Southwest Airlines is named as one of America's best adoption-friendly companies by the Dave Thomas foundation for adoption. Southwest Airlines offers Employees up to three weeks of paid leave and $2,000 per adopted child with a $4,000 lifetime maximum amount of financial reimbursement.

September 19, 2012

Southwest Airlines launches the Southwest Porch at Strauss Square, a new outdoor lounge that will provide visitors to Dallas' AT&T Performing Arts Center with a relaxing spot to enjoy performances at Annette Strauss Square. On the west side of Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, the Southwest Porch at Strauss Square will officially welcome guests beginning with tonight's Citizen Cope concert and will be open during every performance at Strauss Square and during special events at the Winspear Opera House. In addition to comfortable lounge seating with a great view, the Southwest Porch at Strauss Square will offer free ping pong, free WiFi, unique outdoor cuisine from Wolfgang Puck's onsite grill, specialty cocktails created by Wolfgang Puck, and a signature Southwest Brew, Franconia Wheat, created by Franconia Brewing Company of McKinney, TX.

September 30, 2012

Southwest officially lands in Iowa with service at Des Moines International Airport (DSM). Dozens of Southwest Employees are on hand to celebrate the long-anticipated arrival with the Des Moines Community and Iowa. Southwest takes over from AirTran and offers two daily departures to Chicago's Midway International Airport, connecting Iowa Customers to the airline's largest operation in the country, with additional connecting service to more than 75 destinations.

October 01, 2012

Southwest opens its newest Pilot and Flight Attendant crew bases at Denver International Airport (DIA). The new crew domiciles, which are the airline's ninth, will be home to nearly 400 Pilots and 400 Flight Attendants, with potential to grow as needed. The lounges will be located on the third level of concourse C at Denver International Airport (DIA). Southwest Airlines is also starting Line Maintenance in Denver today, which will be the first time the carrier has had this function at its operation at DIA.

October 05, 2012

More than $600,000 is raised for the Ronald McDonald Charities at Southwest's 27th annual LUV Classic charity golf tournament, where Employees and sponsors teed up for the cause. This year's contributions will be distributed between Ronald McDonald Houses in Dallas, New York, Fort Lauderdale, Washington D.C., Spokane, Buffalo, and Reno. In 1985, the Airline that LUV built adopted the House that Love built, and Southwest has raised more than $13 million benefiting Ronald McDonald Charities over the last three decades.

October 05, 2012

J. Randolph "Randy" Babbitt joins Southwest as Senior Vice President of Labor Relations to direct and oversee the carrier's labor related activities.

October 18, 2012

Southwest Airlines reports its third quarter 2012 results. Third quarter 2012 net income was $16 million, or $.02 per diluted share, which included $81 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, third quarter 2012 net income was $97 million, or $.13 per diluted share, compared to $122 million, or $.15 per diluted share, in third quarter 2011.

October 18, 2012

Southwest announces that four AirTran Airways cities will convert to Southwest Airlines cities in spring 2013: (CLT) Charlotte, North Carolina; (FNT) Flint, Michigan; (PWM) Portland, Maine; and (ROC) Rochester, New York. Southwest Airlines service begins April 14, 2013, in the above cities, and AirTran Airways service will end the previous day, at the end of the current flight schedule.

October 19, 2012

In conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), Southwest announces the students selected to receive the annual "Lanzate/Take Off" Education Travel Award. Applications for this year's program, the theme of which is "Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success," began in March. More than 400 students from across the nation completed online entries and submitted essays about how the travel award would help them achieve their goal to pursue higher education.

October 25, 2012

Southwest introduces southwest.com/vamonos, a translated, Spanish version of southwest.com. Southwest.com/Vamonos was specifically designed to provide Southwest's Spanish-speaking Customers the best online experience in the language of their choice.

November 01, 2012

Southwest begins offering for sale nonstop service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Orlando and Tampa Bay, for travel beginning on Sunday, April 14, 2013. Beginning in April, Southwest will operate three daily nonstop flights between Orlando and San Juan and one daily nonstop flight between Tampa Bay and San Juan, as the carrier transitions these routes from AirTran-operated city pairs. This will be Southwest's first scheduled service to a destination outside the continental U.S.

November 04, 2012

LUV lands at Key West International Airport (EYW), which becomes the eighth city the airline serves in the state of Florida and the 78th city added to the airline's vast route map. Southwest takes over AirTran's two daily nonstop departures to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA). In addition to the two daily nonstop flights, Southwest will introduce an entirely new market with daily nonstop service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport beginning on March 9, 2013. With this nonstop service, Key West Customers will have access to Southwest's extensive network with additional connecting service to more than 75 destinations nationwide.

November 08, 2012

Southwest Airlines announces that it has been designated a 2013 Top 100 Military Friendly Employer® by G.I. Jobs. This marks the fourth year the Company has been included in the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers® list, which was compiled from a data-driven survey sample of 5,000 companies whose annual revenues exceeded $500 million. Criteria for selection to the Top 100 list included the strength of Company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

November 09, 2012

The Civic 50 reveals the companies who ranked in its national initiative to survey, rank, and recognize America's S&P 500 most community-minded companies, naming Southwest Airlines in the top 20 for demonstrating a strong commitment to corporate civic engagement in the communities where Southwest does business. A partnership among Bloomberg News, the National Conference on Citizenship, and Points of Light, the Civic 50 survey is the first to scientifically measure corporate civic behavior. The initiative fills a notable gap in existing research and creates a roadmap for businesses seeking to become better stewards of their community.

November 15, 2012

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.01 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 6, 2012 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 145th consecutive dividend will be paid on January 3, 2013.

November 17, 2012

The devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy impacted pets and animals that may no longer have homes. Orphaned pets that have filled shelters are being displaced to make room for thousands of animals displaced in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Today, 60 orphaned dogs and cats from Save A Pet on Long Island and Delco SPCA in Delaware County were flown across the country on a Southwest Airlines special charter flight, chaperoned by SeaWorld's animal rescue experts, just in time to find safety and security in a new home for the holidays, the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe, California.

November 19, 2012

Southwest announces that it will add an 85th destination to its route map with service to Wichita, Kansas, beginning in June 2013. Southwest starts service in Wichita on June 2, 2013, with a total of five daily flights offering nonstop service to Dallas, Chicago Midway, and Las Vegas. Southwest will assume all flying from AirTran Airways, its wholly-owned subsidiary, with AirTran's operations at Wichita Mid-Continent Airport fully converting to Southwest Airlines. AirTran currently serves Wichita with three daily nonstop flights to Atlanta.

November 28, 2012

Southwest will consolidate operations from three AirTran Reservations Call Centers into a single call center in Atlanta. The new Atlanta Customer Support & Services (CS&S) Call Center will become the seventh Southwest Airlines Call Center and will be located in the AirTran Corporate Center (ACC) in College Park. The expansion in the new Atlanta Call Center will be Southwest's first center in the Eastern Time Zone and joins Southwest CS&S Centers in Albuquerque, Chicago, Houston, Oklahoma City, Phoenix, and San Antonio. The Atlanta Call Center at the ACC will open in early May 2013; following that time, the airline will close the Carrollton and Savannah Call Centers on July 31, 2013. The airline is offering every Employee in both the Savannah and Carrollton Centers a job opportunity. Initially, the new Atlanta Call Center will handle all AirTran Airways calls, and then will transition to handle Southwest Customer calls in the future. The new Atlanta Call Center opens in May and will have more than 300 desks to handle inbound calls.

December 07, 2012

Southwest files an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for slot exemptions that would allow Southwest to offer nonstop service between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The proposed service is possible due to Spirit Airlines' discontinued use of the slot exemptions, which are available for use inside Washington National's traditional 1,250 mile service perimeter. Southwest's application points out that current average fares for nonstop service between Houston and Washington National are more than 60 percent higher than Southwest's average nonstop fare between Houston and Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), a similar distance. Southwest projects that its proposed HOU-DCA service would attract tens of thousands of new Passengers and save consumers millions of dollars annually..

December 10, 2012

Madeleine Johnson, Southwest's Vice President and General Counsel, announces her decision to retire, effective Feb. 1, 2013. Her successor will be Mark Shaw, Southwest's Associate General Counsel of Corporate & Transactions.

December 26, 2012

Southwest Airlines and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways announced today new international flights between Denver International Airport and Los Cabos International Airport in Baja California, Mexico. AirTran daily service on the new route begins March 10, 2013.

December 31, 2012

109,346,509 revenue passengers carried, 1,361,558 trips flown, 45,861 Employees at year's end, 694 aircraft, 78 cities served, Atlanta opened February 12, Ronald Reagan Washington National on July 8, Akron-Canton and Dayton on August 12, Des Moines on September 30, and Key West on November 4. New specialty airplane: Colorado One

January 10, 2013

Southwest begins offering new nonstop service between Chicago Midway and Montego Bay, Jamaica, Punta Cana, and the Dominican Republic, operated by AirTran Airways.

January 21, 2013

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways introduce additional flights to accommodate Customers traveling to New Orleans for the Super Bowl, including nonstop service not normally offered from San Francisco (SFO) specifically for the big game.

January 21, 2013

Southwest Airlines offers Customers the opportunity to purchase one of the earliest boarding positions at the gate for $40 per flight, when available. This new boarding option is only offered at the gate on the day of travel, beginning 45 minutes before the flight departs. The airline successfully tested this new boarding option in San Diego in December 2012 and received positive feedback.

January 21, 2013

Southwest announces the addition of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as a new Partner of the carrier's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards.

January 29, 2013

Southwest and AirTran Airways lower fares to sunny destinations nationwide. Florida, Phoenix, and Las Vegas received air fares starting as low as $69 one-way from select destinations nationwide for travel between February and May of 2013.

January 31, 2013

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declares a quarterly dividend of $.01 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 7, 2013 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 146th consecutive dividend is paid on March 28, 2013.

February 01, 2013

Southwest shows its "LUV" for Denver once again by offering "14 Days of LUV"—giving away two round-trip tickets today through Valentine's Day to skaters at the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park through a daily random drawing. Closing day festivities on Valentine's Day include free skate rentals, a fun photo booth, a live DJ, and two round-trip ticket giveaways.

February 04, 2013

Southwest announces that Grand Rapids, Michigan is the next AirTran Airways city to be converted to Southwest service.

February 05, 2013

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways spread the LUV with a three-day LUV Sale with sweet one-way nonstop fares available for $49, $89, $119, or $149 to select destinations, based on length of travel.

February 06, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces several executive changes as part of an overall effort to better streamline the Company's organizational structure. Dave Ridley takes on a new role as Senior Vice President Business Development. In this position, Ridley will focus on assignments that aid the development of our future business strategy and direction; evaluation of Southwest's current business performance; and special assignments. Kevin Krone, currently Vice President Marketing, Sales, and Distribution, will be promoted to Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Katherine Findlay, Managing Director Internal Audit, has been promoted to Vice President Internal Audit, and Elizabeth Bryant, Managing Director Training, has been promoted to Vice President Training.

February 12, 2013

On the one-year anniversary of Southwest Airlines' first flights into the world's busiest airport, Southwest celebrates by opening its Atlanta People Department and announcing the carrier's newest Pilot base at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport opening in August 2013.

February 14, 2013

Southwest announces the next step in its marriage with AirTran Airways. Customers are able to purchase a growing number of itineraries between the Southwest and AirTran networks for travel on a single itinerary.

February 19, 2013

Southwest announces that movies on demand are now available on all WiFi-equipped Southwest aircraft for only $5 per movie, per device. The airline also announces an upgrade to their television package. Now, in addition to eight channels of live news and sports, Customers can also select on-demand episodes of popular television shows.

February 26, 2013

Southwest begins offering for sale new nonstop service international flights between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and San Jose Del Cabo/Los Cabos International Airport in Baja California, Mexico, operated by AirTran Airways.

February 26, 2013

Southwest kicks off its continued sponsorship as the Official Airline Partner of "Live In The Vineyard" by reintroducing the official "Live In The Vineyard"-decaled Boeing 737 airplane to its fleet and surprising customers onboard a flight from Nashville to Kansas City with a live concert performance at 35,000 feet by ZZ Ward. The decaled jet was used as an in-air concert venue to host "Live at 35" performances by Live In the Vineyard musicians leading up to the main event in Napa Valley.

March 04, 2013

Southwest and AirTran Airways announce an extension of flight schedules for travel through Nov. 1, 2013. In extending both carriers' bookable inventory, Southwest introduced four new nonstop routes, including the first Southwest service from Des Moines to the West through Las Vegas, and the return of seasonal service in three markets. The carrier also announces new Southwest Airlines service between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and San Juan, a conversion from AirTran service in the market.

March 05, 2013

Southwest and AirTran Airways spread low fares by offering nonstop flights starting as low as $59 one-way for one week.

March 07, 2013

Southwest announces that more than 90 nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations from across the nation are selected for Southwest's 2013 Medical Transportation Grant Program. By connecting the airline's service with the hospital's care, this program alleviates the financial burden of air travel for families who are facing serious illness by providing complimentary, roundtrip airline tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations.

March 09, 2013

Southwest announces that LUV is officially landing in Branson, Missouri! The Branson Community rolled out the red carpet as Congressman Billy Long joined the Branson Airport in welcoming Southwest's first Customers to Branson.

March 18, 2013

Southwest announces that it has successfully completed the connection between the Southwest and AirTran networks. Customers are finally able to purchase itineraries to the airlines' combined 97 destinations (including international) in one transaction.

March 19, 2013

The airline kicks off its new advertising campaign with TBWA\Chiat\Day—its first with the agency. Southwest worked with TBWA\Chiat\Day to build a campaign that tells the story of how Southwest became America's Largest Domestic airline, while also featuring recent product improvements that include the Rapid Rewards program, inflight Wifi, Live TV, Evolve cabins, and the new 737-800 aircraft. The campaign, shot in both Houston and Los Angeles, features a mix of Southwest Airlines Employees combined with representations of Southwest's Customers.

March 26, 2013

As the "Official Airline of Golf Lovers," Southwest teed off a series of initiatives building on its commitment to those who love the game of golf. In addition to a new and exciting partnership with Adams Golf, maker of the #1 Hybrids on the PGA Tour, Southwest, the airline where golf bags fly free, launched www.southwest.com/golf, making it the only airline with a dedicated golf landing page, featuring great fares to popular golf destinations, golf vacation packages, the ability to book tee times at more than 5,000 courses nationwide, and the opportunity to purchase golf merchandise and unique golf experiences using Rapid Rewards points.

March 28, 2013

Southwest Airlines Cargo received continued recognition for excellence in air cargo and was once again recognized in Air Cargo World's annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey as the Diamond Award winner of the "up to 299,999 tonnes" category. Southwest was the highest rated carrier in three of the four performance categories: Customer Service, Performance, and Value. The Airforwarders Association presented Southwest with the "Domestic Carrier of the Year" Award for the fourth year in a row. In addition, Southwest was also recognized for excellence at this year's Air Cargo 2013 Conference. Southwest received the "Domestic Airline of the Year" Award, along with the award for "Excellence in Web Site and Technology" by the Express Delivery & Logistics Association (XLA). This would be the 13th year Southwest had been placed on XLA's Airline of the Year list and the third year the Excellence in Web Site and Technology Award has been received.

April 08, 2013

In celebration of Earth Day and National Volunteer Week, Southwest continues its pledge to sustainability and its dedication to volunteerism with the second annual "Month of Giving Back," joining forces with nonprofit organizations across the country to help defend the Planet, with events all over the country throughout the month of April.

April 10, 2013

Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), announces that they are accepting applications for their annual "Lanzate! / Take Off!" education travel award program. The program is geared toward Hispanic college students with economic need who travel away from home to pursue higher education.

April 14, 2013

Southwest Airlines launches inaugural service to five cities—the most cities the airline has ever opened in one day. Southwest is expanding its footprint as part of the ongoing integration of its subsidiary, AirTran Airways. Southwest will be exclusively serving Charlotte, Flint, Portland (Maine), and Rochester. Both Airlines will be serving San Juan until September of 2013.

April 18, 2013

Southwest Airlines achieves a milestone by implementing the service of shipping cargo on AirTran Airways under the Southwest Airlines Cargo brand. The airlines successfully completed connectivity of the two networks earlier in 2013, opening up more destination options and reaching more potential Customers.

April 19, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces Craig Maccubbin will join the airline as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Vice President of Technology Operations, effective May 6, 2013.

April 25, 2013

Southwest Airlines reports a first quarter 2013 net income of $59 million, or $.08 per diluted share, which included $6 million (net) of favorable special items. Excluding special items, first quarter 2013 net income was $53 million, or $.07 per diluted share. Operating income for first quarter 2013 was $70 million, and excluding special items, operating income was $112 million.

April 26, 2013

Southwest Airlines, in partnership with The Trinity Trust Foundation and the City of Dallas, announces a three-year, $150,000 grant for the creation of the Trinity River Conservation Corps to clean and conserve Dallas' Trinity River Corridor. At the inaugural event were hundreds of Southwest Airlines volunteers who cleaned and cleared the Cedar Creek Overlook, giving their time from the heart. The group helped restore this riparian area by planting 400 love (or LUV) grass plants and 100 native blooming and non-blooming species provided by the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility.

April 30, 2013

Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways lowers fares to select destinations nationwide, enabling weekday warriors to save on air travel! During the summer and fall of 2013, Customers can skip the conference call and meet in person instead with air fares starting as low as $59 one-way with a ten-day advance purchase for travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

May 01, 2013

Southwest announces the addition of VitaminWater as a new premium drink option onboard, giving Customers the option to purchase VitaminWater for $3 on all of the carrier's flights.

May 06, 2013

Southwest announces its Official Airline sponsorship of the ATX Television Festival, the only festival of its kind dedicated to celebrating the history, success, and future of the medium. The festival provides television enthusiasts a closer look at TV Land, with access to a series of panels and special screenings during the three-day event in Austin, TX, June 6-9, 2013.

May 07, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces new service beginning in November to Memphis, Pensacola, and Richmond, completing the planned arrival of Southwest's Low Fares and Legendary Customer Service in 89 domestic destinations, including all previously served by wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways. The new nonstop service offered on both carriers comes as Customers are able to purchase itineraries among the two airlines' combined 97 destinations, including international airports, in one transaction.

May 08, 2013

Southwest celebrates Mother's Day with the Mommy Time Out sweepstakes, giving moms across the country the chance to travel to the destination of their choice with a $1,000 Southwest Gift Card!

May 13, 2013

Southwest Airlines' Live at 35 concert series returns with the Travelin' Taylor Tour, a series of six inflight shows featuring current and rising stars spanning multiple musical genres who all play Taylor Guitars. During this unique inflight experience, each featured musician played a custom, Southwest-themed, GS Mini guitar, a travel-sized guitar known for its impressive big sound and comfortable, play-anywhere size.

May 14, 2013

Southwest releases its fourth annual award-winning integrated report to highlight how the carrier is working to become the world's Most Loved, Most Flown, and Most Profitable Airline. The 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report uses a triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the Planet.

May 15, 2013

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend to $.04 per share from $.01 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2013 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 147th consecutive quarterly dividend will be paid on June 26, 2013.

May 20, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces that new service between Houston Hobby and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will begin Aug. 4, 2013. The airline initially will operate one daily roundtrip flight between the two cities. The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded slot exemptions for this service by selecting Southwest's application over competing applications by other airlines to serve other cities from Reagan National Airport. To celebrate the new service, the carrier announced introductory $149 one-way fares between Houston and Washington, DC.

May 22, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces the promotion of Randy Sloan to Senior Vice President as the Company's Chief Information Officer. Sloan joined the carrier in March of 2012 and immediately assumes the new role.

June 02, 2013

Southwest launches service to Wichita, Kansas. Southwest has fully converted all flights from AirTran Airways over to Southwest, which previously offered three daily nonstop flights between Wichita and Atlanta.

June 03, 2013

Southwest and MGM Resorts International launches a strategic marketing alliance between the companies' loyalty rewards programs, Rapid Rewards and M life. Members of both programs can accrue Rapid Rewards Points toward free flights for qualifying stays at MGM Resorts' Las Vegas properties while enjoying VIP perks during their Vegas vacations.

June 04, 2013

Southwest Airlines partners with Points International Ltd., announcing that members can now buy, gift, and transfer Rapid Rewards Points to friends and family through the Rapid Rewards Points Center.

June 08, 2013

Following the aftermath of the recent devastating tornados in Oklahoma, more than 140 Southwest Airlines Employees joined All Hands Volunteers to help clear and sort debris scattered in El Reno. Volunteers spent the day removing debris, furniture, and other memorabilia from 200 acres of wheat fields in order to prevent the farmers from losing their harvest.

June 11, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces a three-day fall travel super sale with one-way nonstop tickets available starting at $49, $99, $129, or $149 to select destinations, based on length of travel. The airline also announces a limited-time sale on hotels in hot destinations, rental cars from Dollar Rent A Car, and even Southwest Vacations Packages.

June 18, 2013

Southwest and wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways spread low fares by offering nonstop flights starting as low as $59 one-way to select cities.

June 20, 2013

Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment celebrate 25 years of partnership with the unveiling of the airline's newest specialty aircraft, Penguin One—a Boeing 737-700 co-branded with images of one of SeaWorld's iconic animals. To celebrate this latest entry into the Southwest fleet with Customers nationwide, the companies launched a special three-day offer on vacation packages, including discounted park tickets and exclusive flight and hotel deals.

June 26, 2013

Southwest Airlines Cargo is recognized at Connected World magazine's Value Chain Awards Gala, having been honored with the gold award in the Aviation category for the product, Cargo Companion. Cargo Companion, a comprehensive GPS tracking device, launched in July 2012.

July 10, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces its speaker lineup for the carrier's fourth annual, award- winning Diversity Summit to be held on August 1 in Dallas at the Company's headquarters. Themed "Reframe the Dialogue," the Summit will gather corporate executives, HR professionals, and community leaders to join the conversation about how a strong spirit of diversity and inclusion can impact the performance of a company, foster innovation, and bring a community together.

July 16, 2013

Southwest and wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways are taking a stand against unused vacation days. According to a survey by Harris Interactive Inc., Americans left an average of 9.2 vacation days unused in 2012. The carriers encourage Customers to Carpe Vacay with special low fares starting at $59 one-way.

July 17, 2013

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.04 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on August 8, 2013 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 148th consecutive dividend will be paid on August 29, 2013.

July 22, 2013

Southwest announces an extension of flight schedules for travel through March 2014. In extending the carrier's bookable inventory, Southwest introduces new service between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, beginning Feb. 13, 2014.

July 23, 2013

Southwest flight 345 was involved in a landing incident at New York's LaGuardia Airport. 150 people were on board including Customers and Crew. Three Customers and five Crew Members were transported to local hospitals, treated, and released later that evening.

July 25, 2013

Southwest Airlines reports second quarter 2013 net income was $224 million, or $.31 per diluted share, which included $50 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, second quarter 2013 net income was a record $274 million, or $.38 per diluted share. This was in line with the First Call consensus estimate of $.38 per diluted share.

August 08, 2013

Southwest invites nonprofit hospitals and medical transportation organizations to apply for the airline's 2014 Medical Transportation Grant Program. The program is designed to ease the financial burden on families confronting serious medical problems that require travel for treatment. Southwest donates roundtrip airline tickets to nonprofit hospitals and medical organizations in the program, and empowers the organization to distribute the tickets to patients as they see best based on the individuals' needs. In 2013 alone, Southwest donated more than $2.8 million in complimentary airfare through the program.

August 11, 2013

Southwest is excited to announce that LUV has officially landed in West Michigan with service to Grand Rapids Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). The Grand Rapids community rolled out the red carpet today as Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan (RAAWM) Founder & Chairman Dick DeVos joined the Gerald R. Ford International Airport officials and community leaders in welcoming Southwest's first Customers to Grand Rapids.

August 20, 2013

Southwest and wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways are challenging Americans to stop allowing their vacation days to go unused and to seize the moment to Carpe Vacay! According to a survey by Harris Interactive Inc., Americans left an average of 9.2 vacation days unused in 2012. Today, the carriers are encouraging Customers to Carpe Vacay with HOT low fares starting at $69 one-way.

August 26, 2013

Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways today extended flight schedules allowing Customers to book travel plans from Mar. 8 to Apr. 6, 2014. In extending both carriers' bookable inventory, Southwest introduces five new nonstop seasonal routes, including new nonstop flights on Saturdays between Ft. Myers and three destinations.

August 28, 2013

The People of Southwest Airlines kick off a new chapter in a four-decade LUV affair with college football by announcing a multi-year sponsorship and long-term support of the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. A number of inductees in the Hall's 2013 Enshrinement Class shared some of their moves with the carrier's all-star Employees as they flew to Atlanta for this week's enshrinement ceremony.

September 03, 2013

Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that Flight Attendants from AirTran Airways have reached a tentative agreement on the collective bargaining agreement that became amendable in May 2013. AirTran Flight Attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA). This tentative agreement still requires membership ratification.

September 05, 2013

Southwest kicks off the next season of "Live In The Vineyard" by offering Customers nationwide the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a "Live In The Vineyard" all-access package. The package includes two roundtrip airline tickets to the Bay Area; two VIP passes to attend the festival in Napa Valley (Nov. 1 through Nov. 4, 2013); a three-night hotel stay at a luxury Napa hotel; and transportation to all events. The festival will include performances by some of today's top recording artists, including Gavin DeGraw, Five for Fighting, James Blunt, Lee DeWyze, Atlas Genius, American Authors, Andrew Ripp, and many more!

September 23, 2013

Southwest currently saves roughly 54 million gallons of fuel each year, thanks to those little Winglets you see at the end of the wing on the Boeing 737 aircraft, which also have the added bonus of reducing emissions. The Winglets are featured in ads as one more way the carrier is working hard to keep fares low. Southwest Airlines believes low fares should never mean low service. To celebrate, the carrier attributes nationwide low fares to the fuel savings incurred by those little Winglets. Customers can take advantage of these fares as low as $69 one-way through Monday, September 30, 2013.

September 30, 2013

Southwest broke ground Monday on a new international terminal at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), marking the official start of construction on the $156 million project. Once completed, the five-gate facility will accommodate regional international flights for Southwest Airlines, with service reaching destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the northern cities of South America.

October 08, 2013

Southwest and wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways are launching a three-day sale offering extra low fares for winter travel. Customers can take advantage of these low fares starting at $49, $99, $129, and $149 based on length of travel to select destinations Tuesday, October 8 through Thursday, October 10, 2013.

October 11, 2013

Southwest raises more than $700,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charities at the 28th annual LUV Classic charity golf tournament, where Employees and sponsors teed up for the cause. The first LUV Classic was held in 1985, drawing 85 golfers and raising $35,000. Today, the tournament has become the second largest charity golf tournament in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex, drawing more than 500 golfers from across the country.

October 14, 2013

Southwest announces key executive changes across the carrier's Commercial, Operational, and Technology groups: Andrew Watterson joins Southwest as Vice President of Network Planning and Performance to lead the carrier's Network Planning and Commercial Planning Teams. Sherry Staber joins Southwest as Vice President of Business Transformation Solutions, Operations and Enterprise Management, a leadership position in the carrier's Technology organization. Bill Tiffany, currently Southwest's Maintenance Senior Director of Supply Chain Management, has been promoted to Vice President of Supply Chain Management. Additionally, Brian Hirshman, currently Southwest's Senior Vice President of Technical Operations, has been tapped to become Senior Vice President of Operations, overseeing Technical Operations, Cargo/Charter Operations, Ground Operations, and the carrier's Operations Coordination Center. Hirshman succeeds Greg Wells, who assumes the role of Senior Vice President of Operational Performance to focus on operational strategy and overall performance for the organization. Finally, Ryan Green, currently Southwest's Senior Director of Loyalty and Partnerships in Marketing, has been promoted to Managing Director of Customer Development.

October 14, 2013

Southwest is offering Rapid Rewards Members double points on all flights system-wide booked through Southwest and traveled from October 14, 2013 through Nov. 21, 2013.

October 16, 2013

Southwest Airlines joins General Electric, McDonald's USA and General Motors in adopting the first round of standards proposed by an international coalition leading the development of standards for buying and compiling public relations research. These four companies are major buyers of public relations research and measurement services and are all requiring their public relations team to follow the new standards.

October 16, 2013

In honor of No-Shave November, Southwest releases a hair-themed promotion: "Southwest offers super shavings for November travel! You Mustache quick—these low fares are hair today, gone tomorrow! Celebrate these great November shavings and enjoy fares for $100 or less on one-way travel to select destinations nationwide."

October 24, 2013

Southwest Airlines reports a third quarter 2013 net income of $ 241 million (excluding special items), or $0.34 per diluted share. Record third quarter net income of $259 million, or $.37 per diluted share, which included $18 million (net) of favorable special items. Return on invested capital (before taxes and excluding special items) for the 12 months ended September 30, 2013 is reported at 11 percent.

November 03, 2013

Southwest converts the final three domestic AirTran cities (Richmond, Memphis, Pensacola) to Southwest stations.

November 11, 2013

Southwest announced today that it has earned the 2014 Military Friendly Employer title by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse, making this the fifth consecutive year that the carrier has received the honor. Criteria for the survey included a benchmark score across key programs and policies such as the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies on National Guard and Reserve service.

November 12, 2013

Southwest Airlines Cargo is honored to receive the 2013 Quest for Quality Award, awarded by Logistics Management Magazine. The Quest for Quality Award is the gold standard for customer satisfaction and performance excellence for the logistics industry. Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest overall score among all cargo carriers for outstanding performance, and has been honored with the Quest for Quality Award for 17 consecutive years!

November 14, 2013

Just in time for the busy holiday season, Southwest Airlines announces that the airline will officially join the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) expedited screening program known as TSA Pre Check. Beginning immediately, select Rapid Rewards Customers will be able to use dedicated security checkpoint lanes for TSA Pre Check benefits. The expedited screening process allows Customers to leave on shoes, light outerwear, and belts as well as keep laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their bags.

November 20, 2013

All Southwest Customers may now use small portable electronic devices (PEDs) in "airplane mode" from gate to gate – this means the Customers may use the airline's onboard WiFi, which is available on the majority of the airline's fleet. As Customers get ready to head out for Thanksgiving travel, they will now have the ability to stay connected from the time they step onboard a Southwest plane to the time they exit. Southwest is the only airline that offers a gate-to-gate connectivity on the majority of our fleet.

November 21, 2013

Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.04 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 12, 2013 on all shares then issued and outstanding.

November 22, 2013

In preparation for Black Friday, Southwest launched the "Pre-Black FLYday 72-Hour Doorbuster Sale for those early shoppers! And guess what?! You don't have to wait in line for our hot deals—but you'd better act quickly! These low fares are available for 72 hours only, so take advantage of these savings on one-way travel to select destinations nationwide before they melt away!"

December 02, 2013

Southwest entices holiday shoppers to stay in bed on Cyber Monday by offering fares $100 or less to select destinations nationwide. The carrier is excited to bring these low fares to those who prefer to find great deals in the comfort of their jammies.

December 05, 2013

Southwest Airlines announces its decision to close three cities in the airline's network. On June 7, 2014, Southwest will cease operations at Branson Airport (BKG), Key West International Airport (EYW), and Jackson-Evers International Airport (JAN). Southwest began service to Jackson-Evers International in 1997. The airline added Branson Airport and Key West International Airport to its route map in 2012 as part of its integration with AirTran.

December 05, 2013

Southwest has acquired 12 takeoff and landing slots (for six roundtrip flights) at New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) being divested by American Airlines as part of its merger with US Airways. In addition, Southwest gained permanent control of 10 takeoff and landing slots (for five roundtrip flights) that it currently operates under a lease from American. Southwest plans to begin its new service at LGA in May 2014.

December 12, 2013

Southwest Airlines recently completed installation of Water Vapor Sensing Systems (WVSS-II) on 87 Boeing 737 aircraft. The water vapor initiative, a result of a partnership between Aeronautical Radio Incorporated (ARINC), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and SpectraSensors, has the potential to improve weather forecasting by providing real-time and frequent humidity data when aircraft takeoff and land at airports around the country. Southwest Airlines plans to continue working with ARINC and NOAA in conjunction with the National Weather Service to expand WVSS-II installations on its aircraft fleet.

December 16, 2013

Southwest is helping travelers get ready for summer vacation by extending its schedule through June 2014. Customers will find many new travel options for their favorite destinations, including New York; San Diego; Portland, Ore.; and Atlanta for as low as $89 each-way for travel every day except Fridays and Sundays between June 8 and 30, 2014.

December 16, 2013

Southwest revealed four new daily nonstop travel destinations to citizens of San Diego today during the opening of the airline's mystery gift that landed at Balboa Park last week. Todd Gloria, Interim Mayor of the City of San Diego, helped Southwest Airlines and local Rapid Rewards Customers introduce New Orleans, Orlando, Seattle, and Portland, Ore. to the market. Southwest Airlines is proud to offer San Diego Customers daily nonstop service to New Orleans International Airport beginning April 8, 2014; and daily nonstop service to Orlando International Airport, Portland International Airport, and Seattle Tacoma International Airport beginning June 8, 2014.

December 18, 2013

Southwest Airlines is making holiday shopping easier today with the launch of a new southwestgiftcard buying option. Only available through Southwest Airlines' Facebook Fan Page, people may now invite others to contribute to one southwestgiftcard for friends and family.

November 26, 2013

Nintendo and Southwest Airlines surprised a full flight by 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 set up Wii U Gaming Lounges in some of Southwest's most heavily trafficked airports between November and December of 2013.

December 31, 2013

Southwest reports its full year 2013 net income, excluding special items, was $805 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, compared to full year 2012 net income, excluding special items, of $417 million, or $.56 per diluted share. The record full year net income of $754 million, or $1.05 per diluted share, which included $51 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Return on invested capital (before taxes and excluding special items) for full year 2013 was 13.1 percent.